College Graduation...The Scary Truth

            You’re 22 years old, the extent of your work ethic is writing papers and studying for exams, and with a sudden flip of the tassel you’re kicked to the street and told to be an adult. After college graduation, all of the decisions are yours; only you’ve never been on your own before. So what’s the appropriate emotion? Fear? Anxiety? Excitement? With the availability of jobs for recent college grads not being the most promising, this year proves to be a little more stressful than usual. I decided to talk to my sister, Jordyn Pecoraro about her thoughts on graduation and the future after her commencement ceremony from Philadelphia University. Being a fashion business major, jobs aren’t being handed out like candy to begin with, even before this economy. Even with her stacked resume of working for DSW for an extended period of time as well as studying abroad and landing an internship in London, the fashion capitol of the world for a semester, she was still unable to secure a job for after graduation. It makes you think if that’s not enough, then what is? After multiple rejections her last attempt was a success, and she got a 5 day a week unpaid internship in New York City for the summer. With her fingers crossed, she’s hoping to be hired by the end of it.

            But finding a job isn’t the only focus of graduation. It’s the newfound independence, the freedom. After 17 years of someone making your schedule and plans for you, it’s quite a culture shock to now have to reconstruct your life. It’s a newfound freedom, yes, but for some it’s too much of a good thing. Another thing to worry about is where to live. For those who are fortunate enough to have found a job, it’s a matter of apartment searching and finding something affordable to your budget. But what is affordable when you’ve got 4 years of student loans piled up and no source of income yet? And if you do not have a job, then do you consider the option of moving back home? All of these things are concerns graduates have to think about before they walk off that stage and move their tassel.

            Aside from the logistical plans of the future, it was expressed to me that simply leaving behind the memories and way of life is one of the hardest parts of graduation. That school is your home and those people are your family, how could it be easy to say goodbye to it all at once? You have to grow up and accept the inevitable change no matter how much it hurts.

            There’s a lot that goes into college graduation, mentally, emotionally, and physically. It’s not all about the celebrations and parties and freedom for most graduates. Yes graduation day is one to rejoice, but you’d be surprised to find out how many fresh alumni actually fear the day, which I found out after speaking to my sister and her friends.

            As I’m nearing the end of my sophomore year here at Hofstra, this has really made me realize I need to shape up!

EIF Revlon Run/Walk

Untitled from Joe Peyronnin on Vimeo.

             266,870 will be diagnosed, and 39,510 will not survive the fight. 1 in every 8 women will be told they have breast cancer this year, and will be fighting the battle of their lives.  If it’s not you, it’s a parent, a sibling, an aunt, a friend. Every one is affected by not only breast cancer, but all forms of women’s cancer, which is exactly what the EIF Revlon Run/Walk has been fighting against for almost 20 years. What started as a miniscule walk grew into something bigger than ever expected, raising over $65 million that has been donated to cancer research since it’s beginning. 

            The feeling in the air the day of the run/walk was pure magic. The fact that you took the 6am train to get there is irrelevant, and the less than perfect foggy weather is trivial compared to the feeling that overwhelms you as soon as you step into Times Square. Just by looking to your left and right you see people from thousands of different walks of life, all with their own story and own reason for coming out to support. No body knows each other, but everyone who registers is automatically connected, joined by the pure fact that they want this disease destroyed. You don’t know that mans story standing next to you, or what that child wearing a “survivor” sign has been through, but it doesn’t matter. At that hour on Broadway Street every person is equal, and that’s what makes this run/walk so successful.

            The opening ceremonies started at 8:15, with different stories being told both of triumph and tragedy. The national anthem was sung, tears were shed, and hearts were aching already from the deeply personal stories from the speakers. At around 8:45, celebrity hosts Olivia Wilde and Emma Stone came out to give their introduction, causing mayhem in the crowd, and then were followed by the one and only Jimmy Fallon.  After Fallon’s cooky speech, “I’m Walking On Sunshine” blared from the speakers and the confetti cannons explode with red and white paper signaling the beginning of the walk. The entire route was 2 miles, starting in Times Square and ending in Central park where the participants were greeted with music, free goodies from sponsors, and much celebration. Revlon gave out free samples of lipstick, Smart Water was handing out free water bottles, and a few stands had free food. What started with a somber beginning at the opening ceremonies turned into a celebration of life and hope by the time everyone crossed the finished line.

           This event just gets bigger and bigger every year, and has become a major source of funding for cancer research. Watching this video doesn’t give the event justice, and I strongly recommend making the trip next year to witness it first hand. 

RELAY - picture slideshow

Last Saturday, April 28^th marked Hofstra University’s 5^th annual Relay For life, drawing in more than 1300 participants. This was the most successful year yet, raising $104,000 for the American Cancer Society. The relay team and volunteers started setting up for the overnight event around noon on Saturday, not stopping until the intramural field was perfectly equipped with the stage, tents, sponsors, registration tables, and perfectly constructed purple bows around the perimeter. The event started at 7 and people from every corner of the Hofstra community came out to support. Greek life, sports teams, music groups, and individuals were all brought together for one night of remembrance, support, and hope. The relay started with an opening ceremony, featuring speakers giving a synopsis of the event, as well as some personal stories of their own battle with cancer. The relay itself got kicked off by a group of cancer survivors and their caregivers doing a lap around the field, and all other participants jumped in when their lap was completed. As you walk your lap, you pass countless tents of table sales by different organizations. For example, Delta Phi Epsilon had a bracelet station set up, where you add a bead every time you complete a lap, Sigma Delta Tau was selling homemade cake pops, and Sigma Pi had a moon bounce. Franchises such as Moe’s also had a table set up to sell their nachos and chips and salsa. Also lining the track were luminaria, purchased and decorated by individuals who wanted a way to honor either a cancer survivor, or someone who has passed.  At approximately 9:30 the luminaria ceremony began where multiple members of the Hofstra community spoke about how cancer had affected them, bringing the entire audience to tears. One really special moment was a video of Erin Willet, a Hofstra graduate and top 8 contestant on NBC’s The Voice who had performed on that very stage as a Senior last year. She spoke of how cancer has drastically changed her life since the last time she was here. Once the speakers were finished, it was time to light the luminaria and walk a lap in silence to honor those who have passed, are currently fighting, or have won their battle with cancer. After this the night continued with a more upbeat attitude, with musical performances by different singing groups, a zumba class, flash mobs, and also a beauty pageant competing for Mr. and Mrs. Hofstra. By the end of the night when $104,000 was raised, the Hofstra community was really brought together, and I think people really have a different appreciate for others whom they didn’t know they had something in common with. This event is only going to get bigger and stronger in the coming years! 

shot sequence assignment for journalism

Maria's shot sequence from Joe Peyronnin on Vimeo.

Spring Break Slideshow whooo!

This is an entry all about my wild and crazy spring break i had here in Chester CT! Enjoy!




sping break - how to create a free slideshow

Podcast Assignment #2

Rachel - how to make a free slideshow

Podcast

I'm sorry that the last two posts have been irrelevant, but they were assignments for class. Here's my latest ssignment...a podcast!

From Hollywood to Hofstra

How many nineteen year olds do you know have attended multiple Grammy Awards, the MTV awards, traveled the country, watched Celtics games court side, starred in their own TV show, but also attends classes here in Dempster? There's only one that I can think of, and that is none other than Christy Anderson.

From when she was born on September 3, 1992, in sunny LA, Christy has led quite the charmed life. Between her mom being a part of the pop sensation Salt n Pepa as DJ Spinderella and her father, Kenny Anderson, playing in the NBA for the Celtics and the Nets, she has had many opportunities that most kids don't have. For example, she would tag right along with mom as she toured the nation, while also being tutored since she wouldn't always be able to attend school. Who would choose elementary school over touring with superstars? Also as a child she tried her hand in many extra curricular activities such as karate, piano lessons, violin lessons, voice lessons, and ballet. Although she didn't stick with any of them, she still thinks them as a major part of her past.

Another crucial experience she's had is being given the opportunity to have her very own episode of My Super Sweet 16 on MTV. With certain connections in place, it was arranged for her to have 2 cameras follow her around for 4 months capturing every detail that went into planning her 80's themed birthday bash. While the thought of being in front of the camera was a bit intimidating, once she started the process she couldn't get enough of it. In fact, it inspired her to pursue her major of broadcast journalism.


After figuring out what she wanted her ultimate career to be, she decided to attend Hofstra University based on it's outstanding communications program. The hefty scholarship offered out didn't hurt either. Ideally becoming a court analyst is what Anderson is aiming for. Along with taking journalism classes and living in Dempster Hall like every other School of Communications student, Anderson is also a sister of the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority. After pledging Spring of 2011, she now holds the position of Social Chair, which requires getting in touch with other organizations and planning events for the rest of the sorority.

Throughout every things she's been through both in the past and present, Christy claims that her friends and support system have remained strong and right by her side. Who knows what else Ms. Anderson has up her sleeve, but you can bet that whatever she takes on next will certainly be a success.

A Day In The Life Of Christy Anderson - how to create a free slideshow

irrelevant post!!

Establishing shot of a flower

Long shot of girl looking at flower

Extreme close up of picking flower

Close up of smelling flower

Extreme long shot of walking away

Once upon a time, a beautiful flower was born on a warm March day. A lonely girl named Kara saw it, got excited, and decided she wanted to keep it. She picked it, smelled it, and they lived happily ever after!

Corn Dogs and Pig Races

There's one part of summer that every small town in America yearns for. Hundreds of people are attracted, the smells range from cow manure to freshly deep fried corn dogs, and it's the only way to end a perfect summer. What's this highly anticipated event? Nothing other than the town fair. The Chester Fair happens during the last weekend of August. School starts the next week, everyone's back from vacation, and friends are reunited for the biggest celebration yet.

Pig Race

There are two different personalities to the Chester Fair: day time and night time. During the day is family time; kids can go the the petting zoo, participate in competitions, and watch performances. For parents there's food and art judging, as well as horse pulls and pig races. The day time of the Chester fair is the traditional, picture-esque county fair, with nothing but kettle corn, fried dough, and cows to pet. There are rides and games, a section of booths filled with homemade goods and souvenirs, and a stage where local talent is showcased.
For me the Chester Fair Grounds are right across the street, so popping in to get some deep fried Oreos was no big deal. We'd have a 3 day pass because my Dad was one of the photography judges, so we'd walk over and get lunch and come back, or grab the worlds best fresh squeezed lemonade and take another walk around the fair before heading home.

One of my favorite parts of the fair when I was a kid was participating in the tractor pull. Different age groups would peddle a tractor with weights in the back and whoever pulled the most won. Me, being slightly larger than the rest walked away with the first place trophy at my first attempt, and it is still to this day displayed proudly in my room.

When night time rolled around, the lights turned on, the air got cool, the mosquitos came out, and a different crowd lined up outside the gate. The teenie-boppers fill the grounds. Every cent they came with would be spent on ride tickets and games, or any souvenir that lit up. Looking around you'd see that awkward middle school couple silently holding hands, the cool kids walking around the premises over a dozen times, the hard core riders purchasing sheets of tickets at a time, and the high schoolers who think being 2 years older gives them the authority to point and make fun of all of the above. The Chester Fair would be teen central, so god forbid if a parent accompanied their kid their social life could potentially be tarnished.
For me and my friends, after a night of rides, balloon popping, and eating everything in site, we'd start our journey back to my house to finish the night off with a dip in the pool and s'mores.

At the end of the day, the town fair is what brings everyone together. No matter where in small town America you are, the fair represents all that's good in the town, and it's all put on displayed for everyone to see. It's a celebration of sorts, and if you get the chance to stop by a town fair you should without a doubt. The feeling of hospitality and community is overwhelming, and it's definitely worth the trip.

Sweet Summer Livin'

With warm weather vastly approaching, i can't help but reminisce on the Summers I had in Chester. 2 1/2 months of pure freedom in the 16 square mile promise land; every 8 year olds dream. You wake up with the roosters at sunrise, ready for the day of impromptu adventures. It would be a perfectly dewy, golden morning calling out to every child in town. The day would typically start by the creation of the worlds best pancakes, complimented by whichever fruit we had successfully grown that year (a wild blueberry bush or occasional raspberry would make us proud). The outfit of choice would be a fashion foward one piece bathing suit, the most versitle piece of clothing in the summer wardrobe. It's appropriate whether the first big plans were washing my Fathers car and playing with the hose, or going to Cedar Lake, Chester's public "beach". It was really the most unsanitary body of water you could think of, with the constant fear of leeches running through your mind and your feet trudging through a goop-like substance we considered sand. Regardless us as kids didn't care, hundreds of us ran in and out all day carefree.  

My Sister Jordyn, my Mom, and I in front of the snack shack

A trip to Cedar Lake was another one of those small town moments. You could show up with your family, and know every other family there. Kids went off and did their thing, moms lounged on the limited sized beach and gossiped, and crabby teens went to the snack shack in attempt to disaffiliate from those they came with. This was a summer hotspot and allowed us to escape with out leaving our town. Summer was all about not keeping time, leaving when the sun came up and returning when the sun was setting. What happened in between was sort of like a fairy tale. We'd get on our bikes, ride downtown and wherever else the wind would blow us. In small town America there is a built in trust. As long as the helmets were on that's all parents needed to know. Me and my friends loved downtown. We'd go into Basic Goods (which has since been bought out and renamed) to get our ice cream, and continue on to the creek that ran through town. We'd sneak down into an area surrounded by concrete walls, and based on the newest

Previously known as Basic Goods, where we'd buy
all of our ice cream and sodas

vandalism get the latest gossip. After being updated we'd hop back on our bikes and continue up to the town green in front of the meeting house. It was the most serene part of Chester in our opinion. We'd lay in the grass, make shapes of the clouds, and by that point be so covered in melted ice cream and dirt that we were lost causes. After enough relaxation and digestion, if it we were feeling really good that day we'd do our best to conjure up the most unforgettable lemonade Chester has seen, and sell it at our makeshift lemonade stand. Our day would have been made if we made even $3 (which would be in tips...the lemonade wasn't worth the money).

The final stop to a typical small town day would be home. Everyone knew when it was dinner time, even when my Mom didn't ring the dinner bell. We'd come home only to be put to work shucking corn on the porch, and the aroma of BBQ chicken outside on the grill could be smelt from a mile away. After a family dinner outside on the deck and making many attempts to capture a firefly, the day would come to a close.

No matter what small town you're from, your summer days are presented to you. A kid living in small town America has all they need right next to them, and they don't need much to make an entire day out of one adventure. I'd give anything to be able to go back and enjoy the summer days of Chester like i used to, and to appreciate the magic it offered. If you're a city folk reading this, i strongly encourage you to turn of your computer, put away your phone, and escape to a town like Chester for a few days and i guarantee you'll be very pleasantly surprised.

Small Town Stereotypes...Potentially Proven True

Small town America certainly does have stereotypes attached to it, such as neighbors walking across the street to give a cup of sugar, people not locking doors, slight hickville undertones, poor education, and more. I'm here to set the record straight, and prove that some of these are in fact....true. For example, It was recently brought to my attention that my parents and neighbors have a new system: my Mom decorated an egg carton to drop off at my neighbors house. When the neighbors eggs were ready from their chickens, they put a dozen in the glittered carton and walk it back over. When i heard the news, it wasn't a big surprise. Neighbors trade all time, pay it forward, and don't expect a reimbursement. So yes, small town neighbors do walk to each others houses to borrow a cup of sugar, or in my case, a carton of eggs. As far as hickville-ness goes, that's up for personal judgement. Yes, in Chester there is the occasional tractor driving by or alpaca sighting, but as far as toothless hillbillies in overalls they are far and few in between. We have tractor parades and Sunday farmer's markets, but we don't sit around with shot guns on our porches spitting sun flower seeds. We have a spare key under our front mat, but don't lock our doors. We shovel each others driveways, rake each others leaves, and get each others forgotten newspaper. We don't run around barefoot with dirt streaks all over us, and only learn up to a 4th grade reading level. We are quaint, but not uncivilized. Granted there are those kinds of towns in existence, but the majority of small town america is not the hick central most people picture.

It does however, take about 30 seconds to walk through downtown. Although the amount of people you'll stop and talk to on the way through will add about 20 extra minutes to your trip. Every one knows everyone and their mothers cousin, which can be a pro as well as a con. You can walk into any of the family owned businesses along the way and order your usual, no questions asked. Most places are able to be biked to, if not walked. Everyone knows where everyone lives, and you can hit up everyones house in one bike ride. Chester, like every small town in America, is quaint but not filled with hill billies like so many of you may wish.

So before you go and make your next "hick" joke, stop and remember that more than likely you are describing nothing more than a Hollywood depicted lifestyle! (at least in New England...)

It Happened To Jane

In order to fully appreciate Chester and all it has to offer, it's important to get a little taste of it's history. Chester's biggest claim to fame to date is the filming of the major motion picture "It Happened To Jane", staring Doris Day and Jack Lemmon in 1959. With the majority of this romantic comedy filmed in Chester, it was the biggest thing to ever step foot in the minuscule town, and probably will never be topped. There are clear landmarks visible in the film, including downtown (which hasn't changed a bit), the town meeting house, the train station, and Jennings Pond, where locals skate in the winter but with a few wave machines was turned into an ocean. The filming of this movie completely took the town by storm. Everyone participated, with locals lending out props like wheelbarrows and household objects. Every one could say they took part in it, whether it was being an extra in the background, or that they were able to watch Day acting from their bedroom window.

Downtown Chester in 1959

Downtown Chester in 2012

While some locals were ecstatic, others weren't so enthused. With the big-time names imposing on the town, the movie came first. Traffic became an issue, usual town events had to be postponed, and the serenity and pureness of Chester was disrupted. Chester and it's residents pride themselves on being untouched, traditional, and peaceful. When "It Happened To Jane" came to town though Chester became the center of attention and a new point of interest for tourists. With Chester being so small to begin with, the landmarks featured in the movie were populated at all times before they were transformed into sets. This created an inconvenience for locals who could not go about their business like normal.

With all that being said, Doris Day coming to Chester and having all of the hotspots featured on the big screen for America to see is something Chester will always be proud of. Even people who weren't even born yet, like myself, has heard a story or two describing the summer Chester was turned into Hollywood.  Every small town of America has their own claim to fame, and something that will put a stamp on it forever. They're all filled with their own unique treasures, and things they'll hold onto no matter how many decades (in this case 5...) have gone by.

Chester in a Nutshell

Living in a town where everyone knows your name proves to be quite the adventure. When the most entertaining thing to do in town is skip rocks on the Connecticut River, creativity is a must. It would be a shame for such innovative adventures to go undocumented, hence the creation of this blog. Even though I enjoy the fast past life of being a New Yorker during the school year, I savor the summer months when  I retreat back to the 16.0 square mile oasis. The blue berry picking, duck feeding, ice cream eating days are the ones that depict my childhood. From alpaca farms to apple farms, Chester is the epitome of a country town paradise. Almost an untouched time capsule, not changing in the past decade. Neighbors have been neighbors for 25 years, 3 generations have had the same biology teacher, and the price of milk has pretty much been at a stand still. However the memories Chester creates are worth jotting down.