On February 1, 2008, Laura Bernstein and I put together and ran a Winter Gala where all proceeds went to McMaster Children’s Hospital. We sold 270 tickets for the event but due to the winter storm gala outside only 200 were able to make it. From a fabulous silent auction, ticket sales, 50/50 draw and door prizes draw we managed to raise $6300. The event was held at Carmen’s in Stoney Creek. We had live bands as well that provided our entertainment for the evening. They were Leaving Sangster and The General Lee. They were great! The night was a huge success and we would like to thank our families and friends for their love, support and help throughout the gala as well as to local businesses that provided us with wonderful donations. It was fabulous night
Mac versus PC: Who will win in the PR ring?
Mac versus PC has become a familiar question that has crossed many Public Relations students, prospective students or even Public Relations practitioners. Which is better, a Mac or a PC. Being an almost graduate to the Public Relations program at Niagara College, this question is still finding it’s way into my head and I still cannot decide what computer is better for a public relations student in the program or a current practitioner in the field.
I am a PC owner. I love my PC, know my way around it and thought I would never be a Mac user. But that is soon changing.
As the year is quickly coming to an end, I have sat back and charted out the pros and cons for each computer system. I find it quite ironic that the one question I hoped to be answered at the beginning of my journey through this program is still haunting me today.
The first tick within the Mac column came when all of our computer classes are based around a Mac computer. Although we use the same programs as a PC, things proved to be different throughout the class. For example little things like “ctrl s” on a PC had now become “apple s.” Though proving not to be entirely different from a PC, I was lost. I had to learn a whole other computer slang just to do the simple things in class.
A Mac also offered different programs. Pages for example proved to be more a diverse program when it came to creativity and designing. I ended up preferring to use Mac just for the Pages program for certain projects throughout the year.
I found the Mac compact and easy to carry around. It was very light and easy to fit in any schoolbag. The Internet connection was very easy as well. Within a click of a button I was online. Whenever I brought my computer with me, well let’s just say I have yet to connect to the Niagara College server. Mac has their wireless connection already included within the system. So instead of lugging my heavy PC around, I would find myself at the open access Mac Lab.
The last project we have to do for our computer’s class is designing our own web page. I have never before learned how to build a website so trying to take the knowledge from computer class, which uses Macs and transferring the knowledge to my PC seems pretty much impossible right now. I would much rather continue to learn web page skills on a Mac.
I remember the first time I ever saw a Mac and I was amazed how different it looked. I was completely lost as soon as the dock or in PC terms, menu tool bar, disappeared. Had they ever heard of a right click? I loved my PC and that was that. A Mac seemed to be too technical for my PC brain and me.
I guess it all started when my boyfriend, who loves Macs, purchased one and I began to find my way around his. All of a sudden it seemed like a whole new world. I began to know more and more about a Mac, which definitely helped in computer class. I also learned from him that virus’ have never been a problem.
When the time came to purchase my laptop, I chose where I was most familiar, a PC. I was happy with my purchase until the first two weeks of school when I found myself a little lost in computers. I thought I knew a lot about computers until Paul Dayboll’s class.
“I start you off at the very beginning because many people get lost within the first two weeks and you realize you really do not know very much about computers. I teach you everything from the very beginning.” Says Paul.
He was right I was lost. But not only was I lost because I never realized there was so much to know about computers and programs such as Microsoft Word, I was also trying to become familiar with a Mac computer.
I believe when it comes down to one or another for the program, I recommend a Mac for the program. I believe a lot of stress could have been avoided if I had purchased a Mac computer. I believe that most people within the Public Relations field work on a Mac. I have come to realize that Mac wins hands down. I have more recently found myself more familiar with a Mac then a PC. Next on the agenda, purchasing a Mac. So when it comes down to who will win in the PR ring, hands down, Mac. I recommend purchasing a Mac if you are enrolling in a Public Relations program.
I love to write poetry and songs. It has been a hobby of mine for awhile now. Samples of my writing will soon be posted here.http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=337451&id=507822158
After so many years of my life being in school it is finally coming to an end. In two weeks I will be done my grad program in Public Relations and begin to venture out in the world. Let me tell you I have never been so scared but excited at the same time. This past year has been extremely busy with school, there is never a dull moment. I have had many cups of coffee and proud of the work I have accomplished. I never thought I would be ready for the real world let alone finding what I wanted to do with my life. I am glad I have found PR and I am looking forward to finding a career in PR.
I have enjoyed this program so much. I have learned so many useful tools that will help when I get a job. I have never had so much hands-on training. Thank you Niagara College!
