Final Blog Post

I've always found writing enjoyable. Writing was always my favorite class, where I was able to let out more of myself into my papers. I came into Journalism excited to learn a different form of writing. However, I also thought I would catch on quickly because writing stories seemed to come easy. That wasn't the case for me this semester, I struggled to pick up and grasp the journalism concept. I have found I am a very opinionated individual, and I find interest in expressing my emotions through text.

I did enjoy the class, because it was something different and really made my appreciate Journalists patients. Relying on others to get go information in interviews, and following up in a timely manner without "annoying" them. This semester was a challenge, but really opened my eyes to what it takes to be a journalist. I found stories posted by other Journalism students to be inspiring, learned alot from just reading other stories by classmates.

ROUGH DRAFT- Story 8

ARE ANOKA-RAMSEY STUDENTS FEELING SHORTED?

Study time with the opportunity to reach out for help may seem like such an easy thing, but when you’re not given that prospect in your manner is that when you want it the most?

Overcapacity led to a crowding study area, where it was reported, “too hard for students to concentrate with all the commotion.”  

A wide base for students to gain extra help has been removed from Anoka-Ramsey Community College early in the fall semester. Has this change affected student’s outlook?

Freshman Cami Bauer states, “The extra space was definitely nice to have around, and having more student tutors available was of better help.”

According to student government, it was brought up that the student center sector was not being taken advantage of in the right way, and would be more useful in a small enclosed area.

As of the end of October 2011, where tutors have previously took place is now open to any students, as a student lounge. Tutoring is currently taken place in a minor computer lab structured room used strictly for tutoring.

Has this become more beneficial or just a set back? “The enclosed area will help focus on those that need extra help, and are available to get it in a quiet environment,” Academic support center director Kathlyn Luksetich added.

On the other hand some students are not acting so in tuned with the new concept. Sophomore student Allison Ballstadt referred to the new student center as “uncalled-for”. Ballstadt mentions, “I’m used to having access to computers being available and a quiet area to work in, with the new tutoring center it turned (the) room into more of a social gathering.”

“No problems have come from this transformation, as far as I’m concerned.” Luksetich presumed about student’s reaction to the change.

The discreet controversy within Anoka-Ramsey about student center placing has been a restrained issue. Students of ARCC have been adapting to the changes as Erica Parker put it, “...it was shocking to walk into the room (room in which student center/tutoring was placed) and seeing more space. There were no computers, no tutor areas set up, and fewer desks that were replaced by couches.”  This unexpected change led Parker to feel the center was turned more into a “public get-together atmosphere.”

The issue of student complaints was brought up to Dave Alto, the Athletic Director for Anoka-Ramsey. He pleaded the alteration was good for those required certain time in the student center, such as athletes, that they will benefit by really having to sit down and focus on what they are doing.

          “I think they student enjoyed where the last student center was located because it was larger area for more people to be and a comfortable area,” Alto also added the fact, “...but that’s not what the student center is meant for, when you study that’s where your whole attention to be where no one can distract you.”

The way students come about Anoka-Ramsey Academic support center decision to change the atmosphere up a bit have been adapting well according to Bauer, “Nobody likes change, but it’s something everyone has to deal with, and frankly seeing a better use of the students who are there to help tutor.”

Bauer along with other fellow Anoka-Ramsey students affected by the adjustment, better come to an ends in cope with the situation as academic student center director Luksetich exposes, “The student center will make no changes, where it’s at is where it’s at.”

Anoka-Ramsey is currently developing a higher rate of students using tutoring services. May this be because of the change? Or could it just mean finals are just around the corner….?