Boston invades Puerto Rico... Sort of!

My lovely friend WeiChang decided to visit me in Puerto Rico. A great thing is that we both are students in the College of Visual and Performing Arts @ SU! I rarely have friends over, but I decided to give it a shot. By the time she landed I had all my cards played and planned out, I was to treat her to the time of her life in Puerto Rico! We went to the National Tropical Rain forest "El Yunque"- I am non-athletic, but in those woods Tarzan takes over my body! We also enjoyed four days of beach bumming! I took it upon myself to treat her to one of Puerto Rico's finest traditions: The night of San Juan" an annual celebration of Puerto Rican culture that takes place every 23rd of June at midnight at the beach. Needless to say we had a blast!
I'll keep you guys posted!

Simply,
Terrance

Cruisin' through Massachusetts

It has been a while since I have updated you on my travels and overall summer experience, but wait no more, I have the juice you have all been waiting for. A bout two weeks ago I was presented with the opportunity to visit Boston and Milton, MA! and of course, I accepted in a heartbeat. I have many friends in the Boston area, but boy oh boy, I was in for a serious reunion.

One of the reasons why I love New England is because I know many individuals from this region, including my campers and fellow counselors from my former summer camp job. I decided I had to meet up with them, so I did just that! My dear friend Erica decided to meet me at South Station, in the heart of Boston, MA... mind you it was the first time I had visited this city aside from airport stops, nonetheless it was not hard for me to fall in love with it. After an extensive lunch date, we were on our way to the suburb of Milton, MA. There we met up with one of the loves of my life, Ian! (my co-counselor at my camp job). It so happened that it was his prom, and of course, I came prepared to tidy him up. He was taking a fellow camp counselor, Natalie - she looked fierce!

After getting through the prom commotion, Erica, myself and Ian's sister Alexa wanted to enjoy the rest of the day, therefore we hit up Jamaica Plains, MA and mixed up with some students of UMASS-Amherst! It was a delightful experience. As if that was not enough, we decided to surprise visit another camp counselor; Dylan. It just so happened that Dylan was having a huge bonfire and get together! We music and of course great food! - An interesting note is that Dylan's older sister had recently participated of Semester at Sea, and she had many tidbits for me, so our conversation went on for a while! Also present was Edna, Dylan's younger brother and one of my cabin babies!After a long night it was finally time to return to Ian's house, and that was exactly what we did. The next morning we were possessed by the spirit of fine breakfast, and decided to make fruit pancakes! It also happened to be the annual EarthFest event at the Hatshell in Boston, so once again we were on our way to loads of fun. Once there, I ran into many familiar faces! I had people from Syracuse tugging on my shirt, and I would ask for a picture in return. But the best highlights were provided by my former campers who drove from the suburbs to meet up with me. I was touched! I meet up with approximately 10 of them over the span of that long sunny day! My camper Shannon even decided to have me participate in an impromptu photo shoot for her photography class. My dear cabin babies Adam and Stephen (Super Sexy Seven) joined me on a voyage to locate the nearest Startbucks, of course we got some girly drinks! Sadly they had to leave... BUT! I received a call from Danny, Mike, and Max.... Guess what?! They, too, wanted to see me... so they took the short train ride, and 10 minutes later we all sipped on Starbucks beverages. By this point I was exhausted, but more than ready to continue with my adventure. My dear, dear, dear friend Charmaine whom I have known for 6 years walked through the Starbucks doors and rescued me from a long day!

Once with Charmaine, we decided to visit Harvard Square, Boston College, and finally Boston University in an effort of getting acquainted ith the area. We decided to crash at a small birthday party, and were off the next morning back to the Heart of Boston. The rest of my stay was full of window shopping and being a tourist. Charmaine was an amazing host (thanks girl!) My last lunch was with Charmaine and Wei Chang! We enjoyed food at a small deli and next thing you know... was time for me to take the ride back to my father's house in Hartford, CT. I promised them that I would be back... and trust me, I will!

New York... You're on!

This week I had the delightful opportunity to visit the one and only New York City! I had the time of my life, considering it was only a day trip I took a train from small town Connecticut to Grand Central Station New York with my Friend Sean. Once there it was only a matter of time until we met up with my dear friends Ivy, Samson, and Amelia.

Together we wondered the streets of New York and of course some sketchy places, we had lunch at S'macs (great Place!) ate Cupcakes at Crumbs (poor diet) and had dinner at some Mexican owned Italian Restaurant (Big mistake) If you are in litttle Italy stick to the authentic food :)... It was good nonetheless.

I have only been to New York on a limited basis, however this time, I had the opportunity to get lost, sight see, and just relax with my friends. It was awesome to see my friends once again, but of course I was reminded by the fact that I will not be at Syracuse University for the Fall Semester.... instead I will be sailing the Seven Seas!

'til next time...

Simply,

Terrance

Home.. Where the test is!

It has come down to this, My final week at Syracuse University for the Spring Semester of 2009. It has been an amazing semester full of wonderful opportunities, challenging courses, and a lot of fun. I am eager to take on the summer, however... I have issues to solve here in the homeland... FINAL EXAMINATIONS. I have worked so hard this semester, and I truly am drained, however this is my final task and I hope to be able to master those exams!

I am not all that sure what the summer has in store for me, I am waiting to hear back from a potential internship opportunity/employer... as soon as I know - you will know! No matter what happens, I am sure this summer will be memorable. As for next semester... My travels begin in Nassau, The Bahamas. I will be hosting the Miss Teen Bahamas Pageant, Live from the National Rainforest Theatre. Soon after that, I will spend some time in Puerto Rico with my family and friends, and finally take off to experience the world through Semester at Sea!

Wish me luck with my final exams!!!

Simply,

Terrance

Celebrate, It's Spring Reception time!

We are all waiting for you!

Gosh I love Spring Receptions!- I know I'm a dork, but who cares!
This past Monday I had the opportunity to converse with a couple incoming VPA students, and I was thrilled to see such enthused students. I am excited for you guys and for potentially building friendships with all of you!

The day started out at Schine Student Center, accepted students were treated to a brief orientation and continental brekafast. Afterwards, they were split up into their respective colleges, and to my fortune, VPA had the largest group! I was excited to have the opportunity to meet with the students and their parents, I spoke for hours and toured for ages, but let me tell you all... it was worth it. If there is something the Syracuse community loves to do is welcome students and their families.

Every year the excitement increases and the students are more competitive, that is why this year more than ever we are determined that students have an amazing time at spring receptions, get all those questions answered and have an opportunity to meet with faculty. Regarding CRS, this year we have a had a record number of applicants, or program is growing and I could not be more proud! The quality of applicants is amazing!

I hope to update you all on more news shortly!

Simply,
Terrance

Dreaming In Syracuse...

I wish I was dreaming, but I only have 3 weeks worth of class left for this semester! It is a bittersweet feeling, I am happy that the semester will soon be over... then again, I am going to miss my friends dearly. Just to remind you... I will not see anyone I know right up until January of 2010! (Guys, if you are reading this, let it be known that I miss you already).

Enough with the tears and fear, let us move on with the Joy! I am proud to state that if everything goes as planned, I will have a WONDERFUL GPA this semester "3.76" is what I am aiming for.... Le me just hope that everything goes as planned! Guys, I will give you an insight, the key to earning a good GPA is selecting classes that you are interested in and that compliment your major. My academic advisor (Dr. Grimes) encourages students to "marinate" classes.

My classes this semester have been AMAZING!- If anyone is eager to take a class in the CRS department, please take "Discourse and Society", it is required for CRS Majors, but trust me... it is the true story of all our lives! IST 500; Internet and Social Media, is another great class, it is offered by the iSchool. This class introduces students to the social media experience made available by interactive websites such as Facebook, YouTube, and MySpace. Part of the requirements include setting up a blog, creating a video, updating your twitter account and providing cohesive reading responses to critical readings that overlook the transformation of the internet as a interactive ground for communication. Lastly, I would encourage you all to consider taking VID211, Art Video Sketchbook. It is one heck of a class. It is my stress reliever, plus, you get to do what you believe is best with your very own camera for the semester!!!

Now that I presented you with wonderful options... do not be afraid, dive into the Syracuse Experience! GO VPA! and of course YES to CRS!

Simply,
Terrance

Semester of CHANGE!

Change has come to America... well those are the words of Barack Obama.... But Change has actually come to Fall Semester of 2009! As I have mentioned before I will be part of Semester at Sea for next fall. I will be the only CRS student and only VPA representative to take this journey for the next academic session! I am incredibly excited. Bear with my emotions at this moment, but I have to spill some juice.

This was the original Itinerary...

As you may notice... we were not slated to make a leap toward traditional Africa.... BUT there has been a change! Due to the conflict in the Middle East, changes have been made to the itinerary... instead of visiting Turkey, Croatia, and Egypt.... we will now stop at Spain, Ghana, South Africa, and Mauritius! That's what I call a fair trade!

You guys may not know... but while I embark on my worldwide journey... I will be taking CRS classes... YES ... Thats right CRS CLASSES! That is the beauty of this program! I am STOKED!!!

I wish I had more time to rant, but... I do not.

Simply,

Terrance

P.S. This Picture describes my current state!

Artistic Sense

Hello Everyone!

During the past two weeks I have been VERY VERY VERY busy, catching up with assignments from virtually all of my casses, I will admit, I was surprised by the fact I completed them all!!! Now that everything is back to normal, I just realized that there is about one month left worth of class! That is crazy, but wonder what can all happen in four weeks. Moving on from academics, I am very exicted to be the Host of the 6th Annual Charity Showcase, presented by Orange Pulse Dance Troup. The event will take place April 9th at Goldstein Auditorium. My hosting will be a riot, I plan to dress up as four characters ranging from a sorority girl to a insane asylum escapee, if you happen be be on campus that weekend, PLEASE ATTEND.

Another thing I am excited about is Campus Cabaret; an event where one student from each Residence hall compete against each other for a cash prize. In the competition students showcase talents that range from singing down to monologues. Last year I participated in my Residence hall preliminary with a mime routine, I placed third. At that grand Finale... A Mime WON! It was a bittersweet experience. This year I am in it to win it! As for my academic life (again) I look forward to amaze myself with great grades!

Until next time!

Simply, Terrance

Catching Up...

Terrance Smith had to step out of the building... well that was just for two days. Last Thursday I had to rush back to my father's house because something really good came up... it was related to the entertainment industry so I could not pass up the opportunity. To my wonderful fortune... I still had school work to do... I mean college assignments. This morning, it finally hit me, only six weeks of class remain before this semester comes to an end. I must state that I have accomplished many positive things and have had wonderful opportunities, but I will save that for the end of semester review! TIME flew by guys!

CRS is treating me well, I have had the most amazing classes this semester and I love the fact that everyone in the department actually knows what they are doing and how to convey a great sense of knowledge. College is all about hard work and dedication in order to achieve the desired goals... but nothing comes easy! Thankfully, my peers and I support each other in order to perform well in class... that is the beauty of our department! We have many friendly and caring people... Soon enough you will experience that for yourself! Speaking about caring and niceness, I have to give props to someone who has been instrumental to my success in the CRS depertment, my academic advisor Dr. Diane Grimes. She actually cares about her students and her advisees! She keeps me grounded , and constantly reminds me how much I have changed since my first day of college!!! I know... It's Crazy!

Well Guys... enough with this mumbo jumbo! I know those of you who applied to CRS got acceptance letters (I hope a lot of you got in!) and I just wanted to congratulate you all and welcome you into the family! Greetings, from the Great White North... Wait thats Canada... I mean Greetings From Sunny Tropical Syracuse!

Simply,

Terrance

Words from the man in CHARGE!

Cruising through the wonderful world of YouTube, found a documentary style interview with the Chair of the Department of Communication ad Rhetorical Studies @ Syracuse University.... THE Kendall Phillips!



I hope you all found this interview helpful and I also hope it provides a professional insight on what our program consists of.

Simply,
Terrance

Spring Break!

I have so much to share!

As you may have already gathered, I am quite into traveling. That is why I decided that I was going to make the best out of my spring break and try to go to as many places as I possibly could. I had planned to spend my break in Illinois & Connecticut... to my surprise I would enjoy a four state fiasco. I found myself in New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Illinois... quite a riot! Not every college student has the opportunity to travel as much as I do, but I figure, why not get to see what the world has to offer.

That being said, let me talk about what I did. Starting off the break I decided to take an overnight train from Syracuse, New York to Chicago, Illinois. It was a peaceful ride and to my surprise there were quite a few VPA students headed towards the Windy City. Once we arrived, the SU squad decided to go out for coffee and stretch since we had been sitting for over 10 hours (they were sitting, I was sound asleep). We got coffee, checked our emails and split up... I decided to take another train... to Highland Park/Deerfield, Illinois. This area, also known as the North Shore, is where some of my greatest friends/supporters live.




Finally at my destination I decided to have as much fun as I could! While in the state of Illinois, I watched 2 theatrical productions, went to experience the heart of Chicago with my friend Mike, ventured to the Northwestern University campus with my dear friend Carly, wandered through suburbia with my good friend Micah & the Swislow's, and relaxed with my wonder Wygodny family! Illinois was a treat!



Connecticut was my next stop! I woke up early Wednesday morning to catch a flight out of Midway Airport... 1 hour away from where I was staying and a 70$ cab ride!!! I arrived at CT half past noon, and my dear uncle Thomas picked me up... we had a political discussion (awesome) and then he dropped me off at my Father's place. For all of you Syracuse fans, Connecticut was the WRONG PLACE TO BE! I was there during the Big East tournament, and SU was playing UConn... we know the results... the Orange prevailed! My father wasn't too pleased but... he had to learn how to deal wth it!

After the whole basketball craze, I decided to visit my friend Jacob in New Haven. I took the commuter train down to New Haven, it is about a 45 minute train ride.... by now I am used to trains! Once there, Jacob treated me to lunch at a very nice Irish Pub... I don't remember what I had... but at least it was tasty! We then visited Jacob's place at Yale University (I have friends in high places). Yale has a beautiful campus... but I am true to my SU! We chatted for a while, enjoyed the scenic view, and joked around until it was time for me to depart to good ole home.
Sooner than what I could recall it was my final day in Connecticut! Well... close enough, I packed my belongings, picked up Carine, a fellow SU student and friend, from the train station, and headed toward my friend Sean's house in western CT. It was time to drive back.

We made a pit stop at the mall... after all... we are divas, and then hit the road. It took us a record 4 hours to get from Connecticut to Syracuse....... it would have taken less if we dd not stop in Scranton, PA.. for a delectable meal!

My break was amazing! I wish I could write more... but I do not want you guys to get bored! Keep up with me... because a lot of great things have been happening to me, and I want you all to rejoice with me!

Simply,
Terrance

Pass or Fail?

Pass or Fail.. Don't think too much of these words... but you will here them a lot in college. As for me... I recently took only test prior to spring break... and may I say... I totally passed it! I showed that test who was boss and I pounded it like a mallard duck! Gosh I love m major! (Sorry I had I moment)

I am very glad break is just hours away! I depart to the midwest in a manner of hours and I am expecting to meet up with friends from Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois! I know it's a fusion of states... but that's what traveling and meeting people is all about!

Well I am not sticking around for too long, but I look forward to updating y all about my shenanigans.

Simply,

Terrance

Midterm Mayhem!

The time has finally come, the tests will finally be served, and my brain will deliver all known material studied for the past 2 months of my life! It is that time of the semester: Midterm Week! Believe it or not, I feel ready to face my fate; this semester I have put my best effort into all classes... don't hate on me for being scholastically achieved!

On a lighter note... I am looking forward to visiting the Windy City, yes, I am talking about CHICAGO! Thursday night is when my Spring break starts. To some Spring break is meant to be spent on some lavish beach on the sunny tropical caribbean, then again, I was raised by the beach in Puerto Rico so the sun's rays and waves kind of washed off my taste of vacation. I'm not trying to be stuck up, I am just saying.... the midwest sounds like a better bid for me at the time. I will also visit my family in Connecticut, with the intention of visiting my close relatives and old friends. I know, I'm a state hopper but one can only live once. SO let me lay it out for you guys, this is how my Spring break will pan out: I arrive in Chicago Friday morning after a 12 hour train ride! The following Wednesday, I go from Chicago to Connecticut; I'll reman in Connecticut for a couple days. I will then travel to New York City for an internship interview with NBC. Finally my father will drive four hours to make sure his beloved son is at school on time! 3 states, 10 days, MAYHEM!

Aside from the crazy travel....I have come to realize that we only have two months of class left! Dear Goodness of all Masters and Saints that Raid my Intelligence... the semester is close to being over! I have learned a lot from my classes this semester! I hope that you have also learned quite a bit from whatever sparks your interest. A suggestion from the college kid: do not waste time, and try to take in as much experience and information that is offered to you!

I though it would be a great idea to share with you guys my performance at the Totally Fabulous Drag Show here at SU. I was not in Drag, I was a mere back-up dancer! My friend Nick (also featured in earlier posts) impersonated Britney Spears with her hit single Womanizer! Lets see if you can find me in this video:

I am done being philosophical for the day and only hope that the next couple days of your life are as amazing as Christmas in Bloomingdales!

Simply,

Terrance

My "Real World" Experience

As I am a little over the second half of Sophomore year... I am beginning to worry about one thing: INTERNSHIPS! An internships represents an opportunity to use the tools and knowledge acquired while taking classes in the CRS department. I had been brainstorming for a while as to where I would like to intern, and what I would like to do. My ideal internship would NOT be fetching coffee... I actually want to do something!

I met with my academic adviser, Diane Grimes, and she helped me figure out what suited me best. After about an hour we decided that I should do something in the entertainment arena... I know it is a little ambitious... but I am FAIR GAME! BRING IT ON!

In the fall of '08 I met with a representative from NBC-Universal at a career fair here at Syracuse University. She was pleased with me (that is what I would like to believe) and she invited me to email her so that we could further discuss my internship opportunity. As of right now, I anxiously await her reply! I hope I get her attention and score an internship at NBC! That would be ... Hmm... Nothing short of AMAZING!

I have learned important insights about the internship process, and yes... I will share. Be very outspoken, but stay classy. Be yourself! Use appropriate grammar! Bring something different to the eyes of your potential employer. Now, these are all concepts that the CRS department discusses in classes such as Presentational Speaking (CRS 325) Advanced Public Speaking (CRS 425) as well as in Discourse and Society (CRS 287). I would like to encourage you to seriously consider pursuing a degree in CRS... Honey, it will help you in every day life. If you ever doubt that... Read the rest of my entries.

Simply,
Terrance

Pile Up!

I am getting close to what I typically refer to as Mid Semester Jam. What do I mean? When all academic work piles up and is due the same day. Don't be afraid, this is a college thing, it happens to everyone (at least that is what I like to believe).

I have been doing quite well academically, I like to refer to my performance as on pointe (incorporating some ballet terms into my vocabulary). I am very much enjoying my CRS 284 class, Discourse and Society with Prof. Cynthia Gordon. This class teaches us the do's and don't's of everyday human interaction and communication. To some of you, that may be the weirdest field of study, but for me it is the most interesting and intricate field. One of my fondest memories so far is when we discussed every day script; walking down the street and saying Hi, How Are You, and answering the same darn thing every time.... I didn't know I did that until she told me!

My IST 500 Class is also quite interesting, IST stands for Information Technology Studies. In this class we are studying Social Media. I have a huge video assignment due in this class, I have decided to make a mockumentary on Facebook. I will reveal the name and the final product in a later post.

Regarding my personal/ professional life... I have done my best to keep you all informed, however, If I tell you all, once you meet me... we won't have anything to talk about! I am looking forward to hearing from you guys!!!! - I will tell you this - Yesterday, I had an amazing photo shoot. It was a recreation of several publicity shots for top-notch companies, such as the New York Times and Post It. Mackenzie Reiss was in charge of this shoot... and she did an amazing job! Love you Babe!
'til next time!

Simply,
Terrance

Projects...

Do not let the the title of this entry fool you... Although I do have many academic projects lined up, today I want to discuss one of the most important projects in what will turn out to be my professional career. As you may have read in the past, I am slated to host the 2009 Miss Teen Bahamas-World Pageant. The event will take place in Nassau, The Bahamas in August of the current year. I am very excited and honored to have this opportunity!

This opportunity represents the true value of majoring in CRS brings .
To read more ... please visiit:

http://missteenbahamasworld.com/host.htm

Simply...

Terrance

...with a twist!

Class with a twist that is!. As I mentioned in my previous post, I was rather excited to be taking part in a creative course offered by the Transmedia department here at Syracuse University. Video Sketchbook is probably my favorite class to date (For those who don't know I am a huge video buff).

As for my Syracuse career, things are taking some shape. During my first year at Syracuse, I had things a little twisted, I was confused as to what I wanted to study. However, this year, I have finally come to terms with what I want to study... CRS! Exactly what I have been studying for the past year and a half. CRS has granted me the opportunity to explore other majors and classes across campus, consequently allowing me to experiment with different departments, in an effort of shaping my academic career.

I will admit, I am a non-traditional college student... I don't like fitting any molds, I just like studying what I WANT to study and DOING what I WANT to do. Now I have some words of advice... If you are ever in doubt of your college career... It is ABSOLUTELY OK. You will have time to do what you want to do, everything comes at the right time... as for me... timing could not be more sweet!

Just in case you are wondering about the weather...It's COLD, but at least the sun is OUT! :)

Custom Fit!

I am guilty... guilty I say! I arrived a tad bit late for the second semester two days to be specific. This year I am more excited than ever to take part in the scholastic endeavors I am bound to face (I just made that sentence a work of art). I am playing catch-up with my CRS requirements as last year I was supposed to to take two courses... but I did not.

I attended my CRS classes for the first time Wednesday, January 14th, I was surprised they made perfect sense! (in the world of Rhetoric, some things are hard to understand). Dicourse and Society 284, and Introduction to Rhetoric 183, will occupy a vast part of my time this semester, however, I am more than happy to dedicate all my efforts in order to take the classes by storm!

This semester I am also taking Video Sketchbook. It is a course designed to teach students how to produce documentaries, music videos and short films, this course is offered by the Department of Transmedia of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. I AM VERY EXCITED TO BE PART OF THE CLASS!

Some things have not changed... It is still snowing. I love the cold, despite the fact that I have lived on an Island for the past 12 years of my life. The cold gives me the excuse to cuddle and dress up! Warmth... we shall talk about that when the time comes.

Simply,
Terrance!