Finally Settled... Sort of

I am finally adapting to the swing of things here at lovely SU. I should be used to it by now... I'm a senior! That being stated, I absolutely love the classes I am taking. My Improvisation Communication class is EPIC! The professor is extremely down to earth and the students in it are very, very dynamic. So I expect to be filling you guys in with the latest details from that class.

I am also taking a Communication class at another college. It is History of the American Black press, the title is self-explanatory, nonetheless this class provides wonderful insight on subjects that I would have not found out if I would have not enrolled. I look forward to engaging in wonderful conversations in that class.

And finally, it has been a wonderful pleasure to run into people who have read my blog and recognize me. Every time that happens, it makes my day. So if you ever plan to visit campus, and/or you're presently a student... do not hesitate to say Hello!!!!!

'til next time!

Simply,

Terrance!

Welcome Back!

There is a wonderful feeling in the air... it is not the breeze, it is not the sun, it is the scent of Freshmen!
One of my favorite things to experience at Syracuse University is the first week of class, the new students walk around with maps, returning students are constantly hugging each other and happy to see one another... it is just a beautiful sight! Gosh... I Love SU!  But at the end of the day... I am here in my senior year getting ready to transition into the real world... and to help me with that I am taking a wonderful class this semester!

This year I am taking up "Improvisation for Communication",  a new class offered by the CRS department. targeted to develop improv skills for the real world. It is the type of class that will benefit me because, the world is my stage... and...I Just know it will benefit me! I do not have many details about the class but as soon as I get more involved I will tell you guys all about it!

I feel as if this year will attract many great experiences and opportunities, I will do my best to keep you guys up to date with the cool happenings and the developments CRS and myself will have, It is amazing to be back...I missed reporting to you guys!
Keep it Sassy, Keep it fierce!

Simply,
Terrance!

Where in the world?

I know I have not been around, but I am back! Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, my trip to Eastern Europe has been underway for about two weeks now... and I am loving it! I have been able to use many skills that I acquired through my studies in CRS, specifically Non Verbal communication, because not many people speak English! Its been an interesting time,and I absolutely adore the hospitality I have received.

My first business stop was in Kosovo, I met with Agron Selimi, President of Art Motion, the production company in charge of  producing the Miss Universe Kosova Pageant. After a loooong meeting, we hit it off, I was invited to be part of the finals telecast, and was even featured on television! I had the opportunity to re-connect with International Photographer Fadil Berisha, who is from Kosovo but resides in New York, and also met the US Ambassador to Kosovo, and Supermodel Gona Dragusha. But the highlight of my night was of course chilling with the queens!

I will do my best to keep you guys posted!
Simply,
Terrance

I gave up on writing... Watch me!

I decided that I would give you guys the opportunity to watch me... This is sohrt video from me to you...
Simply,
Terrance

From Spring Receptions to Summer Travels!

It is finals week again. But that is not what I am going to blog about. I can imagine that you all know the stories of the countless hours of studying that goes into this period of the year- so I will spare you. Instead I will be talking about my favorite events of the spring semester... SPRING RECEPTIONS!

During the past month I have had the opportunity to meet some of you guys, and it has truly been an honor. I never knew that what started out as a simple blog entry would have a deep effect in others- not that I felt famous or anything, it's just nice to be recognized for my work.(I am such a dork)

Ladies and Gentlemen... the time has come to unveil my summer plans...This summer I will be traveling to Eastern Europe to produce a documentary film and some art videos. I am very excited about embarking on this journey- I have only been to Europe once... Spain and Gibraltar, but now I am going to explore a whole other region, one that doesn't get as much attention!

This Documentary film has some big names attached to it, One of which is my good friend Chelsi Smith, Miss Universe 1995. And another is Academy Award Nominated Actress, Margaret Avery from The Color Purple. My Documentary film mentor is my actually my former professor and Academy Award Winning Director/ Producer Paul Wagner. I am very excited to work with all these people... so it will be GRAND!

I am done releasing information... I will let your imagination linger...

Simply,
Terrance

Bahama Mama!

While trying to figure out my Quarter-Life Crisis I discovered there was no such thing in my life. I have taken the necessary steps to ensure a good future and have been working hard to establish myself as an Image Consultant. Lucky for me, I have done that while still in college! One of the aspects that really works in my favor is my degree in progress, Communication and Rhetorical Studies. Think about it, image consulting is all about instilling confidence in other individuals by guiding them to make the right choices about their personal appearance and forms of non-verbal communication. In our program we are taught the essentials of non-verbal communication and all about communication ideas. So where does this whole Bahama mama fiasco come in...RIGHT NOW!

This past weekend I was working on location in fabulous Nassau, Bahamas with one of my clients. Her name is Anastagia Pierre and she is competing for the title of Miss Bahamas 2010. Where do I come in? I am in charge of her wardrobe selection process, as well as the image she is supposed to convey as an aspiring titleholder. I also train her through the interview process, so that she can communicate effectively. This is where my degree comes into place... and CRS 181: Concepts and Perspectives in Communication Studies (Thank you Prof. Grimes). In this class (which I took Freshman year) I was taught all about the process of communicating and conveying ideas... and lucky for me I had the opportunity to pay it forward. My job as an image consultant for Anastagia really depends on the perspectives of communication... and I absolutely love it!

So while in the Bahamas I didn't go to the beach or to some fancy resort... instead I worked hard on developing my career and making connections that are worth while... never mix work with leisure, because there is a time for everything. However, one of my favorite hobbies is following beauty pageants, so than again... my work is fun! So you can only imagine... meeting Miss Universe was an awesome and fun experience, plus... as an image consultant, I get to go to all these fancy press parties and mix and mingle with the famous... LIFE IS GOOD!

I will always keep you guys posted.

Simply,
Terrance

Lost but not Forgotten...

Hey Guys!
I know it has been a while, but I have not forgotten you guys! I have been extremely busy with school but enjoying every second of it! VPA is going through an amazing transformation... well that is the students. I have noticed that now more than ever we are becoming a tight knit community willing to share our tasks with each other.
About a month ago, my friend Leilani (student in the Fashion Design program), needed a photo shoot for her new line... and I offered my consulting services and contacted a photographer from MEXICO. Behold... we booked the photographer for free, and coordinated an artsy photo shoot for her collection. My job as a CRS student was to give the photo shoot some meaning, adding a contextual level of communication ( that means giving the pictures and clothes voice). I think it went well.... rather AMAZING... you be the judge!

My major is all about integration... CRS is all about becoming a platform for the real world. Giving meaning to a project and marketing yourself and talent as an integral force in the real world. That's wordy... then again that's my major!

I will be sure to keep you all posted with wonderful news to come!
Simply,
Terrance

A Simple Piece

As you all know I am currently enrolled in an Art Video course. For those who don't know what art video is, it is an alternative art form that allows artists to produce work on video and edit it into a piece that translates into a sentiment or expression of their current state. (at least that is how I like to look at it!) I think Art Video and CRS go hand in hand, CRS is all about expression, speaking, and providing a voice to important issues.

I decided to combine my passion for CRS with another passion.... self expression. My professor Aaron Hraba, told the class to create a project that represented them.... and this is what I came up with.

I know... it's a bit out there, but hey... that's how I feel! As for the use of paint...I like to incorporate paint because it represents toxicity and anguish. It is a visual reminder that what is said... no matter where causes a strain.

As for my Major... I LOVE IT!

Lately I have been getting involved with many organizations on campus and having CRS as my major surely gives me an edge. CRS is a marketing tool, business card, and just a heck of a way of saying you are an intellectual! SO enough with the reading heads... CRS is about substance!

Mumble Jumble!

Hey everyone!

The past two weeks have been extremely exciting and full of activities on and off campus. I have had the opportunity to work on projects that truly challenge my artistic capacity as well as my ability to handle time... after all, 1 day only has 24 hours!
Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to work with Mexican Photographer, Anairam. she has been published in Nylon Magazine on several occasions. So I truly felt honored posing for her lens.

Flash forward 2 weeks... The SU/ Pride Union drag show took place, on February 19. It was crazy!!!  It was hosted by the wonderful Peppermint Gummybear, one of my favorite drag queens of all time! While at the Show I had the opportunity to perform onstage, I danced... that's all... NOT... I also did make-up for one of the drag queens (Boyance). It was a funny, glamorous, and exciting evening.

Getting Ready to Dance!

Well I will leave you guys on a cliff hanger... because I can!

Simply,

Terrance

Getting a Face Lift

Well this blog entry has little to do with the title, nonetheless it will be interesting to share some thoughts and experiences I have had since returning back to good ole Syracuse University. This past weekend I had the opportunity to fulfill one of my goals, to host a show on the Orange Television Network, Syracuse's University's closed circuit television channel. As a CRS student, that is quite the accomplishment as at times it is hard to "snag" a coveted hosting position. I did not even have to audition for the part, I was contacted by a fellow VPA student who wanted a quirky Host... ME!

The experience was a dream come true, and I am not exaggerating! I loved every second of it. Hopefully I will be able to post a couple videos on here in the future so that you can all see what I am talking about. On Sunday, I continued to pursue my creative side as I took part in a photo shoot by a visiting art photographer, Mariana. She is based out of Mexico City, Mexico... and thus added an international flavor to the session. The photo shoot took place at VPA's own Warehouse, where some of the colleges art programs call home.

As for my lovely major, CRS, things are going great! I recently gained my departments approval to go abroad... Again!- so I am researching what opportunities work best for me at the moment. Everyone in the department is very supportive and understanding of my dreams and goals. That speaks to the sense of family that is created in the unique environment the Communication and Rhetorical Studies department.
As for the rest of my classes, Monday... is my full day from 9 am to 8:30... This means, I already have to go!

Keep it Fierce!
Simply... Terrance

Do you remember?

Hey Guys!

During the the Spring 2009 semester at Syracuse University  I took an amazing course called Video Sketchbook. My professor at the time was Annie, yes the same Annie that is now on Frank The Entertainer's: Basement Affair. Nonetheless, I learned amazing skills in that class that allowed me to develop a passion for Video, which is why I took an introductory Documentary film class last semester while I was abroad. While on location in South Africa I was given a task; I was to produce a five minute documentary about South Africa. Now... As you may have noticed, I am quite an offbeat fellow. I wanted to produce something extremely different....

This film was shot on location in Cape Town, South Africa in the Fall of 2009. 

This Semester I will be taking yet another course related to Art Video; Art Video 212.  My professor is Aaron Hraba, and trust me, I will have a blast... again! I look forward to sharing some of my more recent work with everyone in the future.... so stay tuned!

Simply,
Terrance!

I am Back!

Hey everyone!
After a semester-long hiatus I have returned to my motherland, Syracuse University that is. The first couple days following my return were complicated, full of impromptu decisions, re-adjusting class schedules, and just getting acquainted with the whole scene. It was great to see familiar faces once again, and share crazy hugs, and tears of joy (a little over the top) with others.

Back to what's good... I am finally back from Semester at Sea with a suitcase (more like a couple) full of amazing memories. Little by little I'll share some with you all so that you can understand the importance of studying abroad, especially while pursuing your major.

In VPA things are brighter and funkier than ever, we just underwent a re-branding process which in turn lead to an amazing new website... you should check it out http://vpa.syr.edu  .  As for the courses, still very intriguing and engaging. This semester I have two classes in VPA; Introduction to Art Video and Interviewing. Both classes have amazing resources and benefits, so I am looking forward to learning a lot.

Hope all is well with everyone, and keep on reading.... BECAUSE... I will keep on posting!

SImply,
Terrance