So excited because it’s spring break! This break kind of snuck up on me, but in the best way possible because I am so ready for it. Time to take a deep breath, slow down from the busyness and craziness of college, and chill. I can’t believe I’ve almost finished my first year at UNW, in some ways it feels like it just started.
College has been a lot of fun. It’s been full of new beginnings, exciting adventures, and a time of growth. God has taught me a lot about myself in the past semester and a half at college than I have ever thought possible. It has been quite the journey as I have built new friendships, found more about how I’m wired, discovered more of my passions, strengthened my skills, expanded my interests, tried new things, grown in my faith, and so much more. I am so blessed to attend a school that’s daily primary focus is to bring God glory and praise.
I have loved studying in a department with professors who truly care about their students and are excited to see them succeed. I have learned so much from my professors already and through their guidance have been able to see more glimpses into the path and plan God has in store for my life.
At UNW I’m currently studying Electronic Media Communications with an emphasis on Multimedia Journalism. I am also learning more about radio, audio production, film, and video production. I spend most of my time writing for the college paper, working on video production projects, and in the studios at Northwestern working on audio productions. My major at school is so creative, artsy, and hands-on. I love it.
It’s been so fun to write and take photos for the college paper The Examiner and work with the college radio station The Remnant. I have met some pretty awesome people in my department and have made some great friends.
For the college paper this past semester I have been writing for the Lifestyle section. It has been fun to explore new places and then write about my adventures for the paper. One of my favorite places that I checked out was Trapped Puzzle Rooms, which was super cool.
Last semester I took a photojournalism workshop. I learned more about the art of photography and how to tell stories with my photos. I came to UNW with a huge love for photography but can definitely say the workshop helped grow my interest in it so much more. It has been fun to take photos for the school newspaper; I’ve had so many cool opportunities to take photos of many different events taking place on campus. Some of my favorite photos I captured are from soccer games and other sporting events, class assignments, Christmas at Northwestern, and much more.
UNW Men’s Soccer
UNW Special Olympics Basketball Event
UNW Powderpuff Football
UNW Architecture Around Campus
Christmas at Northwestern 2015
UNW’s First Homecoming 5K
I have loved capturing so many different moments at UNW behind my camera lens. I have gotten to be apart of so many awesome things and have had so many great opportunities. I’s been fun to see my pictures featured in the paper, especially on the front page. It has definitely been a packed academic year full of exciting activities and many accomplishments.
I have tried a lot of new things at UNW and one of my favorites has been cheerleading. It’s fun living out a childhood dream and cheering on UNW’s talented teams. I have made some great friends and am blessed to be on a squad full of girls that are so sweet, full of joy, and have awesome contagious energy.
I have enjoyed almost everything I have been involved in this far at UNW. It’s been wild to see how much God has been with me this past semester and half. When I first started college and came to UNW I was fairly certain of what I wanted to study but it wasn’t until I actually started getting more involved in my major that I realized this is right where God wants me to be. I have learned so much more about how I am wired and the things that truly interest me from the hands-on experience I have gained through the opportunities and experiences I have had at Northwestern.
I have definitely learned to trust in God more during my time at college while I have been unsure about certain parts of my future but I am learning to take life one day at a time and surrender to God’s will knowing he ultimately has the best plans for me and will lead me on the path I need to be on. I am excited to continue to pursue my education in Electronic Media Communications and can’t wait to see where God leads me in the upcoming fall.
Psalm 32:7-8
For you are my hiding place, you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”
ashley j. chiappetta 