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Summer 2009 |
Number 2 |
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Alumni NewsDish GalBy Grace Greenhall '10 (Continued) - As a communication and philosophy major, Caitlin graduated in 2007 with an interesting and well-balanced pedigree. In terms of academics, Caitlin felt that one course, Communication Criticism with Prof. Bonnie Jefferson, helped guide her to a career in media. "Bonnie was a great mentor in general," Caitlin says. Not only did she excel in academics during her time at BC, but Caitlin remained heavily involved in extracurricular activities throughout her four years in Chestnut Hill. Her work with the newspaper, The Heights, and the undergraduate government, UGBC, served as high points in her college experience. Caitlin found her work with the UGBC programming department to be particularly rewarding. "Working on those events gave me a head's up. That was definitely a big thing that helped when I got this job." Born and raised in Holliston and Canton, Massachusetts, Caitlin knew she wanted to stay in the Boston area to pursue a career. For this reason, she secured several internships in Boston to ensure a New England-based job post-graduation. Her internship experience with the New England Cable News program "TV Diner with Billy Costa" led to a successful position today with Boston Magazine. Caitlin advised, "Interning is the number one thing I would say to do. It is important to start networking. You never know who will end up helping you out." Through connections made by interning with "TV Diner," she met her current boss, Dawn Curtis '87, who hired her as marketing coordinator at Boston Magazine. Aside from gaining references, an internship can also be crucial in teaching a student whether they desire a certain career path, according to Caitlin. "You learn the lingo, what's going on in the industry; you'll have a head's up over people who have never had a job." At Boston Magazine, Caitlin works as a jack-of-all-trades. While officially a member of the marketing team, she also assists in sales. "I get to do a lot of things that are hands-on that I might not be able to do in a national magazine." Her daily tasks include event design and support, guest list management, media kit assemblage, and ad material compilation. She also creates the added-value section at the back of each edition. "Some of my work is in the magazine which is cool." Clearly, Caitlin feels lucky to be a part of the Boston Magazine team. "I have a sense of pride in the overall product. It is a great publication and I am really proud of the company I work for." As if her engaging day job doesn't keep her busy enough, Caitlin is also known as "Dish Gal" on her Boston restaurant review blog. When she was a senior at BC, this gourmet guru served as the restaurant critic for The Heights, a fact that "comes in handy now writing my own personal blog." With weekly updates, detailed restaurant evaluations, and dining out advice, Dish Gal keeps her readers intrigued, hungry, and begging for more. "I love going out to eat, I love food. I always had the idea for a website and thought I might as well try it." Her blog has gained a significant following among foodies, a fact Caitlin truly appreciates. "I like to be able to help people out." You can read Dish Gal's reviews on Dish This! www.dishthisboston.blogspot.com
Never Stop LookingBy Lacey McKeon '09 A growing crowd surrounds the woman standing in a well-tailored blue business suit and wearing dark-rimmed glasses that perfectly frame her deep brown eyes. At first, it is easy to be intimidated by Boston news reporter Nicole Oliverio. After talking with her for just a minute, however, you realize that her vivacious personality is kind-hearted and endearing. Her gestures and big smile grab your attention instantly as she makes it a point to reach out to every student that approaches her at the Communications Career Night (held on BC's campus this spring), sharing advice and encouraging students to chase their dreams like she has. "She is awesome. Great, I really loved her and she was very nice to take the time to help me and talk about my future," said Medena Knespl '09. Oliverio graduated from BC in 2003 with a bachelor of arts degree in both communication and political science. A native of Braintree, Massachusetts, Olivierio moved back home two years ago, and is now working as a general assignment reporter for the 7NEWS team on WHDH TV (NBC). "I learned all the ins and outs of putting a story together," she said about her education at BC. Classes like Broadcast Writing and News Writing (taught by Christine Caswell '89 and Joe Bergantino, respectively, both veteran Boston TV reporters) allowed Oliverio to tackle the challenges of writing scripts. "It was helpful because my professors had real life experiences that they shared with me." Oliverio also had her own experiences, interning with WBZ News' I-Team and Fox News, and working with the Boston Herald, writing high school sports stories. "They were all great for different reasons. WBZ taught me how to do investigative in-depth research, the Herald was a real job and allowed me to get published, then Fox was really great to their interns, allowing us to go out in the field and learn all the practical work behind putting a package together," she explained. Oliverio's persistence and experience landed her at WMDN-TV in Mississippi, WCAX in Vermont, and then WINK, a station in Florida where she was both a reporter and fill-in anchor. "The smaller market is where I learned everything," Nicole said. "I wouldn't be here without starting small first." Now back in Boston, Nicole, a huge Red Sox fan, cannot be happier with where she is. "I grew up here, and I've always wanted to be a Boston news reporter." Oliverio enjoys 7NEWS and most appreciates the little stories that have the greatest effect on the community. "The best part is receiving an email after you work hard on a story simply saying 'thank you.' I think that's the best part, the people in the story who were affected and appreciated it. It feels like I'm making a small difference in the world." Oliverio has received several awards for her work from the Associated Press, including best feature and general news. Of course at the end of our conversation, Oliverio asked me how I was doing in these troubling economic times with my own job search. I was not surprised by her consideration and advice, telling me to keep going and not give up. "Never stop looking, it will come, just never stop looking," she cheered. That is Oliverio for you, a dedicated journalist who didn't stop looking herself. "To be honest, I have no regrets. This is it for me. Reporting local news in Boston was my goal," Oliverio said.
BC hosted Vision 5K June 7; Visually impaired alumnus competed
At Commencement 1998, Joe Quintanilla was among the many proud Boston College graduates. A visually impaired student, Quintanilla overcame many challanges in earning his A.B. in Communication. Enrolling in TV Studio Production and TV Field Production, Quintanilla learned to edit on linear systems. He hosted "The Community News" program on WZBC for two and a half years, and also produced, wrote and edited the "Events at BC" segment of the inaugural video newsletter for the BC Alumni Association. Perhaps even more impressive than Quintanilla's scholastic pursuits are his athletic achievements. He completed six marathons while attending BC, and was a member of the 1996 United States Paralympics team that competed in Atlanta. Quintanilla began running at 14, and hasn't stopped since. "What drove me is that I wanted to be the best runner I could be, and one of the world's best blind runners." In college, Joe received both the cross country leadership award, and the track and field coach's award. Due to his visual impairment, Joe does encounter some challenges. "Because my eyes don't allow me to run on my own, training is the biggest challenge. As all runners know, consistency is a big part of fitness. "[Sighted] guides help me train and compete; they are my eyes." Through a tether and verbal cues, Quintanilla receives the information needed to run safely, allowing him to focus on training hard and pushing himself. Quintanilla found BC to be extremely supportive of its visually impaired students. The O'Neill Library was one of the few college libraries which featured a section dedicated to providing adaptive equipment for the blind. And Quintanilla was able to excel in his studies through the use of a brailler, scanning machines, and JAWS - "Job Access with Speech" - software that enables visually impaired users to proficiently utilize computers. Also, the disability office was always eager to find readers for Quintanilla and his blind classmates, and it was clear from the beginning that BC had expertise in addressing its student population's various needs. Today, Quintanilla is employed at the Carroll Center for the Blind, which offers blind and visually impaired people of all ages a wide variety of training, support and activities designed to help them achieve self-sufficiency and personal fulfillment. As its director of development, he works with the president and the board of directors to raise funds in support of the Carroll Center's wide variety of programs. From independent living programs that teach cooking, self-care and the use of a cane, to computer programs designed to empower individuals through the use of technology, the Carroll Center ensures that the visually impaired are armed with the skills necessary to confidently and independently navigate the (visual) world. Each year, the Carroll Center and three other local organizations sponsor the Vision 5K, a run and walk established to raise funds for programs such as those available through the Carroll Center. Athletes from around the world come to compete in the event. And to date, the Vision 5K has generated more than a million dollars to fund programs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. As the Vision 5K's founder, Quintanilla is very excited that BC will be hosting the event this year. "It's great to be returning to campus. BC is not only a beautiful location, but also a great match because of the school's continued commitment to support students with disabilities, and also bring the community together. I believe that my academic and athletic accomplishments at BC paved the way for my vocational success." Showcasing the athletic abilities of the blind and visually impaired, the Vision 5K also demonstrates a very important life lesson: that with the proper tools and assistance, these individuals can be successful in all facets of life. Adds Quintanilla: "I am proud to be back on campus to host such an important event." BC's support of the Vision 5K further underscores one of its highest priorities: remaining active in the community. And Quintanilla was thrilled to compete once again, this time at his alma mater. Please
visit www.carroll.org
for more information on the Carroll Center for the Blind. |
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