Biography Proposal: Carly Thorne

Carly Thorne is currently a senior at Slippery Rock University studying Public Relations, and she will be graduating in December 2015. Throughout her time in college, two colleges I might add, she has overcome multiple situations that have shaped her into who she is today. Before beginning college at Kent State, her cousin was in a fatal accident. This was her first situation with such a tragedy. A week after the death of her cousin, she found out that her mother had been diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. She continued to study at Kent State for one year, and then transferred to Slippery Rock University and got a job at Old Main as the student worker for the Assistant to the President. During this time, her mother became even more ill, with the cancer making its way through her body, and ultimately into her brain; she passed away on August 15, 2014. 
Carly has had to overcome some things that one person couldn't even image about. For this project, I will get to know Carly and allow her to tell her story about her life, and how she overcame all of these obstacles. She will be an inspiration to others in similar situations, and continue to remind people that no one fights alone.   

The Great American Smokeout- 2015

Every 3rd Thursday in November, the American Cancer Society launches an event to encourage people to quit smoking, which is known as the Great American Smokeout. Slippery Rock University hosted The Great American Smokeout on November 19, during common hour, in the commuters lounge on the second floor of the Smith Student Center. Students had a chance to walk around and see all of the information about cigarettes, chew, e-cigs, and much more. They also had the opportunity to speak with students from the HOPE Peer Educators, and ask any questions they might have. Refreshments were also provided. 

Video Proposal- The Great American Smokeout

The Great American Smokeout, being held on November 19 from 12:00-2:00 p.m., will be the event covered for the video Thinglink project. This even is newsworthy due to the fact it is all about various forms of tobacco and how there are risks and dangers associated with the usage of tobacco. It is also being held on the Slippery Rock campus and is for anyone to attend who wants to learn more about risks and dangers of tobacco use. 

At this event, I would plan to take pictures of the people in attendance, any flyers or trifolds they may have, videos of different people attending, videos of different people speaking about tobacco and usage. I also plan to interview students that attend and what their viewpoint is on the subject matter. I also plan to interview anyone who is hosting the event, such as the HOPE Peer Educators, and ask why they are hosting the event and more information about it. I can also incorporate a map, or different links to websites of tobacco companies and their locations. I can also create a map of places of the most tobacco use in the United States. 

Empty Bowls at SRU

I attended the Empty Bowls event at 5:05 p.m., that was held at the Smith Student Center all day long. The event was to help raise money for local hunger-fighting organizations, such as Feed My Sheep. 

A student signs in to receive dinner and buy their own bowl.

Participants could get dinner there, with a meal consisting of soup, bread and a drink. They could also purchase a bowl of their choosing. The event was held on the 3rd floor of the student center and had multiple tables and chairs set up for people to enjoy their meal. 

People sit and talk about their day while eating the soup and bread.

There was plenty of room for people to sit and see what it feels like to only eat soup and bread. Students get to enjoy this opportunity every year. The goal of the event is to help spread hunger awareness and raise money for local food hunger organizations. Students also volunteered to help pass out the food to those who attended the event. The bowls were provided by the university's own Potters Guild, which is an organization that creates ceramics on campus. They hand-make each individual piece, and the work with events such as Empty Bowls. They also like to be involved in the community and host open studio sessions where students on campus can see what the Potters Guild does.




Students are looking and choosing which bowl will be theirs. 

Participants were greeted with multiple tables of bowls for purchase.

Once students entered the area, they were greeted with multiple tables of bowls that they could choose from, and then take home. Every bowl had its own unique shape and design. What makes them even cooler, is that they were designed by students right here on campus. This makes them even more special, because the event got to showcase student work. 







Student David Hampshire talks about his brand new bowl.

After students perused the bowls, they were able to walk over to a buffet style of food, which were served to them by volunteers. Then after receiving their food, they were able to sit at the tables and get an experience like any other. This event was not promoting what it feels like to be full, it was letting people take an experience of being hungry. 

Student volunteers are ready to serve food to participants.

After students have finished their meal, they were welcome to just sit and chat at the tables. Both money and canned goods were acceptable in order to get dinner served to you.



Morgan Sabatini talks about her new bowl from the event.

Overall, the event was extremely interesting and humbling. I participated in the event when I was a freshman here, and it was really gratifying to see how much the event has grown. While taking these pictures and videos, there was a constant stream of people coming and going into the ballroom. These types of events speak volumes about what is really happening outside of Slippery Rock, PA. For some, bread and soup is all they get. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we should all remember and be thankful for all that we have.