About Me

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Ashley Connor is the name. Freelance writing is my game. I have a bachelors degree in Journalism from Clarion University of Pennsylvania |S/O CU c/o 2009| -- It's now 2014 and my life has truly taken it's own path. I've learned through everything you can't always plan your next move but whatever the move is make it your best. In this day and age it's all too often we focus on what's "Hot" instead of what has been, what is and what will be. I have a lot of projects I am currently working on and while I continue to make my way I always have this blog, a place to keep me grounded in the woman I am continuously working to be. I was here.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

A new chapter: Faith

It has been forever!! I'm slowly but surely getting back to the things that are important to me. I don't treat this blog as a diary so when I don't have anything of substance to say I do a lot of self evaluation and really taking a look at my self, where I'm at, what am I doing and where is my current situation going to get me. In less than a week I will be making a big change in my life. My last day at WPXI-TV will be February, 27th, 2013. It's a bitter-sweet decision for me because after two years and seven months of giving my all to this station I am walking away with the faith that God has something bigger for me.

On the "job tip" I will be entering corporate america to make my bread and butter and focus on ME. During hard economic times like now it's important to build a strong financial foundation and working the way I have been since graduating college can only last but so long. I dream of the day I can enjoy the fruits of my labor. So just like the old saying, I need to work smarter, not harder. I have a project that I am working on with a few friends of mine with similar passions as me. It is going to be my baby. I don't want to give a lot of it away but what I will say is it will involve myself, 3 other beautiful young women, and content for television that I truly believe many will be able to enjoy and take something from.

The steps I will be taking after I leave the station would not be possible if it weren't for the lessons I learned over the last three years. I am stepping out on faith because I have so much of it. I know what I am capable of doing and adding that with other women just as hard working and passionate as myself is a recipe for success.

This past month has been a whirlwind of emotions for me. The thought of being scared of the unknown or being afraid of what doors I will open keeps me awake at night more often than not. Those powerful moments that keep me awake, scare me. The idea of really following my dreams even if I fail scares me. Knowing that I will have others not want to see me succeed scares me. Having to fight even harder to make my dreams a reality scares me. Depending on myself to complete the task I set for myself scares me. Letting what scares me stop me, scares me. It's that human quality of having fear that makes me want to try and try again letting go of each fear one by one as I cross of my checklist of task to accomplish. I have had a lot of NO's but when I was given the opportunity to tell myself YES it was a rejuvenating feeling.

I feel like I am the product of the dreams of so many people who have had an impact in my life.  Now, it is time for me to put mine into action. Sharing the accomplishments of my goals with people who want to be a part of them. I am a part in the dreams of Ms. Mary Ellen (Miss Pre-Teen Pittsburgh), Coach Dawn (City All Stars), Jean Bryant (Miss Black Teenage), Chris Moore (PBMF FBUJW), Donna Lowry (WXIA-TV Kids & Schools reporter). Each of those people have made such a huge impact in my life and I want to be able to play a part in society as they have. The saying, "It takes a village to raise a child" holds so true to me. I wouldn't be the woman I am today without the influence those people have made in my life. They each had a dream and executed those dreams and I fortunately was able to experience the benefits of their dreams to get me where I am today.

I know I may not be the most liked. I know I am often misunderstood. What I want everyone to know that I am genuine and I always have good intent. Hate me or love me I'll always be me.

I am blessed. I am determined. I am human and I have faith. My success depends on me and with my drive determination and trust in the Lord I can't wait to see where this next chapter takes me.







Friday, September 7, 2012

VOTE!

Well, it has been a long time since I've logged on to this blog. I felt it was very appropriate for me to finally post something before I have one of those milestone Birthday's pass. In a week I will be 25 years old. I can't believe it. More than ever now I have such a strong sense of self and what I want out of life. It's been a trying past six months but as I always say, "Giving up isn't an option."

Well what do I want to talk about? This upcoming presidential election. After watching the Republicans and the Democrats national conventions I couldn't be more ready to for one, get my on camera career on the move. It's clear to me that politics are my thing. I am more than interested in them and I hate that so many aren't aware of what is going on.Secondly, I want to make a difference in how my community views our government and how we can make things work for us. We all know there are lies and stretched truths that come from both sides. What is important is that people hear both sides and make the best decision for yourself and CHECK THE FACTS! They are out there!

We aren't too far away from the times when the only people who could vote were white men. Many of us still have our grandparents who witnessed times like that. What I want to address is the people who chose to not vote. My question for you is, why not? So many people have fought and/or died for this right that truly does make a difference. Have you ever thought that you don't see results that positively effect you because you don't vote? The people who are catered to are the majority of who votes. Of course you have the people with BIG money but that is only 1% of the population. The government does what we LET them do. It's clear and simple. They make it so confusing so YOU don't get involved.

When thinking about what I wanted to write in this blog on politics I wanted to make sure that I gave a non-bias thought on voting. Your choice, is your choice but either way you need to make one. Money makes the world go 'round and where is our money? In the hands of some politician. (No, not literally but in my opinion technically.) You see those deductions on your pay stub every payday! Whether you vote or not they WILL take your money and use it how they please. So why not take a stand on how that is used. We won't be afforded some of the things that our grandparents had the opportunity to take care of. Retirement for our generation is a long time away. God willing we make it to that point. Changes being made about your life and what you can do with it are made by people who will never come to you and ask, "Does this work for you?" So how do you let them know if it works? Vote them IN or OUT of office!! Again, these people are there because WE put them there.

For me, voting is very important. I have voted in every election since I turned 18. Yes, every year I am in some voter booth casting my vote!! The local politics are even more important because that effects you directly. The president has a small impact on your immediate life. We normally don't feel those decisions until months, even years after changes are made.

So, overall, I just want you to know that your vote is important! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get out and vote November 6th!! Get your PHOTO ID! You have TWO DISTINCT DIFFERENCES TO DECIDE ON! Take your pick!

Friday, March 30, 2012

True Feelings in 2012

Over the past month I feel like I have looked at things in the world a lot differently. I see how divided our country is, a place that is suppose to be the land of the free, the equal  and people living The AMERICAN DREAM.

I believe in me and what I stand for. I was blessed with a very outspoken personality and I will never be ashamed of it. That saying, "If you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything" is really ringing a lot of bells for me. We'll never live in a world where everyone will like one another or agree on every matter we come across. I ranted in February about Black History month and where I feel my culture is going and the issues I have with the way people are so I will not dwell on that anymore. I said it and all I can do is pray and actively make a difference with things I see going wrong. I am only one person but I know I make a difference to people I deal with in my life.

I have a passion for working with teenagers but it isn't something I want to do as a career. I like to be a mentor and a support system to those around me. No, I'm not rich I can't financially help people but what I am is an honest and genuine person. I want the best for anyone I know. I am the biggest cheerleader for all who are near to me, it just comes naturally ;-)

It saddens me to see how quick people can be to put others down, especially when they are acting in their best interest. We live in a world where we are too quick to judge people, especially someone we don't know, in my opinion your only slighting yourself.

Respect is another thing that has gone out the window. I come in contact with people that I know have no respect for the people around them, it disgusts me, I had to learn how to deal with that. How? I act like they don't exist. If I don't exist, neither do you. I keep my mouth shut, I pray they keep theirs shut and we keep it moving.

I guess this is the part of me saying I have tough skin. Yes I cry, I am the biggest crybaby! My older brother has told me that for as long as I remember. I don't mind, though. Once my tears have been shed I feel like a weight is lifted off me. It is my way of coping with anger, fear, pain and sometimes happiness.

Currently, our country is currently debating over the killing of Trayvon Martin. I have expressed my opinions numerous times and they still remain the same. All I want to say in this situation is there is wrong and there is right. There are 3 sides to every story and in this case we will only hear one becasue the other person can no longer speak for themself and there are no witnesses to tell the truth. There is video out of George Zimmerman after the "altercation" he says he had with Martin, looking as if nothing was wrong. No blood, no ripped shirt, no broken nose... I can go on. Things like this happen way too much and there has to come a time when injustices like this stop. That city is crying for help because Trayvon Martin isn't the first and unfortunately he won't be the last. Don't fight for race, fight for equality. I already know what it is, I don't need anyone to tell me differently. My eyes and ears are open! 

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Going With the Flow :-)

So lately I have been getting to my blogs at the end of the month. Thank goodness for the leap year becasue I have an extra day to get something up here this month.

Sooo whats new!? Not too much... as I tell everyone else same 'ol ish, just a different day. BUT things are GREAT! I have learned to realize things will never go as planned, no matter how much I try. I take things day by day and being happy with where I am at, at the moment is all I need. I can't worry about the days that haven't come.

My freelance writing has really been taking off. My editor has been throwing me stories every chance she gets. I have always wanted to pursue being a freelance writer along with being a journalist and I am proud to have started that part of my career. It keeps me positive and I feel good about the work that I do. I'll have to post links to my stories on here once they are published. Everything is about community and the positives things going on in the Western Pennsylvania region.

In other news:

My job search is still ongoing {BLAH}. Yea I'm so over it but giving up like I always say is JUST NOT AN OPTION!!! I know God has something in the works for me and it really sucks being on the side of not knowing. I seriously think I give God a show with my anticipation. I know he laughs at me... I can say the darndest things lol. He is making me stronger, though it seems like the finish line is so far away. I see the light but it's still in the distance. When I need it I always have my Angels on earth. The write words, text, email, or phone call always seems to make its way to me right when I need it. Because He is always on time :-) I heard some news that I didn't want to hear but I took it with a grain of salt. Knowing it wasn't me or anything I did for the outcome that came to be helped me get through the news. I know the things that are happening for me are for a reason. The day I find out, I swear I'm going to do cartwheels everywhere I go!


Switching gears - (In my broadcaster voice) LoL

It's Pisces season!!! Let me tell you I LOVE me a Pisces. Some of the closest people to me are Pisces! They know who they are ;-) Happy Birthday to you all, I LOVE LOVE LOVE you soooo much. Thanks for being you XOXO (Dontae, Alicia, Shantell, Sydni G., & Ambuler)




February - Black History Month ( Yea I had to say something about it)

You know, I like to watch TV during Black History Month. There is always a good PBS documentary on or some show discussing Black History and it always amazes me how ignorant our society can be today.

So many people fought for our rights to have a voice and be proud of who we are as a race and so many people take those rights for granted. Of course something like jail or even death can take all of those rights away but it shouldn't have to come to that. It's clear we are an intelligent group of people and I hope to one day be able to make a big impact in the world because I feel we need to do better.

I had a conversation with one of my favorite Pisces friends (Alicia) and she was telling me about her marketing company, Pure Ambition, and why she wanted to start something up like this. One things she shared was how we were fortunate to grow up and have women who look just like us to impact our lives in such a major way. Unfortunately things like that aren't available to the youth anymore.

The saying, "It takes a village to raise a child," is so true to me. I was blessed to have parents keep me grounded along with men and women who helped to support me as I became a woman. At some point we have to get back to that. I just hope it is sooner than later.



So this was one of my random blogs. I don't really have a purpose or one idea I am trying to get across except, I'm going with the flow and do what make you happy. My immediate needs are always met because I serve an amazing God.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Happy New Year... What a month!

Well for starters can I say January has been quite a month!? Mostly good things ;-)

I hope to finally get that start on-air in the TV business that I have been working towards. My new resume reel is finished and all I need now is that opportunity to expand on my desire of being a journalist. Here is the YouTube Link:

Ashley Connor 2012 Reel

I'm truly proud of the product that I delivered on my new reel. One thing I do not like to do is brag, I like my work to speak for itself. I do a lot of things on my "off" time and this is a BIG reason why I am always so busy. Since none of my jobs involve me working on this part of my career I have to do it on my own time. It know it will all pay off one day. I did get the opportunity of having my first interview at a TV station about a week ago for Reporter/Producer job. I will say it went well and no matter what the outcome is I know I made an impression, it's up to God now if he feels that is where I should get my start. In the mean time I'll leave it all up to him.

I also received an email from my editor for the magazine I freelance for and she commended me on the improvement in my writing from when I started in September. It helped me realize the time I put in to perfect my craft is working. I take pride in the things that I do and I never want it to seem like I am "half assing" with my work.

Another great thing this month was being able to see my cousin, Donna. She is a reporter in Atlanta, GA and also one of the reason I want to pursue this career as a journalist. I look up to her so much and it's a blessing to have someone in this business that I know will be honest with me. She tells me things I may not want to hear but need to hear and keeps me on my toes. I haven't seen her in a couple of years so it was nice that we were able to see each other for a brief moment. It's motivation when someone who has had a career like Donna continues to encourage me and lets me know I can do this.

I've been told a number of times by my friends and family that 2012 is going to be my year. To me it is very cliche but those words I will say help me stay focused on my goal. I pray that 2012 will be a life changing year for me and although I know every moment won't bring a smile to my face it will add to the seasoned woman that I am. My trials and tribulations are not over and my pursuit to being a journalist is still underway. I welcome everything that this new year has to offer me. What I will do is stay encouraged.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

My Journey: Goodbye 2011 >>>> Hello 2012

My Journey: Goodbye 2011 >>>> Hello 2012: Out with the old and in with the new! That seems to be the general mindset of most when a new year is upon us. Hence my urge to give my blog...

Goodbye 2011 >>>> Hello 2012

Out with the old and in with the new! That seems to be the general mindset of most when a new year is upon us. Hence my urge to give my blog a face lift. It works with my theme for this blog, "Out with the Old in with the NEW!" The last design wasn't me... so I fixed it! It is a work in progress but the look now is DEFINITELY more ME :-)

So..... how should I start this one? Of course! I have to reflect on this past year! I started this blog in March of this year and I must say it was ONE of my best decisions in 2011. I was able to show a different side of myself to those around me. The responses that I get from my blog are wonderful, I truly appreciate all of the words of encouragement. So first and foremost I thank whoever you are reading this right now. Your support is never unnoticed and little do you know when life gets hard I think of people like you, encouraging me to keep striving. I like to consider myself a pretty independent woman but I wouldn't be anything without God, my family and friends supporting me every step of the way. I couldn't thank you enough!

When I take the time to realize the wisdom I have gained this year alone, it amazes me! I'm nowhere near the Ashley I was a year ago and to anticipate the new lessons that 2012 will bring only makes me more eager to live life. I appreciate the good and bad in life because of the lesson(s) learned; it is a great aspect to living life. I'm only 24 and I am so sure of myself and what I want to do that I have a hard time being patient.

2011 has been a whirlwind! Filled with ups and downs, certainly the ups outweigh the downs. I gained new friends and let go of some of the old. I learned more than likely things will NOT go as planned and to only focus on the things I have control over. I gained a new outlook on perception and reality because there IS a BIG difference (That statement STILL hits me like I never heard it before). I also learned that I can't force things to happen, as much as I may try to move on something if it is not in God's plan there is nothing I can do but have patience and let time take its course. I have come a long way and I know I still have a ways to go, I'm on the right path though.

As we bring in 2012 I just want to say no matter what you do in your life at the end of the day YOU are your number one priority (unless you have a kid). Every decision you make has a consequence and whatever the consequence make sure you can handle it and you can look yourself in the mirror afterwards. If it doesn't feel right DO NOT DO IT! Be happy, Be healthy and BE YOU! Happy New Years!