My first encounters of computers were when I was in elementary school. Doing math and spelling problems were my first impressions a computer and those were the only things I thought computers could do.

The computer became even more prominent in high school as a learning tool. The old methods of dissecting animals and insects in biology were something to laugh about as I dissected a grasshopper and frog on a computer in 10th grade. I was tutored in Course 1 and 2 with a software disk and even brushed up on my SAT skills over the internet. Art class was something I wanted to go to instead of dreaded as we learned how to distort and create new art work out of photographs on computers

When I was entering Niagara University I got my first computer, a Gateway laptop for college. This graduation gift was purchased by my parents as primarily an asset to my education. When I went to summer orientation for NU I received a student number and a university email account. Over the past three and a half years this email account has been one of the largest communication tools I have come to use in terms of Niagara. All of my advisory appointments have been made over email; I receive newsletters, updates and important reminders through my NU email.

Niagara University's home page and web network is something I used as a prospective student, but something I continue to use as a current student. I can access the academic calendar, social events, hours, and operations of our entire campus any time I need or want. Another online feature Niagara provides is "MyNU." This site is an all access network for students and faculty. There is a large dependency on this site because it allows students to register for classes, and look up all personal information regarding them. I can view my transcript, current courses, and my class standing from MyNU. Another university network that enables students and professors to communicate and share information is Blackboard. This site has let me view grades, course syllabus, and comments from my professors. I have found these resources useful and helpful in terms of my progress as a student.

My last two semesters at Niagara University I have been enrolled in Web Writing classes. These courses have introduced me software such as Macromedia Dreamweaver and Microsoft FrontPage. Through these programs and Adobe Photoshop I know have the knowledge and skills to make my own web pages. My current marketing and Public Relations internship and courses throughout my college career have also gotten my familiar with Microsoft Excel and Word. I can for see these tools and this knowledge as helpful instruments in heading out into the working world.