Passing Through a Prism

It is the midway point of the semester and as I write this I am reminded of Doogie Howser inputting his journal into his archaic computer. I am going to take this week's open-ended blog assignment to reflect on my current status within the class. The past couple of years of my life has taught me that to stimuate growth one must remove themselves from familiarities and implant themself outside of their comfort zone. Forced adaptation to new environments, situations, and circumstances allows a person to see the components of who they are. Like light passing through a prism it becomes seperated and segmented into individual colors that make up the whole of white light. Similarly, I have placed myself in a situation that has allowed for me to break into identifiable portions of myself to be able to analyze which may need work or strengthening.

This Media Arts course has placed me within a group of individuals who are all familiar with one another's work, personalities, and quirks. As an outsider I began by simply observing and attempting to translate the language used within this microculture of Art graduate students. It has been interesting, confusing, and hilarious all at the same time. I have realized that I am not in competition with anyone in the course, which was a huge relief.

The goals I have set for myself differ from everyone in the class and I appreciate the insight and guidance provided when discussing my project. My project, a video production created entirely by myself, has allowed for me to realize where my deficiencies lie within the production process. I not only am learning how to edit footage on my own, but I have placed additional constraints upon the filming process: using basic equipment and software.

Prior to this course I only had experience with cinematography, but this course has essentially forced me to learn how to "do it yourself." A skill I am excited to have, and plan to use for the reciprocal gift to the village I will be staying with this summer. Had I not taken this course I would be learning how to edit while conducting my research, placing additional difficulties upon the film making process. I may not be able to provide an HD National Geographic-esque visual experience, but what I will be able to offer will be something useful that can potentially become beneficial to their sustainable tourism business.

Not only has this course shown me where I need improvement, it has allowed me to make improvements. Classroom discussions have also brought many new resources to my attention. The COS.com website has opened a Pandora's Box of possibilities for funding sources and I have shared this valuable resource with my cohort. Hopefully upon completion of this course, having improved segments of myself, I can reassemble and fuse together a light that can make the future a little brighter.