It all started with My First Filming Sequence (EVER!)

Creating that first sequence was so much fun and I knew from that moment this is something I wanted to pursue.

I always had a thing for editing. In high school, it was always a hobby of mine to splice random clips together (Lana Del Rey’s ‘Video Games‘ was my inspiration). Everyone always said I was good at it, but being my own biggest critic, I ignored the praise.

I signed up for Video Production I as a Communications major who was just looking to fulfill a requirement. Little did I know I would discover just how passionate I am about this craft. I looked forward to class every time because it pushed me to be a hard worker and taught me professionalism in a realistic work setting.

Every class I felt I was getting better and better. Simple sequences became sequences with interviews and eventually I felt prepared to complete a full news package.

Going along with my chosen beat ‘DemonFest: Forging the Fire’, I came up with an idea. I would film extra footage and extra interviews and create a separate docuseries on the topic. This series came to be called Radio University. I worked diligently on this side project and, after completing the pilot, created and released the first trailer on March 13. The day after the trailer was released, the campus shut down.

Classes were temporarily suspended, social distancing was put into effect, and KNWD, the topic of my beat and docuseries, ceased operations. I quickly went from feeling on top of the world and inspired to defeated and discouraged.

When classes officially began in an online format, circumstances prevented me from begin with them. Not only had my academic life been changed, but my home life as well. I have never been more stressed and beaten down in my life than I have been these past few months and, trust me when I say, that says a lot.

I didn’t finish strong. In many ways, I fell behind on my intricately calculated academic career. But believe me when I say, when this is all over and school operations resume, I have full confidence that I will bounce back and I will work harder than I’ve ever worked before. I will continue my vision for Radio University and I will graduate on time. Quote me.

Despite the turbulence, I am grateful for this class. It has taught me so much, not just about video editing, but about myself as well.