This is Our Final Goodbyes

1. Why did you take the class?

Back in 2013, I was more interested in the animation portion of the Digital Media class. I wanted to draw and make things move and that was really it. Some time during the middle of the 2013-2014 school year, I came to realize that there was much more to animating than simply drawing and making things move. There had to be a cinematic element to my visual performances, an element that I could learn in Video Production. I learned about lighting elements, video techniques, and in a lot of ways, teamwork. I learned that I could ask for help making films. I learned that it's okay to work with friends. Even after the year is over, I can take this lesson with me wherever I go.

2. In general, what did you like most about the class?

I liked the community element that came with the class in addition to the deadline driven curriculum. Everything and everyone feels like they matter. I credit that to the small class size though. The deadlines really helped me stay on task and even though it was stressful sometimes, it prepared me for the future of my desired field.

3. In general, what did you like least about the class?

If anything, I disliked the stress of the course, but that couldn't be helped. In this field, deadlines are the be all end all (in my opinion).

4. What was your most favorite project and why?

My favorite project was probably the final project. Not only was it fun to shoot, it also lead to a gold mine of jokes and puns that I will likely remember for a long time i.e. Count Swagula, "he pooped himself" (when Brian exploded in my film), the skeleton hand sticking out from under the sheet, accidental/purposeful butt touches (Derek, I'm looking at you. What did Brian do to deserve that?), and the infamous swag walk.

5. What was your least favorite project and way?

Without a doubt, it was the documentary project. In my opinion, I didn't really feel prepared for that large of a project. I think I would have done so much better if it was saved for later in the year. To date, I think it was my worst project of the year.

6. Discuss the overall effectiveness of the instructor (for example: preparation, availability, interest, content, knowledge, expectations, ect.).

Just like last year, I thought that the instructor did a fine job of teaching us what we needed to know. Whenever I had a question, I was able to contact them and work out my issue. In addition to a teacher, they were also a mentor, defined by Dictionary.com as "an influential senior sponsor or supporter" and "a wise and trusted teacher."

7. What are the most valuable things you learned in this class?

The most valuable things I learned this year were probably teamwork, lighting elements, and the importance of audio (even if I'm not the best with audio work yet).

8. Do you feel that this class will help you achieve your future academic or career goals? How or why (or why not)?

This class will definitely help me achieve my academic goals and likely my future career goals as well. In college I will have a head start because I already have experience animating and that will probably help me into the workforce as well.

9. How could this class be improved?

As stated below question number five, I think that the documentary project was too big of a project too soon. I think that something of shorter length would be a better fit for that spot instead.

10: Additional comments:

I'm truly going to miss this class when I have to leave. I've made a lot of positive memories here and I'm proud to have represented the Digital Media class both years at New York State competition. I hope that some day I will get to return as a guest speaker or something just to share my knowledge and experiences with the "next generation" of this class. I wish only the best for everyone's futures and I want to thank each one of you for making this experience so worthwhile. I'll never forget you guys.