Capstone: The Half Way Mark

Going into Capstone I really had no idea what to expect. I was even more confused when Mr. Weaver wanted us to apply for the Amazing Race. Funny how things always tend to work them selves out and things become clearer as you move through. The Amazing Race application was a cleaver way for us to reflect on who we are and were we have come from. Well some of us still struggle to answer the question of who we are, others have come into their own. For me it was realizing how good of a fit I am to Broadcasting. I have always been good and comfortable talking in front of people. For me it has always been a strong point of mine. Dealing with people was never a problem. Having two older brothers I socialized with older people all the time which I believed helped me mature faster then most of my friends around me. Through my four years here I learned in Broadcasting you deal and work with people everyday. I am lucky enough to come across this major when I did or else I still might be a political science major.

Anyways back to capstone. Basically we are asked to take all the skills that we have learned in the four years we have been here and apply them to a project that will in the end help us land a job. On this journey we have to pass a few hurdles too. For this semester we were given a test in video production. We were asked to shoot a news story or any kind of video demonstrating our skills to make professional videos. I was extremely nervous about this because everything in capstone is pass/fail and it’s a real scary thought. My partner and I for the Amazing Race decided to use our audition tape for our video skills test. The good news is we ended up passing and took anther step to finishing capstone.

The next step was to come up with an idea for our project. Most people seemed to know exactly what they wanted to do. Well for me, I was completely lost. I really didn’t know what I wanted to do or for that matter where to really start. I knew I wanted to do something that I would love and look forward to working on. Of course I wanted this to be fun as well. The last few weeks I have been into doing video blogs. I thought maybe I can work something like that into my project. With the wheels turning I knew I was heading in the right direction. After talking to my teacher Mr. Weaver he gave me a great idea and now I’m running with it.

For my capstone project I am bringing back the Hounds Round Up. What this will be is a weekly video blog about the New Wilmington Football team. This project will not only be fun but will also show off many of the skills I have. Every Friday home game I will be the one shooting the highlights, conducting player coaching interviews. The same night I will edit the raw tape and write scripts for a 2 to 4 minute show. Previewing next’s weeks’s game and also offer insight to the game themselves. It is my goal to have these video blogs up and running no later then Saturday at noon. I am also making it my goal to have a link put on the New Castle News web site. With the first half of capstone coming to an end I am extremely excited for the fall semester to get started on the Hounds Round Up.

Calling Out the Underclassmen!

It’s that time of year. The tress are blooming their green leaves. Flowers are spreading their paddles wide to huge the sun. And seniors are preparing to graduate. They will anchor their last County Line. DJ their last shifts on Titan Radio and take their very last final. It is now a transition period where seniors are moving on and the underclass will have to fill their rolls. With what I have been observing all year, I wonder if these juniors, sophomores, and freshmen are ready. They will be asked to take on new responsibilities, new rolls. Some will even be asked or even forced into leadership rolls as well. I can honestly say I can only count the number of underclassmen on my right hand who I feel are ready to do so. A new weight of responsibility will be pressed on their shoulders. Well, I’m calling out the underclassmen. It is time to step up! It is time to get involved! This is your time now. A new class of freshmen will arrive next year and they will be looking up to you, for help and guidance. The way I see it, you have two choices. You can drift in the shadows and go unnoticed only doing enough to get by to graduate. Or you can take the proactive choice and get involve; be the one asking questions and wanting to learn new jobs and duties. It’s like that old saying. “You can take the path that everyone follows or make your own path and leave a trail for others.” Be the one to make a name for yourself. We have had some very talented and skilled students come through this major. Many of them are graduating this year. But now its time to see what you can do with them gone. So I’m calling out the underclassmen because I want to see you guys work to your full potential. I didn’t see it this year…but I can’t wait to see what you guys can do come the fall.