Communication
Visual and audio media content takes a lot of effort and great execution therefore knowing how to create it and dismantle it can be a hassle. In some of my favorite media courses, I've learned that communication with others is necessary but so is communication with oneself. Meaning, I have to know what it is that truly sets my mind free and lights a fire in me because that type of passion can only bring organic projects and amazing outcomes. I've done so through blog posts and youtube videos which I am proud of.
Critical Problem Solving
When solving a problem a stubborn mind is of no use, so I try to be as open-minded as possible. This helps get a better understanding of all sides no matter the situation. Not giving my opinion until I feel I've gathered enough information has been very beneficial. For action to be taken properly I think whatever the solution is it should not favor one side over another unless necessary. Instead, the goal should be to opt for a double-ended resolution to benefit both sides as much as possible.
Collaboration
In a communications course I had I learned to work with others as a group member and not as I, the leader and them, the followers. I notice that I tend to be the person in charge because I like to know things are moving along and being done correctly. Through this very project-oriented class I have learned to restrain myself from doing all the work or pitching all the ideas. I instead let others speak and show their creative sides as well while adding suggestions or encouraging others' ideas.
Culture
Not all media is viewed through the same lens and appropriate in all countries. Just because something is popular and accepted in the United States does not mean it is going to be positively received elsewhere. The media content may violate people's ideas and beliefs and be viewed as vulgar and indecent. My time at A&M allowed for my exposure to many cultures. Cultures that not only amazed me but also shifted my perspective.
Competencies
One of my greatest teachers and influences on my perspectives of academia and life is a past professor of mine. I won't name him for privacy reasons but I will share how he impacted me. Many of us are used to the to-do list mindset or are always set to check off all the boxes in a rubric like I once was. The day I never thought would come had arrived and this professor of mine assigned projects and exams in a media class without a rubric or a to-do list. This set off my anxiety and cookie-cutter brain. I remember panicking then being cool about it because I thought it'd be easy. Oh, boy was I wrong. What he made clear to teach us that was not on a rubric or to-do list was the notion to "take your passion, something you love, take your heart and put the two together to make something beautiful and entirely you". These are words and a mindset I now live by. What I know now that I didn't then was that the world's greatest works are the ones we avoid or set aside. When in fact those same ideas and niches are what will set us apart from everyone including the "algorithm". Allowing us to create true organic art and content because we want to not because we feel like we need to or because it's what we should do. Through the teachings of this professor, I learned to take the skills I have and what is truly my passion and make something beautiful. Because it is different and weird which is something to be proud of and should be shared. His lectures were the most eye-opening as he allowed room for error and "stupid" ideas because sometimes those foolish ideas others think are a waste of time might just be one's greatest breakthrough and advantage.
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Thank you professor J.L.
