t's the end of an era. From 2001 to 2019, I have been set on this journey to discover and learn how this insane and massive world works from many mentors and instructors to new people who would eventually become my longtime friends. It's very much a nostalgic feeling, reminiscing on all of these fantastic experiences that I have encountered while on this journey. They have been some of the most exciting and happiest times in my life, but on the other side, the most traumatic and horrific. In turn, they have contributed toward my growth as an individual as well as furthered my success as a visionary.
Recently, I graduated from college with a Bachelors of Science degree in television and film production. A huge commitment and massive accomplishment for anyone I'm sure, but in my opinion, this path has taken me on a fascinating journey. In my blog post about my upbringing through the realm of art, I discussed how immensely imaginative and creative the art I produce could be, so one would believe that this field would be second natural to me since I have such a keen eye for the visual arts. However, in all honesty, I didn't think so at first.
I hope you realize that every day is a fresh start for you.
– Juansen Dizon, Confessions of a Wallflower (2017)
That every sunrise is a new chapter in your life waiting to be written.
TIME TO MOVE PAST THE TRICYCLE, AND ENTER THE REAL WORLD.
Prior to entering the field, I had very basic knowledge of the industry and the technical skills associating with it. I was very much inspired by two very specific internet personalities I watched in my youth. James Rofle, who played the titular character of his web, video game review series, the Angry Video Game Nerd, and Doug Walker, who played the titular web, film review series, the Nostalgia Critic. My young mind admired their work on these shows as well as the other films and shows they have created online. It inspired me to want to become someone who could create something that people would enjoy and also become inspired by.
However, as I settled in to my freshmen year of college, the truth hit me hard. That ambition would need to be pushed back as I learned a lot more goes into the work in order to create a passionate project, and cope with the immense stress that it comes with. I too had dealt with those stressful situations from time to time, whether it was overworking myself, running late on an assignment, or even meeting a project's vastly approaching deadline, I am greatly proud with myself that I was able to surpass this doubt and knowledge barrier in order to rise up to the level of many of my peers and feel such gratification from my triumphant success.
In regards to my social life at college, I remember entering with such wide-eyed fasination that I, in fact, couldn't wait to meet new people, find my career path, and become my own person, especially with no "nagging parents" to bug me. Just kidding, just kidding. I love my family. But anyway, it was kind of tough at the start since I was very timid and I was alone in a whole new world. It did soon become easier to adjust to all of the new people I met within the first few months; we were able to hang out outside of class, study, create video projects, share our thoughts and ideas, play video games, and generally get to know each other better. And I enjoyed every minute of it. Even though, it was disappointing that I had to leave my friends from high school behind, I was able to spend time with them, even if it was for a short time during breaks and holidays.
While I am extremely happy and proud of my accomplishments as a student, and as I enter the workforce, it is bittersweet. I'm almost sad that those years are over. With my time at college, I was able to grow and discover myself as my own person, meet countless of friends that will last my lifetime, and experience things that I will never forget. Yet, I move forward into my career with the film and television industry, I will definitely cherish all of the memories I had gained and feel blessed that I had the opportunity to have them. I will look at these experiences and hold them close to my heart for the rest of my life.