S U R F I N G INDEPENDENT PROJECT O N E F I N A L R E F L E C T I O N As we've been introduced to our film unit there is some reflection that needs to be done regarding the video. In film, there is a very important idea that you should always keep in mind: "Even if you don't intend for something to have an effect, it always has." Watching the video several times has allowed me to identify some things that worked and others that I would have done differently. There are some reasons why I chose the setting, the colors, and the lightning. Because this was a reflection I wanted to make it relaxed and informal that's why I chose a green space, making it more friendly and less intimidating. Throughout the video, I usually play with the grass, which gives an authentic touch, in other words it makes it more interactive and improvised. I believe that the video works for the intended message I had in mind; however, next time I should change the tone of my voice especially when I'm sharing exciting anecdotes. Also, there are some parts where I look down or to the side, giving less attention to the watcher which might transmit a wrong effect, being nervous. Yet, as a whole, I believe that the video is well done and the effect I tried to accomplish was successful.
0 Comments
that called my attention before selecting a career: BABSON. Not even knowing what careers they offered, I found BABSON an impressive college. I was amazed by their programs, opportunities, diversity, campus, and the organization itself. Some highlights about this college were:
Having my last surfing lessons was VERY SAD; I'm going to miss it. I never thought that an activity outside a classroom would be so beneficial for my learning. This independent project not only allowed me to learn how to surf and improve my technique, but it also gave me the chance to understand myself, and actually analyze my learning pace and how I learn better. More than a project, I've considered this one month as an experience and one full of positive thoughts. Getting closer to the end of the month, I need to mention that this last week was the most successful. While surfing I didn't miss a wave, not even falling down when I stood up. I lost that feeling of fear with big waves, which was a plus, because I surfed all possible waves with as much adrenaline as I could. Finally, I noticed that I could deal with accidents with no need of the instructor, because I got to know surfing and myself better. "It's all about where your mind's at" Kelly Slater
negative, just because of being stressed, bored, and sleepy. But those days where I was happy, excited, wanting to learn, where the best and the ones worth remembering. I learned that when doing outdoor activities, specially surfing, it's better to learn by yourself once you understand the basics. Because this is a
♒ ♒ ♒ ♒ ♒ ♒ ♒ ♒ ♒ ♒ ♒ ♒ ♒ ♒ ♒ ♒ A quick anecdote about the last lesson: I was about to surf a wave. As I got prepared in my board, I looked forward and there was a man right in front of me and his board was facing horizontally. I tried to move, but there was nothing to do, the strength of the wave pushed me forward and as I advanced I started yelling: "move, be carful", but nothing changed. Three seconds later, the man was still there, my board went over his back and I felt how the fins and the tail hit his head; I was terrified. I didn't fall, and the wave kept on pushing me forward, but the only thought I had in my mind was: is he going to be okay?. As soon as I felt down I paddled back to the man and I asked if everything was fine, luckily he was okay. It was a shocking moment when I knew something was going to happen but I could do nothing about it. INDEPENDENT PROJECT
S U M M E R 2 0 1 4 ✌ NOTICING MY *I M P R O V E M E N T* As weeks have gone by, I've noticed a really important improvement after practice. It all narrows down to one big and impressive idea, SURFING ALONE. A week before, I was not able to surf alone; I needed the teacher to push my board in order to get to the wave on time. In other words, I was not capable of using my arms to paddle, which was a huge disadvantage. Since I surf at a public beach, there are many people that wait for waves to come such as I do. Because of this, It is extremely important to be sure what you will be doing, and when you will be surfing, because people might be behind you and if you are confused it may cause a huge accident. In fact, if you don't analyze the shape of the waves and where they are starting to break down, you lose a great opportunity of surfing. Here at "La Isla" there are two types of waves: complete waves (when you surf them, at the beginning they are like a slide so you move down with the strength of the ocean), and waves that are breaking down (this waves already lost the elevation point, they are the bubbly water left, yet they still have a lot of strength). In my case, I prefer the waves that are already broken down, because you have a smaller risk of falling down when trying to stand up, which is important when you are learning. A highlight from this week, has been the ability of learning by my own. Before, I needed the support of my teacher to understand how to improve my technique, when to stand up, and even what wave to surf. However, over time, I've noticed that all this small details in order to improve my skills where gained by practice. Because I attended as many classes as I could and I was excited about learning, I understood how to surf by my own. This week there were several events that showed me how I had been developing and getting better. First of all, I've learned how to read waves. During the first lessons I usually told my teacher to send me in every wave that was approaching; it was a big error. This week I've been able to detect what waves will form better than others, and that is a big advantage for many surfers. Also, while surfing I've been able to stand up really fast and move side to side, change my position in the board, and stay stable while surfing, even if trying to do any tricks. Finally, I've got the chance to surf about 8 waves in one hour and a half which is a lot in my opinion. I was able to do this, because now that I'm confident about myself I'm not scared of surfing bigger waves; so when I see a wave coming I paddle with my arms as fast as I can and as a result I surf the wave
"The best surfer out there
is the one having the most fun" Phil Edwards As I've continued to invest time in research for possible careers and colleges, industrial engineering and marketing (in relation to science) are the ones that have caught my interest. Internet is a great tool for research, they offer almost everything you need in order to have enough detail about the topic you are investigating. However, when it comes to this specific topic, there are other tools apart from yourself and the computer; I'm talking about NETWORKING. Over time I've found out that one of the best ways to learn is through PEOPLE. From past experience I've noticed that a simple email can start up a long-lasting relationship. Because I consider myself to be unexperienced about this topic, the best way to acquire information is by having connections. Probably the best networking you could make is by talking directly to a student from the specific career or even a student from your desired university. My knowledge about certain careers is minimum, and before even starting to send emails to students that study the career in the university I like, I talked to my dad, an ex graduate of industrial engineering. After a long conversation about a career that I've taken into consideration I found a variety of important facts from a reliable source. It is important to highlight that industrial engineering is a thoughtful and complete
Having the chance to speak to my dad, has opened the doors to a new possible career. Now that I know more a less what industrial engineering is about, I've had the chance to research up some of the best universities that offer an innovative program for this career. Before, I was sure that if I studied industrial engineering "La Universidad de Lima" would be my top choice, but now, I've found some universities which have motivate me to change my thoughts. Now, I have an open mind about studying in another country, that makes me happy.
MIT's Biological Engineering program: Through the research I did, I've noticed that RESEARCH COMES FROM RESEARCH. At first I was just interested in looking up the career of industrial engineering, but once I started searching for universities, my interest took me to another career, biological engineering. It's very important to have an open mind when it comes to your future. Instead of having reserved thoughts, you should open doors for new ideas. Now, I'm excited about the careers that I've chosen over the last few weeks after doing research, but it's time to start narrowing down my thought's. After all I need to select at least the field that most engages me.
It's not as easy as it seems to surf a HUGE wave. You see people surfing PIPELINE; but would you actually go into the water and surf a 5-meter wave? I personally wont. As a watcher, everything might seem easy and simple, but once you put your wetsuit on, and get your board, that sensation of calmness flips around. As the week went by, the ocean grew, and the waves where gigantic. It's that moment, where the feeling of "fun" transformed into "fear" but there was nothing I could do, JUST LEARN. ITS A NEW EXPERIENCE, YOU DISCOVER.
HE WAS RIGHT. Because I had practiced in smaller waves, next class I was able to improve my performance in bigger waves. It was very exciting to notice my development from one class to another, and actually put my learning into practice. I not only stood up in every wave, but I applied my past knowledge every time I surfed. I'm proud about myself because I surfed my "dreamed wave" . The wave I chose to surf by my own was priceless. Instead of standing up in the board and going straight forward, I did some up and down movements, I went from one side to the other, and most importantly I achieved my goal: getting to the strongest point of the wave. It was an exciting moment and an amazing experience to share. |
Barbara AveggioCurrently a Junior at the American School of Lima. "The essential part of creativity is not being afraid to fail" Archives
June 2015
Categories |