Aug 30, 2010

University of Regina

To have made it through university hasn't helped me escape the fact that it feels like back-to-school even if I don't have to go. I'm still tempted to buy school supplies and it still feels like another fresh start with the fall starting to show itself. And then with nostalgia kicking in, I remember that school was a lot better than I sometimes give it credit for.

My time at the University of Regina seemed endless for awhile, but now it just seems like a blip. In retrospect a semester was nothing. It was just long enough to get comfortable and then you were forced to change things up anyway. I still find it difficult to recreate that level of variety even with the project to project routine I have down working as an editor.

As you might have guessed (or already knew) I went to the University of Regina to take film and media production as part of a fine arts degree. It was the type of course that gave you the freedom to make a lot of creatively rewarding content and a lot of creatively stifling mistakes. I take credit for both though.

I suppose what I've taken from my time at school, is that the critique never stops you just don't get to see the grades anymore. Try to think of it as more a transition in experience and less of a golden ticket. Make friends, pay attention, don't stress about 5% in a grade, and make bold choices. I've only been out of school for a couple years now, but I can still see how putting myself out there opened a lot doors when it came time to find work.

No matter where you go to university or college, the lesson is so much bigger than what happens in the classroom. One day you'll find yourself staring at a shelf full of notebooks or a bin full of pens and you'll be happy to come up with a reason to actually use them. With the textbooks now acting as shelf decor, and my film school shorts becoming stronger examples
of what I'd like to get away from, the fact of the matter is that everything is better with a bit of a challenge . . . and my notebook just happens to be online now.

2 comments :

Anonymous said...

Inspired Single: Hot For Teacher

Angry Charlie said...

I've been thinking a lot about school lately, too - due to the time of year, of course, much like you. I agree that with it being done, new videos and edits and challenges become your classroom - vs $100 books, lengthy lectures and worries from profs that things may not be so good at home.

I think what I liked most about school was the ability to bond and work with people who had the same goal as you, creating that real team feeling. Some of the best memories of my life will be editing late at night at the school until 4AM,with it being -40 outside, than going for an icy slurpee to top it all off. It's sad to think its over but rewarding to think it may lead somewhere and in your case, is! :-)

Well, here's to the 8th anniversary of University starting, and here's to comfort knowing that no matter how old we get, we can always go back! ;-)