My Portfolio
A self-evaluation — final post.
Throughout the course of my college career I have worked full-time, paid all of my bills, donated to charities, and maintained a 3.5 GPA. My family did not come from a wealthy upbringing — not many of our families do.
I don’t deserve a platinum award, gold, or silver either. I do not deserve a fat check for doing what I have done. All that I deserve is an A because I have done what it takes to be here.
I showed up at this establishment, the university, with no concept of ethics, writing, literature, structure, professional development, nor time management. I am not including any citations, links, or supporting evidence for this evaluation because this is me.
This is my recollection of my work. I have spent more time, and money, on this education than I have ever invested into anything else — granted, I am only 22 years young. I would not say that
I am ready.
Frankly, I am sick of churning out assignments to prove what I know. I know what I know. I know I can write a paper on a topic of choice. I know how to use production software. I know how to write for digital media, and develop a website. Honestly, right now, I am stuck having to pay for a portfolio, when I really want to use my domain for my professional — real-life website for clients to contact me.
I am working out in the field already. I have temporarily turned down video gigs to go to class. I am ready. I am hungry. I want to run out into the field and start churning out productions for clients.
I believe I have done what it takes. I almost feel like the quality of a timeline directed by fall, spring, and summer limits my ability. I know I deserve an A because I have a fire now. I have a fire that tells me to go out and work.
I want to give back. I want to develop relationships. I want to foster communication and business transactions. I have learned just the tip of the iceberg during my college career, but I think I am ready.
This semester.
In particular, I guess some would call it “senioritis,” but who is to say. I know I have been antsy. There are a lot of “I’s” in this post, but I have to say, I have done some good work, and I have done some bad, some may feel this is so, but it is a stretch for a purpose. A purpose to say that I am done. I have been taught, led, and have listened. I have something now, that I do not feel I ever would have if not had it been for university.
So Long.
Farewell traditional liberal arts establishment. I am ready. Your job has been done and I am a different person now. Money well spent. Time well spent, but sometimes maybe poorly managed. Oh well. If I pass, you all will see me online. If I do not, you all will see me online.
A Narrative
I began this semester with knowledge of writing, reading, deep thought, etc., but I did not have a professional mind-set. I did not have a business mind. I was uncertain as to what direction I wanted to take my professional career. ELS has given me the opportunity to explore different lifestyles and professional pathways. I think I have a route in mind.
What some would call a stretch, I am taking. I am venturing into videography. The field caught my attention after taking many production classes, and learning how writing for digital media works. I think the process is interesting and challenging. In my area, it is also not over-saturated and there any many options and gigs to be taken. I would say that this semester I have learned these things.
I may not stay in this profession forever, but it is worth a shot. Creating an online portfolio can be difficult, but rewarding. I have found that it enables me to be able to look back, and reflect. I can now see an entire process from the beginning of my working in new media, to my present state.
I have to say that the reflection can be embarrassing. When I was a sophomore, I actually thought my work was good. I guess it was — at the time, but now I see many flaws and errors, in say lighting, and levels.
All of this is to say that I know what growth looks like. I know now that I can always find a way to make something better.
