 When I first heard the term “digital storyteller,” all the spinning gears in my head clicked together in a rare dance. I instantly fell in love with a phrase that has defined me for two decades. A phrase that knew me before I knew it. Identity is complex. I am bold and sometimes timid. Cool but sometimes lame. We exist in binaries; what we are excellent in we sometimes falter, and occasionally have a good day in what we are weak with. For years I’ve slowly succumbed to certain labels; “writer,” “passionate,” “creative,” “entertainer,” “ideator,” the way a tree grows branches as time ticks by. And now those branches feel more verdant than ever before, as age strengthens focus like a decanter strengthens wine. This fall, I’ll begin studying Digital Storytelling at Ashbury University for my Masters in Arts. In the same manner as a mother who knows her child is lying, I have always known that I was going to pursue my masters and eventually my Ph.D. For me, education is synopses with enjoyment (except for classes I disliked, taking because of my liberal arts upbringing). Sure, I’m excited about career possibilities that come with education, but I’m more excited to take the classes and do the work. Most importantly, I’m gaining my masters so I can begin teaching college-level courses. Those who know me can attest that I’ve already planned my curriculum!  This process was foggy, and a decision that has taken four years to figure out. Back in 2016, I secured a GA position that was unfortunately scrapped along with the masters program it was tied to. Some might have been devastated, but it was kind of a relief. I only loved the GA position and was ready to begrudgingly take the masters program. It was like dealing with a friend’s terrible boyfriend, you find the patience. From there I spent years slowly looking at programs that disinterested me. I wanted hands-on application, a real test of skills. Give me a sword and let me carve my own academic prowess! I approached local colleges to weld programs together, but to no avail. The fog of my academic journey for a moment grew thick. But like a bible psalm or town myth, I came across the program of Digital Storytelling. Whether writing novels, competing in slam poetry, full-development on tongue-in-cheek pop music, I’ve always been telling stories. Through the work I do, the stand up I manage to roll through a crowd with, the videography endeavors that entertain and spinning tunes to a room for the atmosphere. Yup, it’s all storytelling.  Even now, this little announcement turned blog post, is a story. I’ve expressed a shard of my life although have dressed it up with fancy adjectives as if donning a belle for a debutante ball. When I first heard the term “digital storyteller,” all the spinning gears in my head clicked together in a rare dance. I instantly fell in love with a phrase that has defined me for two decades. A phrase that knew me before I knew it.
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Quarantine had me cancel a few projects, but then had me develop and work on new projects! Check out this stop motion soap opera parody, "Violet Lake!" All ten mini episodes will drop by July 17th. Here's the trailer for the miniseries: |
AuthorI keep saying "I write" but don't share anything. So here we go, let's share. Archives
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