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This is Not a Reflection.

  • Writer: Anna Maxey
    Anna Maxey
  • May 2
  • 2 min read

I was very, very nervous when I read the syllabus for the first time. I had no idea how to film anything (minus a football game for my brother), or how to edit. Heck, I was even nervous thinking about interviewing someone.

 


            I kept telling myself, “I’ll learn how to do this, I'll be okay.” I was right, I did learn how to do the things I didn’t know how to do, but I would say my biggest accomplishment is gaining confidence in myself.

 


            My storytelling skills skyrocketed because of Digital Storytelling. I learned a new way of writing and a new language. I learned to understand the power of digital storytelling to inform, influence, and inspire.


 


A picture my friend got of my filming my shooting lab
A picture my friend got of my filming my shooting lab


            From the articles to filming a mini documentary , these assignments pushed me outside of my comfort zone, allowing me to connect with the full process—from pre-production and writing a script to shooting and post-production. I had many ups and downs throughout these assignments, but from these setbacks, I learned how to bounce back and be adaptable with setbacks.

 


            I had numerous setbacks with my podcasts. I was just learning how to use Adobe Audition  and thought I deleted my entire work because my MacBook froze. I stayed up until 4am until I finished. These setbacks taught me how to be resilient and taught me a lesson of what to avoid next time.

 


            Setbacks are a part of the process. If you don’t experience difficulties, well, I guess you’re perfect, but you don’t learn how to think critically and find ways to improve. I became more patient, not only with myself, but the process of making a story.

 


            My favorite project I created was my mini documentary. I was (still am) extremely passionate about my story and wanted more people to know my story. I conducted interviews and b-roll I’m proud of and can tell a meaningful story. My mini doc taught me not just the technical stuff, but also the importance of planning, empathy, and responsibility when telling a story that impacts many people.

 


            In the future, I can use the skills I learned for internships and jobs. I created an e-portfolio for this class and my dad already hired me to create a website for his custom-home building company. I want to further use my skills in video production, social media, and even narrative stories. The confidence I’ve gained in Digital Storytelling gave me new possibilities, and I now see storytelling not just as a skill of mine, but as a way to make an impact.



These are my sorority sisters and they’ve given me advice about what stories to tell and helped my with some of my setbacks
These are my sorority sisters and they’ve given me advice about what stories to tell and helped my with some of my setbacks

           

 

 

 
 
 

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