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Friday, February 12, 2010

The Game Plan.

Since setting foot onto Champlain campus almost three years ago, (wow, has it really been that long?) it seems like every assignment and class is a result of the teachers sitting around a table saying, "That seems like it could work. Let's try it!" My class, the class of 2011 that is, is lucky enough have been the guinea pigs for a thing called Core, which was met with many mixed reviews from my fellow classmates (but that is another topic all together, saved for another time). For now, it leads me into my discussion of what I want to do for the Capstone, yet another new Champlain creation set for the upcoming year.

Here's the thing, though. The Capstone Project isn't creating a self-portrait (Concepts of the Self, freshman year). It isn't creating a new amendment to the Constitution (Capitalism & Democracy). It isn't creating an altar to something (The Secular & The Sacred). It's a project of my own design. If I fail, it's on me. If I succeed, it's because of my own doing. Welcome to senior year, folks.

So what do I want do for an entire semester? Let's brainstorm.

1) Recently, I've been really interested in the environment. I've been investigating Greenpeace as an option for after graduation. I just wrote a paper on the effects that climate change is having on Antarctica (for yet another Core class) and it was something that I got really into. It's an important topic to inform people about and I can't say that about a lot of topics that I've written papers on. I'm not entirely sure that this is right for the Capstone Project, though. I'm a writing major. Shouldn't I be a little more creative with my final project than to write a standard thesis paper? I feel like I should be doing something that's more writing and less research. But then I see the footage of the polar bears drowning and I know in my heart that I won't think of a more important topic to dedicate myself to.

2) I'm taking Screenwriting right now and I am loving it. Sitting in that class every Wednesday morning, I think I could write a screenplay in a semester, or at least get a good chunk of one written. Then I come home from the class and I think I'm going crazy. I get bored. I get distracted. I get discouraged. A screenplay is a lot of pages to stay engaged and focused for. But maybe that’s a challenge that I need to have. If I have to write it, if my degree is dependent on writing an entire screenplay, write it I will. And I will give it my soul to not fail. So, that's something to consider.

3) I want to be a publisher. That's the end goal. So why not have an immediate goal to path the walkway for the end result? I could make a publication. I could work with writers to find their raw talent and create a work that is the fruit of my labor if you will. I could polish up my editing skills and give my opinion a workout (because everyone knows I need that). It would be the most work of the three options, I dare say, but great success comes with great failure.

Needless to say, I have a lot to consider. Stay tuned. It's going to be a wild ride as always.

6 comments:

  1. Lady Love Doctor,
    Here's the thing. You need to shut it about the thesis. You are a love doctor. THE love doctor. So, set that advice into play---a play even. I love the idea of you in a Screenwriting class. I would actually dedicate some serious time to acting to be a part of it. I think your talent needs to be put into action. Worry about saving the environment after you write an epic play or create a publication. I'm trying to see your name in lights--not tulips. Keep me posted on what I can do to help. I won't be much help for the screenwriting; however, I would love to help editing or putting something together for publication. Hell, publish me, girlfriend.
    Keep Smiling, Emma

    p.s. I miss you, Old Woman.

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  2. I think the screenplay sounds like a great idea! It will be a fun project, and a great excuse to commit to writing it. Especially if you already know you enjoy screenwritting, I think this is by far the best choice.

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  3. Third time I've attempted to leave this comment!

    Anyway,

    Trish!

    I really think you should go for the publishing idea. Just as you said, you could get a writer or a few writers together and work on a project that is all your own. It could be something you really enjoy and it would be an amazing experience. You already have a great resource with CCPI and after all, it's what you wanna do when you grow up, isn't it?

    <3
    Emily

    Best of luck in whatever you decide to do! I know it will be great.

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  4. Hey Trish,

    I think that all of your ideas are great, and that whatever you decide to do you will be successful at. But if you are really compelled to write a thesis on climate change, write away! Don't worry about whether or not this project is creative enough, if you think that it will be fulfilling, and that you will be proud of the end result then you should do it. Working on a concrete project that you care about might give you the sense of accomplishment that you need to take the pressure off your creative writing.
    Good luck
    Clara

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  5. Trish,
    Well, woman, first I must ask is this boy God? (Sorry, I can never keep them straight)
    Second, I say go for the screenwriting. I agree with Emma, let's see your name in lights, and then you can focus on saving the environment with the resources you accumulate. But if you're passionate about publishing, than I say go for that. Do what you will. I look forwards to seeing your endeavours.

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  6. The publishing idea is the most ambitious, the most closely connected to your career ambitions, and, oddly, the easiest to achieve because you have the CCPI just sitting there waiting for you to take advantage of it. So let's move the discussion along one step: what kind of book or item thingy do you want to publish?

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