Wednesday, December 9, 2015
The Last Days
Hey Everyone,
I hope finals prep is going well...even though I'm sure everyone is stressed and exhausted but, know that you will get through it and Christmas Break is right around the corner.
Here in London, things are beginning to slow down and everyone is trying to meet their final deadlines. Thankfully, I just have one final paper, an all day challenge for my Media Production Class and my final draft of my script and creative pack to go along with it. Not having any final EXAMS is nice.
Since last week a couple of exciting events have taken place. First, in my screen and script class we had to pitch our ten-minute short film to the students of the video production groups. There were five different groups that we were placed in randomly. In each of the groups one script would be chosen to be turned into a short film and then a second script would be chosen as a back up. The pitching session was actually really fun. Each of us students basically presented our script and answered any questions the production team had for their notes. We pitched our scripts on Wednesday and were told that Friday we would have an answer on the decisions made by the production teams. My script was chosen as one of the five to be filmed! I was excited and shocked. Starting this week we have production meetings to talk about how the filming of the script will take place. Since I am leaving my team has made arrangements for us to communicate through email, GoogleDocs and Skype about the creative process. The students will also enter the film in the British Film Festival. I look forward to this creative journey and process and I am excited to work with the video production students.
In my Media Production class we prepared for our next assignment which was to present our radio talk for TV. The challenges in this assignment were finding pictures to be added in during the talk and video if you wanted but, also being able to read from a prompter as well. Thankfully, I had previous experience from working at KDKA TV News Studios. The second part of the assignment was having to be in the control room while our partner for the assignment presented and having to direct the cameras and make sure the pictures and videos come up during the right times while recording. Everyone had one take as well. There was a trust that had to be built obviously because if your partner missed a cue in the control room there was no going back. Ultimately, the actual recording day went smooth and everyone did a great job and had a lot of fun.
In my race and representation class we started our presentations this week and of course, I was in the first group. The presentation was to center around our topic for our final paper. Mine was entitled, "Where My People At?: Lack of minority representation in Television and Film." My paper will center around the entertainment business and basically look at the roles or lack of roles that minorities receive. A big part of my paper will also be a mention of the Oscars and how it affects the image pertaining to minorities in the business. I am excited for this final paper as we had the freedom to talk about the topic of our choosing as long as it related to race. The other student's that presented chose very interesting topics as well centering on women, the Holocaust and fashion. Next week the second group of presenters will go and then we hand in the assignment by Friday.
Through this study abroad experience I have grown incredibly. Each academic year I feel as though I become more responsible and aware of my tasks at hand. Meaning that in my earlier years I can admit I would not be as focused as I could be and I probably procrastinated a good bit. Now, I can truly say I can see the finish line. I basically have three semesters left of Undergrad and then off to the real world or more school. I think it also helps that now I am into the main classes that pertain to my major and mostly all of my core classes are just about done. I take homework and all assignments seriously and look at them as a learning opportunity. I look forward to teacher meetings and conferences to assess my work and improve. I have learned the importance of staying on a good sleep schedule and making sure I have the rest I need to get through the long days. I put more time and effort into assignment making the editing process way easier. I think I have come to a point in my academic career where I have found my stride and I am completely focused on what I have to do.
I look forward to these final days here in London and seeing and doing all I can do. I plan on finishing strong and look forward to this chapter of my life to close and for another to begin. I still have another semester of hard work and challenges to go through and I look forward to pushing myself and working hard to achieve my goals.
I only have one more post after this one! Time truly flies. If there is anything you want to know or any final questions remember to ask! I will answer everything in the next post. But, until next time!
CHEERS,
Ty G.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
It's DECEMBER
Hey Everyone,
I hope your Thanksgiving break was relaxing and filled with great food. Thanksgiving is not a celebrated holiday here in the UK, so I decided to take my own little vacation to Barcelona for three days during Thanksgiving. It helped that I don't have class on Wednesday and Thursday. And I figured it would be a nice change in scenery. On the bright side it was a little warmer in Spain at the time as well.
Anyway, I went to Barcelona with some other study abroad students and we left on Wednesday morning. Traveling day was pretty long and enduring to say the least. We had to catch multiple trains while hauling our luggage and it was raining and cold in London. Then we had to catch a Coach bus to the airport which was almost two hours away. Finally, we arrived at the airport and went through the usual security check-in and blah blah blah. Once, all that was said and done we had a two hour wait (we wanted to be early just in case something went wrong) before flying over to Barcelona.
The plane ride was about two hours and once we landed in Barcelona we went through security again and had our passports stamped. We had made it to BARCELONA safely! Unfortunately, our day wasn't over just yet...we still had to figure out a way to our hotel/apartment. The first thing we all did was exchange some money and the lady working at the exchange office was really kind and she gave us directions on what bus to catch and how to travel by train to get around the city. After we all had our money we headed to the bus stop and made it to the underground train station and we were on our way to the hotel. After a LONG day of travel we had reached our destination! It was late and we were starving so we ate the first thing we could find...McDonalds! Yes, McDonalds is everywhere! Each McDonalds is also has custom changes to the menu depending on where you are. For example, we got a McDouble and the cheese on the burger was more of a sauce with a spicy kick and the the burger patties were laid side by side on Ciabatta bread. Never the less it was still really good.
The next day, we decided to buy passes to do Bus Tours of the city. This was a great deal because the passes were good for all the Buses and they traveled all over the city. It was nice to be able to sit back and just enjoy the ride and take in the all the beautiful places around us. I will post pictures from the tour. After spending a number of hours riding around on the Tour Bus we decided to get off in the shopping areas of Barcelona and look around. And finally by the evening we were all hungry and ate at a Spanish restaurant! The food in Barcelona was amazing and it was so nice to have a change of taste from the usual Fish and Chips in London.
On Friday, our last full day of the trip I was pretty tired so I decided to get up and eat breakfast with the group and then I napped for a few hours to regain some energy. Some of my friends decided to go out and see some different places they didn't catch and one friend worked on a paper. (SOME VACATION HUH?) In the evening we had dinner reservations a little restaurant and we were going to meet up with some other study abroad students from our school. They had just arrived in Barcelona! It was a fun Thanksgiving day, but definitely different not being at home with family and eating the usual turkey and fixings. However, we made the most of our time together and shared lots of laughs and good times. Finally, it was off to bed for an early wake up and travel back to London. Coming back was a little depressing mainly because as soon as we touched down in London we could feel the change of weather.
Overall, Barcelona was amazing and it's a beautiful city that I hope to visit again some day.
BACK IN LONDON:.....
I received back a graded essay assignment and was relieved that I did well. The grading system is very different here in London and at first I was worried I had done poorly and then I remembered the difference in grading scales. Overall, it was nice to see my hard work pay off and it will be nice to celebrate in Barcelona! Next up in all of my classes is basically the final assignments! I really can't even fathom the idea. I have enjoyed my classes overall and the knowledge I have obtained from my professor's and classmates has been insightful.
I went to the premiere of The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 2. The film was really good and I thought the final film in the series was well put together. I didn't realize how big the movie would be here in the UK, but the theatre was packed! Thank God I preordered my ticket or I probably wouldn't have had a seat.
I can also say I have officially started wearing my winter coat due to the cold temperatures. Winter is here! The wind here in the UK is deadly and you mix that with rainy, cloudy days and it's no fun.
Coming up in the next few weeks there are a couple of final events that St. Mary's is doing for us international students which includes, The Winter Wonderland Festival. Here we will have the chance to ice skate and participate in other festive activities. This will be a fun way for all of us to get together again and have some fun before working hard on the final deadlines and assignments.
There will also be a "Last Hurrah" dinner and dance held for us international students. We will have a nice dinner and fun with one another and we are to bring a Brit to the event as well. This will be our very last event together as a group. I'm looking forward to having a good time with everyone before we go back to our home states.
Classes wise I have one more paper due in my Race and Representation class and it's on a topic of my choice which is nice! But, before I turn that in I have a presentation to give on my topic. These will be my last two assignments for this class.
In my Media Production class we are taking our radio scripts and making them into a "News Anchor" format in which we will film one another presenting our "talks." Basically, it will be like making a news package for our stories and we have to insert our own pictures and video to go along with the script.
And finally in Screen and Script we will begin pitching our short films to the video production students and also finalize our scripts and begin to make the creative pack. The creative pack is basically the actors and synopsis of the short film, mock budget, etc. all in one packet which is used when pitching as well. This is apart of our final assessment in the course as well.
Only a few weeks left before I return home!!! Until next time.
CHEERS!,
Ty G.
I hope your Thanksgiving break was relaxing and filled with great food. Thanksgiving is not a celebrated holiday here in the UK, so I decided to take my own little vacation to Barcelona for three days during Thanksgiving. It helped that I don't have class on Wednesday and Thursday. And I figured it would be a nice change in scenery. On the bright side it was a little warmer in Spain at the time as well.
Anyway, I went to Barcelona with some other study abroad students and we left on Wednesday morning. Traveling day was pretty long and enduring to say the least. We had to catch multiple trains while hauling our luggage and it was raining and cold in London. Then we had to catch a Coach bus to the airport which was almost two hours away. Finally, we arrived at the airport and went through the usual security check-in and blah blah blah. Once, all that was said and done we had a two hour wait (we wanted to be early just in case something went wrong) before flying over to Barcelona.
The plane ride was about two hours and once we landed in Barcelona we went through security again and had our passports stamped. We had made it to BARCELONA safely! Unfortunately, our day wasn't over just yet...we still had to figure out a way to our hotel/apartment. The first thing we all did was exchange some money and the lady working at the exchange office was really kind and she gave us directions on what bus to catch and how to travel by train to get around the city. After we all had our money we headed to the bus stop and made it to the underground train station and we were on our way to the hotel. After a LONG day of travel we had reached our destination! It was late and we were starving so we ate the first thing we could find...McDonalds! Yes, McDonalds is everywhere! Each McDonalds is also has custom changes to the menu depending on where you are. For example, we got a McDouble and the cheese on the burger was more of a sauce with a spicy kick and the the burger patties were laid side by side on Ciabatta bread. Never the less it was still really good.
The next day, we decided to buy passes to do Bus Tours of the city. This was a great deal because the passes were good for all the Buses and they traveled all over the city. It was nice to be able to sit back and just enjoy the ride and take in the all the beautiful places around us. I will post pictures from the tour. After spending a number of hours riding around on the Tour Bus we decided to get off in the shopping areas of Barcelona and look around. And finally by the evening we were all hungry and ate at a Spanish restaurant! The food in Barcelona was amazing and it was so nice to have a change of taste from the usual Fish and Chips in London.
On Friday, our last full day of the trip I was pretty tired so I decided to get up and eat breakfast with the group and then I napped for a few hours to regain some energy. Some of my friends decided to go out and see some different places they didn't catch and one friend worked on a paper. (SOME VACATION HUH?) In the evening we had dinner reservations a little restaurant and we were going to meet up with some other study abroad students from our school. They had just arrived in Barcelona! It was a fun Thanksgiving day, but definitely different not being at home with family and eating the usual turkey and fixings. However, we made the most of our time together and shared lots of laughs and good times. Finally, it was off to bed for an early wake up and travel back to London. Coming back was a little depressing mainly because as soon as we touched down in London we could feel the change of weather.
Overall, Barcelona was amazing and it's a beautiful city that I hope to visit again some day.
BACK IN LONDON:.....
I received back a graded essay assignment and was relieved that I did well. The grading system is very different here in London and at first I was worried I had done poorly and then I remembered the difference in grading scales. Overall, it was nice to see my hard work pay off and it will be nice to celebrate in Barcelona! Next up in all of my classes is basically the final assignments! I really can't even fathom the idea. I have enjoyed my classes overall and the knowledge I have obtained from my professor's and classmates has been insightful.
I went to the premiere of The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 2. The film was really good and I thought the final film in the series was well put together. I didn't realize how big the movie would be here in the UK, but the theatre was packed! Thank God I preordered my ticket or I probably wouldn't have had a seat.
I can also say I have officially started wearing my winter coat due to the cold temperatures. Winter is here! The wind here in the UK is deadly and you mix that with rainy, cloudy days and it's no fun.
Coming up in the next few weeks there are a couple of final events that St. Mary's is doing for us international students which includes, The Winter Wonderland Festival. Here we will have the chance to ice skate and participate in other festive activities. This will be a fun way for all of us to get together again and have some fun before working hard on the final deadlines and assignments.
There will also be a "Last Hurrah" dinner and dance held for us international students. We will have a nice dinner and fun with one another and we are to bring a Brit to the event as well. This will be our very last event together as a group. I'm looking forward to having a good time with everyone before we go back to our home states.
Classes wise I have one more paper due in my Race and Representation class and it's on a topic of my choice which is nice! But, before I turn that in I have a presentation to give on my topic. These will be my last two assignments for this class.
In my Media Production class we are taking our radio scripts and making them into a "News Anchor" format in which we will film one another presenting our "talks." Basically, it will be like making a news package for our stories and we have to insert our own pictures and video to go along with the script.
And finally in Screen and Script we will begin pitching our short films to the video production students and also finalize our scripts and begin to make the creative pack. The creative pack is basically the actors and synopsis of the short film, mock budget, etc. all in one packet which is used when pitching as well. This is apart of our final assessment in the course as well.
Only a few weeks left before I return home!!! Until next time.
CHEERS!,
Ty G.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Nearing the End
Hi Everyone,
It's the middle of November and the temperature is starting to drop. The wind is picking up and overall it is beginning to feel like winter is here. I can't believe November is half way over already. I have just about five weeks left of my study abroad experience before returning home.
Since my last blog post a couple of events have taken place. Obviously one of the major headlines was the attack on Paris. Although I personally was not in Paris at the time, this was still a bit frightening to have a terrorist attack so close to me. I received a number of messages asking if I was safe. I truly appreciated the support and care from those who know me personally. The attack on Paris was heartbreaking and definitely reminded me to be safe and aware of my surrounds.
Today in my Media Arts we did a mock news talk on the attacks on Paris and two different political views. One of Republican Donald Trump and another of Jeramy Chorbyn. It was eye opening to discuss the different political views on Gun Control/Shoot to Kill policy, which was the main argument regarding the attack on Paris. I think it is interesting to see how different parts of the world handle different situations and the thought process that goes into what one should do politically in these situations. It was also fun to have more experience in front of the camera.
KINKY BOOTS, LONDON EDITION: Last Thursday I went to see Kinky Boots the musical which is based off a true story and the 2005 film, "Kinky Boots." The musical was very very entertaining and colorful. The story centers around a shoe company that is family owned and is on the verge of going out of business. When an unusual client comes along with a new business idea the Son of the family owned business decides to try and an unlikely partnership is formed. The musical also has a number of positive messages, but one that really stood out to me was, "Accept people for who they are." The musical numbers were creative and showcased powerhouse vocals. All the music was done by Cyndi Lauper. I definitely recommend this musical. It was a fun night in the theatre.
TENNIS: I have to admit that I missed the 7:30am tennis practice this past Monday. I needed my sleep! But tomorrow both the Men's and Women's team have matches. I am sitting this match out as some other members of the team will be traveling and have a chance to play. I am wishing both teams good luck and hoping the Men can claim their first win of the season. The girls will be at home so I will go and support the team. I thought it was also cool that the ATP World Tour Finals is being held here in London where the top eight men professional tennis players are battling it out for the year end trophy and last tournament of the tennis season.
SCREEN and SCRIPT: I am proud to say I have two short film scripts that I have worked really hard on to make into awesome short films. This week I will do some more editing and in class on Friday we will workshop the scripts and read each others works out loud. From there I will choose one of my two scripts to pitch to the video production students. The scripts chosen will be made into a short film and entered in short film competitions. Stay tuned for an update with this process.
BRIGHTON: Over the weekend I went to see Brighton and it was beautiful. It reminded me a little bit of Chicago because of how windy it was at this time of year. Two of the major attractions were the Royal Pavilion and the Pier. It was fun to see another part of London and the train ride wasn't too bad...just over an hour. I also went to this American Restaurant called JD's and it was nice to have a taste of home.
THE HUNGER GAMES: This Thursday the final movie of the Hunger Games series comes out here in the UK and I am looking forward to seeing it. I will give my review in next week's blog post.
Overall, I am trying to do everything I can...within reason before returning back to the states. It honestly is a bittersweet feeling to think that this wonderful experience is almost over. However, next week is my trip Barcelona for Thanksgiving and I am looking forward to seeing a new place and the sun! Plus my friends and I are going to cook a holiday dinner and desserts which should be really fun. I will take lots of pictures.
That's all for now. I will talk to you all soon.
CHEERS,
Ty G.
It's the middle of November and the temperature is starting to drop. The wind is picking up and overall it is beginning to feel like winter is here. I can't believe November is half way over already. I have just about five weeks left of my study abroad experience before returning home.
Since my last blog post a couple of events have taken place. Obviously one of the major headlines was the attack on Paris. Although I personally was not in Paris at the time, this was still a bit frightening to have a terrorist attack so close to me. I received a number of messages asking if I was safe. I truly appreciated the support and care from those who know me personally. The attack on Paris was heartbreaking and definitely reminded me to be safe and aware of my surrounds.
Today in my Media Arts we did a mock news talk on the attacks on Paris and two different political views. One of Republican Donald Trump and another of Jeramy Chorbyn. It was eye opening to discuss the different political views on Gun Control/Shoot to Kill policy, which was the main argument regarding the attack on Paris. I think it is interesting to see how different parts of the world handle different situations and the thought process that goes into what one should do politically in these situations. It was also fun to have more experience in front of the camera.
KINKY BOOTS, LONDON EDITION: Last Thursday I went to see Kinky Boots the musical which is based off a true story and the 2005 film, "Kinky Boots." The musical was very very entertaining and colorful. The story centers around a shoe company that is family owned and is on the verge of going out of business. When an unusual client comes along with a new business idea the Son of the family owned business decides to try and an unlikely partnership is formed. The musical also has a number of positive messages, but one that really stood out to me was, "Accept people for who they are." The musical numbers were creative and showcased powerhouse vocals. All the music was done by Cyndi Lauper. I definitely recommend this musical. It was a fun night in the theatre.
TENNIS: I have to admit that I missed the 7:30am tennis practice this past Monday. I needed my sleep! But tomorrow both the Men's and Women's team have matches. I am sitting this match out as some other members of the team will be traveling and have a chance to play. I am wishing both teams good luck and hoping the Men can claim their first win of the season. The girls will be at home so I will go and support the team. I thought it was also cool that the ATP World Tour Finals is being held here in London where the top eight men professional tennis players are battling it out for the year end trophy and last tournament of the tennis season.
SCREEN and SCRIPT: I am proud to say I have two short film scripts that I have worked really hard on to make into awesome short films. This week I will do some more editing and in class on Friday we will workshop the scripts and read each others works out loud. From there I will choose one of my two scripts to pitch to the video production students. The scripts chosen will be made into a short film and entered in short film competitions. Stay tuned for an update with this process.
BRIGHTON: Over the weekend I went to see Brighton and it was beautiful. It reminded me a little bit of Chicago because of how windy it was at this time of year. Two of the major attractions were the Royal Pavilion and the Pier. It was fun to see another part of London and the train ride wasn't too bad...just over an hour. I also went to this American Restaurant called JD's and it was nice to have a taste of home.
THE HUNGER GAMES: This Thursday the final movie of the Hunger Games series comes out here in the UK and I am looking forward to seeing it. I will give my review in next week's blog post.
Overall, I am trying to do everything I can...within reason before returning back to the states. It honestly is a bittersweet feeling to think that this wonderful experience is almost over. However, next week is my trip Barcelona for Thanksgiving and I am looking forward to seeing a new place and the sun! Plus my friends and I are going to cook a holiday dinner and desserts which should be really fun. I will take lots of pictures.
That's all for now. I will talk to you all soon.
CHEERS,
Ty G.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Winter Season doesn't feel like Winter yet
Hey Everyone,
To start I have to say it doesn't even feel like winter just yet here in London. I mean it's a little chilly and windy, but nothing like what I thought it would be around this time of year. And back home I noticed that there have been some really nice days lately...70 degrees and up weather! I'm jealous!
Well, since the last time I blogged life has been pretty chill....for the most part. Just yesterday I turned in my first paper for my Race and Representation class. It's funny how 1500-2000 words doesn't seem like a lot, but in reality, it's not as easy as I thought it was going to be. However, I managed to pull through in the end. We were given five prompts to choose from to write about and I chose the argument that "whiteness is seen as the racial norm." Definitely, a controversial and sensitive topic for some. I did however really enjoy researching "whiteness" and statistics that could back up the argument. Now the real fun part...waiting for the assignment to be graded and it counts for 40% of my grade! Wish me luck!
CATS: The Musical: Last Thursday I went to see the musical Cats and it was truly AMAZING!! I recommend this show for anyone who hasn't seen it before and the tickets were on the cheaper side! I paid around 30 pounds and I got a really good seat. Actually, I was suppose to have a seat in the upper circle part of the theatre but I ended up having my seat moved to the stalls (floor) seats! I don't know why but I wasn't complaining. I remember when I was younger I would watch CATS all the time. There was a movie version of the show made way back in the day. They definitely modernized a couple of the costumes and some of the elements to the show. Something that was really cool was the CATS entered by running down the isles and making their way to the stage! Also, there were a couple of musical numbers where the CATS came into the audience and interacted with some of us who were sitting on the end seats! Overall it was a great show and I was on a theatre high for a couple of days after.
Next up this week KINKY BOOTS: LONDON EDITION, I cannot wait to see this show! KINKY BOOTS has been huge success in the U.S. and it won Best Musical! Cyndi Lauper wrote the music for the show as well! Stay tuned for my review of Kinky Boots in my next blog post!
SCREEN & SCRIPT: In my screen and script class I have two short film scripts that I have written and I can't decide which one I want to pitch. Coming up soon we will have to pitch our short film to the production class students and they will decide which script(s) they want to make into a short film. This week is workshop week so I will have both of mine read and see what the classes reaction is and basically which ever one they like more is the one I will go with. All in all I'm enjoying the class. I definitely plan on bringing back both scripts however and maybe the Film Club will want to work on one of them.
TENNIS: The tennis match was cancelled last week and we have this week off! I look forward to the next match and yes we are still search for that first win to the season. Although we are 0-2 I think we have a strong team and plenty of time to turn the season around. Training has been going well.
Just yesterday I sent in my request for the Spring Semester 2016 classes! I can't believe I only have three semesters left total before I graduate!!! Time really is flying! As always, send me any questions or if there is anything you want to know about study abroad let me know!!
Until next time
CHEERS!
Ty G.
To start I have to say it doesn't even feel like winter just yet here in London. I mean it's a little chilly and windy, but nothing like what I thought it would be around this time of year. And back home I noticed that there have been some really nice days lately...70 degrees and up weather! I'm jealous!
Well, since the last time I blogged life has been pretty chill....for the most part. Just yesterday I turned in my first paper for my Race and Representation class. It's funny how 1500-2000 words doesn't seem like a lot, but in reality, it's not as easy as I thought it was going to be. However, I managed to pull through in the end. We were given five prompts to choose from to write about and I chose the argument that "whiteness is seen as the racial norm." Definitely, a controversial and sensitive topic for some. I did however really enjoy researching "whiteness" and statistics that could back up the argument. Now the real fun part...waiting for the assignment to be graded and it counts for 40% of my grade! Wish me luck!
CATS: The Musical: Last Thursday I went to see the musical Cats and it was truly AMAZING!! I recommend this show for anyone who hasn't seen it before and the tickets were on the cheaper side! I paid around 30 pounds and I got a really good seat. Actually, I was suppose to have a seat in the upper circle part of the theatre but I ended up having my seat moved to the stalls (floor) seats! I don't know why but I wasn't complaining. I remember when I was younger I would watch CATS all the time. There was a movie version of the show made way back in the day. They definitely modernized a couple of the costumes and some of the elements to the show. Something that was really cool was the CATS entered by running down the isles and making their way to the stage! Also, there were a couple of musical numbers where the CATS came into the audience and interacted with some of us who were sitting on the end seats! Overall it was a great show and I was on a theatre high for a couple of days after.
Next up this week KINKY BOOTS: LONDON EDITION, I cannot wait to see this show! KINKY BOOTS has been huge success in the U.S. and it won Best Musical! Cyndi Lauper wrote the music for the show as well! Stay tuned for my review of Kinky Boots in my next blog post!
SCREEN & SCRIPT: In my screen and script class I have two short film scripts that I have written and I can't decide which one I want to pitch. Coming up soon we will have to pitch our short film to the production class students and they will decide which script(s) they want to make into a short film. This week is workshop week so I will have both of mine read and see what the classes reaction is and basically which ever one they like more is the one I will go with. All in all I'm enjoying the class. I definitely plan on bringing back both scripts however and maybe the Film Club will want to work on one of them.
TENNIS: The tennis match was cancelled last week and we have this week off! I look forward to the next match and yes we are still search for that first win to the season. Although we are 0-2 I think we have a strong team and plenty of time to turn the season around. Training has been going well.
Just yesterday I sent in my request for the Spring Semester 2016 classes! I can't believe I only have three semesters left total before I graduate!!! Time really is flying! As always, send me any questions or if there is anything you want to know about study abroad let me know!!
Until next time
CHEERS!
Ty G.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
It's November already!
Hey all,
November is here! I have a little less than two months left here in London. Assignment due dates are coming up. I have a paper due next week in my, Race and Representation class. My other two classes are moving along as well. In, Media Production we are beginning the T.V. component which I am excited about. Today, we basically covered putting all the equipment together in the T.V. studio room. This included the initial set up of the cameras and learning the different cords and power sources. Finally, in Screen & Script we should be finishing up a completed rough draft of our short film scripts and we meet with the professor this week to talk about changes and editing.
TENNIS: Last week four of us travelled to an away cup match. Thankfully, the match was in-doors. Although we fought hard, unfortunately we lost 2-4. It did come down to my partner and I's double match which went to a third set tiebreaker. First and second singles won their matches while third and fourth singles lost. It was tied at two all. Next, was the doubles. Our first doubles team suffered a lost and we were down 2-3, with my doubles match as the deciding factor between a lost and tie. My partner and I lost the first set rather quickly 2-6 and knew that we could play better. We took a quick water break after the first set and then pumped ourselves up for the next set. The second set was a battle to say the least. At one point we were down 1-2 and then broke back to be on serve and then the next thing you know we are up 4-3 and then we got broke right back to make it 4-4. The other team played tough and it was 5-5. The match was becoming very very competitive with high quality hitting. My partner and I broke the other team again to go up 6-5 and then it was my turn to serve. I served out the set and my partner and I won the second set 7-5! It was an extremely exhausting and long set. Finally, we had to play a 10 point super tiebreaker to decide the winner. Again, the points were close we found ourselves down 5-8 but went on to win the next three points to make it 8-8. Unfortunately we lost the next two points and lost the set 8-10. While it was very disappointing and a tough loss, we were proud of our effort and left all we had on the court.
Last week, I stated that this study abroad experience had changed my life. I wanted to elaborate more on this statement. From the time I was little I had always dreamed of coming to London. I was fascinated by the theatre and performing. And once I learned London was the theatre capitol of the world I knew that I just had to go...someday. I never knew when this day would come. Seeing that W&J gives students the opportunity in more ways than one to have an abroad experience I figured there was no better time then while I was in Undergrad. To be honest, initially I was just going to do Maghellan. And I thought to myself, "that's not enough time." So, I went to the study abroad office and began the process. Since arriving in London, I have appreciated the culture and experiences of being out of the country. I find it refreshing to be in a new place where I am not used everything. Meeting new people has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. I am learning so much from the London natives and it is eye opening to see how we go through similar struggles. The classroom environment, while it is very different from the US, I still enjoy the different setting and adjusting to the education system here. I am taking every opportunity to gain knowledge from my lectures and other students around me. Being away from W&J has also made me appreciate my college so much more. It's honestly the little things that I have come to miss the most. Like taking things for granted like free laundry and printing. Being in London has opened me up to a completely new culture that I am now a part of and can say I lived for a number of months. Overall, I have grown as a person through this experience and learned even more about myself. I have learned that I can be independent and what it really means to budget. I've learned how to communicate even better with all types of people from all different places, backgrounds, religions, etc. I've learned that even during the toughest of times I can over come them and rise to the challenge at hand. I am truly proud of myself for all the hard work I put in to get myself to where I am today.
CATS the musical: Ahhhhh I am so excited to see Cats this Thursday! I haven't seen this show in so many years and I know it will be a great night. Stay tuned for my review next week.
My house mates and I went to see the new James Bond movie, "Spectre" this past Sunday. It was a really good film and I high recommend it if you are a Bond fan or Daniel Craig, as this is his last Bond movie before the new guy is chosen to play the 007 agent. Rumor has that Idris Elba will be the next bond and this would make him the first Black bond in the history of the series, but we will have to wait and see.
Well that's all for now. Until next time. CHEERS!
Ty G
November is here! I have a little less than two months left here in London. Assignment due dates are coming up. I have a paper due next week in my, Race and Representation class. My other two classes are moving along as well. In, Media Production we are beginning the T.V. component which I am excited about. Today, we basically covered putting all the equipment together in the T.V. studio room. This included the initial set up of the cameras and learning the different cords and power sources. Finally, in Screen & Script we should be finishing up a completed rough draft of our short film scripts and we meet with the professor this week to talk about changes and editing.
TENNIS: Last week four of us travelled to an away cup match. Thankfully, the match was in-doors. Although we fought hard, unfortunately we lost 2-4. It did come down to my partner and I's double match which went to a third set tiebreaker. First and second singles won their matches while third and fourth singles lost. It was tied at two all. Next, was the doubles. Our first doubles team suffered a lost and we were down 2-3, with my doubles match as the deciding factor between a lost and tie. My partner and I lost the first set rather quickly 2-6 and knew that we could play better. We took a quick water break after the first set and then pumped ourselves up for the next set. The second set was a battle to say the least. At one point we were down 1-2 and then broke back to be on serve and then the next thing you know we are up 4-3 and then we got broke right back to make it 4-4. The other team played tough and it was 5-5. The match was becoming very very competitive with high quality hitting. My partner and I broke the other team again to go up 6-5 and then it was my turn to serve. I served out the set and my partner and I won the second set 7-5! It was an extremely exhausting and long set. Finally, we had to play a 10 point super tiebreaker to decide the winner. Again, the points were close we found ourselves down 5-8 but went on to win the next three points to make it 8-8. Unfortunately we lost the next two points and lost the set 8-10. While it was very disappointing and a tough loss, we were proud of our effort and left all we had on the court.
Last week, I stated that this study abroad experience had changed my life. I wanted to elaborate more on this statement. From the time I was little I had always dreamed of coming to London. I was fascinated by the theatre and performing. And once I learned London was the theatre capitol of the world I knew that I just had to go...someday. I never knew when this day would come. Seeing that W&J gives students the opportunity in more ways than one to have an abroad experience I figured there was no better time then while I was in Undergrad. To be honest, initially I was just going to do Maghellan. And I thought to myself, "that's not enough time." So, I went to the study abroad office and began the process. Since arriving in London, I have appreciated the culture and experiences of being out of the country. I find it refreshing to be in a new place where I am not used everything. Meeting new people has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. I am learning so much from the London natives and it is eye opening to see how we go through similar struggles. The classroom environment, while it is very different from the US, I still enjoy the different setting and adjusting to the education system here. I am taking every opportunity to gain knowledge from my lectures and other students around me. Being away from W&J has also made me appreciate my college so much more. It's honestly the little things that I have come to miss the most. Like taking things for granted like free laundry and printing. Being in London has opened me up to a completely new culture that I am now a part of and can say I lived for a number of months. Overall, I have grown as a person through this experience and learned even more about myself. I have learned that I can be independent and what it really means to budget. I've learned how to communicate even better with all types of people from all different places, backgrounds, religions, etc. I've learned that even during the toughest of times I can over come them and rise to the challenge at hand. I am truly proud of myself for all the hard work I put in to get myself to where I am today.
CATS the musical: Ahhhhh I am so excited to see Cats this Thursday! I haven't seen this show in so many years and I know it will be a great night. Stay tuned for my review next week.
My house mates and I went to see the new James Bond movie, "Spectre" this past Sunday. It was a really good film and I high recommend it if you are a Bond fan or Daniel Craig, as this is his last Bond movie before the new guy is chosen to play the 007 agent. Rumor has that Idris Elba will be the next bond and this would make him the first Black bond in the history of the series, but we will have to wait and see.
Well that's all for now. Until next time. CHEERS!
Ty G
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
The Halfway Point
Hi Everyone,
I have made it to the halfway point!! Time is going by so fast. The campus is pretty quiet this week. Reading Week which is basically like Fall Break is going on, so a lot of students went home for the week and the International Students are going on little trips to places like Italy, Spain, and Amsterdam just to name a few.
Here is an update of what's been going on with me:
TENNIS: So, as you all probably remember we lost our very first tennis match, but we were not discouraged as a team and are looking to bounce back. Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to play last week due to rain, which caused the match to be cancelled. Tomorrow however, our tennis match is in-doors so we will for sure play. We had a good practice on Monday...early, but still good. I am looking forward to helping the team to our first win. I will let you know how it goes!
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA: I was super excited to see this musical. And it was AMAZING. Visually it was very appealing and there a lot of nice flashes of fire and light through out the performance. I have to say I was also very impressed with the singing. I have the upmost respect for Opera singers. It really was a fun night! The seats were perfect!! I will say I didn't realize how long the show was it definitely was over two hours with the intermission. It was also the 25 year anniversary here for the show which made it special as well.
I don't have a musical on the calendar for this week but next week its...CATS! I can't wait for this show!! I look forward to sharing that experience with you all in the near future.
Classes are going well! I actually turned in my first graded assignment today!! It was for my Media Production class. Basically, we had to record a three min radio "talk" (story) and then today we had to edit and submit it. I chose to talk about when I became 5th in the Nation for Poetry. It was an odd feeling to only now be turning in my first graded assignment. Hopefully it goes well. I have my first paper due coming up in early November and I am beginning to put it together.
During Thanksgiving, which isn't celebrated here in the UK, myself and five of my other friends are going to Barcelona!!! I am super excited! We were able to split the cost of the apartment we are staying in to only $70 between the six of us and our flight came out to around $75 dollars. We will be there for just three nights and plan to cook a little Thanksgiving dinner! I cannot wait for this!
I am really enjoying my time here and I am making so many new friends. It is going to be sad to leave, but also a big part of me misses the US. Time really is flying and before I know it I will be looking back on my journey. I still have so much to do and see while I am here! This study abroad experience has definitely changed my life.
Well that's all for now. Until next time. CHEERS!
Ty G.
Monday, October 19, 2015
You can't win them all
Hey everyone,
I hope mid-terms went well and that Fall Break is relaxing. There is no Fall Break here or mid-terms! With that being said my first paper deadline is coming up in the beginning of November. Thankfully, I still have plenty of time to complete this assignment. The struggle is going to be too real when I return home and actually have to study for a mid-term, what is that?
WICKED the Musical: SOOOO I went to see Wicked and I was super excited because I love the music and visually it's amazing! First off I had extremely close seats!! Uni really hooked me up! I was about the 7th row back and just off to the right. Overall, I thought the show was great as always however, I do have to say that sound wise, I wasn't impressed. I don't know if it was the stereo equipment or acoustics in the theatre but the overall sound quality from the orchestra and singers was weak. Vocally, I felt like the performers were soft and not as powerful as the show back in the states. Acting wise I thought the cast was phenomenal and there were definitely some UK touches added to the script which made it original. It was a fun night and I was glad to spend it with my Uni friend, Rosa. We also had a fun adventure coming back to Uni after the show. We took the wrong train and ended up having to catch the very last train back to our station and we were running at one of the stations with our "take away" from McDonalds! Haha. It was quite the scene.
TENNIS: The first match of the season...and WE LOST: Not to make excueses BUT it was FREEZING, RAINING and WINDY! Haha but in all honest the team we played had to deal with the same elements and according to my teammates they are the top team that we face all season. I felt a little better after losing and hearing that. It was also the first match I have played in months. Moving forward I look to work hard at practice and win the next. I hate to lose more than I love to win! I live by that quote when I compete. As a team four of us went to the match and we all lost. It was a tough at the office, however we are going to come back stronger and learn from this match. Stay tuned for more updates!
SCREEN & SCRIPT CLASS: I am currently working on three different short film scripts and they are coming along nicely. I am really enjoying the class and the feedback from my classmates and lecturer. My goal is to come back with at least two final scripts for short films and have ready to pitch to a producer for a film festival! There is also a competition amongst us students in the class. At least two scripts will be chose by the production students here and they will choose the scripts they like the most and film. Finally, the will enter those films into the British Film Festival for next year. It would be cool if my script was chosen! I will keep you all updated on if one of my scripts is chosen.
The next musical on my list this week is, "The Phantom of the Opera" I can't wait to go and see this show! The last time I remember seeing this musical was when I was too young to appreciate it. I look forward to the different style of the musical and vocal performance! I have always loved Opera!
Overall my experience here in London is going well and I am taking in everything I can. I can't believe it is almost the end of October! It still hasn't hit me that this my Junior year. I am having the time of my life!! As always leave comments and if you have any questions you want answered just leave a comment!
CHEERS!,
Ty G.
I hope mid-terms went well and that Fall Break is relaxing. There is no Fall Break here or mid-terms! With that being said my first paper deadline is coming up in the beginning of November. Thankfully, I still have plenty of time to complete this assignment. The struggle is going to be too real when I return home and actually have to study for a mid-term, what is that?
WICKED the Musical: SOOOO I went to see Wicked and I was super excited because I love the music and visually it's amazing! First off I had extremely close seats!! Uni really hooked me up! I was about the 7th row back and just off to the right. Overall, I thought the show was great as always however, I do have to say that sound wise, I wasn't impressed. I don't know if it was the stereo equipment or acoustics in the theatre but the overall sound quality from the orchestra and singers was weak. Vocally, I felt like the performers were soft and not as powerful as the show back in the states. Acting wise I thought the cast was phenomenal and there were definitely some UK touches added to the script which made it original. It was a fun night and I was glad to spend it with my Uni friend, Rosa. We also had a fun adventure coming back to Uni after the show. We took the wrong train and ended up having to catch the very last train back to our station and we were running at one of the stations with our "take away" from McDonalds! Haha. It was quite the scene.
TENNIS: The first match of the season...and WE LOST: Not to make excueses BUT it was FREEZING, RAINING and WINDY! Haha but in all honest the team we played had to deal with the same elements and according to my teammates they are the top team that we face all season. I felt a little better after losing and hearing that. It was also the first match I have played in months. Moving forward I look to work hard at practice and win the next. I hate to lose more than I love to win! I live by that quote when I compete. As a team four of us went to the match and we all lost. It was a tough at the office, however we are going to come back stronger and learn from this match. Stay tuned for more updates!
SCREEN & SCRIPT CLASS: I am currently working on three different short film scripts and they are coming along nicely. I am really enjoying the class and the feedback from my classmates and lecturer. My goal is to come back with at least two final scripts for short films and have ready to pitch to a producer for a film festival! There is also a competition amongst us students in the class. At least two scripts will be chose by the production students here and they will choose the scripts they like the most and film. Finally, the will enter those films into the British Film Festival for next year. It would be cool if my script was chosen! I will keep you all updated on if one of my scripts is chosen.
The next musical on my list this week is, "The Phantom of the Opera" I can't wait to go and see this show! The last time I remember seeing this musical was when I was too young to appreciate it. I look forward to the different style of the musical and vocal performance! I have always loved Opera!
Overall my experience here in London is going well and I am taking in everything I can. I can't believe it is almost the end of October! It still hasn't hit me that this my Junior year. I am having the time of my life!! As always leave comments and if you have any questions you want answered just leave a comment!
CHEERS!,
Ty G.
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