Accepting Responsibility

My freshman year of college was nothing short of a blessing. I participated in far more enriching events than I could've ever imagined, thanks to the wonderful organizations under the Bellisario College of Communication. Whether I was operating a switcher for an instructor's conference or directing an episode of Nittany Talk, I will forever be grateful by how many opportunities were instilled upon me throughout such a formative school year.

I'll be the first to admit that I do not like stepping out of my comfort zone. It usually takes a good three-four repetitions of a certain activity for me to fully embrace it without fear. I did not have such luxury when I first moved into State College, everything from my social life to my daily routine was entirely foreign, unlike anything I'd ever experienced before. It would take months for me to fully enter my comfort zone as I entered this new phase of my life. Now, about a year later, it's time to step out of it once again.

True growth never occurs unless one endeavors on a quest the likes of which they have never embarked. This sounds melodramatic, but it's really the most accurate analogy I can think of in regards to the college experience. Every student wants a secure, prosperous career that they will enjoy, we are all united by this similar goal. If I want to advance as a filmmaker, I have to step into the realm of leadership. With such leadership comes responsibility.

If I could extend college by a year or two, I certainly would. I'm not even halfway through college and I already feel as though time is slipping away from me. I asserted myself into a comfortable position within a few important organizations under the Bellisario college, and I do not have the time to linger. Now better experienced in the fields of video production, I am ready to undertake a greater responsibility within these clubs.

Two weeks ago I received a notice that applications for producer roles within 46LIVE are open. I mistakenly assumed these applications were for the '23-24 school year, and ended up applying for the position of crew producer, a position that I've been graciously awarded. I did not plan on becoming a producer so soon, to me that was a job for the upperclassmen. Yet here I am, now one of three official producers for the live production unit of one of the best institutions I've ever had the privilege of partaking in.

46LIVE is not the sole club where I've been taking advantage of mobility. During the last semester, I've asserted myself as one of the dominant creative forces within PSN-TV's Nittany Talk. I went from being an occasional on-air talent and studio crew member to becoming apart of their executive team. I've been assigned the official title of technical director, a role that I take incredibly seriously as it will improve my abilities in directing future programs. I am proud of the work I have done with Nittany Talk, and I am ecstatic to discover what else we shall do in the coming months.

My ultimate point in posting this is to express my feelings toward growth. It's incredible to have greater control within 46LIVE and Nittany Talk, as I care deeply about the type of content we publish for the world. However, I've always been weary of holding greater responsibility. Call it laziness, call it fear, I've always held a hesitancy toward attaining roles in leadership. Perhaps I am nervous of failure, or perhaps of losing a lot of flexibility within my schedule. Classes aren't going to get any easier, and I cannot compromise the work I put into either my academics or extracurriculars. Still, these are necessary challenges the development of my professional career in the communications medium. Therefore, it is imperative that I fully and earnestly accept the responsibility of these positions.

The last few months have been fairly devoid of any creative activity. I feel ashamed of the lack of experience shared on this platform, and I am looking forward to changing that. In the coming months you will find new creative projects added to my portfolio, and you will read of the hardships faced from a position of greater authority. This is the start of an uphill battle, it's time to grow.