Tag: life

Broader Horizons

Adam WhitneyLeave a comment

My class recently got back from a college trip to the Ontario Association of Broadcasters Career Day conference (hosted at Corus Entertainment) in Toronto, and it was honestly a super helpful experience in finding out what I want to do in my future career.

We ended up being able to fly as a group; for better or worse, who knows! We had a great time, and I’m sure everybody around us loved the chatter 😉 . On the first night we went to the LightFest, so we got to experience the sights (and sounds) of the Distillery district all lit up with wonderful displays. The conference was on Monday morning, and allowed us the opportunity to hear from professionals in the broadcasting field and have sit-down sessions in order to pick their brains about their jobs and the journey they took to get there. Although this was more geared to radio and traditional broadcasting, it was still a worthwhile experience and I hope the next class of DMP students is able to go as well.

As part of the career day, we also got to tour Corus Entertainment. It was interesting seeing the radio stations, including being able to see one of the hosts broadcast live during the breaks between songs. The next day brought us to CBC to tour their facilities in the morning and Technicolor, a post production facility, in the afternoon. Again, they were both super interesting! Being able to have educators with connections that can get us into behind-the-scenes tours of the operational aspects (and potentially our future workplaces) was an invaluable experience, and I know for myself, at least, I was able to do some self-discovery.

What I learned was, sometimes, going away for a bit helps you to find yourself. The independence on the trip was an eye-opener; I had the chance to be independent before, but I wasn’t truly ready then. I could have forced it, but I’m glad I waited. On this trip, having the know-how to navigate and help lead some of the group felt great! I’ve always found subways and busses and wonderful places for self-reflection, and this trip was no exception. Truth be told, I know the direction I’m going in, but not necessarily the final outcome. However, I do know where to go from here.

We ended up having free time to venture out into the city. The free reign to ride the TTC and experience city life was another great opportunity, seeing as some of us are planning to take our internships in the bigger cities. I won’t talk too much about the free time, but I will say, if you have a chance, go check out the Bovine bar on Queen; you won’t regret it!

Special shout out to the faculty of the Digital Media Production program; our group was loud, excited and sharing the AirBnB must have been a trying experience, but they’ve really helped us follow our goal to go to Toronto, and will continue to support us wherever we end up. It makes a difference when educators care, and I know I can say it’s true!

Connection

Adam WhitneyLeave a comment

Connecting to the past; it’s a weird feeling. Like putting on a new sweater that feels like you’ve been wearing it for years. All you know is that you like, and that it fits. I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching and self discovery over the past year, and one thing I’ve really connected with is the tradition of oral storytelling. Now, I don’t have too many stories, but the way I’ve done it feels right. Before any judgement, be prepared, because it’s a stretch. To me, the connection comes through Dungeons and Dragons.

Now, I know, you’re probably thinking, “Adam, how does D&D relate at all to any sort of oral tradition?” And you’re right! Like I said, it’s a stretch, and certainly doesn’t always apply. For me, though, being able to tell a story with my friends using mainly our minds on the spot and some imaginative thinking fills that role. More so as a player over a dungeon master, but more on that later. Being able to embody a character fully and immerse yourself into their narrative is a feeling that can’t really be described; it just sort of happens, and you fall into the ride. Going between person to person and filling the world that’s being created with living thoughts and ideas… the power is wild.

As I mentioned previously, though, for me this connection comes more as a player in somebody else’s story. I know, again it doesn’t make all that much sense. Surely the connection would come from the person passing down the story? Well, it still does, but I know for myself I write it down beforehand and make sure it all “goes to plan” as much as one can. But being a player, and making those choices, fully embodying that character that comes from a piece of you; it’s a connection that can’t be put it into words.

This is mainly just a personal thing. I know some people might disagree, and all the power to them. But, I say, if you can find something that connects you to your ancestry, and especially if it makes you feel good, keep doing it, and don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. You’re the master of your own story, so let yourself be who ever you need to be.

The image is unrelated, it’s just one I took that I like! I hope you enjoy it too!

Morning (lack of) Motivation

Adam WhitneyLeave a comment

We’ve started an instagram page for my job (@churchillpooltbay, if you’re interested) to show off the fun events at the pool and keep the public informed. For fun, we decided to add specific hashtags to our posts; mostly swimming related ones, or pool/lifeguard stuff. However, one that stood out to me was #morningmotivation (side note, as I was writing this #hotgirlsummer came up in the recommended section and I think that’s great). When I posted today, I used it with a quote from Paulo Coelho; “whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy”. To preface, I found the quote on Google and liked it, so I don’t know much about Paulo Coelho. But sitting there after posting, I realized that I don’t truly know what motivates me, but I do know that I want to make myself happy.

Waking up for me, and my #morningmotivation, is usually just because I have a commitment to fulfill. School, work, etc. Not that those commitments are bad, and I generally do enjoy my job and my diploma that I’m pursuing. Sometimes, though, that energy to get and up go just isn’t there. Is it because I’m not making myself happy? If that’s the case, sorry Paulo. These days, the line between commitment and happiness seems to be blurring further and further and routines are just that; routines. So I think I need to start really seeking out that happiness that he’s talking about, in every little thing. Every day I decide to keep going to school, and most days I’m happy about that choice. Work as well, where beyond the occasional irate patron I’m happy to go and see people there.

The real kicker? I think that the motivation doesn’t necessarily lie in the activity or action, but rather the people. Don’t get me wrong, as an outgoing introvert I enjoy my quiet, solo time much more than I do interacting every single day. But the people that I choose to surround myself with make me happy. I genuinely love my friends and family, and that’s all I need. A positive interaction, at least once a day, is my #morningmotivation. As long as I can think back and smile at one little thing, it will all be worth it.

#hotgirlsummer is still the mood, though, so don’t forget it.

Just one minute

Adam WhitneyLeave a comment

Sleep. School. Work. Sleep. School. Sleep. Work. School. Work. School. Work. Sleep.

Balance. Hard to find these days, and even harder to hold onto once you’ve found it. It feels like you can only maintain certain elements of your life and sacrifice others to make it all turn out good. Want to sleep? Miss out on hanging out with friends. School? Don’t have time to work. Friends? Sure you’ll see them at school but you’ll be busy. And don’t even get me started on online friendships; those are even more hard to keep going.

That’s where the problem lies. You can’t balance it all unless you give up other things, and in this busy life you need to pick and choose what’s important. Which, to be honest, really sucks in terms of maintaining healthy relationships and grades. My secret? Have friends at work and school. That way, I’m able to still hang out with people and get my needed socializing without missing out on making money or studying. Does it always work? Nah. I still feel like I’m missing out on a lot. I know it’s just going to get busier, too, but I just have to live in the moment.

Sound off in the comments if you wish; how do you balance work, school, friendships, or anything else? I know I’m personally sacrificing health (which I need to really work on, but no time!) in order to keep good grades and hang out. What other aspects do you find yourself having trouble with?