Family

If you look up the definition of "family" on the internet or in a dictionary, you will get numerous definitions. It's because there is not one single way to describe what a family is or what family means to each of us. Families are formed in many, many different ways. I am learning that through my journey in adoption.....and have learned that from you, my students.

Family, to me, could be biological, but it can also be a collection of people, who spend time under the same roof for a regular period of time, who experience happiness, joy, pain, rejection, depression, laughter, feelings, tears, successes and failures...together. People who support and love one another, even though our differences are as great as our similarities.

DeAndre came to me yesterday and asked if he could read out loud his poem that he wrote about the class, to the class. In all the finals, cleaning, picture-taking, etc. I forgot. I deeply regret that because what he had to say to me, you, and all of us needs to be heard. If you ever believe that you don't make impressions on people in your life, think again.

Below is the poem he wrote for all of us. Enjoy. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and if you're moving on, please keep in touch with me, your friends, your family.

Love to all,

Mrs. Watson

BVP-CCP
Lights… Camera… Action… for all the world’s a stage and we… we are its mere actors… but what use is a stage… the lights… the camera… or any action… without friends…no… dare I say... I do dare… without family

I’m gonna miss it… for you see this semester… will be my last… So I have no choice… but to miss… miss it all… from the bro’s that have my back… to the sisters I could never replace… from Cody’s unique joy to bring happiness on a cloudy day… or Pricilla’s strict attitude to keep us all in line… but still it’s with love… or Malike’s Swagnificent Hustler’s attitude… or Tyrell’s cinematic happy go lucky attitude… to the little argument’s we all have had… I will miss it all dearly… but even still… hands at each other’s throat’s… and even through the blood sweat and tears… we made it… to see each other one last time in this room…

But what I will truly miss… more than anything… more than my experience…. Is my 2nd mother… Ms Watson… Watson… You actually did it… you actually sparked the creativity in me… and awoke the outgoing young man who lied dormant in my soul… you kept me going when I thought there was nothing left… even on your worst days you were the shelter to me in my great storm of depression… You showed me I’m not as worthless as I was told to be… or as worthless as I thought I was… You made me a better person…and turned me into a better man… a man that I can be proud of…and doing all this and watching over me with great love… and for that I thank you.

So you see I couldn’t let you all leave… I couldn’t let you go… not without saying this… you all to have helped me grow… grow for the better… and not for the worst… I can never repay you all… or really let you all know how much you all mean to me… I could spend an eternity writing s novel and still… it would be inadequate… but I digress… I will sincerely miss you all… and I hope you all won’t forget skateboarder kid… grim… Dre… or sprite man… because these are the names I will always remember and cherish as well… so stay in touch… for I could not have prayed for a better family… because I Closely Cherish Peoples (CCP)

Love Grim (Deandre)

Your choice.....

Hi all,

As we wind down the semester, let's reflect on how much about the business of video production you've learned this semester.

I think that some of you understand the importance of lighting a little more than you did before. Most of the time when I help you light your interviews, you are somewhat impressed and surprised how much it improves your video. Lighting is key! Learning how to use it for special effects will be your next trick.

The importance of writing your script BEFORE you edit can't be understated. It helps to put your thoughts in perspective, it helps draw a picture in your mind of how your story will develop and it gives you an opportunity to get creative with your words.

The credibility that an outside source adds to your story is important. You haven't done very well with this aspect of this class and we need to work more on that skill.

Related to that, I think that we need to develop your skills for pre-interviewing. Figuring out who is the right person to add credibility to your packages is vital. Many times you guys give up before you even figure out who your expert is and that contributes to you losing steam.

I think that your writing has improved. Although there is plenty more to work on, I think you understand the nuances of writing to the pictures, creating a story that moves people along and creating interest through words and pictures.

You have been able to choose your own stories. That doesn't happen in a TV station. Stories are assigned. Very rarely, unless you can propose an amazing story, does a reporter, photographer or anchor get to choose their stories. This is where we differ. Next semester will probably be different. We'll see.

For now, talk about what you've gotten out of this semester of Eagle TV and what you would've liked to have done differently. What would you like ME to have done differently? How can we improve upon the daily class? I want to hear your opinion.

I want you to also know how much all of you mean to me. Advanced class gets me up every morning. You guys are my family, my kids and I love each and every one of you. Have a nice holiday break! :-)