Final Video

Why Am I So Active? from Jeff Duro on Vimeo.

This is my final video about why I am so connected to fitness, activity and wellness. It has driven most of my life as is fundamental to who I am today. I took my core values and attempted to translate them into this video.

*I do not wish to share this video with the class, thank you*

Looking Back

Initially I was very hesitant to take this course, I knew that writing was a weakness of mine. The only thing I had really had to judge by this course was the name of it, "Creative Writing". It seemed very daunting at first but a friend of mine encouraged me to take it as I needed to take another class to round out my schedule. I know I did not want to be writing essays, because I hate writing them. This class is more about speaking my mind into words. I enjoy the contrast that it is from typical essay writing where that is mostly analysis. Creative writing gives me control over what I write. It means that there is no wrong answer when speaking my mind. Coming into this the first day, I enjoyed it very much. There was a lot of discussion This class is the only real classroom environment class I have had here. Most of my other professors do not even know my name because there are so many students. It felt good to have a relationship with a professor here in college.

In terms of progress this semester, I believe I have grown in areas of multimedia. This class has used so many sources of multimedia for learning. I love how we have been using these blogposts for assignments, it is something I have never really done before. It was very fun and easy to use. I have also learned more about GarageBand which I have only really used to make sound clips for other interests. The main thing I enjoyed was the podcast, that was a very fun experience and I thought my partner and I did a great job. I have also learned more about film studies, story and videography. Im inspired by the magic people can create with technology and cameras. Media can be used to make amazing creations, I love that this class gave me an opportunity to learn more about it. I have enjoyed everything about the class, the material, my classmates and my professor. I would gladly take it again.

I do wish to still learn more multimedia. I am very interested in photography and I have taken a class in the past. I know my way around the subject, but it is a hobby of mine I wish to take up. There is something beautiful about photos that can be so interesting to me. There are so many small details to a picture that most people do not realize. The lighting, focus and frame can change the quality of a photo. I do intend to pursue this interest more in the future. This class had elements of photography that interested me and I hope to learn more as I move on in life. I am very grateful to have taken such a class as this one.

Free Write -- DURO

1) Define the meaning of the term "athlete." What comes to mind when you hear that term? What does it mean to continue on as a student?

 - " athlete " -- a person who participates in organized sports
- I think of someone who plays multiple sports and takes them seriously, not just as a hobby. Most people think of athletes as cocky jocks who think they run everything. While some people might act that way, it is not representative of all athletes, it is just a stereotype. Most athletes are just normal people but are very dedicated competitors. We want to grind and thrive towards success. Along with being an athlete also comes being a student. Student athletes have to balance their time to maximize their performance in both areas, which is usually very difficult. Most athletes tend to focus more on athletics rather than academics. It is a shame since an education is more valuable than high school athletics, more people need to know and believe that. I remember someone telling me how rare it is to go pro in sports and I knew I was too small, had health issues so I pursued other routes. I wish I knew the value of education then, I would have worked harder -- I went through high-school doing the bare-minimum and getting by. My work ethic shows how lazy I can be. In college I have slipped from a top tier student to an average student which hurts. Despite that, I continue to do better one day at a time. I keep working and grinding and I will not stop until I get to my goal.

2) Write a list of:

  1. Every teacher you had who impacted you. Name them and explain why you remember her/him

• Arturi -- Favorite teacher
• My athletic training, health and gym teacher. He was the nicest and most understanding teacher I have ever had. Sadly I only had him for one year, my senior year. He has played a major role in deciding my career path. He use to be an athletic trainer but once he started his family, those hours that he had to work would interfere with his family. He decided that he had to pursue teaching instead. He was then offered a class to teach athletic training since many students in my school were interested in it. He agreed and was ecstatic since he could still be involved with the field of athletic training as well as teaching at normal hours. I still remember the lessons he taught me. He really helped me understand the anatomy and medical aspect of sports. He always wanted the best for me and was very caring. I have to make an effort to go back to my high school when I can, so I can catch up with him. He even said for me to come back when I'm 21 so we can get a drink together. 
• Westbrook -- English teacher
• Mrs. Westbrook was my freshman english teacher as well as AP Literature teacher my senior year. From the first time I had her, she was very helpful in my work and helped me overcome adversities in my worst subject which is still writing/english. She taught me to keep working and stay persistent and eventually I would get better. She said that if I put the time and effort, the results will follow. That helped me get through high school and even sports. It was not just advice for school but for life. 
• Kelly -- Track Coach
• Mr. Kelly was my coach for track and cross country. He was also my gym teacher throughout all four years of high school. He believed in me and convinced me to actually start cross country. I hated running, however I was good at it. He saw that talent in me and continued to believe in me even when I did not. His wisdom guided me to hurdle my mental obstacles and push through them. He would also start conversation with me during gym class and even play games with us during gym, not just watch like other teachers. 

   2.  Courses you've taken over the last couple of months (specifically frosh year)

• Biology I and II
• Biology Lab
• Calculus I
• Basic Stats for Exercise Science
• Expository Writing
• General Psych
• Exercise and Relaxation
• Foundations of Kinesiology
• Social Media for the Arts

           

Life Of Pi - Visual Elements

Over Thanksgiving break, I chose Life of Pi as my movie. I paid attention to the visual elements of the movie in the focus of the first ten minutes. The movie is very pleasing to watch as it presents a beautiful depiction of nature. As the introduction rolls in, clips of animals and nature appear as well. Animals from all different types of species to highlight the wildlife. The inclusion of the animals is very vital to the movie, especially the introduction. It alludes to the movies title, "Life" of Pi. Life includes not only human life but the biology of our world. The movie starts of with the emphasis of life through the animals. The movie not only shows us these animals but shows their beauty. For example, the beautiful flamingoes walking softly through water or the elegance of zebras. Animals are amazing creatures that make up our world, it is important to highlight their magnificence.

Life and nature are heavily associated with the color, green. The introduction makes very great use of that since almost every scene is full of bright green in nature. The beauty of nature lies in the natural state of our land. As you keep watching you'll see the tall trees, the grass, bushes all bright healthy green. It is truly nature in its most pure form. The natural land is visually attracting and grips your eyes to the screen. The bright natural lighting of the sun on a clear day. It is almost as if we do not see nature like this anymore in our everyday life, that it is surprising on screen. Animals of different species and habitats all have different colors. The focus on color shows the lighthearted, peaceful tone to the movie.

In every great movie, also comes great sound. The opening sequence of the movie plays a soothing track in the background. This peaceful melody is very calming and relaxing, highlighting the peace of nature. The director, Ang Lee, makes sure to accompany the peaceful sounds with the pleasing visuals of the movie to set a lighthearted mood. In the song you can also hear some natural sounds of nature as well. Some as simple as birds chirping or other natural animal sounds. The music plays very slowly, which concentrates on the flow of time. The beautiful sounds round out the overall experience of the opening scene. All of these elements make sure to captivate the elegance of nature and life. It shows important it is to remind ourselves how fascinating our world can be. The movie really makes sure that the focus is on life as it in it the movie's title.

Video Project Proposal

Video Title: Are Athletes Getting Bigger, Faster and Stronger Than Ever?

Theme/Concept: Sports Medicine/Technology

Genre: Nonfiction

Target Audience: Sports and fitness crowd

Length of Video: 5-7 mins

Objectives: Address why athletes seem to be getting better and better

Synopsis/ Free Write:
It seems as if every year, the sports world gets crazier and crazier. Some of the stories and
headlines we have seen of the feats that athletes accomplish are amazing. Records being
broken, insanely high scores and numbers on what seems to be a weekly basis. From this
stems the question, are athletes getting bigger, faster and stronger than ever? (Include
examples of data from the present to the past -- record times, techniques, equipment, etc)
While of course human beings have been evolving over time, so has sports. A major component
to its evolution is, technology. We learn more and more each year, from our support, our
successes and even our mistakes. Technology has advanced so far that it has given us more
information on our performance. Advancements in technology have changed the equipment
we use to maximize performance output. For example, the types of clothing -- wetsuits,
compression gear, shoes. All of these have been repeatedly tested to the peak of performance
each year. Another amazing feat is that we build off of our advancements to go even further.
(Include images/video clips of equipment that has advanced to better performances --  along
with data) In regards to medicine, we have learned how to properly take care of our bodies.
Sports medicine has become a specialized form of medicine. Specialists in Biomechanics and
Exercise Physiologists have been trained in the study of the body and movement. There have
also been implementation of performance drugs, not specifically steroids but performance
enhancing drugs such as HGH (Human Growth Hormone), creatine and beta blockers.
Proper vitamins and energy drinks have been proven useful to help performance. Gatorade has
electrolytes in it because, your body’s natural electrolytes get depleted from exercise. Gatorade
is used to replace those electrolytes and give you a little extra boost of energy. Sports medicine
has taught us about injuries and rehab. Physical therapists, athletic trainers and orthopedic
doctors are trained in this area and educate athletes with how to take care of their bodies.
Doctors have even been known to place ‘minute restrictions’ on players to make sure their
bodies are not overworked. (Include sports medicine data and research) Societal pressures and
goals have been higher than ever. What may have been amazing years ago is now probably
average. For instance, scoring 20 points per game in the NBA is just expected, while maybe
20 years ago it might have just made you a superstar. Sport psychology has influenced
athletes to reach higher. Records were meant to broken, they provide motivation for people to
chase something and work for it. People naturally want to be the best, being the best means
beating whoever was before you. So the mental aspect of competition pushes athletes to strive
for greatness. The fame and money that accompanies sports is not bad either. (include fame,
psychology, and competition)
Find a way to conclude and tie back to point

Obsession

Video Games

I would not necessary describe my obsession as video games, I am obsessed with gaming. I would like to think of myself as a gamer. Ever since an early age, I have loved gaming.  I remember I use to watch my older cousins play pokemon on their gameboys and I would be so interested just watching. Once I got a little older, I finally got my hands on with gaming and that's where my obsession took off.

Even in school, I would love when we got to work on the computers. Our teachers would tell us that we could play games once we finished our work. I would try to finish as soon as I could so I could play the computer games. Some of my teachers even caught on and turned some lessons into games. It was a fun way to learn not only for me but my other classmates as well.

My obsession with gaming escalated when I got my own console and TV. I would come home from school, do my homework then play all night until my mom had to unplug the console and make me go to bed. I got really hooked onto FPS (first person shooters) games and sports. The best part about gaming to me was the ability to play with me friends online. I would see them everyday in school and then play with them again later online.

Even to this day, I play video games almost everyday. It is just a habit of my daily routine at this point. Every morning I wake up, I usually try to schedule the rest of my day so I can play a little bit at some point. Whenever I have free time I’m usually in my room on my PS4 playing with friends. I could play all day if I had the time. However, I am very conscious of how much I play. I feel like my obsession to gaming caused my grades to slip last semester. I would often slack off studying and rely on my pure intellect rather than study properly. That only got me so far through high school. There are so many games out which I just want to play but I can’t. Now I realize it is different.

Coming into this school year, I knew better. I am still obsessed with gaming but I know my responsibilities. I have adopted the mindset that there will be always another time to play, but I cannot take exam at other times. I have controlled my obsession properly to where I know my priorities and I have organized them the right way. I do what I need to do and when I am done with my tasks and objectives that is when I can play. I have learned to reward myself for the work I have put into school to supplement my obsession. It also eases the guilt off my conscious, I use to feel terrible playing when I know I should have been studying. I know when it is time to say no or to get off the PS4. I am a proud gamer and have learned to control my obsession.

 

Podcast Character Sketch - Jeff

Name(first and last)

• Paul Einstein (nickname Paulie)

Age

• 21

Appearance

• 6’0, 180 lbs, blue eyes, blonde hair, white

Occupation

• Police Officer (rookie)

Income

• $50,000 a year

Class

• Middle class

Occupation of parents

• Dad -- police officer
• Mom -- nurse

Family members

• 2 Younger brothers
• 1 Younger sister

Education

• Police Academy

Place of residence

• Brooklyn, NY

Place of birth (if different)

• Newark, NJ

Religion

• Catholic Christian

Ethnic Background

• White, European

Hobbies

• Basketball, Football, Baseball, Weight lifting

Pet(s)

• 1 dog -- Rocky

Talents

• 3-sport, 5-star athlete
• Photographic memory

Dislikes

• Laziness
• Waiting around

Eccentric Habits

• Sometimes gets full of himself
• Easily gets carried away
• Eager for action
• Bad work ethic

Phobias

• none

Favorite foods

• Pizza
• Burgers
• Hotdogs

Manner of dress

• Always eager to be in uniform
• Very proud of the badge

Favorite color

• Blue

Sound of voice

• Excited to be a cop, dreamt of being cop
• Always ready for the job

Aspirations

• Aspires to be a great cop and hero
• Wants to be a HERO

Favorite place

• The police station

Number of friends

• 10

Drinking habits

• socially

Smoking habits

• none

Drug habits

• none

Preferences - music

• Hip/hop, Rap

Entertainment

• Action, Thrillers

How does this character react under stress?

• He wants to take immediate action and rush to solve the problem

What does this character do to celebrate?

• Drink with friends
• Relax and watch tv

How does s/he express anger?

• Loses control and says whatever comes to mind

Pleasure?

• Work out

What is his/her greatest secret?

• He fears letting his family down

What is his/her greatest desire?

• To be remembered a HERO and praised

What is his/her ugliest fault?

• Easily loses sense of concentration and realism

What symbol might you use to represent this character?

• A young bull -- very headstrong

Same old, same old. (Dialogue)

Jacob enters the diner, grunts and seats himself.

Jacob

Excuse me miss, can I please get a glass of water?

Waitress turns and notices Jacob

Waitress

Yes sir one second … Oh my god, Jacob?!

Jacob recognizes the waitress, surprised.

Jacob

Wow, Joy is that you? It's been while I apologize.

Joy

No its fine. Haha what brings you here?

Jacob

I’m just here trying to cool off and relax.

Joy

Yeah, I can tell. Let me get that water for you.

Joy goes to the kitchen and brings back a glass of water.

Joy

Here you go Jacob, some water for you.

Jacob

Thank you. That was refreshing. I’m refreshed. I’m refreshing.

You know, I’ve always missed this place.

Joy

Nothing has really changed, just you.

Jacob

What’s that supposed to mean?

Joy

You’re still the same as I remember you.

Jacob

Now I realize why it took me so long to come back here. I worked hard for the respect and status that I have now. I won’t have you shame what I have done.

Joy

Even after all the good you think you’ve done. You have caused plenty of harm.

Manager tries to get Joy to relax.

Jacob

No, its okay let her talk.

Joy brushes off her manager and goes on

Joy

Just because you’re some big shot now, you think you can come here and run this place.

Jacob

All I wanted was to come here and enjoy a meal, but I guess the service here does not allow that.

Joy

Then go Jacob, like you always do.

Jacob

Joy, I know we’ve had our differences in the past. That does not mean we can settle whatever is going on here.

Joy

Enough has been done already and there’s nothing you can do to fix it. You say this and that but always with a catch.

Jacob

What I have done for this community has been more than you will ever do.

Joy

My reputation is strong here and these people know the real me. They only see you on TV, putting on your charm. Don’t act like you do this all for publicity.

The manager intervenes

Manager

I think it is time for you to leave sir, I have the right to refuse service.

Jacob

I was just on my way out. Joy, I thought it would be different this time but I guess not.

Joy

It won’t be. You did not even recognize me and I know you only remembered me once you read my name tag. Take care of yourself Jacob, don’t come back here ever again.

Jacob grabs his belongings and exits the diner.

Fictional Story

The Lamentation, 2016

by Kehinde Wiley

How could this have happened? I stand here, looking at you laying there ... still, asleep, lifeless. Just yesterday we were fine. It was just a regular day until Jacques and Maribelle wanted to go out to a party. Our schedule was free so we decided to go with them. They mentioned that this party was an exclusive invite only and that this rich kid Josh is hosting. Josh has always been known to be a dickhead but I know you are always down for a good party. You put your differences aside for now and right then and there, we agreed to go for sure.

You went through your day, eating breakfast, lunch and even going to the mall with mom. You came home and went straight to your video games even though you should have been studying. It is something we definitely had to work on. Eventually we get the call from Jacques, telling us to meet at his place then us, Jacques and Maribelle will all go together. We head over there, take a few shots to pregame then head out. The uber picks us up and there we are, looking at this massive house with people guarding the gate. Jacques does all the talking, “ Jacques and friends please “. The guard lets us through and we see all our boys from school. Everyone is done with college so Josh wanted to reunite everyone. Some of these people I do not even remember from High School.

We go to the drinks just trying to have a good time and see Josh. He says, what's up to Jacques and Maribelle then us. He gives us the dirtiest look and just says, “Hey thanks for coming” in the fakest way possible. We had beef in the past, I guess he is still not over it. You tried to be the bigger guy but he was not listening. You looked away to talk to Jacques and I remember him slipping something into your drink. He just walked away right when we turned around. You were just chilling for the night until you felt woozy and had to sit down. Jacques and Maribelle took you to a room and told you to lay down and relax.

When I opened my eyes, I was just laying there. Thinking to myself what could have happened to me, trying to replay the scenario in my head. I just see flowers around me, Jacques and Maribelle disappear. The next thing I know, I’m standing here, no one else knows I am here, except me. I rerun the night in my hand and I just have to accept this, looking at myself laying there … still, asleep, lifeless.

How I Dropped My Phone 10 ft Deep in Palawan

I’m down from the kayak in the water and so is my phone.

My brother and I had been kayaking for thirty minutes

When I decided to hop out of the kayak and

Swim for a little in the ten foot deep lagoon.  

I took my phone out to record the beautiful view underwater.

The view beneath the water was extraordinary,

Beautiful coral reefs, fish swimming next to me, white sand,

It was amazing to see the beautiful land structures of the Lagoon.

However, the strap from the waterproof case was limiting my range of motion

So I took the strap off from my neck to get a better video.

The fish would swim to me in interest just as I was interested in them.

Swimming with the fish through their home with me as their guest.

Eventually I went up to the surface for air and to relax.

My brother called me to get back to the kayak so we could explore some more.

I put my goggles on, snorkel in my mouth and swim towards him

To get a look at the scenery here before we go around.

As I swam in his direction I lost focus of my phone,

And I let go of it in my hand as I thought it was still strapped to my neck.

I needed to swim freely without holding my phone, slowing me down.

Unknowingly my phone descended ten feet as I swam away.

It was only after returning to the kayak that I had realized

It was somewhere at the bottom of the lagoon.

My heart rate immediately rose but my mind was focused.

I needed to go back down into the water and find it.

My goggles came back on, no life vest so I could dive for my phone

And I began my search to find my phone.

I knew I had to hurry because the waterproof case could only survive for so long.

Besides it must have been almost ten minutes since I dropped it.

How did I manage to forgot my phone, something so valuable and expensive?

My focus was through the roof and I started swimming

Like a Navy SEAL on a search and rescue operation.

My brother was on the kayak scanning the area,

He spots what seems to resemble my phone.

It was in a black case at the bottom of clear water.

I swam to him, spotted my phone, took a deep breath and dove to get it.

The water pressure squeezing on my head, the water filling my ears,

The fish surrounding me and my phone laying there at the bottom.

I felt relief as I saw my phone and grabbed it from the depth of the lagoon.

As I returned to the surface, I finally went to relax as everything was fine.

People around were cheering as I found my phone.

I had tunnel visioned into the search that I was not even aware of my energy until after.

I was so tired from swimming and stress that I could lose everything on the phone.

The effort was all worth it and it will be a time that I will always remember.

It really felt like I had accomplished a mission. I am very proud of my swimming ability.

Come to think of it, I would do it again because it was so fun.