Blog 1: Midpoint Blog

Coming to the middle of MMS 173 is unreal. Time has flown by so quickly, but I can still recall how I felt when the course began—interested and excited but also apprehensive about what was to come. Now that a part of it is over, I can see how much I've learned already, not only about the subject matter but also about myself and the way I work with media, creativity, and others. It relived my memory back when I was a media arts student in senior high school.

I was so unsure at the beginning of the course. Would I be able to cope? Would it be too much work? Would I like it? I hoped that the course would be interesting, but I didn't know how deeply it would question me. Now, I can honestly say that it has challenged me in ways I didn't anticipate. The projects weren't simply about technical proficiency; they challenged my creativity, my critical thinking, the way I see media and narrative, and how much I could still improve.

One of the largest realizations I came to was viewing my peers' work. Every submission was like a new perspective for me, and it was inspiring and intimidating. It's simple to compare myself to others and feel that I'm not doing enough, but I've learned to flip that on its head instead. The classes also contributed significantly to the way I look at things. 

Currently, I'm at the point where I'm already trying to think about the upcoming tasks and the final project. I won't deny it—there's excitement and nervousness. I already have ideas running in my mind, but implementing them is another story. The pressure to meet or even exceed the level of detail and quality established by previous classes is certainly there. Am I ready for it? I wish so, but I know it will require work, discipline, and imagination. There is also that nagging sense of procrastination setting in, but I am doing my best to keep myself organized so that I do not end up doing everything at the last minute.

Aside from the coursework, I like that this class provides various opportunities for engagement and other activities. I'm currently working on the game photography, which I'm very excited about. I've been testing different games I have played to see what would suit my submission best. I haven't joined any study groups yet, but I would gladly join if I could come across one. On the other hand, I also like to remind myself that learning isn't merely about getting into all the chances—it's about getting the most out of the ones I do commit to.

As for how the course has been conducted, I appreciate so much that there is room for discussion and reflection like this one. It makes the learning feel so much more individualized and less like a rigid, formulaic list of things to do. Sure, there have been times when I've been feeling overwhelmed, but I also understand that growth occurs in discomfort. If I'm uncomfortable, it means that I'm being stretched to be better, and that's something that I appreciate.

For now, I will continue to practice on my own while working on other activities. Though I still do not have a decent camera, I'd like to believe that it is not the equipment that matters but your ability to enhance your skill to mastering the craft.

Going forward, I would like to come to the next assignments with a better sense of vision and confidence. I would like to take the things that I have learned so far and apply them in a manner that comes naturally to me. There is still much to be determined, but I believe that is a part of what makes this course so intriguing. If the first half was about adjusting, then the second half is about truly putting everything into practice.

I know there are going to be more obstacles to come, but rather than fear them, I want to view them as a chance to learn. Whether it's trying new things creatively, learning from my peers, or simply breaking through my own self-doubt, I want to get the most out of what remains of this course. Who knows? Perhaps by the conclusion, I'll be able to look back and surprise myself with how much I've progressed.