So far, my experience with MMS 172 has been a mix of emotions. At first, as I realized that this course is all about audio, I was worried and unsure if I could keep up, since I don't have much experience in audio production. I was worried if I had the right skills, not to mention the tools, to perform every task. On top of that, I was also concerned because I am not skilled at music or anything related to it at all, which made me worried even more. As the weeks go on, I find the topics a bit less difficult and challenging than I expected them to be, yet still difficult in their own way. One thing that I found interesting was the listening exercises, which gave a lot of insights from my classmates and even facilitators that helped me understand the course. I also appreciate how our facilitator guides us step by step, as well as my classmates who share their insights and ideas, which makes this course engaging.
For Assignment 1, I was able to come up with an idea and plans for the course project; yet, I’m still unsure and undecided about it. A part of me feels like I should change the idea, since I was planning on something new. What I had in mind is a Tagalog-dubbed cartoon, maybe SpongeBob, instead of the current narrative audio reading. I feel undecided because the dubbing idea seems fun, and I still haven’t found a proper book for the current plan, as it’s been difficult to find one that fits well for a narrative audio reading. While I’m still figuring out my project, I’ve looked into some of my classmates’ pre-production plans, and many of them seem creative and exciting. Some are working on unique concepts, others are doing narration, song covers, or voice-overs, each with its own twists. It makes me think that their ideas are going to turn out great. Seeing their plans makes me think more about whether to keep my idea or switch to dubbing.
Seeing all these ideas and plans, I wish I could’ve shared and discussed mine during the face-to-face session. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend the session; however, I think it would’ve been a great chance to discuss, exchange ideas, and learn from my classmates or even from our facilitator. Even so, I’m open to collaborating in other ways, such as online discussions or giving and receiving feedback on our work, since that can help all of us improve. Thinking about this, I feel a mix of both pressured and curious about what’s still to come in MMS 172. I'm pressured because of how creative and well-thought-out my classmates’ ideas are. However, at the same time, I’m curious and excited about how everyone’s work will turn out. Thus, I’m also worried about how I should plan my project, whether to stick with narrative audio reading or try cartoon dubbing. With this uncertainty, it feels both messy and like an opportunity to explore other options. I’m also unsure whether I should collaborate or work solo, and whether I should focus on making my project good enough or make it truly worthwhile and fun.
On top of these concerns, challenges also arise outside of the course content. Challenges like managing my time effectively, the lack of proper tools and equipment, and having a quiet and suitable space for recording. Although time management can be done, it is still tough to mix with other responsibilities. Having the proper equipment may not be an issue if I have a suitable recording area. A house with a little less space that is surrounded by all sorts of noise can be challenging, especially when there are a lot of people in the room. These factors make it sometimes difficult to focus and to execute the plan, yet not impossible. Despite these challenges, I will remain focused on executing this project and making the most of it as a learning experience.