Mastery Journal

It’s been a long few months and I have a few more to go.  I have learned interesting concepts in my Creative Writing Portfolio class. This month, we are required to to write about examples of effective branding. Branding is important for every company, especially if you are attempting to promote or sell a product and service.

I have been working on my website to enforce the brand I want people to recognize.  With branding, you have to think about color, font, website themes, and other aesthetics.

The first company that demonstrates effective branding is Apple. Apple understands how to create a marketing and branding strategy that works.  Apples uses the most simplistic detail to in marketing. They are all about the details. It’s no coincidence that the Apple website has little text and big pictures.  Apple sells us on every detail of the product they are selling.  There is an uniqueness in what Apple has over their competitors.  According to an article in Forbes, “When it comes to managing every detail, Apple is a company that gets it right. It’s not secret why it is the world’s strongest brand, as you see the details in their retail stores, and packaging in their products” (Arruda, 2016).

Figure 1Photo Credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/142507572@N02/27969864244/">stocknewsusa</a> Flickr via <a href="http://compfight.com">Compfight</a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/help/general/#147">cc</a>

The second company that has effective branding is BMW.  I support BMW to some degree, although, I have had issues with the company. BMW prides itself as “The Ultimate Driving Machine.”  BMW positions itself with the ability to relate to the very same people they are trying to attract. BMW plays on the emotions of the audience. The BMW brand is synonymous with luxury, quality, and look. In a recent marketing campaign, BMW start with, “We do not make cares. We are the creators of emotion. We are the keepers of thrill. We are the guardians of one three-letter word. JOY” (An inside look at the branding success of BMW, 2015).

Figure 2Photo Credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/124240658@N06/14607876462/">NiePhotography</a> Flickr via <a href="http://compfight.com">Compfight</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">cc</a>

The third company with an effective branding strategy is Chick-fil-a.  I would be remiss if I didn’t mention this fast-food giant, since I do live in the South.  Chick-fil-a is one of the most recognizable and admired fast-food chains.  Chick-fil-a has built a brand that encompasses family, God and the customer.  The late S. Truett Cathy is one of the most admired businessman in the world.  He built an empire without compromising his beliefs, and that’s what he wanted in his employees. The marketing strategy of Chick-fil-a is inclusive of the logo and logo.  The logo evolved overtime, however, it always represented the product offered.  The name also represented the product.

Figure 3Photo Credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/39160147@N03/19282717125/">JeepersMedia</a> Flickr via <a href="http://compfight.com">Compfight</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">cc</a>

To me, branding is about what represents what you’re selling.  I learned that if I want to be known for dramatic writing, I should have a website that tells the same narrative. So, here’s to me creating a fabulous branding campaign and amazing website that generates work.

Figure 1Phoenix the frog and Scooby the fly speaking to each other  Photo Courtesy of www.storyboardthat.com

It is my opinion that the essence of storytelling is based on the visuals we choose to highlight. In my Storytelling and Storyboarding for Animation class at Full Sail University, I have learned about the importance of animation and painting a picture.  Animation in movies is all about what the audience is able to visually connect with.

Through animations, characters and stories come to life.  We create animals that can sing, talk dance, fly, cry and fight. The best part of the Storytelling and Storyboarding for Animation class, has taught me to be as creative as I want to be when telling the story.

My animation is about two enemies that became unlikely friends. It is called The Frog and Fly. Phoenix is a frog.  He is not your average frog.  Phoenix is handsome, wealthy, and is the captain of the Bug Team.  Scooby is a fly.  He is typically considered food for Phoenix and other frogs. One day, Phoenix encountered Scooby at a pond.  Scooby started to run away, however, Phoenix convinced him to stay. There was something about Scooby that Phoenix found interesting. Phoenix promised Scooby that he had no interest in eating him and wanted to become friends.  

Phoenix and Scooby started hanging out, which caused a lot of issues with some of Phoenix’s friends. As captain of the Bug Team, Phoenix wanted to connect his friends with Scooby.  Scooby was now considered a friend and Phoenix wanted all his friends to hangout.  Phoenix decided to break the ice and invite the Bug Team and Scooby to the Amphibian Theatre, to watch a movie.  

Figure 2 Max and friends surround Scooby. Photo Courtesy of www.storyboardthat.com

Max, co-captain of the Bug Team, did not like this.  Max agreed to go anyway.  Max, along with several of the team decided to see what Scooby was al about.  They were apprehensive because Scooby and all other flies like him, are considered food.  Once at the theatre, Scooby is confronted by Max and the Bug Team. Phoenix is able to calm the troops, however, Oliver has other plans.

As I embark on completing my Master’s in Creative Writing Fine Arts, I have been challenged in ways I never knew or understood.  This month’s class was Writing for Games and I must say, it was interesting.  I realized why I could not be a “gamer” and how I can benefit from the wealth of knowledge in this area.

What is gamification? Gamification is the use of game mechanics and game design techniques in non-game contexts. We use these same techniques in our daily lives.  Gamification can exist during relationships, work, vacation, shopping, and other circumstances.  I realized that I use gamification during interactions with friends constantly. Tumblr and Epic Win both involve gamification of some kind.

Epic Win is a task list management app that rewards the user for completing projects. As I researched this application, it provides a more creative approach to the average to-do list.  As you complete each item on your to-do list, you are rewarded through a point system. Tumblr is another great website that enforces gamification. The creators of Epic Win applied the mythos of a fantasy RPG and simple actions and rewards in the form of badges.  

With Tumblr, the blogging platform uses a leader board type view to show you new content across its thousands of categories.  When we think about how gamification is used, we realize that many of the social media sites are in fact games.  How we play them and make them engaging is what continues to drive the business. These websites create the addiction we cannot stop using.  Games are constant and create competition.  Each social media site competes with each other for users.  A new example is SnapChat and Instagram. SnapChat is a social media platform known for its fun filters.  Instagram recently launched “Instastory” which is similar to SnapChat, but without the fun filters.  Many users of SnapChat were not able and refused to be disloyal to SnapChat. This new addition by Instagram created dialogue and conflict with SnapChat, hence competition. 

I would even go as far as saying Bitmoji is another form of gamification.  I use the Bitmoji app every day during conversations with family, friends and coworkers. It’s a great app that allows you to create an avatar that looks like you or is similar.  The app has different sayings and creates its own conversation.  I could have a conversation with my mom without using actual words.  I am a huge Bitmoji user.  I am able to dress my avatar in different outfits and create looks that are similar to mine. Bitmoji is your own personal emoji https://www.bitmoji.com.

In my opinion, media convergence is easier to discuss and provide details on. Everything we do and participate in revolves around media convergence. We think of newspapers and television as the sole provider of information until the internet came about. We are able to access information from different social media platforms at any given time and on different technological devices. We as a society are always transferring one media to another.  One example of media convergence involves E. L. James and Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy.  James started Fifty Shades of Grey as a book and due to increased popularity, turned into a movie.  

 Another phenomenon that involves media convergence through video games is Candy Crush.  Candy Crush dominated mobile video games by sheer intrigue.  Candy Crush is an addicting game, bringing in $633,000 a day—more than $230 million a year.  Candy Crush went from a simple app for smartphones and tablet users to becoming a coloring book.

Another example of media convergence is Angry Birds.  Angry Birds is a video game turned into a cultural craze.  Angry Birds went from the small screen to the big screen.  The success of the movie gives breathing room to continue developing new games.

 We live in a world where six degrees of separation is prevalent.  Everything comes full circle and is related to something else.  We make movies based on books, and we make films based on video games.  In theory, one relies on the other.  I am a huge fan of The Walking Dead, but never read the comics.  My interest in the television show propelled me to read some of the comics.  I wanted to know the same information that real comic enthusiast knew. So when I look at a show such as The Walking Dead, it directly relates to that of the comic book. When we look at a movie such as Angry Birds, we make a connection with video games.

Writing for Games has taught me a lot about writing in general.  Writing should be appealing not matter what medium you choose.  It is all about engagement and making a connection.

 References 

(n.d.).  Retrieved August 23, 2016, from Bitmoji: https://www.bitmoji.com

5 examples of  great gamification. (2012, April 19). Retrieved August 24, 2014, from Creative  Bloq:  http://www.creativebloq.com/web-design-tips/5-examples-of-great-gamification-1233261

Gamification. (n.d.).  Retrieved August 24, 2016, from Mashable:  http://mashable.com/category/gamification/

O'Brien, C.  (2016, August 24). Rovio reveals 'Angry Birds'movie sequel plans as  company posts revenue gains. Retrieved August 24, 2016, from VentureBeat:  http://venturebeat.com/2016/08/24/rovio-reveals-angry-birds-movie-sequel-plans-as-company-posts-revenue-gains/

HOLD FOR RELEASE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 5, 2016                                                                               

Olivia Ferriera is Bringing the Chicest Clothing for Babies Launching to a Computer Near You. 

ATLANTA, GA, July 24, 2016. – Olivia Ferriera is pleased to announce the launch of her new children’s clothing website www.labellebebeatl.com. The La Belle Bebe website will feature the latest in children’s fashion including garments for babies and toddlers. The website will officially launch on Monday, September 5, 2016 at midnight.

Visitors to the website will have access to exclusive deals and outfits to dress their little ones. The website will also enable visitors to get backstage access to how each piece of clothing was chosen and different ways to wear them. Olivia Ferriera, owner of La Belle Bebe Boutique, has worked over 10 years in the fashion industry and is dedicated to keeping babies and kids looking good. 

“We are bringing a little piece of luxury without the hefty price tag,” Olivia said, “but the kids will for sure look like a million bucks.”

The website will include some of the following:

•    Designer brands

•    Accessories

•    Outerwear

•    Athletics

•    Bottoms

Olivia said, “I have had a love for fashion since I was little and my kids are very influential in the clothes we are premiering.”

The website launch will take place at midnight on Monday, September 5, 2016. The first 50 visitors to the site will receive a special offer. Olivia is looking forward to conquering the world of fashion and the internet.  

About La Belle Bebe Boutique, LLC:

La Belle Bebe Boutique, LLC is the brainchild of Olivia Ferriera and inspired by her love of fashion and children.  Founded in 2016, La Belle Bebe will be accessible nationally and internationally through its online store. Olivia is bringing chic and affordable clothing not only to parents and families, but to the children wearing them. Olivia resides in Atlanta with her three children and owns A Fresh Start Childcare.

For more information about La Belle Bebe Boutique, please visit www.labellebebeatl.com.

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Media Contact: 

Zanobia Winstead, PR Consultant                          

678-842-4570

Having the opportunity to be apart of the writing staff opened my eyes to noticing the little details. Working on items that is not your own can be difficult. When you are not the creator, you have to see the vision of the writer.  Although there is room to make changes, you still have to adhere to the original format, which can be challenging.  As a writer, you have to create a vison on paper that can translate to the screen.

I have worked on films in varying capacities, however, never understood the writing aspect.  This class gave me a different power—writing. It also taught me how valuable it is to have other writers read over your work.  Everyone has strengths that contribute to the overall finished project.  Even when works are not your own creative property, you still have a vested interest in seeing a successful outcome.  I enjoyed writing an episode that was creative and unique. Although the characters were already developed, there was opportunity to have them do and behave unlike themselves.  As a writer, you have to step out of your comfort zone and create content that is challenging.

You never appreciate things until they are gone! That's how I feel about Starbucks.  I probably should have purchased stock when it first opened, however, I was naïve.  I never invested in a company before.  I had no idea something so simple would turn into a phenomenon and one of the premier choices of coffee lovers.  My first experience with Starbucks came from a gift card I received more than 10 years ago.  My younger, less self-deprecating self, walked into a brown and green coffee shop, with the hopes of getting a lot for $10.  To my chagrin, I was only able to buy a lemon pound cake and a Frappuccino. I was under the impression my gift card would last at least week and buy more than two items.  Clearly I was wrong. I had to mentally prepare for the future visits I would make to Starbucks. My friend had no clue what she created.  I was a monster! No, I was an addicted Starbucks monster.  

Photo Credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/87541009@N07/8466012668/">LaurenWood_x</a> via <a href="http://compfight.com">Compfight</a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/help/general/#147">cc</a>

I started saving money to get my daily fix of something that is “inspiring and nurturing the human spirit" after my gift card initiation.   I'm not sure you can really “save” for Starbucks, but I was trying.   I have literally spent over $40 a week on Starbucks: iced-coffee, refreshers, breakfast sandwiches and pound cake.  Not smart, but the upside is I am the proud owner of a little piece of the coffee heaven.  I went from a Starbucks "virgin" to a professional within a few months.  I was ordering everything on the menu including Tazo tea and water.  

Lets not even talk about the pastries.  When you walk into any Starbucks location, the design aesthetic is basically the same. There are chairs and tables with couches in the corner, while patrons sashay on dark brown wood floors.  Next to the cash register is a the "bakery window" as I call it.  There you have all the delicious sandwiches, muffins and cakes that Starbucks offers.  If you are waiting on line, you do not have any choice but to admire the snacks.  The longer you wait, the more likely you are to add a snack to your order. As a foodie, I was sucked in.  I am not going to mention that Starbucks is always changing the menu. ( Shhh! There's a secret menu!) Customers are eating healthier, so Starbucks provides options like turkey bacon and egg whites.   You can easily spend $10 on just breakfast, not including a drink.  I know, sounds crazy.  Trust me, I entertain the madness; Starbucks.  True Starbucks lovers even thought Taylor Swift was singing about the coffee house in her song Blank Space, but we were wrong.

Photo Credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/11664768@N08/7405614938/">Brisan</a> via <a href="http://compfight.com">Compfight</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">cc</a>

Photo Credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/62631731@N03/26248075194/">Lester Ong</a> via <a href="http://compfight.com">Compfight</a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/help/general/#147">cc</a>

Things were getting so bad, I decided to give up Starbucks during the Lent season.  I stopped buying Starbucks for 40 days. Whew! Talk about stress.  I didn't know what to do with myself.  I must admit, I have a Starbucks problem, not a coffee problem.  Starbucks is my safe place and a constant in my life. I didn’t think I could make it. For the first few days, I started breaking out and was shaking all the time.  My body was so used to drinking Starbucks, it started retaliating against me.  The smell of the place would make me feel nausiated and fidgety.  It took a while before I could be near a Starbucks without going through withdrawals.  The last seven days was more relaxing.  I’ve heard it takes 21 days for your body to adjust to something different and that was correct. Suffice to say, I retreated back to the old me as soon as Lent was over.  If you’re asking, I did pray to take the urge away.  Prayed helped for the moment.  I realized just how addicted I was.

Photo Credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/24473627@N02/11955844705/">Sarah & Sunbeams</a> via <a href="http://compfight.com">Compfight</a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/help/general/#147">cc</a>

For many people, coffee or coffee-based products helps them stay awake.  Not true in my case. For me, it’s different.  I feel a sense of peace and solitude after I get my daily fix. That’s why I continue to drink Starbucks.  Being a lawyer is rewarding, but can be super stressful.  I take every case I get personally.  I want to always make sure I do right by the people I represent.  I am committed to my career as I am to Starbucks.  Hello! That's why I am a reward member.  As a rewards member, every purchase made receives gold stars, which leads to discounts and rewards.  Who doesn’t’ want something in return for being committed.  

I know, this sounds kind of boring!   Besides Starbucks great ambience and decorum, the most important quality the company has, is their commitment to the neighborhood.  That’s me! I am all about bringing positive energy and service to my environment. I want to help others the way Starbucks helps me, even if I have to pay a hefty fee.   The great news is, instead of going 7 days a week, I only go 5 days.  Starbucks have become my home away from home.

As a part of my Character Creation and Development class, we are required to get to know our characters.  This involves reading some of the things they read.  

My protagonist Bailey would read Vogue magazine and frequent www. nordstrom.com.  Vogue is one of the premier magazines and she is able to stay abreast of a the latest trends for inspiration. Nordstrom is one of her favorite stores to shop due to the merchandise they sell and the superior customer service. 

My antagonist Curtis is a typical man.  He loves sports and world stories.  He favorite magazine is the Times. The writing in the Times is great and the covers are always magnetic.  The most interesting aspect of the magazine is the intense, yet thought-provoking covers. Curtis has an obsession with www.msnbc.com. 

This is the latest assignment for my Character Creation and Development. We were required to create a Pinterest page with two boards; Antagonist and Protagonist. 

This is the link to my Protagonist page http://pin.it/XmmSYuh

I currently work at an outpatient vascular ambulatory center. We maintain the access of patients that have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). These patients have limited kidney function or none at all.  I am the Operations Coordinator and I assist with the daily operations for seven clinics in five states.  

Detail at least one community organization that you are currently involved with or would like to be involved with: 

My job requires me to travel every week, which leaves me little time to be active in my community.  I am involved with my church and endeavor to participate in the activities they initiate.  I spend a large amount of time in and out of hotels.

Bullet point three ideas of things that you could do, right now, wherever you currently work or in your community to build your writing resume starting today.  Then, find and add a picture to each of these three ideas that will serve as a visual trigger to remind you of your creative writing idea.  (Be sure to add these three pictures to your Tumbler account that you created in the Mastery Course.) 

In my efforts to build my writing resume, I can begin the following tasks with regards to my church:

·      Manage or assist with the social media account for Free Spirit Ministries (FSM)   

·      Write press releases for FSM to introduce and highlight new activities and partnerships  

·      Assist with the design and layout for my employers’ website.  The website is outdated and needs a little uplifting.

Photo Credit 

Photo Credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/133195281@N02/25238310889/">The one place for all businesses!</a> via <a href="http://compfight.com">Compfight</a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/help/general/#147">cc</a>

Photo Credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/136837473@N08/23405059796/">Meyermediagroup</a> via <a href="http://compfight.com">Compfight</a> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/help/general/#147">cc</a>

Mastery Journal 12

The journey to completing my Master’s degree is over in a week.  I am finishing my final project and thesis.  Although, I have not been thrilled with some of the courses and professors, I am happy to complete this chapter. This month’s class is about our capstone project and writing our final thesis. The class highlighted the importance of creating a well-developed thesis and website.

The Public Relations: Final Project and Thesis class taught me how to write content that is engaging and informative.  Every industry has different requirements or specific abilities, however, the one common denominator is writing and engagement. I learned to take more time and interest with writing pitches, stories and biographies for social media platforms.  When visitors go to your social media pages, one of the first things they look at is the “About me” sections and bios.  These are the sections that give quick insight to your individual personality.

My expectations for the Public Relations: Final Project and Thesis class were the same as any class.  As I stated in other journals, my interest in PR diminished, however, my learning kept evolving.   One thing I will take away from this class is the ability to make a decent website.  I am learning to create a website that will engage, inform and educate visitors. I have learned a lot about analytics and how important it is to the success and failures of businesses.

The website I created is still a work in progress.  I created the website as I went through each week. We learned from different tutorials, so I was not as secure when going live. The major takeaway is to stay true to your aesthetic. Designs and themes should be representative of the brand and target audience. I want to be able to use the information I learned to help me and others develop a usable website.  

The journey to completing my Master’s degree is almost over.  I am nearing the finish line and would like to end on a high note. Although, I have expressed my dissatisfaction with the courses I have taken, I am not a quitter. This month’s class is about creating an online media room.  This class pushed my understanding of a specific target audience and delivering content that fits their audience profile.  

The Online Media Room class taught me how to understand and engage internal and external publics, as well as stakeholders.  The content and context should be inclusive of the targeted audience and should have a desired outcome. When looking at other media pages, I was able to depict what was good and bad through my eyes. I learned some of the biggest and influential companies were still a work in progress.  As a constant visitor to different media pages, I understand it is important to engage your visitor and keep them interested in clicking other links.

The content of the media page should fit the audience you are targeting. To have effective content, the voice and tone should be represented of the brand and audience. In our personal lives, what we do and say represents who we are.  This holds true to media pages and websites.  Our voice and tone is what people see and read. This information was great to learn and I use that when visiting different websites and media pages.

My expectations for the Online Media Room class were low.  As my interest in PR decreases, so does expectations. I learned that I was not alone is my lack of understanding in developing media pages.  One thing I will take away from this class is the ability to provide constructive criticism.  During the class, we reviewed media pages from our peers.  Constructive criticism is not only for the person receiving it, however, for the person providing.

As I continue to embark on this journey called life, my Mastery timeline will soon end.  I am on third base waiting to run to home plate and earning my Master’s in Public Relation.  As I mentioned last month, the passion and love I had for the PR industry no longer exists. All of the courses have given me insight in good and bad ways. Once this chapter is finished, I am faced with the task of starting over again. What am I going to do after graduation?

I am currently taking the Reputation Management Strategies class.  The professor was different from the others. He provided feedback in the form of a movie. I thought that was creative and I did enjoy that aspect of the feedback.  He started off with the positive in order to conclude with some negatives. The overall perception of the feedback was the professor’s ability to form a connection with the student and the material he was grading.

This month’s class was about crisis communication.  The topic itself is important in preparing PR professionals, executives and other stakeholders in handling a crisis. The course covered online reputation assessment, crisis communication plan and search engine optimization.

In reviewing the course this month, I do not have a favorite assignment.  One assignment focused on understanding and analyzing online reputation assessment, while another helped us to create a crisis communication plan. The crisis communication plan provided detailed information as to the steps needed to handle a crisis. There should always be a plan in action to prevent a crisis or deal with one as is happens. The one take away I learned was the importance of using different search engines to obtain research information. This is great for any line of business and industry.

Looking back over the last few months, I have come to understand everything is not what it appears.  In January of this year, I embarked on a journey to develop the craft I loved, or so I thought.  Ten months into the program, the love and passion I had quickly diminished.  Is it me, the work load, my professors, the school or have I never truly had this passion. As time passes, the answers are slowly starting to show. The road to discovering your passions will never be easy.

I always start my journal entry mentioning the class, Mastery. This was probably one of the most eye-opening classes I have taken.  This class made me look at myself through different lens. Initially, I thought I always knew what my passions were until I really had to think about.  The questions started to form. What makes me happy? Do I love this? Am I going to be great at it? How will people respond? The challenges in my head were taking over and reality was sinking it. I would be great at Pr. I was confident that I was embarking on the right path. 

 The second month of class I was doing great.  I was meeting new peers and we were bouncing ideas off each other.  The third month and up until the seventh month, things were the same.  Then I noticed my classmates were becoming fewer and fewer.  I had no idea what was going on.  My grades stared slipping. I was not feeling as enthusiastic as I previously did.  The next thing I knew, I was getting F’s on assignments.  This was all new to me.  What do you do then? Well, I reached out to my instructor, whom had posted to contact her if we needed help or had questions. That was a mistake.  She then berated me through email.  I was always told by professors, especially at Full Sail University, to ask questions regarding anything.  I guess that did not apply to grades.  Her email would leave person with low self-esteem to go off the deep end.  She made me feel that I was not intelligent enough to have a career in PR.  Those encounters made me second guess what I was doing. That continued through the next month.  Literally, I still doubt myself. Though PR was my passion, I can say for certain, it is not what I want to do anymore.

This journey I am partaking is full of twists and turns.  I am currently halfway through my goal of obtaining my M.A. in public relations. At times, I feel that I have stretched myself too wide and do not want to continue.  The work itself is not difficult, however, takes a lot out of me. The Market and Consumer Research Analysis class has been challenging. The world of PR is not as easy as I thought. Everyday I go to work, reminds me why I should not give up on finishing my studies.

The Market and Consumer Research class at Full Sail University has reinforced the art of listening, learning and living. No matter the tribulations I face each week of class, I am able to apply my learning to real world experiences. The ability to listen comes from feedback given by peers.  Direct relationships to situations can affect the way things are perceived.  Each week there are community discussions about lessons that require peer review. As I read work submitted by others, I saw things from a different perspective.  

I have learned a lot in MCR and am continuing to learn.  I always see articles in PR Daily that reflect what I just learned in class.  I laugh at the irony and realize that PR is very broad. There are many aspects of PR that are not as clear-cut as I thought.  I feel good that I know and understand what PR Daily writes about.  Each article discusses the journey I am on at Full Sail University

I am learning to live out my dreams and aspirations.  I go back to my first class at Full Sail, Mastery and the purpose of finding what my passions are. Each month I reflect on whether this is the right path.  The idea of any career or passion is to not give up.  There will always be hard times, however, learning how to navigate through those times are most important.  The things you are most passionate about require hard work and determination.