Filling The Gap Between Ambition and Skill

 

https://vimeo.com/frohlocke/thegap

Filling The Gap Between Ambition and Skill –

When I first decided to get into video production, I knew that it wouldn’t be an easy field. I was told time and time again that I would fail more times than I would succeed but that I just had to keep going, if I ever wanted to realize my dreams. So, while I was well aware that my dream job wouldn’t just fall into my lap straight out of college I was still a bit naive in some regards. For one, I’ve never been a quitter so I didn’t think I would want to quit after a few rejections, but I wasn’t fully aware of how painful each rejection would be, because I didn’t get into this field to become rich or famous, I got into this field because it’s something that I am truly passionate about. Therefore, while I was mindful that it is a tough and competitive field full of many talented individuals each rejection still feels incredibly personal. Secondly, what no one warned me about is that despite everything college taught me, it still takes time to perfect my skills, so while I have seen a great improvement between my first project and my last project when I look at them they still don’t necessarily have the exact look and feel that I wanted them to have and I can still pick out things that I could have done better. Consequently, when my Professor posted the Gap by Ira Glass for us to watch it really made me feel better because I realized how true it really is, and that I’m not alone. There is a gap between my ambitions and what I am creating, but the only way to close that gap is to keep working, and keep making improvements. Because despite the fact that I am not quite where I want to be yet, I am much closer than when I started and the fact that I am now conscious enough to know that I’m not there yet, is a good start. Therefore, every time I look at a finished project and think, I could have done this differently or better, I haven’t completely failed because by being alert of what I could have done better I have learned from my mistake which means that I am less likely to make the same mistake again. So, if you find yourself in doubt like me remember that while you may not be where you want to be today you will be successful, because with ambition and unwavering determination to be better than the day before we will ultimately have the capacity to achieve the level of skill and vision that we have for our projects and dreams – no matter how impossible they may seem.

 

Getting a job is hard work!

I never forgot a quote I read years ago, which said: “find a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life”. Even as an adolescent I knew that was exactly what I needed to do, and so I began my search for that one thing that I loved doing. It took me a little while, but I eventually realized that I had already spent most of my life holding video camera and Video Production was the career I wanted to pursue. As soon as I had that realization, I found the nearest college that offered the classes that I needed to get me started. A couple of years later I graduated from Hillsborough Community College with an Associate Degree in Television and Multimedia Production. However, once I began searching for a job I realized a lot of the jobs I aspired to get required either a vast amount of experience, or a Bachelor’s Degree. So, after doing some research, I decided to attend Full Sail University and get a Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Cinematography. As my graduation from Full Sail approached, I began to get more and more excited, and decided it was time to start searching for my dream job. So, everyday for the past 5 months I’ve started my day by applying to every single job I could find in my desired field.

I’ve been to numerous interviews, and time after time I have encountered heartbreaking rejection. I’ve worked on numerous academic projects, side projects, volunteered, interned, and done just about everything possible to gain experience. I’ve thoroughly researched every company I’ve applied for and have been as prepared as I could be for every interview. Currently I’m only two and a half months away from graduating, and despite all of my efforts and hard work, I feel no closer to getting my dream job than I was when I decided to pursue Video Production. However, despite the setbacks and disappointments I’ve faced, I keep my head up. I continue searching every morning, because if there is one thing I’m terrible at is quitting – especially when there is so much at stake. I know that when I am finally given the opportunity to prove myself I will be successful, because while there may be plenty of other people out there that are more experienced and maybe even more talented than I am, no one will be as hardworking and dedicated as me.