Graduation: Looking to the Future

The sun is finally out, I just hope it stays for more than a day. I'm feeling good. On May 22, 2009 I will be graduating. Yes! I can't believe I made it through the MFA program. I take it back, I can believe it, considering all the hard work that has been put in, but it still feels surreal to me. For those I haven't told, I received an A on my thesis project! I need to give special thanks to Catherine, John, and Karim, for helping me review my thesis.

While I'm happy with the present, I can't help but think about the future. What's next?

I have a few answers to the question. Number one, I've been accepted to the American Black Film Festival's Script Writer's Review, sponsored by Nickelodeon. The event takes place in Miami on June 25 and 26. While I have a conflict with work, I'm crossing my fingers that I will be able to work it out so I can attend. So far it looks promising. Number two, On June 6, 2009 from 5 to 10 pm I'll be working at the Fourth Annual Connecticut Film Industry Mixer. The event is being coordinated by Neal Thomassean. See his facebook page for more details. Number three, the next day, June 7, at 1 pm I will be performing in the Cab and Lunch Scene Actors Showcase sponsored by Red Rock Productions http://www.nyccasting.ning.com/. This Sunday, I auditioned with Terri, my scene partner. I couldn't believe we were chosen. It felt really good when Sheree Rainbolt Kren, the casting director for the showcase told us we were in and that we were good actresses. The compliment made my day. Number 4, I'm going to finish post on After the Headlines. That short film is my baby, it's far from perfect, but I put a lot into it and want to see it completed and then submit it some film festivals. Right now, I'm waiting on Jeff Um, my fabulous editor friend and colleague to finish the cut. I also have to shout him out because he did me a big favor when he agreed to edit the film. If you are looking for a top notch EFX and graphics professional for commercial television and film projects, I highly recommend him. Check out his reel at http://www.umjeff.com/.

I realize that this Friday will be a day of achievement for me, but I can't stop here. Last week, I listened to President Obama's speech to the graduating class of Arizona State University. He is a great orator. So many things he said stuck with me, but I think the most important message he gave was that we cannot be complacent with our achievements, there is always work to be done and we must always push ourselves to do better and not only for ourselves but for those who come behind us.

This chapter in my life is coming to a close, but where I go from here and how I impact the world remains to be seen. I'm still writing that story. I know it won't be an easy journey, but I look forward to the ride and the challenges that are before me.

I'll close with a verse from Ice Cube's, Today was a Good Day. While I'm no G from South Central L.A. I feel that today is a good day:

Today was like one of those fly dreams

Didn't even see a berry flashing those high beams

No helicopter looking for a murder

Two in the morning got the fat burger

Even saw the lights of the Goodyear blimp And it read ice cubes a pimp

Drunk as hell but no throwing up

Half way home and my pager still blowing up

Today I didn't even have to use my a.k.

I got to say it was a good day.

Thanks for reading:)