Purdue Day On Campus

I very recently joined a group on Facebook called the Purdue University College of Technology group. It's still new, so there isn't much there just yet, but maybe it will serve as yet another way to stay in touch with folks. Today I posted about an internship with SIGGRAPH for web design and programming, and I happened to see a post from Matt Bosma saying that the college is hosting Day on Campus this week and next (June 10-20), asking if anyone had a story about their day on campus, if incoming freshmen had any questions, or if alumns had any advice to share.

I remember my Day on Campus fondly, as a prime affirmation of confidence in selecting Purdue University for my undergraduate years. Although there were admittedly times throughout my education at Purdue during which I felt misled by some of the information I received that summer day, I must stress that so much was offered me that I had not come to expect, and ultimately I regard my days at Purdue with warmth and gratitude for the experience.

Still, here are some words I wish someone had said to me that day:

Don't just believe everything you hear. Do your homework and trust your instincts, and most of all, remember that it takes hard work to earn a degree - it isn't just given. No one is entitled to success. Always be aware of your personal goals and the steps it will take to achieve them.

And, for Pete's sake, don't stay up working four days straight in Knoy 346.

Best wishes.

3 Months To Go

We're getting married in 3 months!!!

So much is going on - it's a bit of a wonder that we're staying on track. Naveen graduates this month, we move, then he begins work as a software gaming engineer next month. Meanwhile I'm beginning to look at animation opportunities in the area.

I've gotta shout out to my friend Chris Street who just made the journey over to Rhythm & Hues. That is so awesome! Congrats. It's really cool starting to recognize more and more names in those animation credits. ;) And hey, it beats selling books called "How To Sell Books, Volume One" for a living, right?!?

I've had a couple friends and even some former profs give me a hard time about not applying yet to some of the big studios out west. Trust me, I'd love to do that, and I'm hoping to try soon. It's complicated, and right now it's a real benefit being close to family before the wedding. I do intend to spend a good part of the summer getting back into some animation. We had a really rough month in late April with some awful news that set us back for about a month. Meanwhile we also had to find a place in Chicago, and quick - and what a find! So now with that out of the way, and most of the wedding stuff in place, I can start to focus back on what I'd like to do most.

I think I'd like to do a couple of shorts - like, 10-20 second pieces, definitely using some dialogue. I know the pantomiming projects were great at AM, but I really think I'd like to do acting with dialogue in my next projects. If possible, I might even want to create the dialogue as well, vs. borrowing from a favorite movie. I'll keep you posted.

... Meanwhile... Still Psyched...

3 Months To Go!!!!!! Best wishes, everyone.