I've started a new semester. As a 40+ non-traditional student the beginning of each semester is odd feeling and interesting at the same time. I often get confused with professors, and get some strange looks. But as the semester progresses and I meet people in class, I find the age thing kind of disappears, and we're all just people.
This semester I'm taking three courses - a religion course, a course to prepare us for an upcoming writer's conference at Sundance with creators of shows like Stranger Things, Portlandia, The Office, Parks & Rec, Baskets, and The Good Place. Should be amazing.
But I'm really writing this blog for my class, MCOM 320. I think the MCOM stands for management Communications. It is supposed to fill an upper division writing course. However I've found myself in a very terrifying situation. I love hiding in the shadows. I love sitting in the back of the room and not really existing. I hate the spotlight. I don't like meeting new people and being outgoing. I can edit by myself in a dark cave for hours on end and be happy as a clam. But this class is a part of the Marriott school of business. I'm not a type A person. But for this class I'm going to have to pull myself out of my shell and contribute, participate, and not hide. SCARY! There has been a lot of talk about being leaders, managers, etc. in the class so far. I am none of those things. Nor do I want to be. As a 40+er, I've come to know who I am, and it's not that.
That being said, I do love screenwriting. But what's the part about screenwriting that most screenwriters just loathe? Simple... the pitch. Yep. That. Standing in front of a group of people as they evaluate your work. Talk about being in front of a spotlight. You've spent months, sometimes years perfecting your work, and in a few short minutes, you and your work are being sized up. Well, MCOM to the rescue! I know this class is going to be emotionally taxing on me. But if I can endure and learn what my professor is teaching, my ability to stand in front of a group and present my ideas will be much better. So I embrace the opportunity (with fear and trembling), and look forward to being able to handle the pitch.
Grant, I hope you'll be willing to stand in front of our class and deliver one of your project pitches! I welcome your talents, your personality type, and your wisdom. I look forward to reading more.
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