ScreenShots: A Stop In Motion

Last Tuesday (1st March 2011) an event was held by my students from our faculty. It was a small simple event called ScreenShots: A Stop in Motion.

Now, what is ScreenShots? It was actually an idea I had awhile back, in 2009. It was supposed to be a screening events for students to showcase their animated or video works. The first ScreenShots: A Series of Experimental Short Films which was held in 2009. It was an amalgam of videos which included music videos, comedy and horror shorts. It was a very very simple screening event and was supposed to be the start of a creative visual fest for students.

And here again, in 2011...ScreenShots is back. But this time it was animation. Not just any kind of animation...

it was Stop Motion.

The idea to do a stop motion project came after I saw a bunch of stop motion videos by amateur animators, and together with another colleague of mine we set forth on this journey to make ScreenShots: A Stop in Motion a reality.

After months of working with the students, teaching them the usage of framing, scenes, character design, storytelling and Adobe Flash...they were ready. Despite the corrections that they had to do, one thing for sure was they had fun. It was tedious, but the fun they had made them wanted to do the best they can.

There were so many memorable animated shorts by students and not to mention Diploma students which shown that with a little push and a little guidance, they can achieve anything. I'm not being bias, but my students proved to me that they had the creativity, the drive and the motivation to do what ever they can. And for that...I am proud to be a part of their education.

If it was possible, I wanted to show off all of their works...just to share with everybody. But alas, time was a constraint and I had to screen those that filled the criteria I needed. No matter, to me they were all winners and deserved mentions.

To DG08A and B, you all did a wonderful job despite having so much work to do. And it was a pleasure to be able to assist you guys and gals.

To DG09, you all are a group that has the right stuffs. You all had the maturity, the drive and the commitment to do your work well. Please keep being the way you are and I know that one day, it will be an asset. I am very proud of you all and it was an honor and privilege to meet and become a part of your education.

ScreenShots: A Stop in Motion was a success and hopefully that they next one will be bigger and maybe, one day...we can do...

ScreenShots: A Tale Through Time...(combining all the students video works...)

Here's to hoping!

Some pics to share.

Project manager Atang discussing with me on his speech. Our MC, Sara was busy writing down her thoughts...

Attendees were our beloved Prof. Madya Tn. Hj. Hashim Hassan among lecturers Pn. Aziyana and Miss Shamini.

Assistant Registrar En. Azman Kamal, En Fendi Shas and few other lecturers and students.

Not forgetting my dearest wife, who has helped by taking photos and also being my main cheerleader for the event.

DG03 and Me...

I haven't updated in a long time eh?

Funny that when I do have the time I actually have nothing to write. And at the moment I'm at wits end on how to continue my research essay for my Art Critic class. Yeah, that seems to always happen...when I got something to actually do, I end up doing something else. And the paper is due this Tuesday...oh crap...but come to think of it I do my thinking better at night. Go figure.

Anyhoo, what I wanted to share is what I've been feeling this past month. The month of April is an emotional month for me, not because of selling my toys or so...but the preparations of my final year students.

Yup, I've been working with two diploma final year students...so what's the difference? This sem its the batch, DG03. I posted once about this particular group a while back, and here its going to be a more elaborate story.

I've worked with DG01 (the first diploma batch of our faculty) and a few of them came back to continue their degree with us (yay!). Then it was DG02 (a rowdy and funtastic group of kids) and I bonded with them, to me and my wife they've become more like friends now.

So whats the difference you might ask about DG03. Simple. I have been with them since day one. My first day at our university was the first day for them as college students. And I have been with them for the last three years. Different classes, different subjects but the same group of kids.

Along the year I saw some not making it...some withered away and just disappeared and some had to defer due to financial matters. It was heartbreaking but, its all about perseverance...

And now these children who have grown into young talented people, are in their final year.

I have been working with them for these past few months on their final projects and I saw that they have grown. The have become bolder in terms of their work and brave enough to keep on seeing our dearest Puan Ellyna (our Programme Leader) which some of them are afraid of...LOL...but all I see is that she just wants the best for them...like any mother.

DG03 has and always be my dearest students. They have seen me go through so much as I have seen them. I have cried and I have fought with them through their toughest moments. They have been my constant reminder of being a teacher...a mentor...a friend. Sometimes I have my moments of whether I'm doing right as an educator and when I think of DG03...I know that things will be okay.

They worked with my beloved wife to give me a surprise birthday party...during one of my classes. A memory that I will never forget. Because it was honest and it was pure. I see them as glimmering lights in the darkness and I hope I am the same to them.

Right now I am counting the days. As I know, after this...they will be going their separate ways. They will go on to find their destiny and place in life. I might see some of them again, and I might not.

But what I know...I will try my best to spend as much time with them for these next few remaining days.

To my dear DG03, maybe I don't say it as much but I want you all to know that I love you all very much and I couldn't be any prouder of each and everyone of you. You have done well and I hope that when you take those steps into the real world, spread your wings and fly as best as you can.

Cause you are my children not by blood, but by the bond in our hearts. You all will forever be MY DG03.

And I wish you all good luck.

I will always be by your side, if not in person but in spirit.

My Students and I...

Happy New Year.

Yep, it's been ages since I've posted anything. Had a long posting recapping the events of last year, but I think I'll start with something more close to my heart. I just realised that after all this while, I haven't mentioned anything much about my dear students...

Well, after a series of comments on my Facebook status...and some events that went around last semester, I found out that my students are also a part of my life. Aside from going through this new life as a husband, I was happy to have this other group of people sharing this part of my life with me. They were there when I was single...and now married. They have seen me go through that part of life, as I have seen them grow in their life as Unisel students.

A few semesters ago, the first batch of FSSR (used to be FTSSI) students did their final diploma show, and there I saw those in DG01 did one helluva job. Their show was held in the main hall with no partition and nothing else. They had to come up with their own way to display their works...and they did it. They pulled it off. I couldn't have been any prouder. I know I didn't say it much to them on how I felt, but I do hope they felt it. Weird that I hooked up with these kids in their later semesters but they clicked with me good...They're a rowdy bunch, but hardworking..a bit blur on things sometimes but their heart is in the right place...And I couldn't be any prouder to see them graduate...and hopefully will continue their studies in degree...which as I type this, are already in.

Another bunch of kids are from DG02...now this kids are totally new in the beginning with me but instantly clicked. They're very-very close to my wife and she was the one that introduced me to them...And with one class with them, I saw a group that had a lot of potential. Heh...I know I don't know all of them, but I know that they're a good bunch of kids who just wants to do their best. And deep in my heart I believe they can be the best that they can. As I get to know them, the more I became fond of these fellas...and some actually chose me to be their supervisor and for me that is an honor. Sadly, during their final diploma presentation me and my wife couldn't be with them but somehow I think they knew that we were with them in spirit. And they did a spectacular show. We saw the pictures of their event and just like DG01, I couldn't be any prouder. I wished, people would take notice of them and get to know these kids and then you'll understand why I've come to be fond of DG02.

And the bunch that I've seen grow up literally in front of me is DG03...why? I have been with them since they joined Unisel. 4 groups, and only recently I met 03C...Despite being the last to meet up with me, they welcomed me and we bonded and now its as though I've known them just as long as any of the other groups. Along the semesters, I have seen them grow...some became better people, some didn't change and some dropped out...But one thing for sure is that I will miss them the most when they leave...Because they are actually the closest to me. They joined Unisel the same time as me. We share something. And yes, when I look at all of them I see my dear children. As I see them grow, they have seen the same with me. Currently they're doing their practical training and like every parent, I'm worried about them. Will they be okay? Will they be bullied? But I have to know that they'll be fine. And deep in my heart, I know they are.

As I mention of these groups and batches, I know that I'm not suppose to be too attached to students. Since students come and go. Juniors will replace seniors and so on. So being attached is really not good.

But, as usual...I don't really care. They are full of energy and life and being their lecturer and friend has taught me a lot of things. Most of all is humility. We must never think that our position is superior than another cause no matter how great you are, there are always someone better. And being humble will earn respect and makes you a better human being.

I've learned a lot about life ever since I became an educator and thanks to my dear students.