Snippets

So today I finally got my Fulbright Gateway Program date. I'll be at UC-San Diego from Aug 11th to the 15th, then from there I'll probably go straight to American University in DC.  I just realized this will be a cross country trip...oh my.

I'm not quite sure what to expect from the Gateway Program but it just seems like a wonderful networking activity for all the Fulbright Scholars and a nice intro to the next two years. There's probably a free t-shirt in there somewhere...

So for now I still have a few scholarships to work on but that'll be over in a couple weeks. After that I will quit my job! Then start planning some summer travel in Mexico and then my whole trip/transition to DC.

I've decided that I will incorporate a vlog starting at my Fulbright Orientation in July. This will be uploaded through my YouTube channel so you guys can see what I am up to and meet all the wonderful people that come across this journey. Of course I'll also be posting on this blog.

I am happy  that things are shaping up, of course not without its bumps.

Not everything is always happy, exciting, or fun whilst trying to start an MFA. Though I'm over the biggest hurdle (getting accepted) there are still many things left in the process. Honestly I feel like I am at the worst point right now but I am trying my best to keep things in perspective and just going with the flow.

It seems that for the past five months I've done nothing but write various versions of personal statement, proposed thesis, motivations for study. These essays at some point, just start to sound the same and they get all jumbled in my head. Partly because I am frustrated to write yet another essay on the same topic and not be able to start working on these projects. I just want to start. It also doesn't help that I left my camera at my parents home this past year. I didn't want to risk losing or harming the equipment while I lived in Querétaro. I thought that my current job would motivate and keep me busy enough to not miss it. The reality is that I miss my hands on the camera. On the plus side, I now have my external hard drive full of photos that I have not uploaded or worked on. Hopefully after all this is over I'll have some time before July to work on them.

Why so many essays? Well I have been applying for extra funding. I have applied to the Jumex scholarship and am in the process of applying to FONCA-CONACYT (Fondo Nacional para la Cultura y las Artes) AND SEP (Secretaría de Educación Pública), both from the Mexican government. I actually don't know if I should apply to FONCA this year. I feel a little unprepared. Well, no not uprepared, I just feel like my submission will be stronger next year in terms of what they ask for. Then again, I should just try this year, I can always re-apply. No harm, no foul.

There's still so much left in the process on the road to an MFA. I still have to get my J1 Visa, find housing, furnish said housing option, move to DC, find airfare and tickets to DC, quit my current job, move out, and pack. On the Fulbright end of the spectrum there's still the Orientación de Despedida at COMEXUS and the Fulbright Gateway Program. Those are two things I am very excited for! Anyway, all of this before July 11th/a month and a half-ish. Can you see why I am freaking out?

Things are rolling pretty well. I have officially heard back from three universities.

So at this point in the MFA game I am in between two stages. The Wait and The Application. I have successfully submitted to University of Southern California, American University, and University of Miami. I am still applying to NYFA and SCAD.

What to do during this time...find people to commiserate with online via forums. I found a great thread on StudentFilms. It's oddly comforting to find people that are on the same boat and know that I am still sort of sane. Also, another Fulbrighter introduced me to GradCafe. Here I found a plethora of threads, other Fulbrighters, other MFA Film candidates, and even posts about who's getting accepted (or rejected). All I know is that I have been clicking refresh way too many times today.

As for NYFA, honestly, I'm getting a bad vibe, well weird vibe. Oddly, my vibes about everything are almost always right. Anyway, I heard from them almost daily right after I applied and now, after I forwarded the information to my Placement Officer it's been crickets. They are on rolling admissions and my last choice, so... I can wait to hear from them on the next step.

SCAD, ohhh SCAD. I have read mixed reviews about the school online but the reception I have gotten from them has been positive. It's my second choice, provided there's enough funding. Anyway this week I am working on my demo. I have to fill in approximately ten minutes. My only set back is that my Premiere files won't open on CS6 because of a codec issue. So, I have to start all over or re-install Premiere Pro, which won't happen.

I am excited...nervous...anxious...so many emotions. But, I am sending positive messages out to the universe in hopes that they are received and sent back with the same love.

Wait! There's More!
The title, though true to the moment, is also the soundtrack to the first storyboard and montage I made back during Sophomore year in High School. I remember everything about the project, even the classroom and how long I stayed up drawing.

SUBMISSION COMPLETE!



I worked on a new screenplay for this application. I wanted to write something on the comical side. Though, it wasn't like hysterically funny. I think it got the point across. I'm nervous but we shall see. It'll be the second application I upload. Two down, three to go.

Also, I plan to work on my YouTube channel this week. I have one too many backed up videos to edit. So hopefully after work, between yoga and eating, I'll edit little by little.

In the meantime here is a sneak peak:

Today I will focus on this as much as I can. I have been telling you guys about the application process but I haven't told you guys anything else. 

Ok! So I HAVE to start going with my applications.

My goal: University of Miami and American University. At least get everything in minus the supplemental docs.

BTW...that's me, a little overwhlemed by how much I have procrastinated.

At the moment I am at work. Trying to work, TRYING! TGIF!!