When I first think of the word, I'm thinking of an NBA or NFL team or player. LeBron James, who at 16 years of age was called "The Chosen One" by Sports Illustrated in 2002. James not only lived up to the hype but exceeded it as he currently has two championships on top of four MVP awards. My mind then flashes to Vernon Gholston, an athletic freak who was expected to be a dominant defender. He ended his NFL career after three seasons and 0 sacks. The gap between James and Gholston is larger than the Grand Canyon, but at one point they were the same, linked to the same word: POTENTIAL. After my initial thought of professional athletes, a new word creeps to the forefront of my head. Danger. I have to believe that knowing you are capable of unlimited human potential and not realizing it is both scary and dangerous.
Personally, I believe human potential should not just be categorized to athletes; it should be looked at in every way. How efficient do we live our lives? Could we go to the gym more? Did I do my best at my job today? What about that class project? Potential is a scary word because it means you may never realize it. It might never happen, just like it never happened for Vernon Gholston.
I can bring this topic of conversation to the class I'm writing this blog for: CMAT 466. In our class, Dr. Burns has gone over white balancing, lighting, audio, etc. and yet, everyone myself included, always makes a little mistake that adds up. A little bit too much leading room, not enough sequencing, shadows are too harsh. Some projects are very well done, but we all know we could've made it better, just like I could probably make this blog a little bit better. Often, he'll show us a news video professionally done, he then asks us "Does anyone here think they can't make this?" We all know we can, it's just that damned potential.
Part of the reason I wanted potential to be my topic is because this will be my last post. I won't stop blogging, but my page here will not be updated. I think potential will be a big theme for all of us about to graduate college. We have a clean slate now, but do we have what it takes to realize our potential and make it in the real world? We'll see.
It's been a lot of fun everybody,
Cheers.
