Evaluation: Review of Unit B1

I found the UCAS application process relatively easy to complete. It was fairly straightforward because it was a step by step process; you complete one section, press done, then move onto the next, and repeat. Once that process is completed you simply submit the application and wait for your responses. I managed to get my application submitted within two weeks, this was because I was waiting for my tutors to read over my personal statement. Once they had all approved I was quick to send off my application. I feel that my personal statement is a good representation of my skills, experience and personality. I made sure to mention my interest in politics, role as house leader in my secondary school council, attending the Open University, my work experience, my professional experience and the equipment I'm familiar with, etc. I felt it was important to include this information to give the universities I was applying to a greater understanding of who I am as a person and why I feel so passionately about journalism to further my chances of being accepted to the course.

I have successfully managed to create a well rounded portfolio. I'm certain that it shows my ability to produce high quality work regarding articles, op-eds, video, and podcasts. The only thing I am unhappy with is the lack of video work. Throughout this unit I have only produced two pieces of video work, I would ideally liked to have produced more. The reason I didn't is simply because of the quick turnaround we had for several weekly projects. I didn't think it would be enough time to make a high quality video, so the only video I uploaded was a TikTok video which was made with my phone and was edited on CapCut. My most recent video was made using the professional studio and edited using Adobe Premier. This video was of good quality and I had a good time filming and editing which lead me to the outcome that I would have liked to do more video work for my enjoyment but to also show my skillset.

I feel that during this unit I have worked to a very high standard. Our first project was 'Weekly Projects', we then moved on to the 'Magazine TV Show'. For the weekly projects I worked with Martyna and Delfina for every project. On every project I conducted the research, wrote the scripts, filmed the videos, edited the videos, and wrote the articles. From this I feel I have worked to a high standard. However, I do feel this went unnoticed by the peers in my group and my tutors which is disappointing. I feel I wrote many articles and op-eds but I neglected to do much video work for my weekly projects. For the 'magazine tv show' I have worked hard to bring my idea to life. I feel that my segment was well prepared and well edited. There is nothing I would go back and change, other than booking the studio sooner to film my clip so I wasn't doing everything in the same week.

The B1 unit has helped me make informed decisions about my future by allowing me to conduct video work. Before B1 I was certain that video work was not in my future but now I have changed my mind. I have before done one piece of video work at college but I was the vision mixer so I had nothing to do with the video itself. During the 'magazine tv show' project I had to position cameras and be in front of the camera which gave me a new appreciation for video work. This is something I would like to see venture into my future. The B1 unit has also helped me view my progression so far throughout this college course. I am able to see how far I have come in regards of confidence; at the end of my first year at college I wouldn't dare step in front of the camera yet I did in this project and I'm glad that I did as it has given me a new outlook on video work. I am also able to see how far have come in regards of my editing skills; this project was the first time I had used Adobe Premier, however because the layout was the same as Premier Audition I found it easy to navigate and got through my editing relatively quick. My editing skills were not as good a few months ago and this unit has allowed to see me how much they have progressed.

The 'Magazine TV Show' allowed me to decide that I want to participate in video work in my future. The 'Weekly Projects' allowed me to confirm my previous thought that I'd like to write for a living. Both projects have allowed me to open up my future to a wide range of media within journalism leaving me with numerous options for possible jobs.

I applied for uni as soon as I was able to, I've always been certain that I want to go to uni. At one time I was considering an apprenticeship but decided against it in the end. This was down to a few factors such as there not being many apprenticeships available and the ones that are tending to be London based, wanting to experience uni life and make new friends, advice given to me by people who have been in an apprenticeship or to uni, etc. Once this course has finished I hopefully will have got the grades to go to Nottingham Trent to study multimedia journalism. Once I have completed uni my long-term goal is to work for a magazine company such as Empire or Total Film, but I'm aware that I will not get a position at these companies straight after leaving uni and I have to work towards them. I will probably start off at a local newspaper.

This unit has helped me understand my options and make better decisions. As mentioned previously, I have now decided that I'd like to venture into video work which is not something I wanted before this unit. I'm aware of my options which is uni. With regards to making better decisions, I know to do more video work to show my skill set. I also know to not do all the work when working in a group and to communicate with my peers when I'm not happy with doing all the work, such as doing the 'Weekly Projects'.