Spiritual prompt: Article of Faith- 13 : How do we use this article of faith to guide our decisions in what we create and consume?

11/10/2025

In terms of creation, this Article of Faith guides me to create things with love and out of love. It’s easy and often popular to create content fueled by negativity, to rant, gossip, or complain, because it captures attention and stirs emotion. It’s much easier to justify being angry about the world than to be grateful for it, especially when there’s so much hardship and injustice. But I’ve learned that negativity doesn’t bring lasting joy. When I post something, even a little bit of hate can be crushing. Once, I made a video joking about the “weird” things I noticed after moving to the Southern United States. I thought I was being funny, but it came across as pessimistic, and I received several hurtful comments telling me to “go back where I came from.” That experience taught me that I’d much rather create content that uplifts and spreads positivity because not only does it make me feel better, but it also helps others feel better.

The same principle applies to what I consume. Recently, my husband and I watched the show Breaking Bad. It’s brilliantly written, but it’s also dark and heavy, and I often felt emotionally drained after each episode. I started realizing I needed what I call a “palate cleanser”, something lighthearted or uplifting to balance out the darkness. This experience reminded me that what I choose to watch, read, or listen to has a profound impact on my spirit and mindset. Seeking after things that are “virtuous, lovely, or of good report” truly brings more peace, gratitude, and joy into my life.

Professional prompt: What did you learn writing your video script that you didn’t know before?

11/11/2025

While writing my script, I realized that the tone I heard in my head was very different once it was actually performed. My husband was a somewhat willing participant in my video, but getting him to deliver the lines I had written felt like pulling teeth. The dialogue sounded unnatural; it wasn’t at all how I imagined it would play out. I quickly discovered that some things work well on paper but feel awkward when brought to life. While retaining the foundation of my original script, I ended up modifying a few lines of dialogue to make the video more engaging and natural. I had initially dismissed certain lines in my first draft because they felt too wordy; however, when revisiting them, I found that they actually worked better in practice. Even though they were longer, they flowed more naturally and helped the interaction feel real instead of forced.

Writing this script taught me how different theory and execution can be. What sounds great in my head or looks clean on the page doesn’t always translate the same way in performance. It was a valuable lesson in flexibility and creativity.

Professional prompt: How would you explain the significance of having a video script or storyboard to an employer who doesn’t know what it is?

11/12/2025

A storyboard or script is an excellent tool for visualizing how ideas will play out on screen. I frequently use this process in my job, particularly when collaborating with others to create videos. To bring what’s in my head to life, I need to clearly show others what I envision, whether they’re actors, producers, or distributors (I use those terms, and I feel a little silly because that's not their main roles in life, but in context to the work I do, that's who I am working with). Without something visual to guide them, my team might miss the concept, misunderstand my direction, or lose interest before the project even begins.

It’s discouraging when people dismiss an idea simply because I didn’t communicate it well enough. That’s why having a script or storyboard is so important; it helps ensure I’m doing everything I can to convey my vision effectively. Once I know I’ve communicated my ideas clearly, I can then evaluate whether the problem lies in the story itself, the engagement level, or how I’m targeting my audience. A storyboard allows me to bridge that gap between imagination and execution, giving my ideas the best possible chance to connect with others.

Student’s choice: How do we correct others with love?

11/13/2025

This question has weighed on me for a while because, honestly, I don’t like being corrected myself. Even when I know someone means well, I still tend to get defensive or upset when I’m told I’m wrong.

There’s one woman I know who never admits when she’s wrong. Once, she insisted that Charleston was the capital of South Carolina. I knew that wasn’t true, so I tried to correct her, but she kept arguing with me. Eventually, I pulled out my phone and showed her that the capital is actually Columbia. She just scoffed and walked away. Looking back, I realize I didn’t handle the situation well. I let my frustration take over because I was so focused on proving that I was right.

As I reflect on that moment, I see that my tone was off. Instead of gently suggesting the correct answer or speaking kindly, I was blunt and wanted her to feel a little foolish for being wrong. That wasn’t loving. I should have been more patient and humble in my approach.

Correcting others with love isn’t easy, especially when they’re stubborn or refuse to listen. But I’ve learned that it’s not just about being right, it’s about being kind. Approaching correction with gentleness, patience, and genuine care makes all the difference, even when the situation feels frustrating.

Student’s choice: What motivates you to write?