Today in Techie Youth, I published my video about my experiences in Techie Youth on Youtube. After I finished my work in iMovie, I imported the clips into InShot, which allowed me to cut some of the smaller bits out of the video where I paused or stumbled over my words. I then was able to export my video in 1080p quality and then uploaded it to my youtube channel. While editing, I took the advice I got from the jump cuts video and made sure I added some B-roll footage to make sure my video wasn't too jarring between the cuts. I added some background music and also used the text feature to give viewers disclaimers. They also had a PiP (picture in picture) feature so I could ass pictures with sound effects to my video. All in all, I'm grateful for being able to work at Techie Youth this summer, and had a lot of fun learning stuff.
Today in Techie Youth, I filmed a video and began editing. For my editing software, I decided to use iMovie because I had used it in the past and it was the most accessible app out of the ones I saw on the App Store. In the video, I chose the prompt about sharing my experiences at Techie Youth. In the video, I basically talked about how I got into the program and my work. I used effects on iMovie that allowed me to add pictures and background music to the video. iMovie also has this feature where you can speed up clips and pitch the audio, so I used those options to get the right speed. In some of the clips, I was interrupted by background noise and things of that nature, so I was able to use the splice feature to cut out clips where they became a distraction to the content. iMovie also has these filters that change the color and contrast of the video, such as Black & White and Multi-Color, but I thought these were a bit jarring for the subject matter so I didn't use them in my video. I think the video came out nicely and I will continue working on it tomorrow.
Today in Techie Youth, I learned about marketing yourself as a Video Editor. Becoming a successful video editor can be hard as it is a freelance job, but putting yourself out there is one good way to build up your career. Reaching out to small businesses and offering free services in exchange for adding them to your portfolio is a mutually beneficial bargain. In this way, these businesses can spread your name around and you will be able to build a brand reputation. There are websites like Fiverr and Behance that allow you to see top video editors and if you build yourself up on these websites, companies can reach out to you and offer incentives like money or bigger promotions. When making these exchanges, its important to negotiate contracts to benefit yourself. Don't settle for less and know your worth, especially when working with bigger companies that can support you.
Today in Techie Youth, I learned about Adobe Premiere Pro, which is an editing software. Adobe Premiere Pro has a lot of features and you can export videos with 4K quality. It has a scissor option where you can split clips without changing their duration and also drag around clips to merge with others. They offer a broad sound selection for effects or simply background music and you can also import your own music/sounds of your choice. When an exported clip isn't at the correct fps (Frames Per Second), you can go into the settings and changes the fps through the interpreted footage feature. There's also a comparison view feature that allows users to see the before and after of a video clip when they add a visual effect. Another thing I learned about was Transitions, particularly J+L cuts. A J cut is when the audio of a clip plays before the clip actually shows and matches up. An L cut is when the audio from a clip carries onto the audio in another clip. They're called J+L cuts because they make the letter motion when you use these transitions in editing software. Jump cuts are also a big thing in video editing, and they can look seamless but only when done right. If you don't have enough of a clip and make a jump cut as a save, it looks unprofessional and trippy to the viewers' eyes. However, things like speeding the clip up or zooming in before making a cut can make it more natural. Setting up the camera angles to make sure this isn't an issue in the editing process can save you time. I don't think I'll use Adobe Premiere Pro for my video because of the price, but it was helpful learning about the basics of the app and other editing softwares.
Today in Techie Youth, I learned more about Video Editing. I briefly went over this unit a while ago and have now come back to it. I learned about the impact music has on videos, especially movies. Music evokes broader and more dramatic sounds depending on the content of the video, and it can make the sound feel fuller. VFX sounds also give an effect to the clips that make the video feel more natural. Color and Lighting are also big factors in the video editing world. I have previous knowledge of this because when I was doing Apollo shows, the director always stressed the importance of lighting on stage. The audience should always be able to see the actors or whoever may be in the clips, and if it is dark purposefully, it should look that way and not messy. As a video editor, the task is not to bring the director's vision to life, but to edit through your own lens. Of course, it is important to collaborate with them to bring the best product, but editing is all about perspective, and the best way to evoke the complete vision out of a clip is by giving the audience an opportunity to digest the content for what they believe it is. I also published my Niche Website today and I really like the way it looks, so hopefully, that translates to the viewers. I look forward to continuing in this unit.
Today in Techie Youth, I finished the writing portion of my Niche Website. I did two articles on my experiences in SEO Scholars and Techie Youth and recommending it to other Youth in NYC. I wrote about all of the technicalities of the programs and then my personal opinion, similar to a blog. I read over articles and videos to guide me in the presentation aspect because I didn't feel very confident on how to show my website but I have a good idea now. I hope to be finished with the SEO building in the website and domain stuff over the weekend, but for now I have a solid base of information to support my overall idea. I'm proud of this website and its one of my favorite assignments so far because I feel like I am in control of the content and have a lot of freedom in the information I choose to share what the world. Whether or not it gets a lot of views, I think I did a great job on this piece and it will be helpful to others.
Today in Techie Youth, I applied the knowledge I learned from the Niche Writing articles and videos to create my own website. I narrowed down the topics and thought it would be the best to write about learning opportunities for low income youth in New York City. I’ve been in a few learning programs and I’ve also got recommendations from friends so I would be able to be well versed in the information I was giving. For my website host, I am using Wix because WordPress didn’t allow me to create a free website I want this website to be informative and accessible because I know not everyone has the same knowledge as I do when it comes to these programs. From paid internships to simply just learning spaces, I wanted to provide a good variety of options teens could choose from. Right now, I will try to do more research on how to get free domains for my website. I looked at the search engine data from my topic, and while it may not be a lot, I still think this is an important cause for the people in my community. It is important enough for people seeking opportunities. The programs I want to use are Minds Matter, SEO Scholars, SRMP, & Techie Youth. I am knowledgeable about all of these programs through experience and research, so it will be nice to write about. My main goal for this website is not for the profit, but more so the impact. If I can make a change and help at least one person, that is enough for me to be content.
Today in Techie Youth, I learned about Niche Writing. Niche Writing is basically a subset of publishing pieces that focuses on a specific topic and informs consumers about the topic. To write a Niche piece, you must narrow a topic down to target a specific audience. For example, job offerings are a very broad topic, but job offerings in the South Bronx specifically state its intentions. It's also good to choose a topic you're not only knowledgeable about, but also passionate about. Inform the reader with the purest intentions of interest. To legitimize the site that you are going to use for your Niche Website, it is vital to obtain an SSL certificate, short for Secure Sockets Layer. Without an SSL, Google will notify visitors that your website is untrustworthy, which will turn them away as it comes off as suspicious. Website creators like Wix provide a free SSL for your site. A website domain is also something to take into consideration, as it displays the keywords for your website. Often, you have to purchase these if you want them to display your name solely. However, you can also get it for free, it would just be attached to whichever web hoster you've used to make the site. It typically takes about 6 months for Google to trust your website and start recommending it to users in the search engine, but after this, your website can reach amazing heights with thousands of visitors each month. If your topic is really popular, you should make enough income for yourself for the next few months before viewer counts eventually get stagnant and then stale. For me, I hope to be able to start my niche piece tonight and write about job opportunities for young teens in NYC. Since I have some experience, I think I can suggest good fields while including Techie Youth.
Today in Techie Youth, I produced and finalized a song. While I was unable to work on Monday, I did decide to do some research for more websites where I could produce music and came across one I liked based on their tutorials. It's called Soundtrap, and I started playing with its features to become more familiar before I made the song. I started my songs off by using their Vanilla drum kit to create the drum pattern. I used the advice I got in one of the videos by layering the drums, and this helped amplify the sound without drowning out all of the other MIDI tracks. I recorded one piano motif to give listeners a familiar sound throughout the track because there were different tempos with drums. I used a guitar loop that was in minor key, because I read that minor key was popularized in modern-day music. For the pre-chorus, I lowered the EQs and faded out the instrumentals to give the song a build-up. I wanted the chorus to feel like an explosion like the other portions existed for layering to the grand finale. Overall, I am proud of this project I created and had fun doing it. This was my favorite Assignment thus far and I'm glad I was able to complete it.
Today in Techie Youth, I continued my work in the Entrepreneurship unit and focused on Branding. Branding is how you present your company to the public. The most important thing to do is make sure your company name is unique to avoid Trademark Infringement. Trademark Infringement is when there is unauthorized use of trademarks that can legally put a company at risk of a lawsuit. Going to www.uspto.gov can help you avoid this, as you can easily look up all registered and claimed trademarks so that you don't unintentionally use them. Creating a slogan for your brand also helps legitimize it. Slogans are often catchy and distinct phrases that differentiate your brand and boost its reputation. Creating a logo solidifies your brand's reputation and helps make it stand out amongst others. It's typically best to hire a graphic designer to do this so that you can get a professional look for your company. However, Wix Logo Maker also offers AI logos for brands, and you can also edit them for customization purposes. It was interesting learning about the legal processes of creating a brand, and I found the Wix Logo Maker to be helpful.
Today in Techie Youth, I covered some more of the Entrepreneurship unit. I watched some videos before, but they didn't resonate with me then, so I decided to give it another chance. I learned that it is best to pursue a business you genuinely like rather than another for profit. This made me think of some things that I would want to do. Owning a CD/Vinyl store sounded like a fun idea or even a Bakery. I watched videos about Elon Musk and Tesla and how grand the idea became when brought to life, but other content taught me that it was okay not to have such an explosive idea as long as I was happy with what I was doing. One thing that I love about Entrepreneurship is that you are your own boss. While this can sometimes be tiring, it motivates you to fight and work for yourself. You get to work on your own time and make changes that best fit you. Bringing a vision to life is really exciting, especially when it makes a positive impact on your life and those around you. I'm glad I decided to give this unit another chance because I feel like it made a lot of ideas pop up into my head about business ventures I could go into.
Today in Techie Youth, I revisited the Music Production unit to review content and tried to apply it to my own music. The app I used to produce was Garageband, as this was the most accessible app to use on my phone. I started off by playing a piano chord and using the MIDI editor to help me, as many videos suggested. I was able to place certain keys down in a uniform pattern and loop them. I played around with some keys and found that I really liked the synth keyboard. In one of the articles I read, they suggested adding some effects to my track to make it sound fuller. I decided to add reverb to the track, and it gave it a church hall effect. I also added a little bit of a filtered echo, so that the notes repeated after each other and layered for a more grand sound. I had a lot of fun experimenting with different sounds in Garageband, and I think it's a good app for beginners to learn how to play MIDI instruments. Watching videos helped me get a sense of what I could learn from professionals, and then add my own twist to it.
Today in Techie Youth, I put the finishing touches on my Blog and published it. I made sure to take notes from the videos I watched and made sure I didn't clammer too many words together and give the reader the opportunity to digest my content. I added more pictures and GIFs to give my website an entertaining look. Wix helped me set up my layout and I'm proud of my first blog post. To end off the day, I decided to revisit the Stress Management Unit. I had a long day and needed a reminder of the good things in my life. I watched videos and practiced positive affirmations to feel better and felt relieved when I finished. For my website, I reviewed the SEO content and learned that Wix provides the ability to add your social media to their website so you can boost your following and website at the same time. I thought this was a cool addition and appreciate the support Wix had given me. I liked the Writing Unit and anticipate the next one.
Today in Techie Youth, I wrote my first blog. Last week, I indulged in the Writing unit where I learned about Blogging. It intrigued me the most compares to the other writing styles because it felt very loose, I didn't have to follow a strict format and could, for the most part, write freely. For my blog, I decided to use a website called Wix. Wix was the perfect platform for me to write my blog post because it took into consideration the type of website I wanted to create and offered many templates for me to choose from. It also helped me generate an SEO link to boost my website on the search engine. I wrote about my experiences in Techie Youth when I started working here, and it was a nice opportunity for me to voice how I felt initially and my feelings after a few weeks of taking in all of the content. Wix allowed me to use pictures and GIFS, which I found helpful for expression and demonstration. Overall, I liked writing and using Wix to do so. If I ever have the opportunity to do this again, I definitely would and utilize the options Wix provided.
Today in Techie Youth, I learned about Transcripts and Grant Writing. Transcribing is converting audio into text for visuals. Transcribing is often seen in subtitles for movies, TV shows, and any other visual category. To be a Transcriber as a profession, you have to have a good ear and be able to distinguish words between other noises. Grammar skills are also important for this task so that you give consumers the best way to comprehend the speech. Being good at the Language you're transcribing is very important as well, as there is a lot of work that comes with longer audios. Grant writing is a way to contact big organizations and ask if they are willing to donate money to fund charities and voluntary organizations. To get organizations to fund your cause, you must write a proposal that clearly explains all the terms and conditions, has a unique cause, and tailor your proposal to a specific audience. By tailoring your proposal to an audience, your proposal is more likely to get picked up by an organization as it is relevant and aligns with their views. I knew what transcribing was before this unit, but it was interesting to learn about grant writing for the first time.
Today in Techie Youth, I learned all about Customer Service. I chose this particular topic because I don't think I'm great at communicating with strangers when they're angry, so I wanted to know the appropriate way to address customers. Personalizing your interactions with each customer is an efficient way of making them comfortable. Introducing yourself by name, showing kindness, letting them see your face, and getting to know their issue in depth makes them comfortable. Focus on one issue at a time so you don't bombard yourself or the customer. Being attentive and listening are the most important things you should do when a customer is explaining an issue, because you don't want them to feel like you don't care or that their concerns aren't valid enough. Knowing the time and place to be casual is also important because some situations require a certain level of discipline and self-control when dealing with customers. This subunit was really helpful for me and made me realize some important things about my own actions. I will try to apply these tactics in my everyday life as well as be cautious about the way I make people feel with my words.
Today in Techie Youth, I learned about Blogs and Guest Blogging. I knew what blogs were, but the general definition is that they are posts in which writers can talk about experiences or review content and goods. There are different types of blogs, such as corporate blogs, repair services blogs, and niche blogs to name a few. Corporate blogs are used by businesses in order to attract customers. Repair Service Blogs are a tool to find local maintenance services in order to fix different types of technology. Niche blogs hone in on discrete topics. Bloggers have a lot of flexibility because they can write about whatever they desire, and they have no restrictions. The typical "formal" essay format isn't required. It's more adjacent to a polished free write. Guest Blogging is when anyone outside of your company is invited to write a piece. Guest Bloggers can help expand your reach and spread awareness about a topic that both parties believe in. They diversify the content and attract new readers, which boosts your pop-up on the search engine. By developing this relationship, your company and the guest blogger both profit off of mutual interest. Blogging has been my favorite writing unit so far, so when I do the writing assignment, it'll most likely be formatted into a blog.
Today in Techie Youth, I learned about copywriting and how to become good at it. Copywriting is basically a method of intriguing a reader/consumer into supporting your product/cause. When you copyright, including a call to action, is beneficial. This pulls in the person reading your email or website. Networking as a copywriter is one of the easiest ways to get your name out there. Try copywriting for free occasionally or for non-profit organizations. Using tools like Photoshop for designs, Grammarly to correct any grammatical errors, and Calender for planning can keep you organized in the process. It does take a little while to kickstart a career through copywriting, so if you would want to do it, you have to make sure that you're genuinely interested. It's not solely about the income, but it's about how passionate you are about selling an idea. Prioritizing the consumer is the best way to intrigue them because as natural narcissists, they want to know how much it benefits them. I personally am not all that interested in becoming a copywriter, but it was nice to learn about it and see others' perspectives.
Today in Techie Youth, I decided to venture into the Writing Unit. I started off by going to the Magazine and Journaling subunits, where I learned tips from articles and visual professionals. Prior to this, I knew Magazine's had to have pictures, but I learned that they should be relatively short. This is so the reader can get a general idea of the point trying to get across while not having to read a mouthful of irrelevant information. When writing a magazine article, it's important to be broad and general. This is because you want to make your piece palatable for a wider audience. Magazines should be entertaining and made up of relevant topics to interest more people. Journals on the other hand should be more nuanced and narrowed down to their target audience. When writing a journal, being articulate and clear is the key to getting editors to want to pick up your story. Don't try to hop on current trends that are popular, instead focus on topics you are genuinely passionate about. If your pitch does not get picked up for publishing, it is okay and doesn't mean your work is bad. Try not to be discouraged by criticism, instead work through it to create a refined version of your piece. I liked this topic so I'll be exploring more about Writing tomorrow.
Today in Techie Youth, I explored the Time Management and Health and Productivity units. When it comes to managing your time well, setting priorities for yourself is important. The amount of dedication you put into accomplishing something in a timely manner reflects how well you're able to prioritize tasks. Planners are also a good way to stay on top of all your tasks so you don't forget. A Kanban board can help you organize your tasks and balance them out. Procrastination can be your worst enemy when it comes to completing things, so it's important to practice getting into the habit of finishing things early so you don't scramble to finish everything when you have little time. I typically procrastinate when it comes to school work, so I am also working towards doing assignments on time so I don't rush at the last minute. As for Health, I found that stretching was very helpful in releasing tension in my body. I did hamstring exercises and my legs felt a lot better. Having a positive attitude also made my day better. Positive affirmations like telling myself I'm going to have a good day instead of dwelling on small misfortunes that happened a while ago. Sleep also helps when you get a good amount of it, and I've experienced this firsthand as I feel prepared for the day. I had some good self-reflection this week with these units, so I appreciate all the people who made the videos and articles.
Today in Techie Youth, I continued my work in the life quality unit by visiting two subunits. After I reflected on my weakest flaws and how I wanted to improve in those areas, I decided to view some old and new articles and videos on how I could get better. These included Financial Responsibility and Stress Management. I learned that budgeting is a big part of being responsible for your finances. You should always put some money aside for savings and set goals for the amount of money you want to save. It's okay to treat yourself every now and then, but be wise about how much of it you spend. Planning out the basic expenses also helps manage your money, because you can lay out all the important stuff you need to buy, and then narrow some money to spend for the things you want. Food, House Bills, and Car Mortgages are some examples of things that you are obligated to spend money on. Be sure to have a fine line between necessities and the things you want, because when the two intertwine and clash, you will eventually be broke. As for managing stress, a new thing I learned is that your inner circle is a considerable factor in the amount of stress you're experiencing on a day-to-day basis. If friends and other relationships are taxing on your mental health, it's not worth your well-being to stay in toxic spaces. Jobs can also stress you out badly, and it isn't healthy to be in those environments for the money. It's easier said than done, but as much as you should consider the salary for a job, you should consider if it genuinely makes you happy. Your happiness is too important to be cast aside and not prioritized.
Today in Techie Youth, I revisited the life quality unit. My week was stressful so I wanted to unwind a bit and self-reflect on my internal issues. I decided to take some of the advice and meditated in order to clear my mind. I also did some breathing exercises to destress. While watching the videos, the one video that resonated with me was the life advice GaryVee gave. His words were like tough love, saying that we often blame inconveniences in our life as an excuse to settle for complacency. Holding yourself accountable and acknowledging your faults are the first steps to becoming a better person for not only the people around you but yourself. In my assignment, I discussed how I struggle at times with Stress Management, Time Management, Productivity, and Financial Responsibility. It was a good experience to admit some of my faults and it provided a good amount of self-awareness for me.
Today in Techie Youth, I revisited the music production unit. I learned about the key components of making a good song. The first thing to consider is what scale to use, between the Major Scale and the Minor Scale. The Major Scale is bright in terms of tone, evoking happier emotions. The Minor Scale, used mostly in today's music landscape, has a darker tone, conveying dull emotions. Choosing which keyis also important once you've decided the scale, those being C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. Retaining the same key throughout the song provides consistency. However, it is very possible to switch keys as long as you stay on the same scale, as certain songs have done this successfully. MIDI tracks, short for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, help producers know what keys and scale they are playing on, while also allowing digital instruments to interact. Chord Progressions are a pattern of chords played in a song. Chord Progression is probably the most vital aspect of making a song because it sets the foundation for the melody composition of the entire song. Chord Progressions usually repeat during the verses, choruses, and bridge, but can switch up during certain aspects of the song as long as they flow together. Learning this was helpful for me to take into consideration when I start working on my own music.
Today in Techie Youth, I learned about starting a fundraiser. A fundraiser is when an organization raises awareness for an enduring issue, and people donate to support this cause. A great way to start raising awareness is using social media. Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube posts spread quickly and can get donors' attention. Establishing a relationship with donors or media outlets is essential to having a genuine relationship between both parties. Once you've created this relationship, it's time for you to pitch your ideas. And there's no better way to sell an idea through an elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is a short, informing verbal/writing piece to give a general idea of what you're trying to convey. For an elevator pitch, it is good to make it interesting with hooks and casual innuendos. As much as you want to inform the donors, you want them to be interested in reading it through and also investing in it. I think that fundraising is something I would like to do in the future, so I will try to come back to this unit and decide if I would like to start one.
Today in Techie Youth, I learned all about the benefits of working remotely. One of the pros is that you don't have to travel so long to a job. Public Transportation can often be a taxing and delaying experience, but for remote work, all you have to do is open your laptop and you're set. You also have a more flexible schedule since you're remote, so you don't have to wake up really early and get home really late. This improves your mental health by a lot as you are getting more sleep and time to have self care. Remote Work also has a wide range of jobs so if you can't find one you're looking for in person, you can most likely find it online. This lesson made me have a positive outlook on remote work as I am currently doing it, so it was an informative lesson.
Today in Techie Youth, I learned all about being proactive and productive in my everyday life. I learned that stress is a regular occurrence and it's okay to take breaks. To be the best version of yourself, it's vital to take your well-being and emotions into consideration when you're working on something, and always prioritize that. Breathing exercises, meditation, and stretching all help relieve stress you may encounter throughout the day. I also learned something that resonated heavily, it was to stop comparing yourself to others and pave your own path. I felt really inspired by this because I often compare myself to other people and then get frustrated when I don't see the same results. It's easy to get caught up in comparison, but once you value yourself and your journey, it helps you grow as a person. Planners also help with productivity because it lays out a schedule for you to follow and keeps you organized. One thing I took away from this lesson was to allow myself more grace and gratitude for the work I do. It's okay to work diligently without being hard on myself. It takes more strength to be kind to myself than to be hard on myself. This lesson was my favorite so far because of its relatability and its ability to provide some awareness for myself, and I look forward to completing it soon.
Today in Techie Youth, I learned about being a good business leader. I learned that as you start out a business, there is no shame in not having the economic means to hire employees. Instead, reaching out to other corporations in order to negotiate a deal that benefits you both is a great way to start off. Hiring a legal team is also a great idea because it helps assure that any pursuits are legally acceptable to carry out. Hiring Manufacturers are a great way to help produce a product at an efficient rate for sale. Reaching out to social media influencers to promote your product is valuable because it expands your business' reach and helps you gain reputable credibility. When working with employees, make sure to always take action against a complaint. Indifference to your employees' concerns is distasteful and gives you and your brand a bad name. As a business leader, respect is a big factor in the trajectory of your success, as it determines how your brand is perceived. The moral bits of being kind despite your position in power are also something to keep in mind. I liked this topic and am enthusiastic in reading more about being a business leader.
Today in Techie Youth, I learned the many advantages of being a freelancer. A freelancer is basically someone who is flexible in terms of their career. You can be a video editor, musician, start your own business, and much more. You're also entitled to your own schedule, setting your pay rates by pushing out content to then receive income. Being a freelancer isn't easy, however, because you need to work your way up by reaching out and forming connections, which can be tedious in an industry where there are no rules and steep competition. When you do reach these connections, being a freelancer is a very liberating profession. You have the means to do what it is that you'd like while also having the resources to venture out into other projects. I enjoyed today's lesson and will be looking forward to learning more along the way.
In Techie Youth, I learned how to produce songs. I learned that a producer named Timbaland typically comes up with his beats through vocal performance. He lays out a melody line and produces around that. He also uses his voice to make beats, mimicking actual production sounds like snares and manipulating them with software. Molding a song through vocal enaction also helps with the writing process. I also learned that mobile studios are accessible in app stores, so anyone can do it if they'd like. Overall, I enjoyed this unit and am excited to learn more.