Inspiration: Richie Le – Vietnam (What It’s Like) Music Video

RICHIE LE – VIETNAM (WHAT IT’S LIKE) MUSIC VIDEO

I spoke w/ my little bro Richie Le last night and told him the best part about this song is the authenticity of HIS story. While I am sure his song and video will touch people in ways neither of us can imagine, I am happy to share. I remember how excited he, his family, girlfriend, friends and myself were about him going to Vietnam for the first time. I remember gchatting him while he was there and the stories he told upon his return. I saw how the trip changed his outlook on the world and his life.

Years ago we often had conversations about the lack of SE Asian history taught to us in school, and thought about what a void that left when it came to younger generations understanding and embracing their own identities. I salute the teachers, storytellers, videographers, artists, college organizations, professors, non-profits, and the small businesses who continue to build on the foundation left for us. To those who continue to tell the stories not told in our history books. Thank you for sharing your many stories with the world! Thank you Richie Le for sharing THIS story with the world!

-AmbassadorNique

Inspiration: Smoking Kid (Thailand)

This is old, but its new to me! A great reminder of the importance of digital story telling. Sometimes how we present information is just as important as the information we are presenting. Around the world the innocence of a child’s future and the universal language of love hold greater priority than almost anything else on this planet. I hope we are doing our part to not only take care of their futures, but our own. Enjoy the Seattle sunshine. -AmbassadorNique

Notes – Contagious: Why Things Catch On – Jonah Berger

SPOILER ALERT: I just got done reading Contagious and thought it was a very good. While a lot of it is common sense, Jonah does a good job of breaking down his points. Follow the link to read the condensed notes.  

Notes – Contagious: Why Things Catch On – Jonah Berger

Committed (Written By AmbassadorNique)

How committed are we in making our goals into a reality? Is it something that we will dedicate everyday too? What is it that we are committed too? What if no one believes?

Yes, our goals will change but with change comes updated blueprints. We must continue to make new friends whom inspire us, and create new partnerships and projects that will take us closer to our destinations. Read everyday, write more and find new ways to articulate our vision.

The Goal 

My current goal is to use technology to create sustainable learning resources and outlets for story telling for all communities but especially communities of color and underrepresented communities. It is my belief that having a sense of identity brings us closer to whom we really are and where we would like to be. The bridge between our dreams and our realities are the resources and opportunities that we take advantage of. Every human being has a vision of where he or she wants to be. I hope to not only reach my goal but inspire curiosity, and deliver the resources and opportunities that will feed it.  

Through technology, photography, videography and digital media, we have the power to share stories. Technology has made the people around us more human than ever. No longer must we assume or categorize the other. With technology we can now share our individualities, our stories, our truths, our fears, our love, our lives.

Upcoming Projects: 

Project 1: Digital Stories

Due: November 10th

By the end of the week I will have created my digital story about why I want to attend the iSchool  This project is apart of a larger project that I am doing at work over at UW. Its very important for me to complete this project because it has everything to do with why I believe technology is so important.

Project 2: PhotoVoice

Due: November 5th – December 18th

I will complete a 5 week 1 hour course with Northgate Elementary where students will create a collage that will answer the question, “How are you apart of your community?” The project will be done with a diverse group of students at an elementary school that is 90% at or below poverty level. This project will introduce students to photography, the importance of identity, the importance of community, and will hopefully spark a new level of social conciseness.  We will bring artists to come speak to the students about their own stories, community involvement, and techniques. The students will be introduced to basic photography, be handed camera’s and told to take pictures of how they are apart of their communities. The students will then create a collage and a caption for their collage. After the project is completed students will share their art with their peers and parents at an art show. Our hope is that our students, their parents and our community will take pride in the art that is created.

Project 3: Graduate School Applications

Due: January 2014

I will be applying to the University of Washington and the University of Oregon’s iSchool’s for Fall 2014 with the same mission. I will fine tune my mission, complete the GRE’s (Dec 21st) and share my plan with as many people as possible. It is my belief that sharing will help fine tune the outcome and place me in front of more resources and networks. Graduate school will offer me an opportunity to create more resources and build more bridges that will bring more technology access and education to all students.

Closing 

My commitment will be determined by my actions. I must continue to surround myself with those who inspire me. It is important to use my time wisely, support the causes that create the world that I would like to see. Spend my time and my money on helping push forward these causes and not getting side tracked with what has become the societal norm. My time and my creativity are my most important possessions. With that said I must communicate better, be wiser, eat healthier, exercise and mediate more and love stronger. I must stay committed. 

-AmbassadorNique 

Edward James Olmos on Education

Edwards James Olmo’s is speaking TRUTH! Very true and sad reality. I can honestly say I really didn’t care about school until I had the option to write a report on Louis Armstrong in the 11th grade. A teacher made the entire class write a report on an influential figure who was not white. Too often we are only given surface level stories about entire races of people, because its easier to place the unknown into a box and categorize them as being the same. Through education we have the opportunity to share knowledge and promote collaboration, to end the fear and xenophobia. 

Edward James Olmos on Education