DOTCOM Phase 3: Module # 1!

1. What proved the most challenging part of our July Phase 2 DOTCOM experience for you?

The challenges that existed in creating a truly intercultural experience were among the most difficult. When the Azerbaijani arrival was delayed, it was challenging to face the fact that they had not experienced the teambuilding and group bonding that took place in D.C., not to mention that they’d missed our nation’s capital! Tension existed in the group the instant that all thirty of us were finally united. It was challenging to learn that a program that had been intended to be very public could not feature images of many of the participants. It was challenging to facilitate the cooperation of students from Armenia and Azerbaijan. And it was challenging to acquire the responsibilities that someone in my particular position had to accept. Seeing our videos become censured and removed from youtube.com was particularly heartbreaking. However, the joys of expanding my knowledge and of seeing so many personal connections form over the three weeks in Vermont make it CHALLENGING to find the DOTCOM program challenging at all.

2. What proved the most rewarding part of our July Phase 2 DOTCOM experience for you?

In my entire life I have never learned so much in a three and a half week period! The opportunity to be exposed to different perspectives, to play my role as an American student (not to be confused with a Vermonter :-) ), and to learn about filmmaking were incredibly rewarding. However, the most valuable things I gained from my DOTCOM adventure in Vermont were all of my fantastic new friends (and no—they’re not imaginary)! The only thing more rewarding than making my own friends was seeing these friends, each with a very different background, make friends with each other across the various lines that exist in a program such as DOTCOM.

3. What proved the most fun part of our July Phase 2 DOTCOM experience for you?

I loved meeting my new friends from other parts of the US, from Armenia and from Azerbaijan. I was exposed to new languages customs and games, I heard of some truly bizarre places (like Okmulgee, Oklahoma), and got the opportunity to work with some truly brilliant and amazing kids. Our many adventures, such as Geo-caching (sorry Niko :-) ), and marching with a rubber chicken and a yak farmer in the Fourth of July parade, have left me with some incredibly valuable memories of all of the fun and amazing things I did in part one of the DOTCOM program.

4. What are you most excited about, looking forward to our online Phase 3 DOTCOM experience coming up this fall?

I am thrilled to be able to work alongside my DOTCOM peers once more as we continue to expand our media literacy and learn more about ourselves and each other.

Perhaps my proudest moment during the DOTCOM program, the Games Mistress of the Night grants me sole custody of our beloved "Lennon" :-)