Here is my script in writing. I would love more feedback as I move forward with my project!

Dear Papa,
Most letters are sent, but this one I’ll keep. I’m finally back on College Hill starting my Senior year. Some of our family drove out to Metzgar Fields on Friday from Lafayette College, the same drive you’ve done a million times but never got sick of. It was the first home game for the men’s soccer team and your memorial was revealed. If you had it your own way I’m sure you would’ve never allowed this! But trust me it’s perfect. So beautiful, yet simple and humble which reflects you so well. It’s placed in the exact spot where you used to stand. So for every home game the guys now touch the top of the soccer ball before running on the field. It’s pretty cool to watch. I know you want to be in the locker room to give your “Dr. Oaks pre-game speech”, but rest assured that the guys feel your presence on the field. You are still making your mark.
Life at Lafayette is pretty much the same as always. Classes are in full swing, the quad is full of students, and the athletes are working hard. Most importantly our family is doing just fine. (pause) From the Lovemans in Chicago to the Widenhoefers in Sweden and everywhere in between, our family team is staying connected and close. You told everyone to be a part of a team, and of course gave a nickname to anyone you met. That’s why our designated family nickname “Team Oaksie” is so fitting. “Team Oaksie” is strong, but it’s hard sometimes without our captain. Nana is lonely, but she is as funny and gorgeous as ever. I know you worry, but we are taking care of her.
You always managed to be there for all of us. You were one of the busiest people I knew yet you made it to every special moment of your children and grandchildren both big and small. Every soccer game, play, and graduation. Even if you weren’t physically there, you were somehow present. I think I got my worrying from you. I’m always worrying about everyone. I feel like I need to be everywhere at once- to help Mom, Dad, Marin, and Billy. I want to be there for them.
I’ve been going to Oaks Stadium alone to clear my thoughts. I think that’s where I feel your presence the most. I’ve found a happy place among the quietness and vastness of the open fields. Sorry to steal your special spot, because I know it was your happy place too. But I was thinking we could share it! I went on a cloudy, cool Fall day once. With just the wind and the chime of the flags ringing against the pole, I found tranquility. I sat on the bleachers and within two minutes the sun peaked through the clouds. The faintest little rainbow formed. I knew that was you telling me everything’s going to be all right.
As a senior, I need you now more than ever. The weight of the unknown is a lot to carry. I’m trying to figure it all out. I’ve been running. Running from the reality of these daunting uncertainties. I need your direction and words of wisdom. I can almost hear your voice saying… “Go get ‘em” or “Be the best you can be”.
I wish I could pick up the phone and call you. I imagine your phone ringing and you searching everywhere for your cell, but picking up just in time. Saying, “Hi Carly Baby” in your sweet Papa voice. Losing your voice is one of the hardest parts. I miss you. (pause) We all do. (pause) I miss giving you Carly Hugs or CH’s as we used to call them. I miss singing Silent Night in Church onChristmas Eve. I miss walking next to you while you ran- holding your hand and congratulating you on running two miles even though it was more like two blocks. You had a never-letting-go grip. Man, you really held on tight.
I remember… (I haven’t picked a story I want to use yet- still brainstorming for one that works well here, but this is where I will include it)
If you read this, I know what you would say. (pause) I just need a reminder every once in awhile. I try to live everyday like you taught me to but it’s really hard. How did you do it? I’ll have to keep on going with what I’ve learned from you. I’ll try to stop running from my fears, and instead run towards my goals. After you passed away, our family found some relief in words. We found a poem that exemplifies you. It is called The Oak Tree Poem. It’s last stanza reads, “Now I’ve found with thanks to you / I’m stronger than I ever knew.”
So thank you and keep on shining through. This letter will be kept close to my heart. I’ll write again soon, but for now I’ve got to run.
Love your granddaughter,
Carly

 

Thanks!

Hey guys!

My mom is speaking next Monday, September 26th at 4PM in Oeschle Center! I’m sure some of you have been to one of her speaking events before, but she would love to have some FAMS support there. Definitely try to make it if you can- it’s okay if you are a little late she knows we have class until 4. Attached is more info! (boys are more than welcome to come despite what the flyer makes it seem like…)

Over the weekend, I tried to film myself running…and as we all know this was a complete fail! I am brainstorming new ideas on how to make this possible (thank you to those who have already come up with ideas). I had one of those frustrating Capstone breakdowns, and definitely wished I had someone in the class to help at that moment. That’s why I think we should post on the blog our questions for instant feedback instead of waiting for class on Monday or Wednesday.

I know there will be many more frustrating moments to come- and sorry to say they will happen to most of you too! So here goes my first struggle blog post.

I am trying to shoot a close up shot of myself running from different angles which is really hard to do in motion. Does anyone have ideas on how to make this shot possible? Matt said to film from a slow moving car, and Megan suggested using the glider equipment. Any other suggestions?

I agree that collaborating with the other students in class is very important. We are all in the same boat and could use as much help as we can to make our Capstone’s possible. I know I will want some help in the editing room! I have already helped Matt McCann set up an interview with my mom in late September for his project on Greek Life at Lafayette. I also can brainstorm with Abby and Fabian about our scripts, because we are doing more personal projects that include our voiceover. I think it would be a good idea to meet as much as we can together. Jess’s project is about empathy- and I have definitely been referred to as an empathetic person- not to the extreme but I could possibly be interviewed as the happy medium between the two types of people she is studying. I don’t necessarily love being in front of the camera, but would definitely like to help other students on shoots- whether it’s sound, camera work, etc.

Log Line: “A Letter to Keep” is a short experimental film (around 5 min), telling the story of a granddaughter staying connected to her grandfather after his passing through the form of a letter.

Dr. Wilbur Oaks Jr. was a man to be remembered. He not only made a lasting impression on his alma mater, Lafayette College, but on everyone who had the chance to know him. Lucky and proud to call him my grandfather, I want to honor his legacy. However, it is more of a personal piece than anything else. This short film will allow me to express my emotions and feelings of grief through film. It is also a way to honor and remember him in a more permanent and visual way.