07/17/2026

The debate over whether video games should be considered a national sport often misses the incredible level of dedication required to compete at the highest tiers of the industry. Just like traditional athletes, professional esports players endure rigorous daily training regimens, study complex strategies from competitors, and rely on split-second teamwork and communication to succeed. Furthermore, the scale of the global audience that tunes in for major gaming tournaments already rivals, and sometimes eclipses, the viewership of our traditional national pastimes. By recognizing competitive gaming as a national sport, we would not only validate the intense mental agility of these competitors but also acknowledge the massive cultural and economic impact of the esports industry.

07/16/2026

Choosing to unplug from our phones can sometimes feel liberating for a moment. However, that feeling is almost immediately followed by a feeling of unsettling anxiety known as FOMO, or the fear of missing out. After a few hours, our minds begin to race with thoughts of unread messages, breaking news, and moments we are missing just out of reach. Pushing past this anxiety reveals that the world can actually wait. That nothing that important actually happens when we are away, and that taking the time to unplug teaches us that the only thing we are actually missing out on is the constantly connected present on the screens in front of us. 

07/15/2026

A storyboard or script is the blueprint for any successful video project, mapping out every visual and spoken detail before the cameras ever start rolling. Without it, producing a video is like trying to build a commercial property without a floor plan. It will ultimately cost much more in the long run, and the buyer will likely receive a final product that doesn't match the original vision. Presenting a script or storyboard first gives us a tangible way to align on the core message, pacing, and visual style before we spend money on actual production. Investing time in the pre-production phase is the best way to protect your budget, streamline the editing process, and ensure the final video effectively achieves your business goals.

07/14/2026

For my class this week, I had to write a video script. It was eye-opening. It taught me just how complex production can be. I quickly realized that planning a script is much easier than putting it into action, especially when I don't have a team at my disposal. From a strategic viewpoint, I learned that there are about 7 seconds to make a lasting impact on viewers before they move on to the next video. I also found it takes me quite a few tries of practicing my lines before I get them just right. This proves that the more one perfects the script beforehand, the easier the final editing process will be afterward. Tackling these hurdles has given me a new respect for solo creators who can write, film, and produce content all on their own. 

07/13/2026

Article of Faith 13 teaches that "if there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things," which provides a perfect filter for navigating the modern digital landscape. When deciding what to consume, this principle encourages us to step away from mindless noise and seek materials that elevate our minds and character. For me, that means reflecting on the timeless ideas found in the writings of Marcus Aurelius or consuming media that inspires hope. On the creation side, especially when crafting messages, campaigns, or designs for an audience, it serves as a powerful ethical baseline. It reminds us that we have a responsibility to put content into the world that is honest, true, and genuinely beneficial to the end user, rather than simply contributing to the clutter.

In an era when all information is at our fingertips thanks to the internet, it's easy to assume that real libraries are becoming obsolete. However, these spaces remain essential because they provide access to technology for those who would otherwise have none. Beyond giving books a place to stay, they also serve as community hubs where individuals can find educational programs, a quiet place to study, and expert guidance in a world that's becoming flooded with misinformation. Supporting local libraries means protecting a pillar of lifelong learning, accessible communication, and community connection. 

In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord explains the primary mechanism of revelation: "Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart" (D&C 8:2).

Notice the duality in communication. For some, revelation comes through a sudden moment of total clarity, a new idea, a problem that suddenly clicks into place. For others, revelation is known in the heart, like a feeling of peace or comfort of unknown origin. perhaps a gentle nudge of empathy. Both forms can even happen simultaneously. Recognizing how our own mind and heart process truth is the first step in decoding the Lord's language for you.

Understanding who you are writing for is the single most important factor in effective communication. When you know your audience, you can tailor your tone, vocabulary, and formatting to match their specific needs. For example, you wouldn't use casual slang in a formal meeting with a potential client like you would in a quick message to a friend. Adapting one's writing style ensures that your core message isn't lost in translation. Ultimately, writing with your audience in mind bridges the gap between your ideas and their understanding, making your word choice much more powerful. 

Professional writing is the foundation of credibility in the modern world. It serves as a bridge connecting our ideas to clients, colleagues, and audiences worldwide via social media. Looking through our class syllabus, I hope to gain a practical ability to adapt my writing style across various digital platforms. I am eager to refine my skills in crafting compelling narratives and structured scripts to drive marketing campaigns effectively. Mastering these techniques will give me the foundational confidence to communicate with precision and authority. 

It is very tempting to use social media as a personal highlight reel, but I strive to ensure my online persona reflects who I truly am. Authenticity in these digital spaces is becoming a scarcity, and it's more important than ever to ‘come as you are,’ so to speak. Building trust is essential to creating lasting relationships with our audiences. When we project an overly curated version of ourselves, we not only exhaust our own mental energy but also risk alienating the very people we are trying to reach. Choosing to be transparent establishes a sustainable personal brand and fosters a healthier and more relatable digital environment.