Memorable Experience (AOL "Reality Series")
"AOL is kicking off a new internet documentary entitled Project Freshman and you have been selected by LSU to apply as the star of the show!You have been selected by LSU to apply for this exciting experience because we think you are an excellent student who would do a great job of documenting the LSU freshman experience."
That's how it all started. No big deal right? I know the message wasn't geared specifically for me or anything, but I checked it out anyway- summer had been slow and I had the time. So I filled it out, and it had about 20 questoins or so. Pretty lengthy but entertaining because it really got me excited for college.
Anyway, that was done and over and I went on with my life, but then I got a call the next day on my cell phone. It was Darren Eichorn. He worked for AOL and said he reviewed my application and AOL was really interested in going further with me and considering me for their show or whatever. So I get excited and what not and we talk for a while and he tells me why they're interested, and wants me to take the next step and send in a video.
"Below are some hints to making your video submission. Overall, we want you to speak on some of the stronger points of yourapplication.Remember to connect everything to going to college. Be specific. Tell us
your point of view and why on subjects. Give examples. Show us visually whenever possible. Support your statements with friends, family or members of your community. We are looking for specific story elements that we can look forward to in the semester."
That was a looong email on what to do with the video and all, but that was the opening paragraph. Pavan and I shot a video all day...on the canoe at sundown, playing bball, in the car, in the mall, at the poker table. I accidently recorded over a graduation tape =\ Shhh don't tell brother or parents. Anyway I did that with the attitude that i BETTER get it, because that was important! I felt really bad about that.
"Congratulations! You are finalist for Project: Freshman. This means that out of several hundred applications and videos received to date you are among 20 candidates being considered. We are moving forward because we are very interested in you so if you have any problems please feel free to call me or email me and I will help you out."
This email was sent to me after Darren called and said AOL was even more interested or whatever and wanted me to officially say on the phone I'm willing to do this, agree to the terms, etc. I did, and was very excited. Even turned in the discolure forms. -sigh- He told me my pay, a $100 a week and a new digital video camera. Sounded real good!
Anyway so we had emails and quite a few phone calls with Darren, it was a great experience. At the end of it all, with Darren giving me the heads up and filling me in a week ago on the phone, it was reiterated in this final email.
"Dear Sanjay,
I just want you to know that you are our 7th Man. AOL liked you so much that
they tried to find extra money to include you in the series. That said,
you're our #1 alternate. If anyone drops out, you're in.
We really appreciate you hanging in there and you're interest! We all think
you're exceptional.
Chris Sloan
EP, Project Freshman"
And obviously after something like that you have little "what ifs" and such. And I do have one myself, I didn't include one topic they may have foudn interesting or been looking for about college, and that was how it was predominantly conservative and idk blah blah. Oh well, all things happen for a reason. And, I told myself a while back I would have been happy either way. Because it would have taken time and all, and I woulda been out there or what not. ALSO, one reason I feel I may have not been picked is because he called while I was in New York, and asked "Hey Sanjay we were calling to see your availabiliity for us coming down and shooting you leaving your home and moving in and all. Are you freee from August 8 to August 11th?" AND I HAD TO TELL HIM NO! Because that was the week of BIOS boot camp. I'm afraid when he ahd 10 people or whatever, a quick way to pop some out would be check availability. Because from the 12th I had to move in on the 18th and that's like a tight squeeze. Idk, again. No dwelling over whats what. But it was an interesting experience, and I'm appreciate it even got that far.
That's how it all started. No big deal right? I know the message wasn't geared specifically for me or anything, but I checked it out anyway- summer had been slow and I had the time. So I filled it out, and it had about 20 questoins or so. Pretty lengthy but entertaining because it really got me excited for college.
Anyway, that was done and over and I went on with my life, but then I got a call the next day on my cell phone. It was Darren Eichorn. He worked for AOL and said he reviewed my application and AOL was really interested in going further with me and considering me for their show or whatever. So I get excited and what not and we talk for a while and he tells me why they're interested, and wants me to take the next step and send in a video.
"Below are some hints to making your video submission. Overall, we want you to speak on some of the stronger points of yourapplication.Remember to connect everything to going to college. Be specific. Tell us
your point of view and why on subjects. Give examples. Show us visually whenever possible. Support your statements with friends, family or members of your community. We are looking for specific story elements that we can look forward to in the semester."
That was a looong email on what to do with the video and all, but that was the opening paragraph. Pavan and I shot a video all day...on the canoe at sundown, playing bball, in the car, in the mall, at the poker table. I accidently recorded over a graduation tape =\ Shhh don't tell brother or parents. Anyway I did that with the attitude that i BETTER get it, because that was important! I felt really bad about that.
"Congratulations! You are finalist for Project: Freshman. This means that out of several hundred applications and videos received to date you are among 20 candidates being considered. We are moving forward because we are very interested in you so if you have any problems please feel free to call me or email me and I will help you out."
This email was sent to me after Darren called and said AOL was even more interested or whatever and wanted me to officially say on the phone I'm willing to do this, agree to the terms, etc. I did, and was very excited. Even turned in the discolure forms. -sigh- He told me my pay, a $100 a week and a new digital video camera. Sounded real good!
Anyway so we had emails and quite a few phone calls with Darren, it was a great experience. At the end of it all, with Darren giving me the heads up and filling me in a week ago on the phone, it was reiterated in this final email.
"Dear Sanjay,
I just want you to know that you are our 7th Man. AOL liked you so much that
they tried to find extra money to include you in the series. That said,
you're our #1 alternate. If anyone drops out, you're in.
We really appreciate you hanging in there and you're interest! We all think
you're exceptional.
Chris Sloan
EP, Project Freshman"
And obviously after something like that you have little "what ifs" and such. And I do have one myself, I didn't include one topic they may have foudn interesting or been looking for about college, and that was how it was predominantly conservative and idk blah blah. Oh well, all things happen for a reason. And, I told myself a while back I would have been happy either way. Because it would have taken time and all, and I woulda been out there or what not. ALSO, one reason I feel I may have not been picked is because he called while I was in New York, and asked "Hey Sanjay we were calling to see your availabiliity for us coming down and shooting you leaving your home and moving in and all. Are you freee from August 8 to August 11th?" AND I HAD TO TELL HIM NO! Because that was the week of BIOS boot camp. I'm afraid when he ahd 10 people or whatever, a quick way to pop some out would be check availability. Because from the 12th I had to move in on the 18th and that's like a tight squeeze. Idk, again. No dwelling over whats what. But it was an interesting experience, and I'm appreciate it even got that far.