Students respond to Haiti and the Scott Brown political race

Today after Mass, JP Catholic students and faculty joined together as a school to pray specifically for the Scott Brown Race and the earthquake in Haiti. During our Catholic Social Teaching class, Professor Barber recognized the magnitude of these events, and took time to discuss both top new stories. Earlier, during the week, students read Pope Benedict’s encyclical, “Charity in Truth.”  Professor Barber encouraged the JP Catholic students to truly reflect upon this reading, and take a moment to reach out to our brothers and sisters in Christ with true charity and solidarity. Students have responded through donations and prayer. As the race for Scott Brown continue, students and faculty eagerly await the results. Certainly, the Perch, the Student Common Room, will be packed tonight to watch the politician race to finish line. God Bless America!

Student Profiles: Colleen Monroe

Name: Colleen Monroe (that’s me on the left with the green hat)

Age: 21

Year: Sophomore

From: Tipp City, Ohio

Major: Entertainment Media

What’s your favorite class/professor? I’m always intrigued by Chris Riley, our professor of screenwriting. This quarter we are writing feature scripts. Each class is unique — one week he’ll bring in a podcast for us to listen and discuss; another week, we’ll watch a movie or tv show, such as I am Legend or the Office, and dissect themes; and another week, we’ll simulate a Hollywood writer’s room. Riley never lectures. He engages us in fascinating stories and conversation.

Do you have any hobbies? I’ve been a competitive Irish dancer for 12 years and am a huge fan of the arts — singing, acting, swing dancing. Others loves…hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing. San Diego is sweetness to the core!

Do you participate in any Student Life? You betcha… I was previously vice president of student government and planned and ran various student life events. Right now I am president of the JP Catholic Trailblazers Outdoor Club. Next week, I’m heading with the school to the March for Life in San Francisco.

What is your favorite thing about JP Catholic? Getting out and about, and meeting  great and talented people. I love my homework — producing and directing real films with actors straight out of L.A.  Since we’re practically neighbors with L.A and San Fransisco there are always fantastic opportunities that come our way. Pretty much, exciting things happen at JP Catholic, and I love being part of the action!

Plans after graduation? I want to move to L.A and start working my way up the Hollywood ladder to pursue producing/directing. Currently, I’m starting an internship with Alcon Entertainment in Santa Monica, and look forward to learning the craft and business of the movies.

Reflections of the Inaugural Class

This fall is a special quarter for JP Catholic. The first senior class will make history by graduating on December 12th from the first Catholic University built in Southern California in the last 38 years. The seniors have played a pivotal role in JP Catholic’s growth these last three years. Their example in embracing JP Catholic’s mission to Impact Culture for Christ has set the tone and culture of the school for all subsequent classes.

For many of the seniors, coming to JP Catholic in the fall of 2006 was a leap of faith. Steve Marshall, a graduating senior and class Valedictorian, was so taken by the mission of the school and its unique programs that he jumped into the inaugural class a month before the start of school. “I was one of the students who attended sight unseen,” Steve said. “It was a whirlwind! I thought it would be a miracle if I actually made it. It was one month between learning about it, leaving my native Missouri, and touching down in San Diego, a place I had never been before.” Most of Steve’s classmates had visited campus, but were undaunted by its newness. Graduating senior Chris Lane from Temecula, California reflected on his decision to come, “I always saw coming to a new school as kind of cool. What better way to get an entrepreneurial education than to be at a school that is entrepreneurial itself!”

JP Catholic’s unique mission to Impact Culture for Christ through the intersection of entrepreneurial business, media, and technology was the primary motivating factor for the seniors. “I was really interested in broadening my horizons especially regarding Entertainment Media first of all,” says student graduation speaker Matthew Salisbury, “and second of all getting an education that was really authentically Catholic.” Matt has taken the Mission seriously, becoming the show runner for a new JP Catholic web series, a scripted reality show that focuses on three women facing crisis pregnancies to be launched on January 22nd on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Matt has found the practical skills and faith formation he needed to deliver on his dream of bringing mainstream audiences closer to truth through compelling entertainment. He will graduate with several completed screenplays, extensive show running experience, and even a graphic novel under his belt. “It’s been really great,” Matt reflects, “to see us growing from an entirely new school to executing a 16 episode web series in a brand new sound stage.”

On the business side, the opportunity to Impact Culture through entrepreneurship was what drew talented students like Justin Wilga. “The business curriculum,” Justin says, “has really enabled us to build a company of our dreams and to make a positive impact in culture. It’s been awesome to be exposed to every critical aspect of launching a business, and have the confidence that we can do it.” Justin’s business, Creative Rhetoric, is a design and marketing company that focuses on helping businesses and non-profits tell their story more effectively. They have earned $3,000 this past quarter, and have $70,000 of work in the pipeline for after graduation. Justin’s confidence is not unwarranted. He has had real experience of knowing what it takes to gain and keep clients under the experienced mentorship of the faculty at JP Catholic.

One of the things that has most impressed the class of 2009 is how the school has grown over the course of 3 ½ years. “The school has grown by leaps and bounds,” says Steve Marshall. “Tim [Evans] and I made the first film ever here at JP Catholic in the first quarter of 2006, and that was before we had cameras! Now it’s nice to see fifteen sets of HD cameras, lighting and sound equipment, and a brand new sound stage downstairs. It was mind blowing how quickly we got all of that.” Mollie O’Hare, winner of the Impacting Culture Award, noticed how the school is growing not only academically, but also spiritually, “I think it’s really grown in its spirit through the last three and a half years. Our Scripture and liberal arts classes have really made a difference; we’ve really matured as people to the point which we can actually put JP Catholic’s mission into action.”

On December 12th, the new graduates will go out into the world to make an impact. When they do that, they’ll take along friendships that will last a lifetime. “Getting to know the people at the school has just been so great.” Mollie O’Hare states, “There are so many talented, creative minds. I’m just honored to be part of it all, and I’m just privileged that I was able to get to know these people for the time I’ve been here, so thank God for that.”

Student Profiles: Peter Steinman

Name: Peter Steinman

Age: 20

Year: Sophomore

From: Huntington  Beach, California

Major: Entrepreneurial Business

What’s your favorite class? Definitely, Professors Jackson’s Project Execution. It helps me to realize how much planning and work goes into a single event. I’m working with another business student to put on the Senior Student Appreciation Dinner — which is going on, tomorrow, wow, that’s so soon! I never realized how much stuff can go wrong — I tend to be a guy who likes to plan things out, but have never gone the whole ten yards. This class has helped me to carry everything out in its entirety.

Do you have any hobbies? Going camping on a regular basis and sailing! It’s so great to live in San Diego… within 15 minutes you can be in downtown SD, at a number of fantastic beaches, Legoland, Seaworld, and a bunch of other cool stuff.  On the weekends, sometimes I’ll head out with a group of students to Cardiff Beach to go surfing.

Do you participate in any Student Life? I’m the Chaplin in Student Government, something which I enjoy immensely. I’m also involved in a number of clubs at the school such as the,  The Anime Club and the Business Club. In the Business club we watch “Shark Tank” and “Dragon’s Den”, two commercialized business pitching shows.  Afterward, we always have some great discussions about the young entrepreneurs on the show by trying to figure out both the flaws and positives of their business plan. It’s a really great learning tool for our future jobs.

What is your favorite thing about JP Catholic? The location! Also,  it’s really easy for me to go home since I’m only an hour away.  Another thing great about JP Catholic is the community life. I love being at a small school because of the close friendships and dynamic fellowship which we all share. Lastly, it’s awesome being able to attend mass every day and having the adoration chapel within a few feet from my classroom.

Plans after graduation?
As far as after I graduate,  basically two rough idea have been playing around in my head. The two I’m spearheading currently is a nightclub or a record company. “House” is the name of the night club I’ve been working on. The name is due to the fact that I want to give college students the experience to go to a house party without having to compromise their safety or morals. I love parties, but the party is no longer fun when things get out of hand.

Student Profiles: Timmerie Millington

Name: Timmerie Millington

Age: 17

Year: Freshman

From: Lake Arrowhead, California

Major: Entertainment Media

What’s your favorite class? Poetics and Grammer with Professor Riley because I really enjoy writing. The class gives me a whole new perspective on how speak to my audience in a much more clear and concise way.  Right now we are reading, “The Great Divorce” by C.S. Lewis.

Do you have any hobbies? I absolutely love to dance! I’ve been dancing for about 16 years and enjoy many different kinds of dance –ballet, tap, dance , hip hop, modern, ballroom, and west coast swing. I’m actually going to be starting a hip hop club for any of the students who are interested.

Do you participate in any Student Life? Definitely! I began a pro-life club for students who really want to take action weekly and participate in local pro-life events such as praying at abortion clinics and participating in the  March for life in San Fransisco.

What is your favorite thing about JP Catholic? The spiritual life! I really enjoy being around other people who have a great passion to be closer to God, whether that may be through daily Mass, Adoration, or  praying the Rosary together. We all hold each other accountable and push each other forward in developing a stronger spiritual life. Also, I love the hands on aspect of the school.  Right now, I’m on the marketing team for a webisode series and have been learning all the ways you can utilize Twitter for your business. I also have been involved on quite a few student film projects.

Plans after graduation? Well, I’m still bouncing around some ideas…I may potentially stay here an extra year to do the Masters in Theology Program. One thing I do know for sure, when I graduate I want to do pro-life work by promoting the culture of life through the media.

Taking a stroll down Sunset Blvd.

A group of students and myself recently attended a fairly prestigious film festival at the Director’s Guild on Sunset Blvd. in L.A. It was exhilarating to be in the lush film screening room sitting on plush red chairs beneath sparkling chandlers, and mulling over thoughts of what famous director probably sat in my very seat. Sadly, as the winning films were screened and the awards distributed, the elegant ambiance did not carry over into the stories we saw on the screen. Some were cliche and other were just bizarre, with a couple being just satisfactory. The production value was great for all of them, nevertheless, one crucial element was missing: a fresh and compelling story. One of the animation films was so “artsy” that I, even as a student film maker, failed to recognize the “deeper meaning” amidst the twisted characters and jumbled thematic elements. Most people are not philosophical film critics, and usually attend a movie to be entertained, amused, and emotionally moved. Even stories told in non-linear fashion with metaphors, subtext, and quirky characters can still encompass universal human qualities that the mainstream audience can relate to and understand. Instead, what I saw on screen in this student film festival were not what I would call  golden eggs for investors. I took away from this experience 2 things:  First, hope — that with much effort and perseverance I can definitely compete with other film students from UCLA and other elite film schools, because as of right now, the choices are limited and the stories are trite and stale; and second, appreciation for the education I’m now getting at JP Catholic. Not only are we learning how to tell a great story and create realistic dialogue and compelling characters, but we also are reading great literature and studying philosophy. I often wonder if the lack of great and new stories on screen has to do with a decline in reading. Here at JP Catholic we believe that one must have a working knowledge of authors such as C.S. Lewis, Flannery O’Conner, Dante and beyond, who have truly mastered the craft of story and transcended into the realm of universal human qualities.  As our fall quarter begins next week, I look forward to continuing  my portfolio of film projects and perfecting my craft for the big screen. With determination, patience, and effort,  entering into these film festivals with other film students is a goal just in reach on the horizon.

Student Profile: Tyler Pearson

Name: Tyler Pearson
Age: 20
Year: Sophomore
From: Reno, NV
Major: Entrepreneurial Business

What’s your favorite class? Intro to Products and Markets was a pretty awesome class taught by Dr. Jerry Jackson. The class was divided into groups with a specific market (i.e car, airplanes, stock market, etc). Our textbook for the class was the Wall Street Journal. So, for each class we had to read the WSJ and present a powerpoint with out group on the latest happenings concerning our particular market for that week. There was a lot of team spirit going on by the middle the quarter…

Do you play any sports? I’m an avid snowboarder, and am learning to surf too — here in Southern Cali you can surf and snowboard in the same day! Playing guitar and the drums are also a passion of mine.
Do you participate in any Student Life or music related activities? I’m actually a senator in Student Government and am beginning a music club. Being a big fan of music, I and some of my roommates put on a pretty epic, Battle of the Bands, during spring quarter. The entire student body showed up! We have a ton of talented musicians in our school, and this was a great way for them to showcase their talent.

What is your favorite thing about JP Catholic? Definitely the location! Also, practically using the skills we learn in class. Right now, I’m on the marketing team for a webisode series and have been helping out on lots of student film projects.

Plans after graduation?Hopefully working for myself. I’m in the brainstorming stage right now.  I hope to stay in San Diego– this is the best place to live and work! …As an entrepreneurial business student, I have an idea called, “The Chill Box” — seeing my passion as a snowboarder, I’d like to  create a business that will thrive in ski villages and ski resorts that will provide a relaxing environment for snow sport enthusiasts.

Safeguard your story…

Your creativity is a gift, and can easily be stolen. As we have completed finalizing our stories with beet sheets and treatments, we’ve learned its absolutely pivotal to safeguard your story ideas with the Writers Guild of America (WGA). Therefore, all of us 30+  media sophomores will be registering our stories with WGA this week before finals. Ahhh, with a sigh of relief, we can all enjoy break more soundly with our ideas safely guarded. Now, the fun part of writing begins next quarter as we breathe life and personality into our characters during the development of our first draft screenplays…

Sophomores prepare to write their first feature film!

This quarter with Professor Chris Riley, myself and another 30+ media sophomores have been preparing to write our very own feature script. We started with brainstorming for story ideas and writing down log lines. Second, we sectioned into writing groups, each week giving and receiving input on ideas. Lots of writing, thinking, reworking, and more writing. The creativity process is never more dynamic then in the beginning stages while the story unfolds on computer screens, post-it-notes, on the margins of notebooks, in Adoration, and even in in dreams while dozing during 5 min class breaks. We’ve now come close to the finish line of this quarter, and many of us have an entire feature-length story written up as a beat sheet and completed treatments. Our characters become more and more alive with each new week, as we place conflict in their way and watch them grow, either for better or for worse. Next quarter the actual writing of the feature script begins…but for now, the most important part of script writing, the pre-planning process, is creatively working its course.

Finding the light in Hollywood?

Recently, on the way to L.A, I stopped at a truck stop for gas, when this huge, white semi pulled up in front of me with a rather bold statement. On the trailer, the word “Hollywood”  was painted in huge, black letters, and encircling it was a red circle with a slash through the middle. Crosses, Jesus pictures, and Christian fish symbols dotted the outside of the  shiny, red cab. My initial thought upon reading this bold, anti-Hollywood advertisement was, “Wow, that is one heck of a conversation starter.” I could just imagine the comments those guys received on the road. When the semi pulled out and I continued towards L.A– that ‘dreaded’ and ‘fearful land’ so many Christians perceive as “Hollywood”– I started thinking about two things: first, there are numerous, good and talented Christian people working right in the heart of Hollywood (actually, I was on my way to Catholic Underground with some fellow JP Catholic Student to watch a night of talented musicians), and second, how did St. Paul evangelize to the Gentles? Take, for example, Act One, a Christian organization of talented writers, producers, actors, and directors from all across the U.S., who’s mission is similar to that of JP Catholic University. Their building lies directly below the Hollywood sign. Christopher Riley, a professor of screenwriting at John Paul the Great Catholic University, was originally the executive director of the writing program there. He also is an award winning screenwriter living in L.A. with his family and woked for Warner Bros. Studios as head of the script departmentfor many years. Certainly, Hollywood can’t be totally detrimental to society, since we do have these examples of strong Christian artists perfecting the filmmaking craft in successful and Godly ways. Far too easy is it to preach a positive message on screen. Much more challenging, however, is to deliver that message in an artistic and realistic way. Clearly, that takes skill and bravery. Just as St. Paul adopted a strategic way to evangelize to the Gentiles, so also we must find common ground with the mainstream secular audience. It’s not enough that we preach to the choir, for we are called to go into the darkness and bring the light. How can we achieve such a goal if we are avoiding the darkness and bashing the other side (who actually need our help most)? There is indeed hope in Hollywood, and being among aspiring filmmakers such as those at JP Catholic, we hope to be ambassadors of hope and bring light to the heart of the entertainment industry. Man is fallen, but beauty still appeals to his weak nature. Thus, we must perfect our craft both professionally and morally or else we will never be able to truly Impact the Culture for Christ.