Amanda's reflections
I remember thinking when this class started that Walt and Rachel were some of the most enthusiastic professors I had ever had. It's clear that they both are passionately connected to the material taught in this class. That right there says a lot for how the class is set up, because we dealt with issues that were extremely personal and important to people in the class. I've never had a class where students are so encouraged, or even allowed, to share their personal experiences and utilize the class as a way to perhaps deal with some major issues in their lives. I think it's amazing how Walt and Rachel created an environment were people felt safe and comfortable to share their most personal stories, and it made for a very relevant class.
I've never had a class like this one, and I'm pretty sure there just aren't many out there that combine GWSS, Afro Studies, and Digital Storytelling. I think the combination is brilliant and the amount of interesting, important material between the three is endless. I really enjoyed learning about the technology along with the theory, because I think I would have been bored with just learning the programs, as I am not really into computers. But, when you explain the theory of Digital Storytelling through GWSS and Afro Studies, Digital Storytelling turns into something so much more than just making fun little films.
I just want to say that this class has been one of my favorite classes I've ever had, I think it's extremely important that it continues on. Thank you everyone in the class for sharing your stories and thank you Walt and Rachel for the great semester. I've never wanted a class to keep going before!