Personal Leadership

This semester, I really want to push myself out of my comfort zone. I want to acknowledge habits that I have and don't like, and try to either change them or at least come to terms with them. The projects are already helping with this, as I have always felt shy and awkward when placed with strangers and having to interact with them.

Another meaningful experience was when my teacher asked me if I wanted to take part in a photoshoot for the school. At first, I was really hesitant because I am shy and not a big fan of having my picture taken. But in the end, I thought, "Why not?" It turned out to be really fun, especially with the teacher and one of my friends there. Their presence helped me feel comfortable and made me realize how much easier things are when you have a friend by your side.

However, my goal is to do these things without relying on a friend. Therefore, during the second week of school, I decided to attend an event at Fontys alone. I went to workshops and interacted only with strangers. At first, I felt very alone and scared, but I pushed myself harder and tried talking to as many people as possible, seeing it as a perfect opportunity. Being surrounded by strangers, people I knew I would likely never see again, helped me step out of my comfort zone.

As I engaged more in conversations and participated in the workshops, I became more confident in myself. Answering questions and interacting with others helped me improve my communication skills and realize that there is room for mistakes and that people are generally not there to judge.

To better understand the surreal theme I used for the website and posters, I decided to watch a film that marks the beginning of surrealist cinema: Un Chien Andalou.

Un Chien Andalou, directed by Luis Buñuel and Salvador Dalí, is a silent short film famous for its strange and dreamlike scenes. It doesn't follow a clear story but instead explores surreal and shocking imagery.

Watching this film helped me see how unexpected combinations and unusual visuals can create a strong, surreal effect, which inspired me when designing the collages for my website and posters.

I went to a local place called Burgers, where there was a Gem session. At first, I was just sitting and watching, amazed at how comfortable everyone on stage felt, even though they weren't professionals. Some were singing, others were playing instruments, clapping, or knocking glasses; everyone was free to express themselves. Watching this made me feel so good that I started dancing without caring what others thought. I was mesmerized.

At one point, I convinced my brother, who was with me, to join them, and we sang on stage together. I hadn't done something like that since moving here; back home, we used to go to local bars almost every night, singing with friends and a guitar wherever we went. That night, I even tried playing the banjo, which I had never done before.

It was one of the most relieving and freeing moments I've had in a long time. It made me realize that you don't need to be perfect to try something new. Creativity isn't something only certain people have, nor does it always require practice; it's a feeling everyone has inside, and you just have to let it out.

Introduction
I focused on being more active during workshops and practicing presenting my work in front of the class. The goal was to challenge myself and become more confident when sharing ideas.

Process
During Chris's workshop, we had 10 minutes to create a poster and choose a few words that defined it. The challenge was to see if we could transfer those words and feelings through our poster design, while the rest of the class tried to guess them. I pushed myself to participate actively, presenting my poster and explaining my choices. At first, I felt nervous about being judged, but I kept practicing and reminding myself that mistakes are part of learning.

Reflection
This experience taught me that stepping forward and sharing my ideas, even when it feels uncomfortable, helps me grow. I became more confident in expressing myself and learned that facing the fear of judgment is an important part of personal development. The workshop also showed me how to communicate feelings and ideas visually, which added another layer to my creative growth.

Introduction
I attended a climbing competition to push my limits and challenge myself. The goal was to step out of my comfort zone and see what I could achieve.

Process
Even though I had little experience, I tried routes and techniques that felt difficult or "crazy" for me. By putting myself out there and attempting things I wasn't sure I could do, I learned a lot about my abilities and how to handle challenges.

Reflection
This experience taught me that you don't need to be highly experienced to try new things. Growth comes from pushing yourself, taking risks, and learning through experience. By stepping out of my comfort zone, I gained confidence and learned that effort and courage are more important than perfection.

Introduction
I attended open days at my school to show my work to other students and encourage them to explore this profile. I wanted to take the opportunity to share information about the program and give insights to students from all students looking into this study.

Process
During the open days, I explained what can be learned in the program, how courses are taught, and what daily life in the program is really like. I tried to be open and approachable, helping students understand the experience from a real perspective. This also meant stepping a bit out of my comfort zone, as I had to present and talk to many people in a formal setting.

Reflection
Attending these events helped me gain confidence in social and professional situations. I am happy to see myself becoming more open to sharing my work and talking with others in serious environments. It also showed me the importance of helping others by giving them honest and useful information about the program.

• Filmed and edited instructional videos while managing new equipment challenges
• Sought help and feedback when needed
• Built client relationships and gained professional confidence

Introduction
Guido invited me to create tutorial videos, giving me the opportunity to take on a professional challenge.

Process
I researched new equipment, prepared multiple video versions, and solved technical problems (like audio interference) by combining independent research with teacher support. I ensured that client feedback was incorporated into the final product.

Reflection
This shows personal leadership because I demonstrated initiative, persistence, and adaptability. I managed challenges independently, improved my technical and communication skills, and strengthened professional relationships, leading to further opportunities.

Summary: I edited the video (sound, color, cuts) to make the message clear. I found a loud beeping sound I couldn't remove alone. After struggling, I decided to ask a teacher for help. This taught me that being a good leader means knowing when to ask for assistance.

Introduction
The editing work was tough, but it helped me grow in personal leadership by showing me when to ask others for help.

Process
I worked on making the video better. I fixed the sound, changed the color, and made precise cuts. My goal was to make the message clear. I found a big problem: a loud beeping sound. I fought hard and used all my tools to try to remove it myself. After getting stuck, I made the smart choice to ask a teacher for help so the project could move forward.

Reflection
This problem was a great lesson for my own growth. I learned about my weaknesses (sound fixing) and my strengths (working hard). The most important lesson was that a strong professional must know when it's important to ask for help. This shows a mature learning attitude because I value efficiency and project success.

• Filmed the first reel for the NPO gay men's choir
• Took charge of camera angles and audio setup
• Guided the team using prior microphone experience
• Balanced professional responsibility with creative freedom
• Reflected on personal growth and enjoyment during filming

Introduction
After extensive planning and scouting the location in advance, our team filmed the first reel for the NPO gay men's choir during Eindhoven Pride. Because we had already visited the venue, we knew exactly where to set up the equipment.

Process
Upon arrival, we arranged cameras, microphones, lights, and the set. I was responsible for camera angles and audio. Since I was the only team member with previous microphone experience, I guided the team in setting up and operating them.

We filmed the A-roll first, which made me feel a strong sense of responsibility and professionalism. Later, we moved inside the bar to capture the B-roll during rehearsal. This part was more relaxed and creative, allowing me to experiment with shots and enjoy the process. Both experiences—A-roll and B-roll—taught me how to balance professional responsibility with creative freedom.

Reflection
This experience demonstrates personal leadership because I took initiative, guided the team using my expertise, and managed responsibilities independently. I reflected on my strengths and preferences, recognizing how preparation, technical skill, and creative engagement contribute to professional growth. Filming the A-roll reinforced my sense of professionalism, while the B-roll showed me the importance of enjoying the creative process.

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For more details, check out Twist Twist Twist.

• Presented a prototype including NPO filming footage and animated logo concepts
• Edited A-roll and B-roll shots into a cohesive showcase video
• Actively participated in giving and receiving feedback from teachers and peers
• Demonstrated initiative, responsibility, and reflective practice

Introduction
For our project showcase, we were required to present a prototype of our work. We decided to include footage from the NPO filming session and concepts for the animated logo and theme reveal video.

Process
My role was to edit the video for the showcase. I selected and combined A-roll and B-roll shots in DaVinci Resolve, arranging them into a clear and engaging timeline. I focused on creating a video that effectively highlighted our work while maintaining clarity for viewers.

During the showcase, we received feedback from both teachers and fellow students. We also completed a feedback sheet, providing constructive input to other groups.

Reflection
This experience demonstrates personal leadership because I took initiative in preparing the showcase video and ensured our work was represented professionally. I balanced creative decision-making with responsibility to the team and stakeholders. Additionally, actively giving and receiving feedback helped me reflect on my own contributions, recognize areas for improvement, and strengthen my collaborative and reflective skills.

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For more details, check out Twist Twist Twist.

Summary

• Took initiative as a presenter.
• Handled stakeholder questions confidently.

Introduction
I presented our Eindhoven Pride project in front of a large audience, including stakeholders from all projects.

Process
I prepared with teammates and explained our concept clearly during the presentation. I answered questions on the spot, staying calm and focused.

Reflection
This experience showed me my ability to take initiative, communicate effectively, and lead under pressure. It helped me grow personally and professionally.