Media is made to create a message and invoke an emotion. All forms of media have some sort of message they are trying to convey, even if it’s a small part of a bigger story. These stories all change little by little and teach us lessons about what it means to live life. They can also change how some people see their own lives and what it means to be human.
Media affects people differently, so here will be my own experiences with one form of media as well as others’ experiences with these media. I will also share how they changed my own perspective on life and explain why no one person perceives the media the same way.
Music: Singer-songwriter Ricky Montgomery, specifically his song “This December,” is about how he keeps doing the same thing repeatedly and how he is going to make a change this December. Rick shares his message about how being in the same routine won’t always make us happy and the necessity to make a change. This inspired me to stop and make a change and go outside of what I used to do every day and finally make a change in my life instead of being stuck on who I am.
Sophomore Josh Cothron says, “To be honest, Linkin Park puts so much power and emotion into their songs, which is why they invoke such strong feelings.”
Junior Emily Phillips says, “Music has genuinely changed my life, from the people I’ve met to just the love of music. I genuinely love playing music, from marching band to concert bands.”
TV : “Hajime No Ippo” is a show that changed my own perspective on strength and how strong people behave. I watched it in my freshman year, and it is about a high schooler named Ippo Makunouchi and his journey to become a boxer. Makunouchi doesn’t win at first; he barely wins, but he keeps pushing through all his struggles. This inspired me to keep persevering no matter how many times I’m pushed down and to keep chasing my dream.
Movie: “The Wind Rises,” a Studio Ghibli movie, is about a young Japanese boy who dreams of flying airplanes during WWII but ultimately decides to chase after his dream in a different way by designing airplanes. His journey illustrates how dreams can be twisted by reality and emphasizes the importance of pursuing your art without being weighed down by societal pressures.
Sophomore Ryle Shivers says, “Whiplash changed how I see the absence of passion and how obsession shows the extreme pride and jealousy that can affect someone.”
Freshman Xavier Vinson says, “Radio, ” a movie about an African American male who is born with a disease that affects his brain and has a speech impediment but loves football, conquers the disease and becomes a head coach.
Video Games: “Dark Souls,” a game made in 2011, is about a cursed undead protagonist in the decaying kingdom of Lordran, tasked with linking the First Flame to stave off darkness. I remember constantly losing when I first started this game, but the perseverance required to overcome the bosses ultimately changed how I approach daily challenges, giving me a feeling that I can face anything.
Sophomore Jerimiah Jamiolkowski states, “’Red Dead Redemption II’ changed how I viewed life and the beauty of life, and how unexpected things can happen.”
Books: “The Climber” is about a reclusive high schooler who transitions from enjoying rock climbing to obsessively tackling dangerous mountains. As he increasingly injures himself, the story explores the blurring line between passion and self-destruction, warning against letting an obsession consume one’s life.
Sophomore Maddie Gove says, “’A Girl in Pieces’ changed my perspective on what people are dealing with in their own lives and gave me more insight into what is happening, letting me be more empathetic and compassionate. “
Senior Cierra Schmidt says, “A Breath Too Late. ” In the story, she kills herself and comes back as a spectator of her own life and eventually feels very regretful. This story stayed with me because a decision like that is huge, and you’re wasting the biggest gift, which is life. It changed my perspective by teaching me that things aren’t as bad as they seem in the moment, and all you need to do is take time to process things.
