Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - November/December 2012 - (Page 13)

acMe neWsPictUres, inc. “strOng POlice fOrce gUarDs ganDHi in rUstOn.” 1931. cleVelanD PUblic lib. and eventually arranging the events into a compelling story. Using iMovie, I made the story into a 10-minute documentary, which I narrated with voice-overs. Later, I added transitions, eﬀects, and background music, including an instrumental version of one of Gandhi’s favorite devotional songs. In February, after winning the local competition and qualifying for the state competition, I set to work improving my project based on the judges’ comments. I added subtitles to the interview with my grandpa, and worked to more clearly show the connection between Gandhi’s early visit to South Africa and the freedom movement in India. From snag to success In April, my family and I drove to Ohio State University in Columbus for the state competition. As other students presented their documentaries, I paid close attention to the questions the judges asked. When it was my turn, I gave the judges copies of my process paper and bibliography, set up my movie, and stood back to watch. I was distressed to see that the bottom of the screen was cut oﬀ, obscuring the subtitles I’d added. Because the judges from the district competition had suggested adding them, I was afraid this would cost me points. When the documentary ended, I was interviewed by the judges. The interview went well, and when the names of qualifiers for the next round were posted, I was excited to see my name among them. Fortunately, during the next round the movie fit the screen. This time, there was no interview. I awaited the awards ceremony, which would be held a few hours later. At the ceremony, awards were presented in a variety of categories. Finally, the Junior Individual Documentary category winners were announced. When third place was announced and then second place, my project was neither one of them. I anxiously waited for the first place winner to be announced: “…and in first place, going to nationals for his project on Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent civil resistance, Ashwin Krishna!” I could hardly believe it, even as I walked up on stage to receive my medal. The opening frame of Ashwin’s documentary the sound since I’d shown the film at the state contest, but even when the soundman turned the volume up all the way, it was diﬃcult to hear my documentary clearly. Although I didn’t make it into the top three at nationals, I received a certificate of achievement and congratulatory letters from my state congressman and the Ohio House of Representatives. My family was proud of me, especially my grandpa, who attended all of the competitions. He was impressed with my documentary and happy for the chance to share his experience with me. I will always value the experience I had in participating. I learned time management and research skills, and writing the detailed bibliography and process paper improved my writing skills and taught me how to pack a lot of information into as few words as possible. Meeting other kids at the competitions and seeing their projects expanded my views and knowledge as well. Best of all, I came to understand the significance of an important event in history and my family’s personal connection to it. Ashwin Krishna completed his national History Day project as a student at canton country Day school. He is now a freshman at Hoover High school in north canton, OH, where he is a member of the speech and debate team. He was a member of the state finalist team at the first legO league robotics tournament, as well as a national finalist in the nais Virtual science fair. ashwin has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and enjoys tennis, traveling, and making hot sauce from homegrown peppers. Valuable lessons The day after school ended in June, my family and I traveled to the University of Maryland, where I would compete against nearly 2,000 other kids in the National History Day Contest. As I stood next to the judges’ table, my film opened with pictures of Gandhi and what should have been my voice narrating the introduction. But where was the sound?! I hadn’t altered learn more about national History day at www.nhd.org. www.cty.jhu.edu/imagine imagine 13 http://www.nhd.org http://www.cty.jhu.edu/imagine

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - November/December 2012

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - November/december 2012
Contents
Big Picture
In My Own Words
Well of Dreams
Making History Personal
A World Full of Stories
The Month of Writing Dangerously
Japan Adventures
Storytelling 2.0
On the Frontline of Digital Journalism
Once Upon a Summer
Awakening the Storyteller
Selected Opportunities & Resources
On the Doorstep of Discovery
When You’re Ready to Do Research
Off the Shelf
Word Wise
Exploring Career Options
One Step Ahead
Planning Ahead for College
Students Review
Mark Your Calendar
Knossos Games

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - November/December 2012