We Got More Bounce In California

We Got More Bounce (In California) by Soul Kid #1

Sometimes I think the world would be better if everyone was just nicer. Weird coming from a girl who is currently in LA where the stereotype is rough, rude and just flat out mean. What's funny is, this stereotype is exactly that, a stereotype. I'm sure there are some people who fall into this stereotype but I've been lucky enough to meet people who defy these descriptors.

DreamWorks' Oscars

DreamWorks is a magical place in and of itself. It's campus is huge and comfortable with secret rooms, kitchens with coffee and a dining hall that offers free breakfast and lunch for the staff. Don't forget the outdoor spaces with benches, coy ponds and lots of greenery. The people are just as amazing as the facility. We were fortunate enough to be able to talk to some of the staff of DreamWorks who hit a few home runs with some of their advice.

If there is one thing I've learned about LA and the people at DreamWorks, it's to go with the flow because sometimes when chances arrive, they don't always look like chances. I've heard stories over and over again about grabbing every opportunity because you don't know where it will lead. Also, to be a good employee who takes advantage of these opportunities, it's important that you don't over promise and then under deliver. You have to keep with your word but also, don't lie about what you can and can't do. Ask for help when you need it and be proactive - as others if they need help with a project.

We also got to meet with an OU alum who produces and directs on a pretty popular show, Cougartown. He was so down to earth, relatable and, like the other OU alums we've met, offered some great advice not just about LA but the job. Randall Winston gave lots of technical advice which I really appreciated because I know that my background in that isn't as strong as someone with a video production degree. It's hard to keep up sometimes with technical terms but Randall made me want to learn more on my own. I think that, more than anything, the time we got with Randall was motivation to keep learning on your own and work hard because what he is doing is the dream.

The rest of the day was bonding time with the group - which I loved. All the alum keep saying, "Stay in contact with everyone, even the people you are sitting next too." I think this is great advice but to be honest, I only knew a few people on this trip before we came out here. We haven't had a lot of time to socialize because we're networking with the people in LA. We were able to visit the Hollywood sign which was a chance for everyone to relax and I think that really helped. Everyone was helping take pictures, jumping in on pictures and genuinely having a good time. It was a highlight of my day - as well as getting stuck in an elevator.

Some of the people I was stuck in the elevator with

At the time, nothing could be less funny. Stuck on an elevator for 30 minutes or so with 16 other people. However, now, it's one thing I will always remember about this trip that will make me laugh. We found ways to distract ourselves by acting out the Cougartown script we had just read over with Randall. It was helpful to get our minds off of being stuck and we really all worked together and were able to tolerate each other in the closest space I've ever been in. It was also a pretty exciting way to end the day and something we all were able to bond over.