@Ryan: That’s a great point about “what was his life like before Special Olympics” and I almost did the video from that angle.

I won’t go into the whole background, but he wasn’t in special education until middle school. Before then, no one knew was intellectually disabled.

Another good point about Project ACCEPT: the transition is from college to the “real world.”

@Chris: The nut graf is: Rocmel Paredes, a student who defies the stereotype of Special Olympics, is like a big brother and mentor to his fellow athletes.

Good catch with the beginning — that was exactly what I was doing.

I thought the point about him being like a big brother and helping the other athletes despite being in Special Olympics himself was pretty clear because each person talks about it. I could add a title slide, but that make take away from the beginning effect.

Thanks again guys!

But if you’re looking for feedback, I’d say that what most interested me was the Project Accept teacher noting the obvious, that Rocmel doesn’t look like the athlete most might associate with the Special Olympics. I’d be interested to hear what Rocmel has to say about that.

Also, what’s the nut graf of this piece? I was always told that in video and audio, you have to hit the viewer over the head with the point. If there wasn’t this post title, would I know why this profile was important?

To be honest, I first thought this was going to be a story of Rocmel working with an athlete – which shows my own stereotypes – and the contrast is cool, but I think that’s a big point. i.e. introduce Rocmel, then Project Accept lady explains the confusion ignorant people like me have and then go to the great, great stuff Rocmel says.

Ah, but that is me rambling and having only watched it once.

To be real though, the piece is super interesting, VERY well shot and cut well. Thanks for it.

Good to meet up, I’ll start following more closely, now. Good luck.
-cgw

This is good. The one thing I kept wondering was what Rocmel’s life like before Special Olympics and how is his life better now?

Also, it was good to hear the Project Accept teacher talk a little about what they do, but she said they prepare them to make a transition, but didn’t elaborate on what they are transitioning from or into.

The power of a story in my mind comes from highlighting the catalyst for a life change, in this case – being involved in Special Olympics and the friendships and self-confidence garnered from that involvement.

Overall, great work.

Best,
Ryan