Years later, after being a Fellow, making videos, learning through fun and failure and building up a healthy reserve of ambition I was ready to go out for the summer and see what I could accomplish.

This trip started off horribly. I literally out-did every stupid blunder I’ve ever committed on the first day when I managed to lose my key before even getting to my room. Inconceivable I know. I called my girlfriend and my mom stressing out and whining over what had happened. Turns out everything was fine in the end. (Although the whereabouts of that key will haunt me forever).

I began interning and went from an internship last summer where I powerwashed for four hours a day (at a commercial production company…) to one at Extreme Home Makeover where I had a big influence over whether families in dire need would move along in the process of getting a brand new home. I met super cool interns and co workers and received sage advice about life, the business, and passion.

The summer flew by and the final projects were upon us. To be honest I got assigned to direct a short film that I wasn’t particularly interested in. What I quickly realized was that the big man upstairs had amazing plans for me that my petty self had no comprehension, foresight, or understanding of. I began a journey that was filled with doubt, pressure, and pitfalls but was buoyed by motivation, great attitudes, and a powerful drive to find and communicate something of meaning.

One of Elon’s alumni Tim Johnson told me that when you find talented people there is an excitement that builds and reminds you why you are doing what you are doing. He said that there are so many out there who are willing to settle for less and pass by with mediocrity but when you find those who dream and who have talent- that fire rekindles. I’ve experienced this and am excited for the future. One of my goals with Focus was to make people cry. Better put: I wanted to create something that people could connect with and feel emotion for that may or may not result in tears. People crying is like the ultimate validation for your work because its the physical result of an emotional reaction that proves you had an effect on them. And when you affect people, it feels good.

This summer has been amazing and Los Angeles has opened up my eyes to what the future could become.

Great job everyone, It’s been a pleasure and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

In celebration of our completed press kits, some of the PR students decided to hit up Dimples and let’s just say it wasn’t pretty. Our song selections ranged from Proud Mary by Ike and Tina Turner to All These Things I’ve Done by the Killers to Stop by the Spice Girls, which I was surprised to see most of the men singing along.

I would also like to say that Elon in LA has helped me tremendously. From making connections to real work experience, this amazing program has had a strong hand in shaping my future as a working professional. I cannot thank all of the amazing teachers, especially J, for putting in the time to help make Elon in LA what it has become today.

So it’s not really a surprise when I tell you how jarring it was to arrive in LA this summer… no sleepy secluded spot in the woods… but a big, vibrant, beautiful city with a million opportunities, but also harsh, unavoidable realities. I was excited, certainly, but I felt a hollow emptiness at my inability to be at, or even visit, the camp that I’d called home for so many years… for the first time since I first attended when I was 13. I was nervous. I didn’t know what this city would have to offer… would I be able to find a place here?

Day by day, week by week, moment by moment, I grew into this city. I learned my way around, I mastered LA traffic, I found a place at my job, and I fell in love with the busy life I was leading. There were some major pitfalls… project complications, fights, accidents, sadness… culminating with an awful family emergency that forced me to go home for a whole week at the end of the summer. This summer has had it’s ups and downs, and it’s been nothing short of an emotional rollercoaster. But every time I fell I stood up again. I learned how to make mistakes gracefully and learned where my strengths and weaknesses lie. I created some amazing things, and learned where I need to improve. And slowly, I fell in love with the city. Driving around with Kierstin, Chris, and Rachel one day, I believe I said something like, “I don’t know why anyone would want to live anywhere in the world but here.” I knew I would enjoy this experience, but I never knew how hard I’d fall for this dirty, broken, hopeful city of angels. Last night at the film screening I felt completely accomplished for what we’d pulled off this summer… everyone in the program. We are all super heroes, and I hope you guys don’t forget it. We came so incredibly far… and I couldn’t be prouder of all of us.

My heart is in Texas, my comfort is in North Carolina, and my peace is in a sleepy camp in Southeast Texas. But my drive, my passion, and my future are all out here. I’m excited beyond belief for my last, incredible senior year with my best friends in North Carolina… but I’m also excited to return with my new best friends out here. This summer is one I will never, ever be able to forget. And I’m so incredibly grateful for this experience.

Until next year…. LA, I love you. It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later.

I think most people generally know what the XGames are all about. XTREME SPORTS, of course!  Thanks to one of our recent Elon alumni, Joey Accordino, my roommate David Gwynn and I were giving two free tickets to the XGames in downtown Los Angeles this past Saturday.  Joey was recently hired by ESPN after graduating this May.  He was temporarily in LA this past week to work on the XGames.

When we arrived, we were greeted by Joey who immediately took us to the bottom of the Staples Center where all the moto x bikers were hanging out with their bikes.  Tattoos, flat brimmed hats, energy drinks…you get the vibe. We sat and watched the women’s moto x event, which was awesome being in an indoor arena watching girls shred over these humongous mounds of dirt while smelling that wonderful smell of moto gas!

Afterwards, Joey showed us the passageway that connected the Staples Center with the Nokia Theatre so that we could check out the other events during the night, which happened to be the skateboarding vert ramp competition featuring the famous American snowboarder and Olympic gold-medalist Shaun White or as some call him the flying tomato.  Joey took us straight back to a VIP pass only area where all the family and friends of the skaters were watching the competition…directly next to the ramp.  Shaun White, Bob Burnquist and other famous skaters I’m familiar with through playing Tony Hawk Pro Skater on N64 were within yards of where David and I were standing.  After watching those skaters make their sport look so easy, we went back to the Staples Center to watch the final event of the evening, the men’s moto x competition.  It was incredible how high these guys were flying off the ramps.  It was the Speed & Style event where they were obviously scored on those two categories.

Check out some the photos I took throughout the evening:

Ready for my life and what comes next, eager to jump in.

Elon in LA, headed West for the first time.

The second day, climbed up to the Hollywood sign.

Worked at Stein Entertainment, saw some people that were famous.

I had a great time and I never once felt homesick

Made some memories and some movies

Worked on a film called “Runaway” and I got my kidnap on.

And I got my kidnap on, and I got my kidnap on.

Yeah I toured some backlots, laughed all night long, and acted like everyday

Went on the Price is Right, walked on the pier at night

And I went to Grauman’s, the midnight premiere, and cried at HP part 2

I loved spending my summer with you.

Thank you J, for making my dreams come true.

PARTY IN THE L OF A!

Although I am leaving with experience and a greater knowledge about the industry, I think the best thing I am leaving with is new friendships. I came out to LA knowing a few people, but no one I was too close with. Throughout the nine weeks I have formed friendships with people that I may not have had the chance to meet at Elon. All 39 students brought something different to the program forming a great dynamic.

This summer has been like any other.
Click to view slideshow.

Long Live Elon

*San Diego Zoo

*Santa Barbara Beach and City

*Griffith Observatory

*Grauman’s Chinese Theatre/ Hollywood Blvd

*Hike up the Peak

*Hollywood Sign

*Cirque Du Soleil- Iris at the Kodak

*Venice Beach/ Venice Canals

*Warner Bro’s Studio Tour

*Cupcakes (Sprinkles, Crumbs, Jack ‘n’ Jills, Famous, Rock Star, Susina’s, Martina’s, etc.)

*Food (Umami, Koi, Roscoes, Bob’s Big Boy, Oliva, Portos, Chateau Mormont, Yen, Lola’s, all sushi and THAI places and some Indian place, Moonshadows, etc.)

*Malibu Beach

*Santa Monica Beach and Pier and Promenade

*So You Think You Can Dance

*Price is Right

*Nightlife- W Hotel- Dreis, Roosevelt Hotel- Library Room, MyStudio, Eden, Tru, Colony, Voyeur, etc.

BEST SUMMER OF MY LIFE- I WILL NEVER FORGET

Lifelong impressions

O so many celebrities around

So many dogs in offices

Awesome burger and taco joints

Never ending night life

Grumpy drivers stuck in traffic

Everlasting smog line

Loud and crazy neighbors

Even carmageddon can’t hold this city down

Say what you want, these memories will stay with you

Los Angeles has been a large city, and a small city.

Of course, I’ve enjoyed my stay.

New relationships built, some ended.

Individually, I think all the students here have changed…

Notwithstanding, I’m ready to be home.

Lastly, thank you to those who made this trip possible.

Always,

Elijah J. Clark

PS – One final photo.  :)