Chris Prepares to Interview Vietnam Veteran

American soldiers stationed in Vietnam. 
Image source:  faculty.polytechnic.org.
(public domain)

A stolid, poised young man, Chris arrived to Edge at the beginning of the year with a clear path:  to study the Vietnam War.  Per his characteristic determination, he has largely stuck to that plan.  He has analyzed the technologies employed by the Vietcong in defending North Vietnam, and he has read through accounts that critique Jane Fonda for her sympathies with the North Vietnamese (earning her the derisive name of "Hanoi Jane").  Chris also explored key terms/ideas such as "the Tet Offensive," "the Kent State Incident," and "the Fall of Saigon.

Early on, something cemented for Chris.  After expressing interest in joining the Marines on numerous occasions, he began to focus his studies towards understanding the experiences of the American soldiers themselves.  He examined countless soldier accounts (e.g., Ron Kovic's Born on the Fourth of July and Tim O'Brian's The Things They Carry), and he analyzed their feelings towards the draft while in college, their experiences clearing tunnels of rats while in Vietnam, and their traumatic experiences as P.O.W.s under the Vietcong.  He researched Agent Orange not only for an interest in the chemical make-up of the weapon but also for his earnest concern in how it altered the physiology of a soldier.  He also looked up Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, spoke with Tess and Luca, and analyzed the effectiveness of the VA Center in assisting struggling veterans.

U.S. soldiers taking a break while on patrol. 
Image source:  pinterest.com. 
(public domain)

Across those foci, two points remain consistent for Chris:  (1) his unwavering compassion and empathy for American veterans, and (2) his concern that contemporary American conflicts mimic the Vietnam War in its consequences for American soldiers.

So, how is Chris applying that compassion?

He has elected to devote his second semester in Edge to connect with American veterans so that he might learn their stories first-hand.  He has teamed up with the Edge Team to explore the Veteran's History Project, a volunteer-based program that connects individuals (even students) with veterans.  Recently, however, he has found an alternative via one of Kildonan's trustees.  Inspired by a conversation with Chris, a board member has reached out to a childhood friend who happened to serve in Vietnam.  That individual has agreed to speak with Chris, so the latter has been hard at work preparing a variety of interview questions.

Chris reflects on his learning experiences in Edge as follows:  

"I learn by starting at the big picture, then focusing on a few things, then going back out again, and focusing another time.  It's like a big accordion.  In ordinary classes, teachers are the spoiler alert.  They ruin the movie for you.  But in Edge, you don't have spoilers.  You get to experience the movie yourself."   

We at Edge are grateful to have you as an Edge Maker, Chris! (If you have a thought on Chris's journey or a resource for him, please post in the comments section below.)

Bull Explores IP through Film

Enthralled by the process of learning, Bull eventually distilled his thoughts into a central question:  "What is IP?" True to character, he found this inquiry too delicious to resist.  To begin to answer it, he met with the IP faculty and discussed a video that we had watched together at the beginning of the year.  Launched by the pioneers of the Independent Project, or the students at Monument Mountain High School in Great Barrington, MA, this film began to define the program according its original imagining.  Bull had expressed interest in creating a video response earlier in the year, so we revisited the issue with him now.  Might he still be interested in such an endeavor? Might such a film answer his own question?

His answer was a resounding "yes."  Since our meeting, Bull has used a GoPro (@GoPro) camera to create a draft of his own film.  Wishing to preserve the element of surprise, he has kept the work from the eyes of the IP faculty.  He has shown no one in the program, not even a fellow student, the full piece.

On May 8th, however, Bull graced the team with a brief preview of his work.  Speaking toward the product, he remarked that he was striving for something akin to "realism."  He wished to keep the film unpolished and natural so as to capture the informal feeling of the program.  True to his intent, the scenes in his video flitted between light joviality and quiet moments of revelation.  More profound still, Bull admitted that he is perceiving an answer at long last.  After designing an octopus that continues to sprawl into infinity, he stressed that he is forming a sort of endpoint in the film, in the program, or in the cycle of the two. (As a side note, this circle conjures Vladimir Nabokov's short story "The Circle."  Bull found Nabokov's work a primary influence on his own writing earlier this year).

Ultimately, after a lengthy discussion and critique with the IP team, Bull continues production on his film.  What will it look like once he has finished it?

Description of image:  A student using a GoPro camera.  Photo located at thelantern.com.  Kildonan and its IP program claim no ownership over the picture above.

Max D. Travels to NEMCON

We in IP pride ourselves on our efforts to break down the physical walls of the classroom, to encourage one another to seek our passions well beyond the boundaries of the IP building (and Kildonan, more generally).  In keeping with this philosophy, Max D. approached the IP team one day with an exciting request.  Inspired by Trey's visit to NAMM, he explained that he wanted to attend a convention himself.  He was not sure when or to where he would depart, but he knew that he wished to connect with individuals who were just as passionate about magic and illusion as he is.

The IP team worked closely with Max on the research process.  Together, we discussed a myriad of possible conventions, travel plans, ticket prices, and the professional magicians in attendance.  After weeks of careful consideration, Max decided that he wished to attend the New England Magicians Conference, Inc. (NEMCON), held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cromwell, CT from March 6th-7th.  These dates happened to coincide with the beginning of Kildonan's spring break, so after a quick performance with his chapter of the Society of Young Magicians (SYM), Max was off.

During his time at NEMCON, Max was able to explode his understanding of magic and illusion.  He noted fondly that Tom Mullica was a skilled emcee for his deft handling of humor and his ability to play up to diverse audiences.  He also explored the wares of a variety of vendors, and all told, he brought back many interesting "magic" samples to begin integrating into his routine.  Perhaps the central highlight of his experience, however, was his ability to interview the professional magicians in attendance:  Mullica, Jon Armstrong, and 17-year-old Ryan Lally.  In conducting these conversations, Max was not only able to practice his verbal conversations but also learn tips and seek inspiration from the greats in his field.  * For an example of his budding interview skills, please click here. *

Back in the IP building after spring break, Max described the experience as "mind-boggling."  When asked why, he had this to say:  "I feel like everything is coming together.  I know what I want to do now."

Any thoughts on NEMCON? Have you ever attended yourself, or would you recommend another magic convention to Max? Please post in the comments section below.

Description of 1st image:  Max at NEMCON with Roger Dreyer of NYC magic retailer Fantasma Magic (@FantasmaNYC).  Photo taken by Max's father.

Description of 2nd image:  The performers of NEMCON.  From left:  Stephen Bargatze, Rick Merrill, Ryan Lally, Jon Armstrong, and Tom Mullica.  Photo taken by Max's father.