There is nothing I enjoy more than a good play, musical, or movie.

Throughout elementary, middle and high school I participated in all the school productions. You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, The Sound of Music, and Bye Bye Birdie are just a few examples. In middle school I made my first short film, and currently I am working on a musical based off one of my novels.

When I came to college, I found myself busy with other things and unable to participate as much as I would have hoped to in the cinematic arts. Thankfully for me, Jan Plan gave me the opportunity to get back into doing what I love.

For those of you who do not know, Jan Plan is a month-long term at Colby where each student either completes an internship or takes a class, whether at Colby or abroad. It is supposed to be a time of exploration, and a more relaxed break between first and second semesters.

Though I was in a class called “African Americans Elites and Middle Classes” I was still able to participate in a short film. One of my friends was in a class called “Narrative Filmmaking” and needed actors for it.

Knowing that I like writing and acting, she asked me if I wanted to take part and I said yes without hesitation.

The production of the film consisted of several hours of standing the cold, filming shots from every angle, and memorizing lines given a few minutes.

Even though I was freezing cold by the end of the day and the sun was beginning to set, I appreciated working with the other people “on set,” learning more about the film process as we went, and becoming closer to nature for the day.

I was glad to see the look on my friend’s face when she finished her movie. After hours of editing and correcting sound and video footage, she showed it to me and the other people involved before presenting it in class.

The film was really good, and I am glad I was able to work on it.

Some people might wonder what the point of a January term is for, especially when we could just as easily have a longer winter break like students from most other colleges do. I argue that with experiences like our Jan Plan, you have the opportunity to do things you wouldn’t have time for otherwise.

In my case, I had the chance to appreciate the beauty of the arts and uplifted my spirit even on a cold January day.