*Written sometime in 2015…Things have really changed*

Unlike most of my close college peers, I never took a semester abroad. To be perfectly honest, I’ve never spent more than 3 weeks outside of Southern California. It’s now been 2 years since graduating from Chapman University, and I have since been working 50+ hour weeks at a television production company. Although the transition into the “real world” has taught me a great deal about myself, it has also turned life into a routine. It led me to ask myself this: “With an entire world out there, what exactly have I accomplished within the confines of an office?”

I got into this industry with the dream of making films. Despite being “in the ballpark”, as many people tell me, I’ve been determined to step up to the plate. The idea of being molded into a robot for the remainder of my life was never the plan. It’s a safe option, but lacks a great deal of fulfillment. I’d like to think that 2016 presents a “window” of opportunity for both physical and personal discovery. With over 2 years of industry experience under my belt, why not shake things up a bit and do something ridiculous? When catching up with old friends, I am constantly asked, “what’s new”? I hate to admit it, but I never have a good answer for these people (“Oh nothing much, you know, work”). This isn’t the kind of response I want to play on repeat, as I slowly disintegrate into retirement. It’s time to cut the crap, and do something crazy. I was always the kind of kid who would get lost, climb up huge trees, and direct my peers into playing dinosaurs.  Where did that crazy little fuck go? 8-year-old Byron would have been way more interesting to talk with at a cocktail party. BUT that’s all about to change. I expect to return from these ventures broke in the wallet, but rich with experiences and stories to tell. Life’s true treasures are simply a matter of perspective, and I’m out to seek mine. – Byron Marin