What should I write about today? 4 months ago, I was in a different country, wondering how I would plan my future. I had just graduated from Parsons and was finishing up my work and studies in NYC. COVID had rendered most of the activities lifeless in NYC (the city didn't have the vibe it used to). In that time, the Government of India started running the Vande Bharat flights, with a mission to bring every Indian back to their homeland - India.

There is a part of me that wants to learn and grow to be one of the most intellectual individuals of this century. It's a nice feeling to be attributed to something greater than what most people achieve. Probably that's why I tend to do the unusual, trying to be unique in every way possible.

What is it about light rain that makes us calm?
What is it about soft breeze that makes us tinkle?
What is it about smooth skin that makes us feel warm?

Don't know why, but this tune came to my mind as I was about to write today's journal. It's one of my favorite songs. The idea of a partner or buddy to share companionship with is definitely interesting. It changes your lifestyle to accommodate for a person who wasn't there anymore. It's quite new to me, as I'm used to staying alone. So, it's not very common to live with someone else — forever!

Life is a mix of being your best, and coordinating with the people who aren't as bright. My day today something like that. I'm proud of my team and admire what they accomplish. Their commitment to get the work done extends beyond their working hours. I've seen them work day and night to get the network up and running, and work round the clock to ensure smooth functioning of the company. Alongside, there are some elements who aren't as bright, since they require handholding to get the work done, and most of the time aren't as responsive when they're asked something.

Yaay! I reached day 2!
Okay, so, today was a marathon of activities. I had too many things to complete at work, and not enough time for any one of them. I got ready before time today, so, I reached office at 8:55 am (usually I reach at 9:20 am). That gave me 25 extra minutes to work on my tasks.

I'm starting a new habit: journaling. I've postponed this for years, but my recent reading of the Atomic Habits by James Clear made me get back to the habits that I found interesting. So, here's my first entry after a break.
Today, I want to talk about my pitch dark room at 5:30 am. We have set up a club house/gaming zone in our backyard. A month ago, the sunshine and fresh air from my back door used to fill my room. Now that we have covered that area, I go upstairs or outside to get a taste of freshness which I used to enjoy inside. Every luxury comes at a cost.

In this VFX, I have created a winter glow particle effect wrapped around Noah.
I have used green screen along with Red Giant's Trapcode Suite inside After Effects.

Starting 2020 with a futuristic look. Created this display using Cinema 4D.
Special thanks to Elly Wade from Cineversity.

Revised Concept Statement
This thesis project aims to spread awareness of online privacy by making users act on their data sharing behaviors. The experience would be set up in a virtual reality environment, enclosing users in a sea of people drowning in surveillance. Generation Z would be the target audience for the project.

User Test Analysis
The revised concept statement written above has come out of the feedback I have received during user tests and classroom discussions. In the original placement of the project (a 3-part experience), the narrative was missing. So, the experience was unable to tie itself from one part to the next. Moreover, the experience was primarily observation-based, so it appeared to be less engaging and actionable.