Radio Chthulucene 87.9 FM

I’ll admit that I am still somewhat confused on what my goals for this project should be. I understand that we are working with another class to create an exhibit and display some sort of live radio art. I have no idea what topic I want to delve into but I think I actually know a location for where I want this exhibit to be. The other day I was walking to class and I found an empty bench near the HSS building. The bench faces the direction of Pines dining hall. More importantly the bench faces the trees and what used to be my old living dorms. This spot allowed me to reflect on my previous years at UCSD which was a nice reminder during my break. 

At this very moment, I think part of my content for this project will maybe discuss the feeling of nostalgia. It hasn’t been long since I was a freshman but I feel so much older and different than when I was entering campus. Coming to UCSD was the first time I ever experienced true independence and freedom. I learned a lot about socializing with many different people and I learned the value in being able to be alone. This location feels like the perfect mix of both being in a crowd and by myself. The area is usually surrounded by other students eating and studying together which is comforting to be around. It also feels peaceful since there are always birds and squirrels hanging around in the trees above. This sort of environment has always helped me feel relaxed when I am by myself rather than feeling pressure that I appear lonely to others. 

My only concern for the locations in this project is access to an outlet. I don’t know the logistics of how the VIS students are setting up these radios or how they work exactly. I think I remember the professor saying we needed an outlet and I am not sure if there is one near this bench. I hope this won’t be too much of an issue with mine or other students’ location choices. I might try to come up with some backup areas in case this one doesn’t work out. I think I will try to stick to areas within Muir since I spent most of my time near there during my early years at UCSD. 

Looking back on the Glissant reading, I worry less about the meaning behind my topic for the project. I was worried that whoever I partnered with would not understand my work and that I would have to explain my ideas to them. However, Glissant reminded us that we do not owe anyone any more information than what we desire to speak about. I want my project to be able to connect with an audience but I have to remind myself that an audience can simply be made up of a few people who I know will understand where I am coming from and what I intend to write about. I do not need to write for the masses. I will try my best to prioritize he writing I enjoy making and hope that other will connect with it if they can.