Kamakana Gilman: Capstone

UHWOCM Senior Capstone @makanagilman Social media and Football Recruiting System

[kamakanagilmancapstone]

7th Check In

What’s been happening over the past 2 weeks? The last two weeks have been a whirlwind. I’ve been deep in the final stages of my project, and honestly, it felt like everything that could slow me down tried its best. I ran into setbacks — technical ones, scheduling ones, mental ones — you name it. But every time something went wrong, it ended up revealing something I needed to learn.

What surprised me is how many AHA moments kept popping up in the middle of the chaos. I found gaps I needed to close, ideas I needed to refine, and habits I needed to adjust. Instead of seeing the setbacks as roadblocks, they became little checkpoints that asked, “Are you really paying attention?” This process stretched me, but it also sharpened me.

What’s coming up for the next 2 weeks? Now that I’m in the final stretch, the next two weeks feel like a chance to smooth everything out and bring the project to its full shape. I’m tying up loose ends, polishing parts that need intention, and making decisions that actually feel aligned with my original vision.

There’s something exciting about being this close to the finish line. Even though the setbacks were frustrating, I feel a new wave of confidence — like all the puzzle pieces are finally settling where they belong. These next two weeks are really about refining, breathing, and allowing the work to speak for itself.

Hiccups / Hurdles / AHA Moments If I’m being real, the hurdles showed up everywhere. Time management, trying to stay organized, unexpected edits, shifting plans — all of it. But every hurdle had a moment attached to it that opened my eyes a little more.

I realized that the project wasn’t just testing my skills; it was testing my adaptability. I realized that slowing down actually helped me create better work. And I realized that some of my best ideas came because something went wrong first.

It was humbling, but it was also empowering. These AHA moments weren’t gentle — they showed up loud, clear, and sometimes inconvenient — but they’re exactly what helped me level up.

Where am I on my timeline? I’m close to the end, but definitely not where the original timeline predicted. And that’s okay. Falling behind didn’t derail the project — it just made me rethink how I pace myself and how I measure progress.

Even though the journey wasn’t linear, I feel more aligned and more grounded now than when I started. I know what needs to be done, and I’m doing it with a clearer mind and a lot more honesty.

[kamakanagilmancapstone]

Wrapping up my capstone feels surreal. This project took me through a real mix of ups and downs—creative blocks, long nights, unexpected hurdles, and moments where I genuinely questioned myself. I learned how to trust my instincts, lean into my strengths, and allow the work to unfold in ways I didn’t expect.

Looking back, I’m honestly just grateful. Grateful that I pushed through. Grateful that I created something I’m genuinely proud of. And grateful that my final deliverables reflect the effort, growth, and care I poured into this experience.

I also want to express a heartfelt thank you to Sharla and the ACM professors who guided, taught, and supported me throughout my years here. Their feedback, encouragement, and belief in my potential played a huge part in shaping not just this project, but the creator and professional I’m becoming.

Closing this chapter feels good. I did it, and I’m proud of what I made.

[kamakanagilmancapstone]

6th Check In

What’s been happening over the past 2 weeks?

These past two weeks have stretched me in ways I didn’t fully expect. I’ve run into multiple hiccups some small, some a bit heavier but they’ve all forced me to slow down and evaluate how I handle pressure, communication, and personal expectations. There were moments where I genuinely felt overwhelmed, like I was trying to juggle too many things at once, but I’m proud that I didn’t fold. I stayed committed even when it felt uncomfortable.

What’s been most interesting is noticing how I’ve responded internally. Instead of shutting down, I found myself becoming more open to feedback, more honest about what I needed, and more willing to adjust my approach. It’s been a challenge, but it’s also been a period of real growth.

What’s coming up for the next 2 weeks?

Even though the past couple of weeks have felt like a grind, there have also been bright spots that reminded me why I’m doing this. I’ve had some good news come through on my internship work, and it’s been motivating to see how far our team has come. We’ve built something together, and now I can see the direction more clearly.

The next two weeks feel like an opportunity to reset, realign, and keep building on the momentum we’ve created. I’m hoping to clean up the loose ends, get clarity on the next steps, and continue showing up with intention. Even though it sometimes feels like I’m barely keeping my head above water, I also feel a sense of excitement like things are finally clicking in a new way.

Hiccups / Hurdles / AHA Moments

The hiccups have mostly been around time management, balancing multiple commitments, and keeping track of deliverables. At times I felt like I was sprinting without a clear path, which made the smallest tasks feel heavy. But those moments also gave me insight into how I function under real pressure.

A major AHA moment came when I realized that struggling doesn’t mean I’m failing it just means I’m being challenged in ways I haven’t been before. I learned that asking for help earlier saves so much emotional energy later. I learned that perfection isn’t the goal progress is. And I learned that when I let go of trying to control every detail, I actually perform better.

These hurdles reminded me that growth usually happens in the uncomfortable places. They’ve pushed me to look inward and acknowledge what I’m capable of improving.

Where are you on your timeline?

I’ll be honest I’m not exactly where my original timeline said I would be. I’ve fallen behind in certain areas, but not in a way that feels irreversible. Instead, I feel more aware of what needs to be done and more focused on what matters most.

So while I might be slightly off-track on paper, I feel more aligned mentally and emotionally. I’m learning how to pace myself better, how to set boundaries, and how to stay committed without burning out. I’m still moving forward, just with a clearer sense of direction and a more grounded approach.

[kamakanagilmancapstone]

5th Check-In

What’s been happening since the start of the semester? Since the semester began, it’s felt like a constant dance between preparation and patience. I’ve been gathering guest speakers, organizing meetings, and trying to bring a vision to life piece by piece. Along the way, there’s been some disagreement within the internship team different opinions on direction and tone but I’ve learned to lean into flexibility. I’m trying to see every challenge as part of the creative process, learning how to adapt without losing sight of what matters.

What’s coming up for the next two weeks? In the next couple of weeks, I’ll be rewriting scripts for episodes I’ve already filmed something I didn’t expect to do, but change seems to be the rhythm of this journey. My schedule has shifted dramatically, and honestly, it makes me nervous. Still, I’m holding onto faith that discomfort often signals growth, and that I’ll find my stride again once the camera starts rolling.

Hiccups / Hurdles / AHA Moments These past few days have tested my resilience more than I anticipated. My podcast host decided to step away to focus on other projects, which left me in a bit of shock at first. It felt like starting over new host, new energy, new momentum. But once I took a breath, I realized I already had the tools and people to rebuild. It’s been mentally exhausting, juggling moving parts while trying to stay grounded, but I’m learning what true persistence looks like in real time.

Where I am on my timeline If I’m being honest, I’m behind schedule but I’m still moving. I’m filming two episodes this week and waiting on confirmation for a third guest. Progress feels slower than I planned, but it’s progress nonetheless. This experience has taught me that timelines might bend, but passion can still keep everything in motion.

[kamakanagilmancapstone]

4th update check in

[kamakanagilmancapstone]

4th Update Check In

What’s been happening since the start of the semester?

Since the start of the semester, I’ve been planning, directing, and producing a podcast series. My role involves scheduling guests, filming, and managing the overall production. It’s been such a fun and hands-on experience, and even though I run into challenges almost every week, I’m learning to take things in stride and stay focused on the bigger picture.

What’s coming up for the next two weeks?

Over the next two weeks, I’ll be reviewing and editing the podcast episodes I’ve already filmed. My goal is to start cutting them into short clips and reels for the social media platforms my internship team manages. I’m hoping everything comes together smoothly and that the final edits really capture the energy of each conversation.

Hiccups / Hurdles / AHA Moments

Where do I even start? I made things a little tougher by launching this podcast right in the middle of football season. My host is currently in Australia coaching, and most of my guests are either on the East Coast or in Hawaii, which has made scheduling a challenge. Even with all those obstacles, I’ve been able to record two great interviews and finally have solid content to work with. It’s been a reminder that progress doesn’t have to be perfect , it just has to keep moving forward.

[kamakanagilmancapstone]

3rd Update Check- In

Over the past two weeks, most of my work has revolved around emailing back and forth and managing communication. My podcast host is currently in Brisbane coaching the Australian Olympic flag football team, which has been really exciting to watch from afar. Before he left, we were able to film one episode, and that gave me a sense of relief and reassurance that things are moving in the right direction even though I know there will be challenges ahead.

In the next couple of weeks, my main goal is to finalize schedules for both my host and my upcoming guest speakers. I’ve learned that this kind of coordination always comes with small hiccups, but I’ve started to view them as part of the process rather than setbacks.

I’ve noticed a pattern in these reflections there’s almost always some kind of obstacle, but this time, my “aha” moment came from realizing how naturally good the conversations have been so far. I was nervous at first, especially before our first shoot, but after seeing how smoothly it went, I realized I don’t have to carry all the pressure alone. That realization has been such a blessing.

Even though I’m technically behind on my timeline, I’m surprisingly calm about it. I built flexibility into my plan for moments like this, and it feels good to see that foresight paying off.

[kamakanagilmancapstone]

2nd Update

What’s been happening since the start of the semester? I can’t believe we’re already in week 5! it feels like the weeks have flown by. Since the start of the semester, this internship has really shifted the way I’ve been thinking about my work. At first, I was focused mainly on my deliverables, but being part of this film has stretched my perspective far beyond that. It feels like I’m learning not just how to do the work, but how to see it in a bigger picture. Even though I know I need to keep my attention on the podcast, I can’t help but feel this excitement about the film. My vision is to connect the two, the podcast becoming both a marketing tool for the film and also a way to bring a more personal, human element to the main characters. That thought alone keeps me motivated.

What’s coming up for the next 2 weeks? The next two weeks look busy, but in a good way. After a lot of back-and-forth, I finally locked down some meetings and scheduled the shoot dates I needed to move things forward. This weekend, I’ve got a shoot, and tomorrow I’ve got another meeting lined up. Honestly, my schedule lately has been a mix of 5–7 meetings a week, brainstorming sessions, and countless emails. It’s a lot, but I’m learning how to juggle it. One part I’m especially excited about is helping the main character with some additional media projects coming up. It feels like a chance to contribute in ways I didn’t expect when I first started.

Hiccups, hurdles, and AHA moments Scheduling has definitely been my biggest hurdle. Trying to coordinate meetings and carve out podcast time has been tough, especially with athletes and coaches deep in football season. Their availability is limited, and I should’ve anticipated that. Still, even with those challenges, I finally got a shoot date confirmed, which feels like such a win. That moment, after all the waiting and rescheduling, really hit me as an aha: the process is just as important as the product. Patience and persistence matter here.

Any deliverable drafts to share? Right now, I don’t have any deliverables to show. I’m still in the gathering and building stage, and while part of me wishes I had something polished, I know these steps are laying the groundwork.

Visual documentation of progress Today, I had a meeting that helped seal the deal on scheduled dates, and honestly, that in itself feels like progress worth documenting. Even if it’s not a flashy deliverable, those confirmations are what push the project forward.

Where are you on your timeline? If I’m being honest, I’m probably about a week behind where I originally planned to be. But I’m not too hard on myself about it, because I knew from the beginning there would be hiccups with timing and scheduling. I built in some flexibility for exactly this reason. What I’ve learned is that falling slightly behind doesn’t mean failing, it’s just part of the rhythm of a project like this. Going forward, I feel more confident in how to navigate these bumps without letting them derail me.

[kamakanagilmancapstone]

1st Update

Whatʻs been happening since the start of the semester?

Since the semester has begun, I have taken time to fully sit down and create a system that could work for me during this time. I've asked myself multiple times " Am I doing this correctly?" or "How can I tell this story or message without leaving anything out?". I'm happy that I can make time for this type of thinking though, it allows me space to see what I can do better.

Whatʻs coming up for the next 2 weeks?

In these next two weeks we are running a test podcast, just to get the host familiar with a podcast flow, because he's not that used to this type of production. After the main show host gets comfortable, we have the script and onboarding/off boarding process ready to execute. I also have meetings and other events that'll help with my creative flow.

Hiccups/Hurdles/AHA moments

I think because I have been working under this internship, I wasn't really scared to be late on certain things. Of course that has changed! I've been completely swamped with the internship and other projects that I haven't had time to sit down and really sit with my senior project and think deeper on how I can creatively and authentically tell this story. After the 2nd zoom meeting, I think it helped me realize that it's not only just me that could be having this issue and this is the time to question things and not hold back creatively.

Any deliverable drafts to share?

As of right now no. I do have some podcast scripts and outlines that I dropped in the workback sheet.

Where you are on your timeline?

I am currently on a good pace with my timeline, but I am trying my best to not stir away from it. But if I do, I know I can give myself grace but keep pushing towards my goals.

[kamakanagilmancapstone]

Hello!! My name is Kamakana Gilman.

The senior project I was immediately drawn to was Titan Funai. His project was based around the rise of short form content and it's influence on how music gains popularity. There were multiple things that I was very interested in as I was looking at his process, but one main thing that I was drawn to was how he was able to coming his understanding and knowledge of short form content in his deliverable, as well as his videos leading up to his final project.