An Rememberable Time

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 For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of the moment my family, friends, and loved ones would witness me cross the stage and graduate. It was the culmination of countless late nights, early mornings, papers, and hours of studying. In 2023, one of the most unforgettable days of my life was when I graduated from Spartanburg Community College.

This moment meant everything to me, especially considering my journey. After high school, my priorities were misplaced—I was more focused on football and girls  than my future. While my friends went off to college, I stayed home, working for a year. It was then that I met a beautiful young woman, Jordane, a senior at USC Upstate. We talked about my dreams, and she asked if I’d ever considered going to school. I confessed I didn’t think my grades were good enough, but she took me to register at SCC that day, changing everything.

Nine months later, Jordane tragically passed away on the way to pick me up from class. Losing her left me broken with guilt and grief, and for a while, I almost gave up. But my loved ones supported me, helping me keep going. As graduation day approached, I felt like I was making Jordane proud. She had been my saving grace, guiding me when I didn’t realize I needed help.

The ceremony seemed to fly by in a blur, with speakers and names being called, but when it was finally my turn, everything slowed down. As I walked across that stage, I could feel the weight of years of struggle and sacrifice lift off my shoulders. The cheers from the crowd faded into the background, and all I could focus on was the sense of accomplishment and the memory of Jordane. When the chancellor handed me my degree, it felt like everything had come full circle. The moment I had worked so hard for was finally here. As I turned my tassel, I couldn’t help but watch as my cap soared into the sky, a symbol of everything I had overcome. I stood there,

smiling wide, a mixture of joy, pride, and bittersweet remembrance.

 It wasn’t just my ; it  ours. It was the  of Jordane’s belief in me when I couldn’t see it myself. That moment felt like a gift from her, like she was still with me, cheering me on from beyond. Walking off that stage, I felt lighter, like a chapter had ended and a new one had begun. Celebrating with my family at Longhorn Steakhouse that evening, surrounded by the people who had supported me through everything, I realized just how far I’d come. It was more than just graduation—it was a testament to resilience, love, and the power of never giving up

Outlook for the New Year

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I have a lot I want to accomplish, and while I don’t want to overshare, my goal is simple: to keep getting better. Better at my craft, better in my career, learning new things along the way, and ultimately becoming a better person. Traveling and capturing athletes will always be a priority for me. At the end of 2024, I reached some significant milestones in my film and media career. SC State’s football team made it to the Celebration Bowl, which was a huge moment for me. Since I first picked up a camera, I had one major goal: to record inside an NFL stadium and an NBA arena. While we didn’t get the results we were hoping for, being in that stadium confirmed that I’m on the right path. 2024 was definitely the toughest year I’ve had, but it was also the most rewarding.

I faced a few challenges that tested my faith and patience, but I knew if I just stayed the course, it would all pay off. It’s crazy how breakthroughs often happen right when things get tough, and that’s exactly what happened for me. Over the break, our men’s basketball team played against the University of Georgia, and it was incredible being in an SEC arena. The energy and theatrics they brought to the crowd were amazing. Since I started my photography and videography career, things have only gotten better. I’m building relationships with students, coaches, and media professionals, and it feels like everything is starting to fall into place. I’m excited to attend more networking events and connect with like-minded people who share my passion.

Last week, we had snow and I knew I had to get some pictures—it was my first snow as a student at SC State. I reached out to a few friends in the modeling club and asked if they’d be up for a snow photoshoot. They were all in, so we spent some time walking around campus, capturing shots along the way. Even though I’m not a huge fan of snow, I definitely enjoyed the break from class! It was a great opportunity to get creative and capture some cool moments on campus.

Introduction:

Welcome to My Journey in Media

Hey everyone! My name is RJ Steadman, and I’m originally from Spartanburg, SC. I’m a graduate transfer from Spartanburg Community College, now pursuing my degree at South Carolina State University (SC State). Alongside my studies, I’m the proud owner of Guapo Images, a sports videography and photography company. Through Guapo Images, I create content for athletes—ranging from youth sports to professional leagues.

In addition to my business, I’m also part of SC State’s sports media team. My responsibilities include capturing and creating content for various sports organizations, working with cameras and editing software, and telling compelling visual stories—often with tight deadlines. As a former athlete myself, I genuinely enjoy capturing moments that athletes and their families can cherish forever.

Fun Facts About Me:

• I’m a huge foodie and love trying new dishes.
• Spending quality time with friends and family is important to me.

Why This Blog?

This blog is a part of my Electronic Media and Production class, and I’m excited to dive into all aspects of media. I’m looking forward to expanding my knowledge, improving my skills, and learning more about how to be a better media creator. 

In this blog, you can expect a mix of content, including:

• Sports talk: Insights into the games, events, and athletes I cover.
• Event recaps: Behind-the-scenes looks at the sports I film and photograph.
• Trending pop culture news: A bit of fun to keep up with what's happening in the world.

Although my professor will be following along, I also want to share this experience with my family, friends, and supporters who want to see what I’m up to and cheer me on as I work toward my goals.

Thank you for taking the time to check out my journey. I hope you enjoy the ride!