Spring 2026

Earlier this week, I was watching a TikTok video of a line of individuals at a Japanese Jiin, attempting to lift a giant spear of steel weighing over 210 pounds. This supposedly was the spear of Benkei, a folk hero of Japan, known for his inhuman strength. In the image above, he is seen reaching for it, to parry another famed warrior, Minamoto no Yoshitsune. I couldn’t help but to get into the rabbit hole of these characters of history – they reminded me of the heroes I read of in comic books or watch in an anime. Now, to find out Benkai passed at the same age as me after slaying 300 soldiers, dying while standing after struck by a volley of arrows…. On one hand, I do not want to go down like that; but on the other, what a way to live – to choose the way you die, to instill fear after your last breath is drawn. These are stories that are retold; music is played in homage to them nearly a millennium later… It’s inspiring.

I promised myself, as a reward for completing this program, I would like to study a martial arts and focus on improving my physical balance, strength, and form. This image and these stories will act as further information, until I too can wield a spear twice my height across a bridge to the drums of history!

My name is Oi Kwan Lui, but you are welcome to call me Shirley. I’m currently in my second year of the Information Science program, continuing to build on my interest in how people access, use, and share information. Before starting this degree, I completed my undergraduate studies in Hospitality Management in Rhode Island, where I also experienced my very first snowfall—and even tried skiing for the first time, which was both unforgettable and a little terrifying in the best way.

I work at the Jacksonville Public Library, a place that has become a meaningful part of my life and career. I first joined the library as a part‑time employee when my daughter was still in elementary school, and over the years, I’ve grown alongside the organization. Now I’m a full‑time employee—and soon to transition into an adult librarian role—which has allowed me to help people find the resources they need and answer questions. One of my favorite parts of the job is participating in outreach events, whether visiting local colleges, senior centers, or other community spaces. These opportunities let me meet people where they are and strengthen the library’s relationship with the broader community.

In my free time, I love exploring food, and I’m always excited to try any kinds of cuisine—whether it’s something familiar or completely new to me. These days, I don’t read as much for leisure because most of my reading time is taken up by school assignments and projects, but I still enjoy the idea of getting back into it when things slow down. I also spend a lot of time listening to music, which helps me relax, and I enjoy unwinding with different dramas. The most recent one on my list is His or Hers, a show that two of my friends recommended to me, so I’m looking forward to seeing what all the excitement is about.

I’m really excited about this class because it gives me the opportunity to learn more about media and explore how different forms of technology shape the way we communicate. I’m looking forward to strengthening my technical skills and gaining hands‑on experience, but I am also hoping to develop a clearer understanding of how media and information systems intersect in real‑world environments.

I was drawn to this image because it reminds me of the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York, where I grew up spending a lot of time hiking and exploring wooded trails. This type of scenery brings me a strong sense of calm and peace, and it reflects the kind of environment I still enjoy returning to when I need to slow down or feel grounded. On its own, the image feels quiet, familiar, and inviting.

For the audio, I intentionally chose a sound that contrasts with that feeling. The assignment encouraged us to avoid obvious pairings, such as calming music or natural forest sounds, so I selected a more unsettling, “creepy” ambient drone. When combined with the image, the meaning shifts. Instead of feeling purely peaceful, the forest path becomes more unclear and slightly uneasy. The audio alters the viewer’s interpretation, suggesting that the trail may hold something unknown or unseen beyond the frame. Together, the image and sound create a new experience, one that challenges the sense of calm I personally associate with this type of landscape and invites the viewer to question what lies ahead.

Citations

Image: “MaláSkálaForest | Forest near Malá Skála, Czech Republic” by Ruben Holthuijsen, licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Audio: “Sci-fi Ambient Drone.wav” by LookIMadeAThing, licensed under CC0 1.0.

Derivative work: “Echoes in the Forest” by Jennifer Gayle, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Record stores are one of those places where time travel and instant teleportation are possible. Exploring the global section (my favorite section) and finding music, artists, and songs I’ve never heard of before is just like going on a journey. My mind fills with questions: What is this artist doing now? Are they even still alive? Did they ever think their song would reach someone in the United States fifty years after its release?

While the photo Standing In Line on Record Store Day 2014 (Explored) by Seth Anderson was taken around 10 years ago, the black and white editing made it appear more vintage. Once I looked closer, I could clearly see the photo’s modernity by the posters (I see you Coldplay) and contemporary fashion. I decided to go along with the perceived “vintage” theme anyway and chose the funky rock song “Wah Game Loop” by Kevin MacLeod, imagining the music sounding through the speakers as patrons browsed the record store.

Terms of Use: “A Day at the Record Store” by Alih Rosa is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

When I came across this image on openverse, I felt it had a deeper meaning that we could all relate to in some way. As I grow older, I have started to realize the uncertainty of the future and this image perfectly illustrates how every day we are all walking towards the unknown. Why? Because the possibility of growth, new beginnings, and everything else that comes with it gives us the courage to continue walking towards it. With the help of the soft guitar, it creates a calm feeling to the tense and scary idea of the future portrayed by the image. The combination of the image with the audio gives us a realistic view of life and how moving forward is a natural part of it, even though we each experience it in different ways. At the end of the day, I guess that means we’re all just figuring it all out one step at a time.

Terms of Use: “Walking Towards the Unknown” by Jonathan Pupo is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Burning Cane by Gerald McCollam. Photo is licensed under Creative Commons: CC BY-NC 2.0

Acoustic Meditation by Jason Shaw (AudionautiX.com). Song is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution: CC BY 4.0

Home is where the cane is. Oftentimes, I have found myself going out of town and realizing the immediate sense of comfort upon returning to my hometown. The smell of sugar cane, the sounds of the semi trucks, and the miles of sugar cane fields all provide a country aesthetic.

Seeing pictures of sugar cane burning reminds me of the rich history, culture, and tradition in my community. It reminds me of unity, struggles, and strives. It also reminds me of what an agricultural community’s history, present, and future.

I was conflicted about whether to include a dramatic, alarming song to reflect the effects of burning sugar cane and how it might be perceived at first glance, but decided to present it differently. I instead present it with a sense of calm and hope.

The photo can be of winter and cozy days in the country. While, at first glance, a photo of something in nature burning might be alarming, I chose to add a calm folk song to shift the feelings toward a reflection on the process of sugar cane harvesting and agriculture. I hope others can relate to the culture in their own hometowns or get a glimpse into the country.

Home Is Where the Cane Is by Jazmin Jimenez. Licensed under Creative Commons: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

This work is a derivative of IMG_9945 by Gerald McCollam, licensed under Creative Commons: CC BY-NC 2.0 & Acoustic Meditation by Jason Shaw (AudionautiX) licensed under Creative Commons Attribution: CC BY 4.0

Both works used were combined to complement each other for a class assignment. IMG_9945 was renamed to “Burning Cane” to better explain the photo, and the song Acoustic Meditation was compressed using OnlineConverter.com to meet the audio upload requirements.

“But it doesn’t matter. The electric things have their lives, too. Paltry as those lives are.”
― Philip K. Dick, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

As I sat down to begin this assignment, I was listening to my Chill playlist (just a collection of relaxing, atmospheric tunes). I often use music as a form of emotional regulation, using it to encourage whatever emotion I want to experience. Or, as in this case, enhancing an emotion I’m already experiencing. Before I even began looking for an image, I knew exactly what type of image I wanted. After struggling to come up with some keywords to describe my mood, I settled on the term “lo-fi”. The first hit on Wikimedia Commons was Lofi Cyberpunk by David Revoy. That was it, that was my mood.

I knew I wanted to enhance the image. So, I needed to find a title that would add some depth. The “lo-fi” term just wasn’t giving the vibe I wanted. I thought about the image. Who is she? What type of world is she in? My mind settled on the movie Blade Runner, a futuristic detective noir film from 1982 based on the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick. I needed some chill jazz vibes to enhance the image. Eventually, I settled on “Cool Vibes” by Kevin MacLeod, a jazzy, laid back, atmospheric piece that helps to enhance the vibe.

Terminal Rhapsody by Troy Mosac is licensed under CC BY 4.0

Dreams Built of Stone and Time, by Kristi Mosac, is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.

“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.” ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Ireland has always been a dream of mine. To travel there, to live there — I have wanted these things for nearly 40 years. This image invokes these desires, showcasing the beautiful scenery and sunset, while focusing on the relics of the past. While dreaming of my journey I wish to one day take, it also calls to mind the dreams I have achieved: earning my undergraduate degree, continuing my education in graduate school, and embracing my role in libraries.

Kevin MacLeod’s stunning music, “Long Road Ahead,” not only enhances the vision of this Irish dream but also evokes the long road I have already travelled in my second-chance career and education. Further, it embraces traditional Irish musical styles, creating a lovely balance with Franz van Heerden’s image.