During his junior year at Fairfield University, John Ur, ’01, shot a documentary on the 60’s and faculty experiences called “The Age of Aquarius.” Father Jim Mayzik, S.J. helped him with the technical and theoretical aspects of it.
“I had just finished editing and thought I was almost done. Then I showed it to Father Jim, and he ripped it apart,” Ur explained. “At first I was devastated, but in the end, I had a product I was proud of.”
Ur has now switched roles. After graduating last May, he accepted a job at the Media Center and also agreed to become a technical assistant for Ham I and Film Making I.
“I never thought I’d become a teacher,” said Ur. “I didn’t think I had the patience for it.”
One thing Ur likes most about being a teacher is the interaction with students. “I get to help them with production and that extends my own creativity,” he said.
Having to explain the material, answer questions and interact with students also taught him things about himself. “I have to have a lot of patience and be ready for challenges,” Ur said. “As a teacher you get paid, but you face more pressure and responsibilities.”
Ur, who worked at the Ham Channel during his four years at Fairfield, was offered the job by Father Mayzik. On July 2, 2001, he began working at the Media Center as a Digital Media and TV Producer.
Ur’s duties, along with being a technical assistant, involve web graphic design and video production. “Different departments from campus come to us with proposals,” said Ur. “We then return with a treatment and budget.”
Ur works on developing the Ham Channel website and will soon be working on the Fairfield University website as well. He says he has learned a lot at the Media Center, especially from Father Mayzik.
“I look up to Father Jim,” said Ur. “We have a mutual respect for one another.” This respect continued to grow during his stay at Fairfield.
“Since I met John his freshman year, I’ve been impressed by his abilities to organize, to learn and to share what he knows with others,” said Mayzik. “He is also extraordinarily talented, really creative, and he’s a funny guy! I am really grateful that he accepted my offer to work at the Media Center.”
“Father Jim always pushes me for something better. When I’m done with a project I ask myself, ‘Would Father Jim be happy with this?'”
Ur has made tentative future plans. “I’d like to spend three to five years at Fairfield and finish my masters in educational technology with a concentration in TV production. Then possibly go to film school or try and get involved in the industry.”
Until then, Ur continues to work hard at the Media Center.
“I think John’s best quality is his ability to reach out to all people,” said fellow co-worker and alumnus Casey Timmeny. “He’s always meeting people, making new friends and putting other people’s needs on the top of his list.”
In less than a year after graduating, Ur has adjusted to his new role in the Fairfield community. He is enjoying his job and the perks that come with it.
“I can take free courses towards my masters degree and get health benefits, a staff parking sticker, and a RecPlex pass [for $25],” he said. Ur also went to Las Vegas for the National Association of Broadcasters Convention.
“Another positive thing about my job is that I don’t have the pressure from a company that has to make money. I can make mistakes and learn from them,” he said.
Ur admits that as a teacher, he worries that students won’t like him. “I try and take the attitude and approach of ‘let’s hang out and make good TV,'” said Ur. “I don’t tell students, ‘This is wrong,’ but ask, ‘How can we make it better?'”
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