Introduction - Michael Soelter

Hello everyone, my name is Michael Soelter and I'm your average nerdy college student that is interested in anything related to geek culture. From things like video games to comic books, I love it all. For the past 20 years of my mundane life, I have lived right here in Topeka, KS with my grandparents. I've also never really been outside of Kansas either. We've always stayed in one spot because we never saw a reason to go anywhere else. Don't get me wrong I love Topeka, but being boxed in the same place for twenty years make you want to go explore everything else. That's why when I get older, I would like to travel the country and later the world. To see what everything has to offer and what I can gain from it.

Now, some of you might be asking why did I choose Washburn if I want to travel out of state? Well there are two reasons.
1. It was reasonably priced and close to my house.
2. While I do want to travel I have an obligation to help my grandparents and my two little brothers for the time being. Without having a mom and dad, I want to be there for them for whatever comes their way.

Why am I studying Mass Media?
1. Because I have an interest in film and video making, and would later like to learn how to edit my own content. 
2. Because I believe that mass media has a significant force in modern culture. Whether is be with TV, music, or social media, mass media reflects and creates our culture.

What are my personal hobbies?
1. Video games. They're a passion of mine. I've been playing them since I was a little lad with a gameboy in his hand and I'll keep playing them till the day I die.
2. Reading in my spare time. More specifically comic books, manga, and fan-fictions. Mainly because I love super heroes and science fiction in comic books, I love the art style and storytelling of manga, and I just love to read trashy fan-fictions because we could all use a laugh every now and then.
3. Working out. While I am a nerd that sometimes spends hours a day in the same chair playing games. I do think it is important to live a active and healthy lifestyle. Plus I've developed a great sense of multitasking while doing cardio and playing video games at the same time. (So far I've only tripped twice)

Well I'd say that's enough about me. I look forward to seeing what this class has to offer and I hope we have a great time this semester.