Cynematik • Cyndi Greening

It’s done. It’s finally done. Well, at least the “hearing” part of the hearing is done. The three-member faculty committee now has a two week respite. In the interim, they get to go back to their classes to work with the people who need them even more than I do — their students! I’m sure it’s been very challenging for them to have this sort of thing taking over the beginning of their semester. I felt bad for them and their students. It’s no fun to get behind before you even get started.

People keep asking me how this whole process works. Basically, notice was served to me. Within five (5) days of getting the notice, I had to request a hearing (I did). A three-person faculty hearing committee was established. Exhibits were exchanged. The hearing stretched over FOUR days. Irony of ironies … the first day of the hearing was the DATE WE LEFT FOR ZAMBIA last year. The last day of the hearing was the exact date WE FINISHED FILMING. Come on, that is so weird. Serendipitous to say the very least. Anyway, the committe will reconvene September 14 to deliberate and prepare a non-binding recommendation report for the Chancellor. The Chancellor will read that report and offer his recommendation to the Governing Board at the next meeting (which looks to be 23 October). The Governing Board will decide at that point.

Some of the people who have been around for a lot of this have talked about how “fascinating” it all is … I think it’s a lot more fascinating if it isn’t your life. When your fate hangs in the balance, it’s a lot tougher to simply observe what is going on. I just know that I am so relieved to have it done. When we finished, I could feel the pressure coming off. I felt like a limp noodle. This weekend, I’m going to the wood to meditate on what comes next for me. I was given no classes this semester (yes, it made me sad). A little time in the pines should give me some clarity.

My thanks to everyone for your support, kindness and consideration. I sincerely want to thank all of the students, faculty and friends who wrote to me personally, commented on the Tribune site or called me. It was tough going the last month and every letter, every call, every kind comment made a difference. You all know who you are and you cannot even begin to imagine how meaningful it was to hear from you all!!! I truly am one of the luckiest people on Earth. And, to those of you who coached me, guided me and advised me, my thanks. I am deeply grateful to those who testified on my behalf (in person or on paper). Each of you made a difference.

Thanks to my attorney, Michael Pruitt. He took the time to really understand how the system works so he could better represent me and help people understand how the classes ran, the students were served and the program managed. It was a lot of information to take in. It’s far more complex than most people understand. He was phenomenally committed to making sure I was well-represented and that I got to tell my side of the story. I owe him a huge debt of gratitude (and a boatload of money).

Thanks to the members of the FilmZambia crew who came to the hearing and helped record the proceedings. Jeniece, Nick, Mike and Jared were all on-call and helped tremendously. Jeniece and Nick single-handedly did the last three days … and it was a big job! Their professionalism and technical skills were top-notch. Even nicer was just the experience of having them there. As it said in the piece Jeniece edited, “I discovered my students were my teachers. They were my friends.” Perhaps it’s being on another continent for over a month with one another, I don’t know for sure, I just know that the FilmZambia crew are not just “fair weather” friends. I can count on them. I hope they know they can count on me, too. I’m looking forward to the future collaborations.

And, last but certainly not least, my thanks to my very patient business partner who watched everything we worked on for months come to a grinding halt (just as we thought it was about to take off). I am certain there have been many days that she has been quite frustrated with all of this (because she TELLS ME she is quite frustrated with all of this). There are so many good things we were trying get launched. In spite of the painful — and costly — delay, she was unwavering in support and commitment to me as I went through these past few grueling months. She held the vision of what the future projects were that we could complete. Mulenga Kapwepwe said she was “the wings” of the operation. Her presence certainly lifted my spirits and gave me the strength to continue in the face of it all. I hope I can be worthy of such loyalty.

I don’t know how to repay everyone for everything. I am so grateful. Maybe after I sleep a few hours, I’ll have some ideas. In the meantime, thank you all!!

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The comments on the Tribune Article keep coming in. There are the crazy comments about taxes that keep popping up but, in addition to that, there are the wonderful, amazing, affirming comments from so many of my former students about their successes and the value of their education. As bad as this whole hearing thing has been, it has been so rewarding and humbling to read their letters of support. The emails and telephone calls have been pouring in. A dear friend sent this email and I wanted to post it.

“I read your blog; I do agree that we are all insignificant when compared to the universe. It is rather humbling to imagine our own problems compared to the entire history of man. And then to expand upon that sense of entire meaninglessness, to the cosmos. But, it is also reassuring that my life is so small. I think it suggests that things will go on and I will continue to find my way. I read something recently that said anything we undertake that is truly profound will never be accomplished in our lifetimes. So, as you have already alluded when you speak of teaching, you have already set the wheels for your own immortality in motion. Best, “J”

When I was young, I recall my father commenting about people who thought they were more valuable than others or more important. “You aren’t worth less than anyone else, Cyn,” he would say, “You aren’t worth more either. We are all important. We are all valuable.” J’s email reminds me that the contribution of each and every human being matters in the cosmic scheme of things. The goal is to just keep moving forward.

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I am so looking forward to my next Zambian project! We are planning to return to Zambia to record the native stories and fables of all 73 indigenous tribes. In the Summer of 2005, I took a Digital Storytelling Workshop in Sedona that convinced me that it was important to save indigenous tales. In the Spring of 2006, MCC Media Arts offered its first Digital Storytelling class. The value of capturing the individual memories and generational traditions of the elders of a culture is something that inspires me.

In our first Zambian visit, the Chair of the National Arts Council asked us to record five Zambian storytellers and commit the footage to DVD so it could be distributed to schools and universities throughout Zambia. It was an exciting and wonderful idea. We went to the Council headquarters with the assumption that we’d be recording in one of the buildings. They had other ideas.

They marched us into the bush and we recorded the native Zambian storytellers in a natural setting. We moved a big rock for the storytellers to sit on. We found mats for the children. We used the shoot as a learning experience. Each member of the crew had the opportunity to try different positions. Steadicam, glidecam, audio, handheld. Whatever they wanted to try. We had all six cameras running and every piece of hand-built equipment in action. It was a great day. Afterwards, the crew and I spent hours lecturing about filmmaking, demonstrating techniques and networking with aspiring Zambian filmmakers. It was an increible day. Here’s a clip of the day.

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Well, the hearing is going to go at least ONE more day and this Friday will be my cross-examination. I’m expecting a brutal day. Earlier in the month, I got an email from a friend to remind me just how insignificant my problems really are …

Planet Earth is the fifth smallest planet in our solar system.

Jupiter is the “big dog” of the planets and completely dwarfs Planet Earth.

Of course, the Sun is ginormous in comparison to all of the planets.

But, compared to other stars, the Sun is really quite a puny little light in the sky.

Antares is the 15th brightest star in the sky and it is more than 1000 light-years away. It is the “heart of the scorpion in the constellation Scorpio.

This is a infrared view of countless “entire” galaxies billions of light years away. How small and insignificant am I??

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The East Valley Tribune article came out yesterday. It was SHOCKING to see my big, fat face above the fold. And then to see the story on the front page and have the whole inside of that first page. It was a little overwhelming. To be honest, I had asked that they delay publishing because the hearing wasn’t done yet and I didn’t want it to make things worse but it is a “free press.” I wish they had a photo of the crew in the story AND some of the photos the crew took in Zambia. But, you can’t always get what you want.

I’ve been keeping very quiet about all of this because, well, there was going to be a hearing so I didn’t think I should put all sorts of things out there. It made my blog get very empty because it was occupying a lot of my energy and concern. Now, that it’s out, I’m going to get back to blogging.

Former students, friends, my fellow faculty and family are all up in arms. I’m getting lots of emails and people are posting on the East Valley Tribune site. There was an angry fellow, Todd Stallion, that was posting about wasted taxes. Somone took his posts off but I was okay with them on there. People have the right to their opinion. The thing it did was get the other folks all fired up writing from their point of view. The letters and comments are very touching! I feel so lucky to be hearing what people feel they’ve gained from their education and the support they’ve been given.

I’ve written it before and I’ll say it again (and again and again) before I die, the true gift of teaching is seeing and knowing the difference you’ve made on the planet. Former students write the most incredible letters. Here then, a note from a terrifically talented student who won awards in the Annual Juried Art Show and is just a good, kind, decent human.

“I’m extremely troubled and saddened by the events that have transpired. You were one of the best professors I have ever had. You brought a realistic take to the class and gave me tools that were practical in the field on many different levels. When you boil it all down Cyndi, you are an amazing instructor and I would definitely NOT be the same person I am today without having had you involved in my education. I am now a salaried graphic designer with a wonderful non-profit company that fights poverty and hunger throughout the world—how can it get any more rewarding than that? Whats more—I continue to pursue my love of film and art on the side at home.

I’m sorry this situation had to fall on your head, but please take solace in knowing that your students have benefitted so very greatly from your efforts. Please don’t pay any heed to those who speak to you without full knowledge of the MCC program situation and history. No one can take away the lives you’ve changed through your teaching—it’s as simple as that. They can take your job, they can embarrass you, but they cannot take away the pride and thankfulness that your students have for you.

I’m praying for you Cyndi and wanted to let you know you are appreciated despite what happens. Sleep well knowing that the lives you’ve touched have been changed for the better.

-S”

“S” made a wonderful, amazing, touching short film that made us all cry when we watched it. As a filmmaker, I was inspired by his storytelling ability. Thanks for all you contributed to me! And thanks for the letter!

(Photo credit: Linda Olson, East Valley Tribune while she asked a million questions about the films, the crew and the students. I love the expression she caught on my face. I don’t know exactly what it is but I know I was feeling so good about all the students had accomplished.)

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I got a wonderful email from a former student today! She was a terrific digital illustrator and pre-press wizard. I asked if it would be okay to post her letter. She said she was shocked and that I could definitely post her note. The greatest compliment of all? She asked that I tell her where I end up teaching (if Mesa didn’t retain me) so she would know where she could go to keep learning.

Hi Cyndi, I was going to sign up for another class and looked to see what you were teaching. When I did not find anything, I asked my friend Ron (he works in receiving at the school) what was up as I had understood that you were on sabbatical and would be back this fall. He told me that something was up, as your stuff was all moved out of the office and he did not think you were coming back.

So, I went to your blog to see if I could find out what was going on. I am very disappointed to hear you are having legal problems and are not coming back to the school. You are the best instructor I have had for the digital art computer programs and am disappointed that I may have to take classes
from someone else in the future.

I hope you win the Woman of the Year Award as I think you deserve it! I hope everything works out in your favor as you are one of the best and most dedicated teachers I have ever had. Once all of this is over, if you start teaching again in the East Valley, please let me know where. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Take Care,
Sue Kopca

I have been exceedingly blessed in this lifetime. I have been teaching media arts classes since the summer of 1989 at Gateway Community College. In 1998, I made the transition to Mesa Community College and had the incredible joy of teaching thousands of dedicated, inspiring, creative students in filmmaking, design, illustration, animation, web design and digital arts. They’re wonderful about keeping in touch and letting me know how they’re doing. I love hearing from them and it’s fun to share their successes!

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This afternoon, I got a crazy phone call from 99.9 KEZ. Initially, I thought it was someone calling for some sort of survey so I wasn’t really concentrating. In fact, I was thinking, “Why the heck did I answer this dang phone?!” But the young woman on the end of the line kept talking.

“I’m calling from KEZ, 99.9 FM, home of the Beth and Bill Show.” I’m still not focusing all that hard because I’m thinking it’s a promo call. “One of your former students nominated you for Beth McDonald’s WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD.” I’m paying a little more attention now. How kind of them to call and tell me. That’s the sort of thing that really brightens your day.

“Pamela Bowman sent a really nice letter about how you went to Zambia with those 14 students to make a film AND all about how you grew the Media Arts program at Mesa Community College. We just wanted to let you know that you are a FINALIST for this month’s Woman of the Year Award. Beth will make the announcement on the air tomorrow between 7 and 8 a.m. If you’re the winner, we’ll be calling you again.” To be honest, I was so stunned I hung up without saying a thing. A few minutes later I called back and apologized for being such a dolt on the phone. I confessed that I thought it was a survey or prank call so I wasn’t really listening at first.

Sarah, that was her name, was very gracious and laughed. She said she understood. She also said she’d read about the projects and she thought they were quite neat. It was a really nice moment. I’ll remember it for a long time. I told her that I was honored just to be nominated and that the FilmZambia crew deserved just as much credit as I for the success of the project. And, as everyone connected with the project would attest …. As the other producer, Pamela Bowman probably deserves the Woman of the Year Award far more than I do! She had to put up with me!

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BY THE FILMZAMBIA CREW, ALL OVER THE U.S. — A year ago at this time, we were in Zambia, in the middle of our first week of production on BAD T!MING. It was exactly one year ago today that we had our first day on set and we discovered that our lights were toooooo powerful for the Zambian circuitry. Even with our adapters firmly in place, it was hopeless. The bulbs flickered and the filaments fizzled. The transformer in the building smoked. It was just sad.

Gaffer Shawn, Grip Jacob, Alec, Heath and I went all over town trying to find more bulbs. When we discovered there were no bulbs on the entire continent, we got all MacGuyver. We went to an electrical store and bought halogen yard lights. The guys fashioned our own 500W and 1000W lights with reostats and switches. Thank heaven Mike Montesa brought his photographic umbrellas and stands along to Africa. He saved our souls … or at least the films.

Crew member Jeniece Toranzo edited together a wonderful mini-doc on the FilmZambia Crew. You can see how they dealt with the challenges with the lights and many of the other difficulties faced during that shoot.

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Well, my hearing started on Wednesday, August 8. It was the one-year anniversary of our departure for Zambia. I remembered the same sort of butterfly-in-the-stomach, oh-dear-I-think-I’m-going-to-vomit feeling on morning the year before. I hadn’t been able to sleep last year, either. This time, I kept going over the exhibits, making sure everything was in order. I forced myself to lay down about 2:30am. But by 4:30, I was back up again, pacing. Everything — my livelihood, the films, my career, my reputation — everything was on the line. How could I lay down?

It was a hard day. In these sorts of things, the prosecution goes first. So they called their witnesses and I listened to (in my opinion and the opinion of witnesses in the room) falsehoods and misrepresentations. It’s a hard thing to do, sit quietly when things are being said that you know to be false. But, I didn’t think coming unglued and shrieking would serve me in the long run, so I held myself in check. By early afternoon, it was apparent we would not finish. We hadn’t even started the defense!

So, the continuation will be on August 23 and 24. I am frustrated with the long delay. First, the hearing committee has only heard the prosecution side so they are left with that impression of me. Second, it gives the prosecution a lot more time to try to find ways of plugging the holes punched in their arguments. I will NOT have that same opportunity because it will finish on the 24th. I won’t get two weeks to recover and come back. Sometimes, life just isn’t fair. (I can hear myself in my head, “Who ever said life was fair?”)

I am ready and eager to get on the stand. I believe with all my heart and soul that I have done nothing wrong. I have always done my very best to serve the students and the school. I care passionately that my students learn the skills they need and go on to good jobs or higher education. Their success is my reward.

I think the thing that is most shocking to me is that the District is trying to claim the copyright to the films. After I have spent over $88,000 on the films, after I sold my house to pay the expenses, after the students gave a month of their lives to go to Zambia to make the films, after spending a year editing the films and working to get distribution, NOW the district comes forward demanding the films. We’ve been blogging about the films and posting images for over 15 months. The District benefitted from the publicity and exposure. Why make a grab for them now? I am still puzzled by that. Well, it will all get sorted out on the 23rd and 24th. Stay tuned.

Note / Backstory:
For those of you who may have just stumbled onto this blog, I have been the Media Arts Program Director at Mesa Community College since 1998. Students pursue degrees in digital animation, illustration, graphic arts, web design and imaging in the five (5) Certificate and/or five (5) Associate Degree programs in my area. About 104 individuals have earned around 141 degrees or certificates in addition to the thousands of others who have attended courses to advance their technical skills.

I love teaching. I love my students. I love my programs. I have been one of the luckiest people on Earth because, for the last nine years, I have been able to do something I love every day. Something that makes a difference. Something that contributes to people’s lives and livelihoods. I have so many students who have taken what they’ve learned and gone on to careers the love. (They write some of the best emails!) On May 11, I received Notice of Intent to Terminate from the Maricopa Community College District. In my opinion, every allegation in their Notice is false and I intend to prove it.

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BY CYNDI GREENING, ARIZONA, USA — Did you ever look at your life and wonder how you ended up where you are? When I think back on my life, there are several of those moments (don’t know if that’s good or bad). I had one of those moments shortly after I moved to Phoenix in October of 1983. Life in Wisconsin was just not going the way I wanted, so I called everyone I knew in a different state and asked three questions. How much is rent? How hard is it to find a job? How much are utilities. I called Amy in Maine, Karen in California, Jason in Texas, Jenny in Arizona.

Jenny had the best answers so I rented a U-Haul Mini-Mover (one way). Three of us piled in. It took three days to get from Chippewa Falls to Phoenix. We got a slow start because we had to stop in Madison for some tearful good-byes. Then, we got lost in the Illinois/Iowa four corners area. (Did not bode well for the rest of the trip.) We had a serious U-Haul malfunction in Olathe, Kansas. By the time we hit Albuquerque, it was clear we weren’t in Kansas … or Wisconsin … any more. The enormity of the decision to move 2008 miles away was sinking in. As we descended from Flagstaff to Phoenix, the sun was setting and the saguaros made us all start talking about the Coyote and the Roadrunner. We were definitely strangers in a strange land.

It took all of the money we had to rent the U-Haul and buy a used 1968 Buick Wildcat (no A/C) to get around town. Within a week, we all had jobs. Even back then, Phoenix was shockingly huge. It was 75 miles from east to west. And, people weren’t as friendly as people in Wisconsin. A month or two passed. I was so homesick and lonely. The holidays approached and I wanted to move back home so badly but, alas, no money. And, since I’d left in a huff, I couldn’t really ask anyone to help me get back. Besides, I’d have had to eat a whole lot of crow. I remember sitting on the side of the Canal on 12th Street on New Year’s Eve wondering how my life ended up where it was.

That was 24 years ago. Little did I know how often I would have that thought in my lifetime! When I was 28, Alec was born. He certainly was a cute little guy. And, a BIG surprise. How did life end up there? Relationships began and ended. Guess I couldn’t really say much about my biological mother’s revolving-door idea on marriage, anymore. How the heck did my life go that way?

I’m in another one of those moments. Wondering how my life ended up here. Everything is shifting. I’ve been a teacher for 16 years. I love teaching. Love my students. Love my program. Love learning new software. Love digital filmmaking and animation. It’s all in a state of flux now. Most days, I feel like I’m walking on jello. Boiiiinnnng. Boiiing. Take one step in any direction and everything starts moving. See it wiggle. Watch it jiggle. It’s just my life.

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