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This is Just a Story about me... -AvALON D`Kana - Dec 14 12:20am |
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While having a chat with one of my good JA friends, I started writing an article on how I ended up...well here. I dont hope for anything else except that this will inspire everyone to strive for their goals. This may also give you a better idea on who I am. Its Kinda long but if you can bear to read it, its under the comments. Thanks and may the force be with you all. |
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AvALON D`Kana - Retired 
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What would you say if I told you that I came into the JA without any knowledge of ANYTHING? All I knew was how to shoot a gun (I wasn’t that great at it either) and how to swing a Saber (which was all I knew how to do, SWING) I bought the game about 3 weeks after it came out. I loved it the minute I started, of course I was running it on my old P2-400 which made it VERRRYY Slow. I found out about the JA while running through Jediknightii.net and read the article where it asked if you wanted to learn. I didn’t send my app until about a month later when applications were open. By that time there were already a flock of students and a handful of teachers. All I can say is Thank Goodness that I upgraded my computer in time. I spent my months salary putting together the finest but most affordable computer I could make. It took 3 weeks to finish after all my packages arrived. I was ready to start getting into my training.
I guess the reason I wanted to join the JA was because I was playing on pub servers and I couldn’t STAND the way everyone was kicking the sh*t out of me. I didn’t even know that I could wall walk or kick, heck I didn’t even know how to bow. I was the worst you could possibly find. I was always at the bottom of the list and I was rather disappointed considering that I did SOO well in the Ladder Matches in SP mode. The thing I later realized was that MP was MUCH different from SP. I officially entered the JA with my name AVALON after my favorite adolescent car and A movie that I saw Called “The Mists of Avalon”. No one knew me. The teachers would just refer to me as HEY YOU. I was a complete NOOB. Didn’t know squat. It was that same day I joined where a student came up to me and welcomed me. I told him about my problem and he started showing me a few things. They seem so easy now, and at that time it seemed so easy for many others. I learned how to kick and make your saber spin around you. I learned some more stuff within the 3 days that I joined. I learned all the basics and some advanced moves. It wasn’t until a week later where I attended my first class. Yup, it was Wednesday and Jediknight13 was SUPPOSED to be teaching but he ran into some problems so My first class was taught by LightningRod2k3. And still he called me Hey You. If its one thing I cant stand its to be called a YOU. Names sound so much better and they show more respect. But of course by that class I already knew most of what he taught. I was really excited about the JA. I was on it ALL the time. I felt I was ready to go back onto the Pub servers. I took about a 14 Day break, and it was already Early June when I got back. By then I was way out of practice. And I was still getting beaten hard even when I was back into playing mode. I was inconsistent and lacked control. It was then where I met PhrOOt, he was on the server alone and I wanted to duel badly just to get it out of my system. Before I met him I was making up drills and practices designed to build my control and confidence. But I didn’t think it was doing much. All I wanted was to get into shape so that I can be a thriving and respectable force on the Pub servers. I haven’t had a single comment and in addition to getting noticed on the pubs I wanted now to get noticed in the JA, not because I wanted the fame, but because I wanted to know what I was capable of. Phr00t left me my first comment, which made me feel much better. The teachers would smash me to the ground, but I wouldn’t give up. I would always come back with more to offer. My duel with Phr00t changed everything. He was an amazing fighter but somehow I was beating him. Over and over and over. It was the first time that I had ever beaten a JAT let alone anyone more than 2 times in a row. It was then on that I knew that I was heading in the right direction. I spent HARD weeks day and night making up new drills and practices that I could use to build my strength. At the same time I was always on the servers picking up whatever Information I can get from the Teachers. I never even met the council members. I was slowly working my way up. I did regular checks on DJ’s Player Statistic Site to see how I was progressing. I was determined to make my mark. I was 15th on the chart moving fast. 4 weeks past and July came in. I wasn’t the best player, but I was a challenge to the teachers and that’s what I wanted. I said to myself then that I got my stuff down for the most part. It wasn’t until I met Solid Snake when I realized that I can do more. Snake was a wildcard. Had a few nuts to tighten but he was good. But he had something that was missing, Control, Patience, and Persistence. So we took it upon ourselves to teach other what we know. He helped me make new drills and I taught him how to keep himself together. There were also a few things that he didn’t know that I taught him. It was from him and Phr00t who taught me most of the time that I wanted to pass what I knew down to others. Snake was concerned about one thing…getting the highest score on the stat list. I realized from him the game is more than about getting the highest score, but about realizing your MAXIMUM potential. Your ability to control every move you make, every swing you take, even knowing when to stop. I went on a few pub servers and saw that many people didn’t play the game for the art that it is. It’s a world within itself that helps bring balance between Real Life and The Jedi Life. If used properly you can use what you learn in the JA and put it into the Real World. I’m not saying get a lightsaber and start swinging, I mean learning about confidence, control, patience, friendship, and respect. I felt that If I could teach these concepts to people then they could play the game with more satisfaction in their hearts. Of course I remembered that its just a game, and all people wanna do is to blow sh*t up and chop people into pieces. But I had to give it a try. So I worked HARDER to master my skills as well as take control of myself and help others with their journeys. I wasn’t sure I had it in me, but when I saw the first news post about the JA looking for teachers, I didn’t hesitate to sign up. To my surprise many people actually said I was a good choice for the Job even one of my favorite teachers, friend, and woman Silent Whisper. I was #5 on the Chart but It didn’t matter to me. I just wanted to show that I was determined to achieve my goal, which at that point was to become a Council member. I didn’t know how I was going to do it but I KNEW that if I wanted it and worked hard for it, I would do it. I wanted to reach out to the JA community and let my voice out. Come July 23 I had my trial. 2 days before my 19th birthday and a month away from my 2nd year at college. I was a nervous wreck, but I believed that all I have to do is be myself. To my surprise I was picked, and it was the first time I was in front of every member of the council. I was 3 months into the JA and I was a teacher. Of course I had experience teaching in real life but for some reason I enjoy teaching. I was about 3 weeks into the job, I had my first padawan Eclipse when the unfortunate happened. We started renovations at my house and I had no room for 6 weeks. But even then I would find a way to get on the server, even if I was on the floor and check up on how things were and how my padawan was doing. When we were done with MOST of our renovations we unpacked but I had no computer table to work with. So I put the monitor on the floor, put my keyboard and mouse on my bed and played with my legs crossed for 4 weeks after that. Still I played and I trained I always told myself even if I’m a JAT that doesn’t mean I stop learning. There is ALWAYS more to learn and more to master. My rise to a Council Member came rather unexpected. I was getting along with everyone just fine. I tried my best not to let the students and the JA down. In one of our meetings, which I was unfortunate enough to stay for entirely, we discussed new ranks. I read the log to my astonishment that I was picked as the first JAT Master. I don’t know what I did or how I did it but this only told me that I will have to work harder not to let everyone down, especially myself. The most important person I needed to prove worthy to was myself. I did what I loved doing, teach and help others. The JA was my second home. I was there everyday, even when my gf thought I was nuts. But she didn’t understand that My experience in the JA helped me in Real Life. I started taking more control and I felt more confident in that I CAN do anything If I work hard for it. I was only a few weeks into my new Master rank and my old padawan Eclipse was a JAT when I met my new Padawan, or as he called himself Padawan Huxley. I saw him as I saw myself when I first joined the JA and I took it upon myself to open the door for him. He already had it in him, as does everyone, it was just a matter of how do you let it out. He was highly open to learning and was willing to do anything to master it. As a Hardcore lightsider I tried to let his goodness flow through the game. Then when chance had it, my friend and Boss Silent Whisper was out for a week and asked that I take her place in the council until she returns. I saw this as a chance to know what it feels like to responsible for the workings in the JA. It took some responsibility but I enjoyed every moment of it. I even learned how they make all those links on the News Posts. After Silent Whisper returned I saw that my account wasn’t updated yet and I was still in the council. However knowing that I was only temporary I made sure that I didn’t use the power given to me. Im sure we all know the Spider-Man saying “With great power comes great responsibility”. A few days later I get a message from Doobie telling me to meet with the council. Looking at where I am now Im sure you know how that turned out. I have reached my goal, well one of them at least, I still have MUCH to learn about mastering the art of saber dueling and that’s how it will always be. There will always be someone with a different style. With a different attitude. But there will always be people that need help and guidance with their quest in mastering the game. That’s where we come in. The JA is here for everyone. I didn’t know Anything about the game when I came in and I will always say that I have much more to learn but what I know now, others will be able to benefit from it as long as I still have the passion for teaching it. Remember…The Force Will be With you…Always. _______________ The World has changed.I feel it in the water...I feel it in the earth...I smell it in the air. Much that once was is lost...For none now live who remember it. |
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DarkL!nG - Ex-Student |
Woah dude thats some typing   |
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Plo Koon - Student 
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May the Force be with you---Always
_______________ Free Tibet! Click this link,and learn Here too |
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Jigsawcity - Ex-Student 
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it couldnave bin sooo hard. i played dis game 1st on a burned copy fur free, by the time that disk broke [after lyk 1 month dog ate it?] i wuz woopin on public alreddy. then a week ago i joined here.
dunno howmany ppl here played me, butcha kno wut iz like... ;-) _______________ Turmoil, pain, dissention... Can you feel it? That is why I am here. It is you who take my hand, and lift me up above those who envy. |
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Meph - Ex-Student 
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One word: Wow. |
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Bubu - Hubbub 
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if only you knew how to spell gamecuBe...  _______________ make install -not war |
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shrawn - Ex-Student |
I havent played in what 2,3 months?
I think i'm losing it,with gamecupe com'in into my life. I think i might leave soon in the future to go on a gamecupe carrer. With pikmin super smash bros melee and roue sqaud 2 here, i think my life is goinginto a new path. |
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DJ Sith - Jedi Council 
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Wow nicely said, Av. 
I'd like to think that my JK2 dueling skills have improved since my time here at the JA. When I get back home I should head to a public duel server or 3... _______________ My car is made of Nerf. |
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Ulic Belouve - Student 
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oh wow. Now THAT'S funny.
But anyways, let us divert BACK to Avalons post (and not this limelight stealing stuff that I said I'd not put up with) _______________ Jedi do not fight for peace. That's only a slogan, and is as misleading as slogans always are. Jedi fight for civilization, because only civilization creates peace. |
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Bubu - Hubbub
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it does indeed feel good to be mentioned in BIG CAPITAL LETTERS...
well, not much left to do except: OOOO-LICK!!! OOOO-LICK!!! OOOO-LICK!!! OOOO-LICK!!! _______________ make install -not war |
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Ulic Belouve - Student
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Well, I said before that I felt the same way. After thinking a bit, I saw some stuff that made sense, like in my journal, I'd mention someone new, and they'd come up to me later and think it was the best thing. Maybe I should just put a <newbie enter name here> on the journal, so everyone feels better.
But really, I know it means something to people. I can't forget when I came here and I was in a super-rotten mood that no one here in the RL world could help me on, but I sat around in the JA. Then a bunch of ppl decided to work with me on prepping for my Knight trial, and that made me feel great after all that was done! So I'm trying to just be there to help, in situations like Metroid, where one might not be having the best day, might not be the most skilled, but they are still something. So I'll help them out not knowing what it means to them, and well, that's that. And to all of you responding to my backing out of the limelight...I really mean that I'm not going to step out of it, but that I'm not going to grab ahold of it and make it shine on me. The limelight points where it needs to point, and I don't want to manipulate it. There are many who would love and need the fame more than I, like... METRIOD BLADE IS DA BOMB!!!! WHOOOO-HOOOOO!!!! or, BUBU STAYED UP UNTIL 6 AM HIS TIME TO SUPPORT ME AT MY KNIGHT TRIAL, HE IS THE BOMB!!!! or, even better... VOTE BLADE KNIGHT FOR JEDI ACADEMY STATUE OF THE YEAR!!!! hehe. Really, Blade, you stay so still, but you're the bomb. See? It's nice to have your name in BIG LETTERS where people can see them. And I need to have other's names out there, not ULIC ULIC ULIC. (and btw, that's pronounced oooo-lick, so that it doesn't sound twisted or anything.) But we should make a news post where everyone has to give mega props to some other student. The more obscure the one getting props, the better. Hey, 'tis the season! _______________ Jedi do not fight for peace. That's only a slogan, and is as misleading as slogans always are. Jedi fight for civilization, because only civilization creates peace. |
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Bubu - Hubbub
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i always knew helping others was addictive! now here's the proof! _______________ make install -not war |
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 - Student |
That's probably the biggest inspiritation I've had since joining the Jedi Academy. |
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Blade_Knight - Student 
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Wow, that's one crazy post Avalon. I can really relate. I know what it's like to be the n00b that nobody helps, the nameless face (which I still am). I've pretty much had to teach myself everything I ever learned, until I came here. The people were so nice, I actually was in shock when I saw how helpful everyone was. Since then I've done everything in my power to help out anyone I could, plus I just love to teach. Oh, and Ulic, we WANT you in the limelight, you deserve it _______________ -=Brother to Nightcrawler and JediKnight13=- "I've been told my style is crasy and visually confusing."~Mikel Rider |
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Darth Revan - Ex-Student 
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Wow I had no idea. I, in a way no how that feels (I still can't do any tricks that requires me to use a wall especially wall walking).
PS:Man I thought the comment that I left in silent's profile a few days ago was the longest, now I totally change my mind. _______________ formally known as jedi master, vanished and returned as the new sith lord |
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Acura Belouve - Student 
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This story really has touhed me. I have just joined the academy so this is almost like me.I also have a really bad comp p2 450. I've been playing but im still being whopped and dont know what to do to training so i finally got a master hes always online but ive never been able to get online. No matter wt ive tried to do i keep trying to face more and more ppl but i dont seem to be improving at all so im kinda of in the dumps but after readign this im going to keep on training and training and get better and better i know i will everyone starts the same ive just now realized thanks avalon this really cheered me up now this is my isperation thankyou. _______________ |
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Johnnyrico - Student 
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nice stroy i'm sure that anyone here who came first to the Ja didnt know anything. They Academy realy helps. For example for me I started to play like maybe as u i dunno for sure than i didnt know how to play and i went to servers to try to become better.
I once played in some clan server and i by luck or bs beaten one of their played and they took me. After that i met some girl at a server she was good it was 1.03 so she helped me a little but than i wanted to come to the JA. I did it, i sign in the Ja but than i stoped playing the game. Than 2 months past and i remembers the game and wanted to play agian i still didnt play than good than i rememberd i sign in the academy and i went there and my account was still working so i went in. now after a month or so i alredy play a lot better so The JA and The JATs helped me. _______________ ...... |
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Lord Exar Kun - Student 
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Woah Avalon, ver very nicely spoken. It really opened my eyes. I have the same feeling you have:"If used properly you can use what you learn in the JA and put it into the Real World."
I've become so much more helpfull since I'm in JA. And more things in your post are totally true. Thanks man, I really look to the JA in a different perspective now. _______________ -Retired april the 19th 2004 |
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Falcon_2001 - Ex-Student 
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Hay man y sink outa the spot light?, i dont mind, they dont mind, we all dont mind so stay there and be happy.
ONE THING no one likes public servers??? how can you not there the best, i mean they own, i always try to go on, and usually (yes im being very nice to me, im not this good) i wipe the flaw on ctf and anything. And i found if youre nice to them there useually good to you. i am always nice and apologise when i do something wrong and congradulate peps. im so good (NOT!!!) well as you guys no me im probebly a loud mouth with little or no chnace of going further. AND IM SORRY TO ANYONE I HAVE WRONGED!!! |
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Bubu - Hubbub
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let it shine on me on me!! lol
ulic we will never forget your journal don't worry.. btw, when is that short story of yours going to be released? _______________ make install -not war |
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Ulic Belouve - Student
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Well, yes, that is how many others feel.
I actually came for the philosophy. I didn't want to play on public servers at all, since they just have crap for attitudes most of the time. But I guess that is the longest post ever made about a person, if....you....forget......my journal I do.....sigh... I need to get accustomed to sinking into the background now. I know I'm a Knight now, and some want me to go for JAT, but I need to step out of the limelight and let it shine on others, since it isn't just about me. _______________ Jedi do not fight for peace. That's only a slogan, and is as misleading as slogans always are. Jedi fight for civilization, because only civilization creates peace. |
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Ash - Eats Babies 
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*sniff* (trying to hold back a tear) that was beautiful man. Seriously that is great post. I began in the academy a few weeks ago for the same reason. I just wanted to learn how to whipe the floor with public servers. And yet now I dont even want to venture to any other servers. I love the academy. I have learned so much not just as a player but as a person. I dont know were my future lies in the academy but I do know that I will keep striving to better myself and help my fellow players. _______________ "We keep odd hours...." ----------------------- They Live, We Sleep |
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Icco - Student 
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holly sh** thats the longest thing that i have ever read about someones life and it was interesting.... hmmmm.... avalon good job on getting this far!
(wait you are a jac is there anywhere else you can go in the JA?) _______________ "this is Icco. Icco is old. Icco is lost. Icco is cool, but Icco doesn't know what the meaning of 'macrophageal sex'." - Vaughn /Icco |
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Bubu - Hubbub
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wow.. nice to know some more about you avi (can i call you that?)
it seems like both of your padawans made it to JATs... hmmm, are you recruiting? lol just kidding I already have an excellent master. anyway, down to business. *hands Avalon a Doobie Award* this is for the longest post so far! _______________ make install -not war |
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