"I have to say that this is the most beautiful, interesting and relaxing (all in one) video I have ever watched."
- Vanessa Chavez, CSUS senior, January, 2006
"This is one of the most amazing (!) things I have seen. It is incredible that you have experienced all of these things and been to all of these places. As tranquil as the film is with the piano music it doesn’t make me tired. Each image seems to glue me to the screen. It puts a lot of things into perspective in the fact that we are so insignificant and there is so much to see and appreciate outside of our “little box” that it is quite extraordinary- I’m very impressed and see why you view things the way you do. Thanks for compiling this and sharing it with us."
- Michael Orth, CSUS senior, April, 2006
"It is amazing to me that you have had so many experiences and been to such a wide range of places. I particularly liked how you showed natural beauty as well as humanity and the effects they have on one another. Taking care of our resources, people, and nature was the theme I saw throughout the film It was very impressive and I appreciate you showing it to us!"
- Patricia Searcy, CSUS senior, April, 2006
"All in all, this video did enrue an awakening as far as my views on the world are concerned both visually and inspirationally. Without ever stepping a foot out of this class, we were able to view the wonders of the world along with cultures of the world and hear famous words of theorists, intellectuals, and adventurers."
- Larrisse Lane, CSUS senior, April, 2006
"There were so many beautiful images in the video “An Awakening Journey: Songs and Voices from the Earth”. The piano music went so well with the pictures. The images are great in pictures, but I am sure the scenery is much better when one is actually there."
- Noemi Campos, CSUS senior, April, 2006
"Professor Karlstrom, your film is simply astounding. Seriously, have you ever considered film? Your images are exquisite and timeless. You could produce brilliant documentaries dealing with nature and the environment. I must say that I am very impressed and touched by your many personal experiences with nature that you have willingly shared with us. It’s really a film diary and a snapshot into passion in life. I am so envious. I wish I could go to the far ends of the earth…. What magical experiences those must have been. This has been one of my most pleasant class experiences. The film was wonderful. I think it should be shown in a high school setting or a similar nature presentation. It is a glimpse into a world that is unknown….. Your photos are brilliant, the background music beautiful and your talent, obvious… it is a grand film."
- Jennifer Siewitt, CSUS Senior, April, 2006
"These are some of the most beautiful landscapes, almost unbelievable. The pictures are very dramatic and the colors are so brilliant. The piano music is very heartfelt as well; very peaceful and soothing. I loved the pictures of the people and family in Tibet. I also loved the photos of the Guatemalan children. Their clothing is so colorful. It was a very beautiful movie with visual introductions to places most people will never see. The clear-cutting images were sad to see."
-Jennifer Rosete, CSUS senior, April, 2006
"An Awakening Journey- a breathtaking video of nature at its best. The photos capture the beauty. These photos need to be shared. I was extremely moved."
- Diane Guzman, CSUS senior, January, 2006
"I found the pictures to be absolutely gorgeous and mesmerizing. This video is a window on the earth’s natural beauty. The photography captures these images in such a way that I felt I was there. Watching these wonderful images.. inspires me to see more of the world than I’ve already seen- Thank you! It is clear to me that it is imperative that our species work as hard as we can to protect all the splendor around us."
- Paul King, CSUS senior, Jan., 2006
"The DVD is staggeringly good. It is a tremendous tribute to Eric Karlstrom for acquiring the experiences, photographs, quotes, and music as the raw materials- and an almost unbelievably good job of putting it all together by editor, Danny Ledonne. Just incredible, really. Truly great work."
- Don Richmond, Alamosa, Colorado, 2006
"AM SO IMPRESSED WITH EVERYTHING ABOUT IT!!!! It’s inspiring, well-crafted just a really great job, well done!! I especially like the transformation throughout the film from climbing-oriented stuff in the beginning to spiritual and social activist stuff later on- really great- makes you feel like you are transforming right along with you."
- Lee Temple, Crestone, Colorado, 2006
"The photographs shown throughout the video were absolutely amazing. The quotes chosen throughout the video were very appropriate and oftentimes evoked emotion within in because they were perfect for the scene at the given moment. The piano music was calming and relaxing, appropriate for the background of this particular video. The entire film appeared to be carefully planned and thought through. The selected photos, quotes, and music together made this film spectacular. In my opinion, you have truly lived, you have experienced God’s absolutely amazing handiwork all throughout this beautiful world He created. Thanks for sharing your experiences."
- Victoria Botello, CSUS senior, Jan., 2006
"It’s about getting outside and actually doing stuff instead of just sitting there watching TV."
- Brian, age 10, Alamosa, Colorado, 2006
