As a theatre major transitioning into film, I am able to understand the perspectives of others and step into their shoes in tense situations. My experience as an actor has allowed me to not just become more empathetic and improve my storytelling skills. I have played many different characters who, believe it or not, may not share my views or outlook on the world. This is core to understanding others, just knowing what their motivations and goals are. I would take this aspect and bring it into my film projects, invoking clear feelings of empathy within my audience as I delve into the motivations of not just differing groups, but lone individuals. I would use my unique talents in entertainment and film to show the qualities of different communities, highlighting what makes every neighborhood across the world special. I am especially interested in working directly with people from different cultural and social backgrounds, taking the time to understand what matters most to them. Rather than telling stories about communities from an outside perspective, I want to create stories with them. I believe that collaboration is key to building trust and authenticity, and those elements are what make stories truly impactful. Humor has, in my opinion, been overlooked as a means of bringing people together. Laughter has always been a powerful way for people to share their experiences, whether they be good or bad ones. When people laugh together, it creates a sense of understanding that most, if not all, people can connect with. I want to create films and content that use humor not to divide, but to highlight shared experiences and bring together those who feel disconnected or alone. Something that can appeal to outcasts while also showing others why we should not ostracize people. While I am continuing to develop my technical skills in film, I believe that the most important part of storytelling is the human connection behind it. The funds would go towards equipment like cameras, microphones, and editing software. However, these instruments mean nothing if they are not used as they are meant to be; to connect people from all walks of life. I want to share stories that are real, stories that reflect both the struggles and the strengths of different communities. I hope that someone can look upon my works and projects, and be inspired to do the same; I hope they're inspired to look for untold stories that show the hardships of people who many may think are different from us. Ultimately, my goal is to use storytelling as a way to bring people closer together. In a world where it is easy to feel divided, I want to create work that reminds people of what they share rather than what separates them. Through film, I hope to build a more empathetic and understanding global community, one story at a time.

Coming out as bisexual has allowed me to connect with others who are similar to me or accept me for who I am. When I am around these people, I can be my fullest, most honest self, and I do not have to worry about harassment or bullying from the friends who see me for who I am. It was not easy. I was often anxious that people were always looking down on me or that those around me would leave me if they knew who I really was. I was denying myself from being myself in fear that others would hate me for it or turn their backs on me. I eventually realized that pretending someone I was not was both exhausting and just not right. I wanted to be myself and I wouldn't allow anyone to take that away from me, as I was not willing to lie to myself any longer. It started as a series of quiet conversations, nervous texts, and late-night talks. It was testing the waters with a few close friends and anxiously waiting for their reactions. And thankfully, I was met with kindness and support. Some of them said they already had a feeling, while others just gave me a hug and told me they loved me no matter what. In those moments, I felt seen—like I had finally let people into a room in my heart that had been locked for too long. Coming out has allowed me to form meaningful connections with those around me. I’m more confident, more open, and more willing to stand up for myself and others in the LGBTQ community. I've found friends who truly care for me and are willing to support me for who I am. On the creative side, as I've been able to fully be myself, I have been able to write more stories about many topics, ideas, and themes. I was able to think outside of the box with assistance from these new friends of mine, creating fantastical worlds and my own characters. I’ve come to understand that coming out is not just about telling others who I am. It’s about giving them the opportunity to truly know me—to laugh with me, support me, and grow with me as I learn to love and accept myself. In telling those around me the truth, I've created lifetime bonds with others like me, who only want to feel comforted and safe.