Creativity is everything to me, and I strive to make a positive impact on the world with each film I create. I plan on telling stories that explore what makes us human, such as grief, love, mental health, and the power of friendships. Often, these things are presented as toxic, portrayed unrealistically, or shunned in films, and that leaves a negative impact on those who experience them. With my works, I want to show others they aren't alone in their grief or poor mental health, and that love's trials are a normal aspect of everyday life. Creative work shouldn't make people feel bad about themselves, it should encourage them. My films have been watched by more people than I can count, and I want the impact that the films create in their lives to be positive. Stories about overcoming mental health conditions and showing the power of friendship in all situations will have a strong positive impact on the world, and I plan to make this kind of impact.

Creativity is a great way to express who I am, and over the past few years, I have fallen in love with the visual art medium of film. I am very passionate about film as I can watch my stories come to life on the screen. No matter what I'm going through at the moment, I know that there is a place for me through film. Creating any type of art is challenging yet rewarding, and film is no exception. It takes a lot of hard work, passion, and patience to make a film, but once it is done, there is that wonderful feeling that I told the story I set out to tell. My passion for creating films is driven by wanting others to feel like they belong. For the longest time, I was outcast by my friends because I was different. I was always drawing or writing instead of playing video games or sports. Once I discovered film, I realized I did belong, and I want others to know that even if they don't like the same things that everyone else does, they're special and belong too. Film itself is a special type of art, as all films or shows produced are a visual representation of lives. I've watched many different films across various genres to get a deeper understanding of this special art form. Out of all of them, the one that speaks to me the most is a tv show called Blue Bloods. Visually, it isn't anything like all of the Marvel blockbusters, but it is the way that people are represented in the story. The show allows its viewers to experience the lives of a close-knit family, and most of them are a part of the police force. For me, watching this show I have found my passion for film growing, and it means a lot to me. Every style of art is a way for one to represent something, whether it be themselves or something they observe. Film is my art medium, and I am ready to use my passion for it to tell more unique stories that resonate with others. No one deserves to feel left out or abandoned. I'm passionate about making films, as it is a captivating medium that works to bring everyone together. As I move into this next stage in my life, I am ready to continue my passion for the creative arts.

Integrity is one of the most important things a person can have. It means they can be trusted to do the right thing and are respected by others. For me, a person with integrity is someone I can trust to do the right thing, whether it is not cheating during a competition or telling the truth when someone gets hurts. Personally, I need to exercise honor and integrity in my life. Often, I compete in film competitions where no one is around to see if we are following the rules. One of the biggest rules is that only the two registered teammates can come up with the story for the short film. However, since no one is around to enforce that rule, sometimes people have other students come up with the story. Despite being tempted to have someone else help with the story, I worked only with my registered teammate on the story, and the other people acted in the film, which is allowed. I won the competition two times, and both times I followed the rules, even when no one was watching. I would have felt bad if I won by cheating, and it is better that I did the right thing. Having integrity and honor is important to me, and it shows me that they are a person I can trust in all situations. Cheating and lying don't lead you anywhere after a while, but if someone is honest and shows integrity, then they can accomplish great things.

Lights, camera, action. Those words are often associated with filmmaking, but it is so much more than that. The world of film is incredibly fascinating, and I am going to major in filmmaking. College is going to be a great place to learn more about film. There, I can find people who love to make films, just like me, and I can build the connections needed to find a career in film. My college plans are to learn as much about filmmaking as I can and make connections with others, whether that is through students or internships. In college, I plan to work toward an internship with independent film companies, which would give me more hands-on training. Filmmaking is very important to me, which is why it is what I am going to major in. Throughout high school, I've felt misunderstood and often forgotten by those who I called friends. It was rough, and I didn't know how to make it through. But then I found the school's film program. There, I did belong. I made friends, lasting memories, and with my films, I was able to tell others they weren't alone. I have discovered that filmmaking isn't as easy as it seems, and there is always more to learn. It's why I'm going to major in filmmaking. Currently, I have some goals I'm working on, both to achieve getting my degree as well as bettering myself. High school has been tough, even with film, but setting goals have helped as well. I am working towards asking adults and their businesses for filmmaking locations. Oftentimes, permission is required to film in a public place, like businesses or even public roads. When I was first starting to make films, I avoided those places because I was terrified of asking for permission. To this day, I'm still scared of speaking with managers of businesses, but I have to do it if I want to create more realistic projects. It's a small goal, but working towards it not only helps my professional skills, but it can build up my confidence. I've made a lot of progress with this goal, as in one of my recent films, I got permission to use a hotel's meeting room for one of the scenes. Accomplishing this helped me to get closer to being more confident in asking for permission. Another goal I have is to help others feel like they are not alone. A few years ago, I lost my grandfather. People supported me, but no one truly understood how I felt. I decided to make a short film about losing a family member, and it allowed my friends, as well as those in the theater, to see how some people handle a loss. We're all different, and I am working to show that throughout my stories. I am excited about college and what the future holds for me. Pursuing a major in film means the world to me, and college is a great way for me to do that. It will allow my stories to be shared with the world. Thank you for your time.

Family means everything to me, so when I lost my grandfather, it was challenging. Due to restrictions in his nursing home, the last time I saw him was two months before his passing. However, losing him motivated me to help others in this position. A few weeks after losing him, I finished a short film called "Family Forever." It explored the sorrow of losing a loved one, and it made an impact on those who watched it. The loss of my grandfather influenced my films, and it caused me to be able to focus on what matters most. I strive to become a better filmmaker and losing a loved one allowed me to understand the sorrow that people go through. When he was still alive, he came to support me when I had a competition, even though his dementia was getting worse. He showed me that even when things get tough, we have to keep going. This has helped me to keep fighting for my goals, no matter how difficult they seem. I work hard to achieve my goals because other people deserve to know that there is someone else out there like them. People can relate to films, and they can have a powerful impact on society. After going through this challenging time, I have put more effort into telling stories about grief, love, and hope. Two of those projects, including Family Forever, have received recognition for their story and were shown at a theater. As I get older, life starts to get harder. Luckily, once I start college, I can explore more aspects of filmmaking. Through that, I can tell better stories through film. I may not see it now, but I am not alone. The more I fight, the more I can become a role model for those struggling with losses of their own. Often, I've felt alone in my life, and now I strive to make sure that others don't feel that way. My grandfather was always there, wanting to play card games or darts with me, even when he was getting sicker. I keep going so that one day I can be able to fully support others, just like he did for me.

Fear and panic set in after one walks across the stage at graduation, but there's still more to life after that. Personally, earning a college degree will help me go a long way, especially in my desired career. I'm pursuing a college degree to build a life for myself. I strive to become a filmmaker, so going to college will help me with both the skills I need to accomplish this, as well as forging connections with others interested in film. College is an outstanding place to learn alongside others instead of just looking up tutorials on Youtube. While pursuing a college degree, I can learn hands-on and be able to ask questions to those more experienced than me. Pursuing a college degree allows me to limit the distractions that occur when browsing Youtube and be able to concentrate better on learning. I desire to pursue a college degree to understand more about what it takes to create films. Filmmaking requires hard work and dedication to the craft, and it isn't easy. Even though it is exceptionally easy to simply search up whatever aspect of filmmaking I need help with, there's a high chance that I either won't find what I'm looking for or, if I do find it, I won't be able to properly execute it in my story. Pursuing a degree will also help me to go beyond my comfort zone. In college, I can meet new friends and I can also work on getting internships with independent film companies. I'll be able to gain experience that I wouldn't be able to accomplish on my own. Through those experiences, I can design the life I want to have. Despite the difficulties that may occur, college doesn't scare me, as I know it will make me stronger. Hard work is an aspect of life, and it won't deter me from pursuing my degree. Finally, I am pursuing a college degree so that I will be able to continue my education. There is much more that I can learn, and for me, college is the best way to accomplish that. Learning alongside other people is how I learn best. I enjoy working with people, especially on film projects, and in college, I will receive that opportunity. Film is all about teamwork, and a college degree is the best way for me to mature as a filmmaker and a person. There are numerous reasons to pursue a college degree, and these are the reasons why I am. Going to college will help me grow personally and professionally, and I look forward to what else this decision may hold.

What Makes You Special by Nicole Lease As fear takes its hold Don't forget what makes you special All the things forgotten But not undone The laughter that echoed Throughout mind and soul When a prank was pulled Or a silly question asked Keep your grip on things once loved Like family and friends And teachers who stared at your every move With laughter and confusion each time Remember those who lifted you up On your darkest days From rivers of doubt and fear And those who gave laughter To brighten you up Those who outshine the stars Are still there through the fear Doubt and darkness Remember the things once forgotten The minor details of trips with friends Or the special projects completed Under a teacher's watchful eye Even when we're worlds apart Don't lose sight of them Those friends who outshine the stars Will still be there Waiting on the other side Of the deepest ocean For you to remember All things that make you special

Having a passion for filmmaking has had an incredible impact on my life. It allows me to be myself and tell my personal stories through movies. Through my movies, I've been able to work through some of life's most difficult moments, such as the loss of a loved one. This passion has helped me to become a better person since I can explain my feelings in a way that is understandable and often even relatable. Filmmaking has also impacted and grown my work ethic. For a movie to turn out well, you have to put in the effort, and through my countless short projects, I've been able to keep going even if it gets hard. Scheduling conflicts, weather, and equipment malfunctions are all very common, yet this passion of mine has allowed me to find ways through it. It has had a large impact on my life by helping me to work harder and better. Another way filmmaking has impacted my life is through the way it builds up my relationships with other people. Before discovering filmmaking, I was very quiet and didn't have a lot of friends. Now, I'm able to communicate with others my age. I'm not afraid anymore because telling stories has brought me closer to some of the greatest people on earth. We're able to build each other up during our lowest moments and congratulate each other when one of us achieves a goal. There is a special bond between film students, and without my passion, I wouldn't have been able to experience it. It may seem like an odd passion to many, and one that doesn't appear to have too good of a chance for success, but that is another way it has impacted my life. Through filmmaking, I've learned to be able to take opportunities as they come. I don't give up, even though I get defeated and want to. If I give up, then I've learned nothing from filmmaking. It is amazing what kind of impact a passion can have on one's life, and I am proud to say that filmmaking is my passion. It has helped me to be able to grow relationships and develop a strong work ethic. It continues to impact my life for the better with each thing that I learn from it. Every project I make has its challenges, but I can get through them, as well as life itself. Making movies is what truly drives me. - Nicole Lease