September 1, 2020. After months of quarantine due to Covid-19, my first day of high school is in-person. I have not spoken to anyone outside of my family in six months. The future feels uncertain; I have no idea what I want to do with my life. What could go wrong? November 2, 2020. I am cast in a small role for a one-act play in drama class. What could go wrong? January 28, 2020. Seeking the sense community the one-act provided, I volunteer to be the lights technician and become a production assistant for the mainstage production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. This new responsibility excites me. What could go wrong? June 10, 2021. The drama program director approaches me with encouraging words, saying that my willingness to help in any capacity demonstrates my potential to be a leader. I am committed to being involved with this program for the rest of high school. What could go wrong? January 5, 2022. I take on the role of dramaturg for Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People. I learn how to analyze a script with a director’s mindset, deepening my understanding of storytelling. What could go wrong? January 9, 2023. I reprise my role on the lead team for George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart’s The Man Who Came to Dinner. This time, I work closely with the stage manager on production decisions. I learn how to produce a show. What could go wrong? March 27, 2023. I take on the challenge of adapting Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing into a one-act play. I select the adaptation as the script for my first directing experience, eager to bring my vision to life. What could go wrong? April 10, 2023. I visit Biola University for the first time and realize I am going to make movies. I must get in Biola’s film school program to develop the technical skills required for my chosen career. What could go wrong? September 7, 2023. My first-choice college sends me an acceptance letter. What could go wrong? December 4, 2023. I am the stage manager for Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music, prepared for how this production will challenge me to grow my skills as a leader. What could go wrong? February 16, 2024. I choose to direct Noël Coward’s one-act play Hands Across the Sea. Others do not like the script, but I see the potential this classic script has to land well with the audience. I prepare to share this comedy with the school, learning to take risks for what I believe in. What could go wrong? June 7, 2024. The drama program director gifts me the Servant Leadership recognition award, commending me for my commitment throughout high school to prioritize the needs of others and help them achieve success. What could go wrong? July 25, 2024. I apply for the Rossi and Ferguson Memorial Scholarship hoping to receive part of the financial aid needed to complete all four years of university. What could go wrong? August 25, 2024. I will step on Biola’s campus as an aspiring film student beginning her journey to revolutionize the world through movies. This will mark the next season of life. What could go wrong?

“You should be a director!” was the most common phrase I heard as a child. Naturally, it became the pinnacle of success in my mind. Since I first heard those words, I have developed an incredible passion for this art medium and researched how movies come together, constantly wondering how the director recruited a stellar crew, what inspired the script’s complexities, and how these stories affected viewers from the day they were released in theaters. Now, as an aspiring film student at Biola University, I recognize success is not achieved by being the boss, but by communicating care and love to other people through interpersonal skills. My future revolves around this principle, and I plan to apply it, through the art of cinema, to those I work with in the industry and to the world. I firmly believe that transformation in the film industry begins with fostering healthy relationships. My pursuit of a film degree is not merely to master the art of cinematography, but also to revolutionize the impersonal, rushed production process that has become the industry's norm. Collaborating with others is the best method of creating a movie project. I value what my community brings to the table too much to do anything all on my own. One day, I hope to form friendships with those I work with because of how lively the atmosphere is when we work together. By prioritizing and valuing the human connection in every project I undertake, I hope to encourage others in the field to follow suit, forging a new industry paradigm that values relationships over commercial success. Stories are the most important part of media. Media plays a role in everyone's lives; There is content about products you want to buy, music brought to life onscreen, and films that captivate an audience. What does all this have in common? Stories. Think about all the different kinds of movies there are. What resonates the most with the audience? It is not the beauty of the actors, nor is it the camera technique. It is the story. Some watch films to escape from real life but do not realize that so much of reality is what allows us to enjoy films. However outlandish the story, one can always recognize humanity. Joy, friendships, mistakes, grief, and more; all these traits are found in the media. Rather than enable those who desire an “escape” from their world, the films I create throughout my career in media will communicate to the audience the human need for connection. Films may change the way an audience thinks, but I aim to change the way an audience lives by encouraging community. I may have big ambitions, but, with your assistance, success is possible to achieve. This scholarship grants me the financial aid required to continue this journey at Biola and accomplish my mission. With a foundational education on the technical aspects of film, I have a means of spreading the importance of interpersonal development and making it my generation’s priority.

Fall 2020: Freshman year of high school. So much fear, so many uncertainties, and countless opportunities. I took a chance to introduce myself to the new Korean international student. Fast forward to Junior year, and she is moving into my home to spend the last two years of high school with me. These years of living with her influenced me so much. I have heard what life is like as an international student, learned aspects of a new culture, and been introduced to an entire genre of music: K-Pop. Completely differing from the Rock genre I grew up listening to, I dove headfirst into the world of this new sound and found one group that had the most original sound. These eight men were easy to discover, since Strays Kids are "everywhere, all around the world." I have to be honest. I only began listening to them because I thought most of them were from England, America, and Australia. Turns out, there are only two Australians, but the language barrier did not stop this group from becoming global sensations. They made K-pop history last year when their album "★★★★★ (5-STAR)” sold 4.61 million copies. This kind of global reach gave them opportunities to establish relations which impacted their careers. In the fashion industry, Hyunjin became an ambassador for Versace and Felix became a House Ambassador for Louis Vuitton. Additionally, all members attended the Met Gala as Tommy Hilfiger’s guests. Stray Kids also has connections with the movie-making world. Ryan Reynolds has a good friendship with Bang Chan and has since met the members and introduced them to Hugh Jackman. The two movie stars recently did a cameo in Stray Kids’ “Chk Chk Boom” music video. This group uses its global platform to help charity organizations with donations and awareness. They sent relief aid through The Promise and World Vision. Specifically, Lee Know sponsors children overseas through World Vision and I.N. donated millions of Korean Won to Green Umbrella, an organization that helps underprivileged children in Korea. With all these connections with people in various industries and their own music, Stray Kids is leaving their mark on this generation. Their ability to take criticism and turn it into a positive part of who they are is something to be admired — they did this with the “NOEASY” album and various songs, including “COMFLEX” and “Mixtape: Gone Days.” They truly are the best role models a young fan can look up to.

“You should be a director!” was the most common phrase I heard as a child. Granted, it was said because I was stubborn and wanted my way, but many individuals have no idea how much they affected my life; since I first heard those words, I have developed an incredible passion for this art medium and researched how movies come together, constantly wondering how the director recruited a stellar crew, what influenced the scriptwriter to create that subplot, and how these stories affected viewers from the day they were released in theaters. Now an aspiring film student at Biola University, I hope to make an impact in the world both within the industry and through the art of cinema. I firmly believe that transformation in the film industry begins with fostering healthy relationships. My pursuit of a film degree is not merely to master the art of cinematography, but also to revolutionize the impersonal, rushed production process that has become the industry's norm. Collaborating with others is the only way one completes a film project. I value what my community brings to the table too much to do anything all on my own. One day, I hope to form friendships with those I work with because of how lively the atmosphere is when we work together. By prioritizing and valuing the human connection in every project I undertake, I hope to encourage others in the field to follow suit, forging a new industry paradigm that values relationships over commercial success. Stories are the most important part of media. Media plays a role in everyone's lives; There is content about products you want to buy, music brought to life onscreen, and films that captivate an audience. What does all this have in common? Stories. Think about all the different kinds of movies there are. What resonates the most with the audience? It is not the beauty of the actors, nor is it the camera technique. It is the story. Some watch films to escape from real life but do not realize that so much of reality is what allows us to enjoy films. However outlandish the story, one can always recognize humanity. Joy, friendships, mistakes, grief, and more; all these traits are found in the media. I hope to use my career in media to help those who want to "escape" from their world and use stories to encourage them in their lives.

God calls His followers to use their “gifts that differ according to the grace given to us,” so that we may be a light for Him in this world (Romans 12:6, ESV). This next chapter of my life, college, will forge the natural instincts I possess into technical skills I may use to demonstrate God's love for humankind and the grace He provides because of that love. As an aspiring film student at Biola University, I firmly believe that my faith will allow me to transform in the film industry from within by fostering healthy relationships through Christ-like love. Having been raised in a Christian environment, I was well-aware what kind of Savior Jesus was: the good, perfect, Savior who loves unconditionally and sacrifices Himself for the sake of our eternal life. However, I rebelled and consistently turned the other direction, forcing myself to turn away from the godly influences in my life and toward the momentary pleasure of sin. God, so mercifully and graciously, placed incredible believers in my life and I was surrounded by people who dealt with all, even the difficult trials, in a joyful manner. This influence led me to Christ, and I began my relationship with Him, which has forever shifted my perspective on the broken world I live and now urges me to use my passions of film and community to change lives and be a witness to nonbelievers. My pursuit of a film degree is not merely to master the art of cinematography, but also to revolutionize the impersonal, rushed production process that has become the industry's norm. Through studying His Word and consistent prayer, my relationship with Christ allows me to truly and wholly care for the well-being and spiritual state of those around me. By prioritizing and valuing the human connection in every project I undertake, I hope to reflect God's love unto others, encouraging more in the field to recognize the benefits of my actions and follow suit, forging a new industry paradigm that values relationships over commercial success and planting a desire in many to learn how to joyfully and wholeheartedly love others through Jesus Christ. My prayer is that my life may be a testimony to all I encounter and reveal to them how rewarding living in relationship with Christ is. As I step into my new life as a university student, full of willingness to shine Christ's light in my life on others, I am always reminded of how far Jesus has brought me; from wanting nothing to do with God to now a student committed to one of the best Christian universities in the nation, Jesus’ work in my life is evident. My savior is so good, and I anticipate exciting opportunities for rest of my life through relationship with Him.

Let's be honest: I think most viewers relate more to Michael Scott than they like to admit. Always striving to find love, constantly seeking ways to fit in with the group? That sounds a lot like me, at least. Don't misunderstand me; I don't mean to say that I NEED love. Just that I wouldn't mind if I had it. One minute, it's the furthest thought from your mind. The next, you wonder how it would be if you did have someone special in your life. Poor Michael went through years of a bad relationship with Jan. He wished desperately to have love in his life and he unfortunately settled with her for a long time. Eventually, he found Holly. But how much life had he lived beforehand without Holly in his life? I guess I'm saying I wouldn't be surprised if I didn't find the man I'll marry quite late in my life. Michael loves his employees. They're like family to him, and he's professed that many times. How come they don't seem to embrace that care? Michael is known for his weird sense of humor. The office workers found it difficult to be around, even though that personality was for them. Well, if not for them, for everyone around him. The improv group specifically exclude Michael from their outings. He joined that group to do something he enjoyed with people that have similar interests. Sound familiar? He wanted to make FRIENDS. I too sometimes find myself in situations where others around me are planning to go out without me. As much as I try, it's difficult to speak up for myself and ask if I can come along. I'm not the best at getting people together and hanging out. I'm scared to ask because they might already have plans with others. Michael Scott: The quirky boss who dedicated his career to Dunder-Mifflin long ago. In the eyes of viewers, he is someone one hopes never to relate to. I think if people could just recognize WHY Michael acts like Michael, they would see him as a more special character than they do now.