“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.