My name is Joel Johnson, and I am a Film and Media Studies & Digital Audio major from Sonoma County, California. I was adopted at birth and never met my birth family. My parents actually had adopted a son before me but had to give him back to the birth mother, several years passed and they met a Lawyer from Oklahoma who did closed adoptions and he found them a family willing to adopt their newborn son. I had a heart murmur at 1 year old and at 2 open heart surgery. From almost as young an age, I’ve been deeply passionate about the creative arts, with a particular love for music, sound, and visual storytelling, values reflected in my mixed roots. These interests have significantly shaped the trajectory of my life, guiding me towards a career as a film director. Filmmaking is a way to blend all of my creative passions—sound, visuals, and performance—into a cohesive medium for storytelling. However, my journey to this point has not been an easy one. I have faced numerous personal challenges, including a disability, chronic illness, and mental health struggles, but through it all, I have found solace, purpose, and meaning in the arts. Overcoming these challenges has not only solidified my desire to pursue filmmaking but also reinforced that creativity is not just a passion for me—it is an essential part of my well-being. My fascination with the power of sound in film began early in my life. As a young child, my dad would bring me to work with him. At my dad’s office, I would discover live music in the form of bands performing at the jazz club downstairs. Growing up, I was drawn to the cultural music of my diverse background. I volunteered for local bands to gain the skills and knowledge I needed to record and produce original music. As I grew older, I took on the role of a sound and lighting technician for live theater. Observing theater directors in action, I learned how they use these elements to guide the audience through a narrative. In addition to my love for sound, I've developed a strong visual eye, which has been cultivated through my studies and work in graphic design, video post-production, and fine arts. During high school, I was involved in the Art-Quest program, where I gained foundational skills in visual storytelling, animation, and graphic design. After completing my digital audio program at college, I shifted my focus to film and media studies, eager to expand my knowledge and pursue my ultimate goal of becoming a film director. I am particularly drawn to the music industry and aspire to help bands craft their stories through biopics and documentaries. I want to produce films that reflect my own experiences. I envision a career that allows me to contribute to projects that leave a lasting impact on the industry. This vision is not just a career goal—it is a means of providing a platform for my creative expression.

My grandfather, Dan, lived a life rich in experiences. It was through his service in World War II, his work as an aeronautical engineer at Boeing, and his varied careers as a designer of large aircraft, a real estate agent, and a clock mason and watch repair expert, that I learned the true value of discipline and leadership. His multifaceted career not only provided me with invaluable lessons, but inspired me to pursue my career in audio and film. My grandfather’s service in World War II taught him the importance of discipline and responsibility—values that would define every part of his life. As an aeronautical engineer at Boeing, he applied his attention to detail and dedication to the design and construction of aircraft, ensuring they were both safe and efficient. These skills were passed down to me from a young age. When I was a kid, my Grandfather, Dan, taught me to fly a stunt plane, his Cesna 250, patiently explaining the intricacies of flight, mechanics, and safety. He would also show me how to repair electronics, fostering in me, a curiosity and technical aptitude that would later become foundational in my pursuit of audio engineering and filmmaking. Every Sunday, my grandfather would take me flying to different airports. These trips were about more than just aviation; they were a time for life lessons. We’d sit down for Biscuits and Gravy at small diners, where he would impart wisdom on subjects ranging from work ethic to the importance of kindness, and respect. These moments laid the groundwork for my passion for aircraft, audio technology, and the arts, inspiring me to explore not only aviation, but also the world of film and stage productions. Beyond his technical knowledge, my grandfather’s ability to lead and support shaped my character. He would often show up unannounced at my performances to cheer me on, making the effort to be present even when my parents were too busy with work. His presence reinforced the idea that leadership is about showing up for those you care about, even when it’s inconvenient. He taught me how to be a man—how to respect women, how to be generous, and how to lead a family and community with integrity. These lessons have shaped my skills and ambitions today. I now possess a diverse set of abilities in audio engineering, graphic design, video post-production, and photography. I can use a camera, edit photos, mix sound, and even compose music—all of which are essential to the world of film. I’ve worked as a sound and lighting technician in live theater and observed directors in action, learning the art of leading a team to bring a creative vision to life. My studies in digital audio and film and media at college have prepared me to pursue a career in film sound and directing. I dream of creating my own live recording and film business, helping bands with biopics and documentaries, while also telling my own life story through film. Without the influence of my grandfather, I wouldn't have the foundation I do today. His lessons in discipline, leadership, and perseverance have allowed me to overcome the struggles of being a low-income student with a disability and chronic illness. The arts have given me an escape from the daily challenges I face, and I am determined to use the lessons he taught me to not only succeed but to lead and inspire others.

As a disabled student with Cerebral Palsay, Chronic Pancreatitis, Food Allergies, and Mental Health issues on SSI with a low income, I am working with an agency called the Department of Rehabilitation to obtain training from my local Junior College so I can get an internship in live production, build my resume, and apply for jobs that can finance the building of my home studio business. I have invested time, money, and work into my home studio to have top-of-the-line audio and video gear for my classes. I have industry-standard equipment and software so I can produce professional content and I am trying to get a camera for my camera classes this spring and fall. I have begun volunteering for my church to film and do sound, and a local band which I have been touring with for two months while attending school. The work experience and videos I have been taking will go on my Demo Reel and help support my ability to apply to future jobs and build my business. My hard skills are there. My soft skills in interpersonal relationships are solid from the many volunteer experiences I have had. If I continue building my film and audio business, I will be highly successful and be constantly busy with projects. I have maintained a 3.37 GPA throughout college and high school and my last 4 semesters I earned a 4.0. My current success stories are my viral videos on Instagram and YouTube where I reviewed audio gear for a company and did a co-sponsored post. I got to talk about the equipment, how it is used in film and audio, the business and its role in the industry, and our relationship. I did a music video for the band that the Santa Rosa Junior College signed for 2024 with my fellow students, which is out now worldwide. My hard skills are there, and my soft skills in interpersonal relationships are solid. If I were to continue building my film and audio business, I would be highly successful and constantly busy with projects. My drive as an audio student and now a video student has taken me from crippling anxiety and physical disability to a skilled worker who has skills making me valuable regardless of physical ability. Working with the disability resources department and department of rehabilitation, I have found ways to work around my many physical and mental health limitations. I have my books made into PDFs to have them read aloud, I use a computer to do my writing and assignments, I record the lectures, and I have a notetaker for class. My professors are OK with us using notes on exams so I am always making good notes. I have put the work and dedication in, both as a student, and as a volunteer in my community, and I plan to reach my goal. I am 3 required classes from completion, taking 4 total between spring and fall. I am now working to learn Multi Camera Digital Video Production, Video Post Production, Audio Recording and Live Sound, and Graphic Design. I am the best candidate for this award because I am the most likely to succeed in my community. My video demo reel is live at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQiVuiiueQU&list=PLJQeDRVbZOdRf72c0AKtCIG-WuNSON82K&pp=gAQB on YouTube.com/@RealJoelJohnson .

As a disabled student with Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pancreatitis, Food Allergies, and Mental Health issues on SSI with a low income, I am working with an agency called the Department of Rehabilitation to obtain training from my local Junior College. This way I can get an internship in live production, build my resume, and apply for jobs that can finance the building of my home studio and film business. My goal is to start my own audio and video business. I have overcome adversity, harassment, and poverty to make a life for myself. After the 2017 wildfire in Santa Rosa and living through the tragedy of losing so much of my community and friends, even family members, I wanted to get out of the toxic living situation I was stuck in as a renter of a room in a house I was abused in. I left one night and took a walk. On that walk, I heard music coming from a building down the street from my house so I walked in. It was a Pentecostal Spanish Church. I started to go there. I made many friends and began a journey where I went from church to church doing everything I could to work my way into the production team. Eventually I was placed on the camera team where I learned to film live events and developed an interest in Film production. I eventually got myself a drone and a camera and I started to teach myself how to film. I figured I could help my dad's art business by getting areal footage of the vineyards he is sketching for clients. Eventually I plan to do live video producrtion for the church and film the service each week. I discovered love for God, a new community of supportive people, and elevated myself out of the situation I was stuck in. Thanks to prayer and faith I found a volunteer position with the church and a team of people to help teach me how to use the drone and camera I invested in for school. Now, I help produce the weekly service. I eventually got my new rental and reentered college maintaining a 3.37 GPA. I started the audio program and earned a 4.0 GPA, graduating in 2024 from my first major program, Digital Audio, while also studying film, which I am now majoring in. I have invested time, money, and work into my home studio to have top-of-the-line audio and video gear for my classes which I have used to help tutor my fellow students as an advanced production student. I have invested in industry-standard equipment and software so I can produce professional content. Now, I'm trying to get the materials for my Film classes this spring and fall, the camera class materials, software for class, and accessories I need for my other class are expensive so that is what the scholarship would cover. To build my resume while going to school, I have begun volunteering for my church to film and do sound, and a local band I have been touring with for two months while attending school while taking 8 units which is a little over half of full-time student status. I plan to take my training in graphics, audio, and film, put them together, and do television sound and post-production. Working with the DRD and DOR, I've found ways to work around my many physical and mental health limitations, training myself in technical skills with no labor required. My video demo reel is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQiVuiiueQU&list=PLJQeDRVbZOdRf72c0AKtCIG-WuNSON82K&pp=gAQB more info is at YouTube.com/@RealJoelJohnson

As a disabled student with Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pancreatitis, Food Allergies, and Mental Health issues on SSI with a low income, I am working with an agency called the Department of Rehabilitation to obtain training from my local Junior College. This way I can get an internship in live production, build my resume, and apply for jobs that can finance the building of my home studio and film business. My goal is to start my own audio and video business. I have overcome adversity, harassment, and poverty to make a good life for myself. I have invested time, money, and work into my home studio to have top-of-the-line audio and video gear for my classes. I have industry-standard equipment and software so I can produce professional content. Now, I'm trying to get a camera and materials for my Film classes this spring and fall, the camera, software for class, and accessories I need for my other class are expensive so that is what the scholarship would cover. To build my resume while going to school, I have begun volunteering for my church to film and do sound, and a local band I have been touring with for two months while attending school while taking 8 units which is a little over half of full-time student status. After the 2017 wildfire in Santa Rosa and living through the tragedy of losing so much of my community and friends, even family members, I wanted to get out of the toxic living situation I was stuck in as a renter of a room in a house I was abused in. I left one night and took a walk. On that walk, I heard music coming from a building down the street from my house so I walked in. It was a Pentecostal Spanish Church. I started to go there to hear live music, and to try to learn Spanish by learning about the bible. I made many friends and began a journey where I went from church to church doing everything I could to work my way into the production team. I plan to do live sound for the church and film the service each week. I discovered love for God, a new community of supportive people, and elevated myself out of the situation I was stuck in. Thanks to prayer and faith I found a volunteer position with the church. I help produce the weekly service. I eventually got my new rental and reentered college maintaining a 3.37 GPA. I started the audio program and eaned a 4.0 GPA, graduating in 2024 from my first major program, Digital Audio, while also studying film, which I am now majoring in. I plan to take my training in graphics, audio, and film, put them together, and do television sound and post-production. Building a legacy as a member of the entertainment community in Sonoma and Marin County, I plan on creating original and popular content based on my gigs doing live sound for various bands in the area. I will post my work to Social Media so the global community can learn from it. My hard skills are there, and my soft skills in interpersonal relationships are solid from working with the church greeting and prayer teams. If I continue building my film and audio business, I will be highly successful and constantly busy. Working with the DRD and DOR, I've found ways to work around my many physical and mental health limitations, training myself in technical skills with no labor required. My video demo reel is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQiVuiiueQU&list=PLJQeDRVbZOdRf72c0AKtCIG-WuNSON82K&pp=gAQB

As a disabled student with Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pancreatitis, Food Allergies, and Mental Health issues on SSI with a low income, I am working with an agency called the Department of Rehabilitation to obtain training from my local Junior College so I can get an internship in live production, build my resume, and apply for jobs that can finance the building of my home studio business. I have invested time, money, and work into my home studio to have top-of-the-line audio and video gear for my classes. I have industry-standard equipment and software so I can produce professional content. Now, I am trying to get a camera for my Film classes this spring and fall, the camera, software for class, and accessories I need for my other class are expensive so that is what the scholarship would cover. To build my resume while going to school, I have begun volunteering for my church to film and do sound, and a local band I have been touring with for two months while attending school while taking 8 units which is a little over half of full time student status. After the 2017 wildfire in Santa Rosa and living through the tragedy of losing so much of my community and friends, even family members, I wanted to get out of the toxic living situation I was stuck in as a renter of a room in a house I was abused in. I left one night and took a walk. On that walk, I heard music coming from a building down the street from my house so I walked in. It was a Pentecostal Spanish Church. I started to go there to hear live music, and to try to learn Spanish by learning about the bible. I made many friends there and began a journey where I went from church to church doing everything I could to work my way into the production team. My plan is to do live sound for the church and film the service each week. I discovered my love for God, and elevated myself out of the situation I was stuck in. Thanks to prayer and faith I found a volunteer position with the church where I help them produce the weekly service. I eventually got my new rental and reentered college. I started the audio program and maintained a 4.0 GPA, graduating in 2024, while also studying film. I am almost done with the film program and my materials are very expensive. My plan for my education is to take my training in graphics, audio, and film and then put them together to apply for a job in film or television sound and post-production. Building a legacy as a member of the entertainment community in Sonoma and Marin County, I plan on creating original and popular content based on my gigs doing live sound for various bands in the area, whom I film and record live. I will post my content to YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook so the global community can see and watch what we are up to in our community. My hard skills are there, and my soft skills in interpersonal relationships are solid from working with the church greeting and prayer teams. If I continue building my film and audio business, I will be highly successful and constantly busy. Working with the disability resources department and department of rehabilitation, I have found ways to work around my many physical and mental health limitations by training myself in technical skills with no labor required. My video demo reel is live at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQiVuiiueQU&list=PLJQeDRVbZOdRf72c0AKtCIG-WuNSON82K&pp=gAQB on YouTube.com/@RealJoelJohnson .