One evening on a train, I saw a line cook drop half his meal while holding the door open for a tourist rushing to catch the train. The tourist made it inside, unaware, while the cook stood frustrated, juggling what was left with no way to carry it. That meal was likely his next few dinners. No one helped—not even me. Then I noticed the tourist had a plastic bag the cook could have used. The cook got off the train angry and defeated, his food exposed and dignity bruised. That moment stayed with me. It was the last straw in a day full of small acts without compassion. For the rest of the ride, I typed in my notes app, turning this moment into a film idea. It made me realize stories are created by our actions, inaction, and what we choose to notice. Growing up in New York City, where people often keep to themselves, my curiosity keeps me aware of the world around me. Moments like these are why I’m drawn to film—not to invent stories, but to reinterpret the ones unfolding daily. Some of the most powerful films end with: “Based on a true story.” Real stories open eyes, spark empathy, and inspire change. As a filmmaker, understanding context is crucial. It shapes how audiences perceive and question what they see. How something is shown matters more than what is shown because it reinforces the story’s meaning. This understanding changed how I create. I believe inspiring others is key to getting more than the bare minimum from a team. When people believe in a shared vision, they fully commit. I saw this working as a production assistant on a friend’s pilot. The director’s passion inspired me, but many on set lacked investment, and it showed in their work. That taught me leadership isn’t just about ideas—it’s about making people care enough to bring ideas to life. FIT’s Film and Media program fits how I work. Its focus on understanding every role in filmmaking resonates with me. Each role—sound, lighting, editing—is vital. Knowing these roles builds respect and fosters collaboration. It also prepares me to step in when challenges arise, keeping projects moving. FIT’s hands-on environment suits me because I thrive among passionate artists who share my drive. Growing up in New York City, I’ve been exposed to diverse art forms and cultures. This exposure shaped my desire to reveal humanity’s many faces—the ugly, the sad, the disturbing—with the goal of inspiring change. My mission goes beyond art; I want to educate through storytelling by sharing real experiences and sparking conversations that lead to progress.At FIT, I want to deepen my craft with expert instructors, resources, and a creative community. The skills and connections I gain will sharpen my vision and help me create films that challenge perceptions, inspire empathy, and motivate change. FIT is not just a starting point—it’s where I will grow into a filmmaker ready to contribute meaningfully to the industry and the world.Pursuing a film degree at FIT is my way of turning the stories I notice into stories that matter. Film can transform how we see each other and ourselves. That is why I am passionate about this degree: it will equip me to tell stories that need to be told and inspire others to care

As a college-bound student of an immigrant family, I have seen firsthand the challenges and sacrifices that come with trying to make a better life in a new country. My mother immigrated from Haiti, and it was not easy for her to adjust to the different customs, languages, and cultures of the US. Growing up in this environment has instilled in me a strong sense of resilience and determination to make a positive impact in the world. I want to use my platform to tell stories of resilience, hope, and identity. I want to tell stories that give voice to those who have traditionally been silenced and to create works of art that bring people together. I want to use my knowledge of the craft of filmmaking to create content that has the potential to change hearts and minds. I want to use my skills to shed light on the challenges that immigrants and minorities face, and to celebrate the strength and beauty of our diverse communities. I plan to use this experience of being a child of an immigrant to help others who may be facing similar struggles. I have chosen to major in filmmaking, as it allows me to explore my passion for aiding those in need through the arts. I want to work to provide the dream these people need to keep them going, helping them to adjust to their new lives. I am also interested in marine biology and plan to use my education to help promote better sustainability within the plastic industry and educate those in other countries who are unaware of the consequences. I also plan to use my education and experience to help other filmmakers achieve their dreams. I want to use my network to connect aspiring filmmakers with the resources they need to succeed and to provide guidance and mentorship to those who may not have access to the same opportunities. My ultimate goal is to create a more equitable and diverse film industry and to use my platform to empower and uplift others. Through my education and experience, I hope to make a positive impact on the world and celebrate the power of storytelling. I am confident that I can use my knowledge and resources to create meaningful works of art that bring people together, inspire change, and empower those whose voices have been silenced. My goal is to use my education to create a better world for everyone, regardless of background or nationality. I also want to be an example to young people who come from immigrant families, showing them that they too can achieve their dreams and make a positive impact in the world. With the skills and knowledge I gain in college, I am confident that I will be able to make a difference and bring about positive change in the world.

Watching people perform or showcase their art was hypnotic for me, keeping me mesmerized for days on end. Growing up I'd always find myself drawn to the stage. I didn’t realize it then but I felt the need to prove my worth by proclaiming some artistic talent, not only to loved ones but to myself. It was weird, I loved the idea of expressing myself through art, I found it exhilarating. Even so, I didn’t like being in the spotlight or on stage. I was at war with myself for feeling this contradicting concept of loving performing but not actually performing. My mom used to tell me “you were born an artist”. As a little girl, I sang, drew, painted, wrote poems, danced, and even acted the whole shebang. She was right, at the age of 5 I emerged into the world of painting. I was so fascinated that someone could portray emotion by using specific colors, shapes, and shades. Learning this I’d find anything and use it as a tool within my art, even an old toothbrush to get a specific stroke type because all my paint-brushes were too fat. When I drew and painted I felt this wave of calmness wash over me it was freeing, my mind would be absorbed in my artwork so my body had no other choice but to follow. Once I finished a painting I'd shyly slide it on my mom’s desk and wait for her opinion, she’d commend me for my work. I annoyingly found any flaw in her admiration. One day scrolling through youtube on my mom's computer I came across a video of two women performing in a slam poetry contest. With each line spoken they got more & more powerful. The way the words flowed out of their mouth was like a river joining an ocean to serve a greater purpose. So, I thought I want to make people so moved by my words it brings their emotions to the surface as well. Now when writing I make sure my voice is heard, whether it's about a personal or social issue. Poetry continues to help me be honest with myself, and the world around me, making my emotions more understandable and visible. At twelve my parents separated. The day my mom came to break the news to me, I revealed that I’d already known for some time. I felt the need to take more responsibility in my life,  so I started to make decisions for myself. I joined this dance club at my afterschool. I swear it was the complete opposite of what I was used to. With art and poetry, you learn the technique, practice, perfect it, make a final piece then showcase it. With dance, you showcase it to a LIVE audience, It’s more intimate and personal, which was scary. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the energic release I gained from dancing my heart out. It gives me a chance to channel the emotions I had inside. Going to a performing arts school I feel at home being surrounded by artists. Everything I’ve learned continues to help me get a better sense of who I am as a person and an actor. Acting has changed my life, from learning to analyze the motives of a character to recognizing body language in a conversation, to reaching inside myself and pulling up emotions and controlling them, is incredible. When on stage, experiencing someone else’s story fictional or not, makes me realize that my personal emotions are human and valid. Being on stage is not only a gift but also a privilege.

My personal experiences with finances would be close to nothing. Growing up as a kid living in a single-parent household I never got an allowance or anything. Money was tight; if I wanted something, I'd have to work for it. Sometimes, even if I worked hard for something, I had to give it up to contribute to the family. Within the past few years, I've been handling money more carefully and have learned 4 important factors; 1. Develop a budget and stick to it 2. Track your income, expenses, and savings 3. Reduce or eliminate unnecessary spending 4. Start saving money in an emergency fund My education has never been paid for it has always been earned, I work hard to earn good grades to get into some of the best programs. I currently go to LaGuardia High School and can only hope that the education and skills that I've learned will further my financial stability throughout the upcoming years. In addition to this, learning about the history of different cultures and societies can help me to understand and appreciate diversity more, which is important for making sure I have successful relationships with people from all walks of life. All of this together means that the knowledge I gain through studying the arts has tangible value for my future. In recent years, I’ve become more interested in learning the ins and outs of personal finance (especially budgeting, investing, retirement planning, etc). I’m actively researching different topics and getting advice from friends and mentors to better understand how to manage money responsibly and make smart decisions regarding my finances. I plan on using what I learn to better my future by taking advantage of long-term investment opportunities, consistently contributing to my retirement accounts, making sure I am well-insured for any unexpected events or risks, staying current with market trends, being mindful of my spending habits, building an emergency fund, seeking professional financial guidance as needed, saving for special purchases such as a home or car, and creating achievable financial goals that will keep me on track. Ultimately, I aim to have adequate resources throughout all stages of life so that I can live comfortably now and set myself up for success down the road. My financial education is important to me and building a better and more secure future for myself is valuable. I look forward to learning new strategies to save, invest, budget, and manage my finances in order to set up a successful financial life. I also plan on exploring ways to understand and protect my credit score so when the time comes to make larger purchases I am prepared. I plan to use my life experience to make a positive impact in my community and the world by using my knowledge and skills to help those in need. I want to volunteer my time to work with underprivileged children and help them develop the skills they need to be successful in life. I also plan to mentor young adults and provide them with guidance and support to help them reach their goals. Additionally, I plan to use my knowledge of business and finance to help small businesses in my community grow and succeed. Lastly, I plan to use my platform to promote social justice and encourage others to take action to make the world a better place.

Watching other people perform or showcase their art was hypnotic for me, keeping me mesmerized for days on end. Growing up I'd always find myself drawn to the stage. I didn’t realize it then but I felt the need to prove my worth by proclaiming some artistic talent, not only to loved ones but to myself. It was weird, I loved the idea of expressing myself through art, I found it exhilarating. Even so, I didn’t like being in the spotlight or on stage. I was at war with myself for feeling this contradicting concept of loving performing but not actually performing. My mom used to tell me “you were born an artist”. As a little girl, I sang, drew, painted, wrote poems, danced, and even acted the whole shebang. I realized she was right, at the age of 5 I emerged into the world of painting. I was so fascinated that someone could portray emotion by using specific colors, shapes, and shades. Learning this I’d find anything and use it as a tool within my art, even an old toothbrush to get a specific stroke type because all my paint-brushes were too fat. Finding “How to Draw” books at Tj Maxx and recreating each picture I saw to strengthen my technique. When I drew and painted I felt this wave of calmness wash over me it was freeing, my mind would be absorbed in my artwork so my body had no other choice but to follow. Once I finished a painting I'd shyly slide it on my mom’s desk and wait for her opinion, she’d commend me for my work. But I always would find some type of flaw in her admiration. One day scrolling through youtube on my mom's computer I came across a video of two women performing in a slam poetry contest. With each line spoken they got more and more powerful, the way the words flowed out of their mouth was like a river joining an ocean to serve a greater purpose. Poetry has been a vital form of expression for me especially in my childhood and even more now. I’m drawn to the power of language to convey the deepest and most authentic aspects of who I am. I find immense joy in reading and writing verse that speaks to the heart, and to the soul. Being able to also watch and experience other poets share their perspectives & stories is very empowering for me and drives me to do the same. Poetry has been an essential tool in articulating and expressing the vulnerable parts of me and of my experiences from discovering joy, grief, acceptance, and understanding. As an artist, I’ve come to understand that poetry is not only an emotional and expressive outlet but also a vital vehicle to create much-needed change in the world. Going to a performing arts school I feel at home being surrounded by artists. Everything I’ve learned continues to help me get a better sense of who I am as a person and an actor. Acting has changed my life, from learning to analyze the motives of a character to recognizing body language in a conversation, to reaching inside myself and pulling up emotions and controlling them, is incredible. When on stage, experiencing someone else’s story fictional or not, makes me realize that my personal emotions are human and valid. Being on stage is not only a gift but also a privilege.

The Red Balloon is a stunning classic film that has impacted me in so many ways. One powerful scene that has always stayed with me is the scene where the main character Pascal calmly faces his bullies and releases a red balloon, with absolutely no fear or aggression. It's a powerful demonstration of overcoming difficulties and conflicts without acting with violence. He uses a symbol of hope and joy, the red balloon, and finds a peaceful resolution. This scene highlights the importance of creativity, which is something I aspire to embrace in my work as a filmmaker. I'm inspired by the idea of using symbols, visuals, and sound to tell a story in a profound and meaningful way. Moreover, this scene reminds me of the power of compassion. I want to strive to create films that will evoke understanding and empathy in people, as Pascal did with the red balloon. The idea of inspiring people to be kinder to each other and to work together in difficult situations is something that I would love to achieve. The Red Balloon has undoubtedly made me realize the significance of storytelling in a creative and thoughtful way. It has impacted the kind of filmmaker I aspire to be by reminding me that there are unique and powerful ways to express oneself. It has encouraged me to be courageous and to look for solutions that are non-conventional and emotionally meaningful. As an emerging filmmaker, I am interested in exploring the stories of people whose voices are often unheard. My films will focus on themes of identity, justice, and resilience, and will explore how these issues are experienced differently by different people. I am passionate about creating films that tell honest, meaningful stories that can spark dialogue and change. I plan to explore these themes through a variety of methods, including narrative fiction, documentary, and nonfiction. I am particularly drawn to documentary filmmaking because of its ability to capture a unique, real-life story and to bring attention to an issue or a person who otherwise wouldn’t have a voice. I also believe that narrative fiction is a powerful tool for exploring difficult, complex topics in a more subtle and impactful way. Ultimately, I hope to create films that are both visually stunning and emotionally resonant, films that can transport viewers to another world and give them a glimpse into the lives and struggles of people whose stories are often overlooked.

I am pursuing an acting career because I want to pursue my passion, challenge myself artistically, and use my creativity. My long-term goal is to work consistently in the entertainment industry on projects of all sizes that tell stories that captivate or inspire audiences. Ultimately, I want to take part in creating art that has a lasting and positive impact on the lives of those who watch it. Watching other people perform or showcase their art was hypnotic for me, keeping me mesmerized for days on end. Growing up I'd always find myself drawn to the stage. I didn’t realize it then but I felt the need to prove my worth by proclaiming some artistic talent, not only to loved ones but to myself. It was weird, I loved the idea of expressing myself through art, I found it exhilarating. Even so, I didn’t like being in the spotlight or on stage. I was at war with myself for feeling this contradicting concept of loving performing but not actually performing. My mom used to tell me “you were born an artist”. As a little girl, I sang, drew, painted, wrote poems, danced, and even acted the whole shebang. One day scrolling through youtube on my mom's computer I came across a video of two women performing in a slam poetry contest. With each line spoken they got more and more powerful, the way the words flowed out of their mouth was like a river joining an ocean to serve a greater purpose. So, I thought I want to make people so moved by my words it brings their emotions to the surface as well. Now when writing I make sure my voice is heard, whether it's about a personal issue or social. Poetry has and continues to help me be honest with myself, and the world around me, making my emotions more understandable and visible. At twelve my parents separated. The day my mom came to break the news to me, I revealed that I’d already known for some time. I felt the need to take more responsibility in my life, so I started to make decisions for myself. I joined this dance club at my afterschool. I swear it was the complete opposite of what I was used to. With art and poetry, you learn the technique, practice, perfect it, make a final piece then showcase it. But with dance, you showcase it to a LIVE audience, It’s more intimate and personal, which was scary. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the energic release I gained from dancing my heart out. It gives me a chance to channel the emotions I had inside. Going to a performing arts school I feel at home being surrounded by artists. Everything I’ve learned continues to help me get a better sense of who I am as a person and an actor. Acting has changed my life, from learning to analyze the motives of a character to recognizing body language in a conversation, to reaching inside myself and pulling up emotions and controlling them, is incredible. When on stage, experiencing someone else’s story fictional or not, makes me realize that my personal emotions are human and valid. Being on stage is not only a gift but also a privilege.

My personal experiences with finances would be close to nothing. Growing up as a kid living in a single-parent household I never got an allowance or anything. Money was tight; if I wanted something, I'd have to work for it. Sometimes, even if I worked hard for something, I had to give it up to contribute to the family. Within the past few years, I've been handling money more carefully and have learned 4 important factors; 1. Develop a budget and stick to it 2. Track your income, expenses, and savings 3. Reduce or eliminate unnecessary spending 4. Start saving money in an emergency fund My education has never been paid for it has always been earned, I work hard to earn good grades to get into some of the best programs. I currently go to LaGuardia High School and can only hope that the education and skills that I've learned will further my financial stability throughout the upcoming years. In addition to this, learning about the history of different cultures and societies can help me to understand and appreciate diversity more, which is important for making sure I have successful relationships with people from all walks of life. All of this together means that the knowledge I gain through studying the arts has tangible value for my future. In recent years, I’ve become more interested in learning the ins and outs of personal finance (especially budgeting, investing, retirement planning, etc). I’m actively researching different topics and getting advice from friends and mentors to better understand how to manage money responsibly and make smart decisions regarding my finances. I plan on using what I learn to better my future by taking advantage of long-term investment opportunities, consistently contributing to my retirement accounts, making sure I am well-insured for any unexpected events or risks, staying current with market trends, being mindful of my spending habits, building an emergency fund, seeking professional financial guidance as needed, saving for special purchases such as a home or car, and creating achievable financial goals that will keep me on track. Ultimately, I aim to have adequate resources throughout all stages of life so that I can live comfortably now and set myself up for success down the road. My financial education is important to me and building a better and more secure future for myself is valuable. I look forward to learning new strategies to save, invest, budget, and manage my finances in order to set up a successful financial life. I also plan on exploring ways to understand and protect my credit score so when the time comes to make larger purchases I am prepared.

As an emerging filmmaker, I am interested in exploring the stories of people whose voices are often unheard. My films will focus on themes of identity, justice, and resilience, and will explore how these issues are experienced differently by different people. I am passionate about creating films that tell honest, meaningful stories that can spark dialogue and change. I plan to explore these themes through a variety of methods, including narrative fiction, documentary, and nonfiction. I am particularly drawn to documentary filmmaking because of its ability to capture a unique, real-life story and to bring attention to an issue or a person who otherwise wouldn’t have a voice. I also believe that narrative fiction is a powerful tool for exploring difficult, complex topics in a more subtle and impactful way. Filmmaking is the perfect opportunity to create stories and bring them to life. I love the process of developing a story, the collaboration of multiple people and inspiring people with my work. Making films gives me the power to shape individuals’ perceptions and challenge them to think in new ways. It's exciting and rewarding when I create something meaningful, and I am excited to pursue it further at a higher level. I have been passionate about the art of filmmaking for as long as I can remember. Filmmaking has always felt like an incredibly powerful medium to bring stories to life, and I am constantly amazed at how a few elements such as lighting, sound, music, and excellent storytelling can combine together to craft unforgettable films that can leave an indelible impact on audiences. With my degree in filmmaking, I aim to use this medium of expression to create captivating visuals while exploring meaningful themes and stories. The idea of creating emotionally resonant films both excites and motivates me and is ultimately why I am so passionate about pursuing a degree in filmmaking. One of the most influential cinematic elements I’ve ever seen is the opening sequence from the film “the red balloon” (1965). It begins with a close-up of a black horse’s head and slowly zooms out to reveal the entire horse, the street it’s standing on, and the surrounding neighborhood. The camera then pans up to show the top of the street, the sky, and the iconic orange titles. Throughout the sequence, there is a low, ominous score that sets the mood for what’s to come. This scene has impacted me deeply and has greatly influenced the type of filmmaker I aspire to be. It has taught me the importance of creating a powerful atmosphere with visuals and music. I now make sure to think carefully about the mood I want to create with my films and the way I want to present my characters and stories. I also pay close attention to how I use the camera to convey the emotion of a scene, something I learned from this scene in “The Godfather”. My personal approach to filmmaking is heavily influenced by this scene. It has taught me the importance of creating a powerful atmosphere with visuals and music. I now make sure to think carefully about the mood I want to create with my films and the way I want to present my characters and stories. I also pay close attention to how I use the camera to convey the emotion of a scene, something I learned from this scene in “The Godfather”. I strive to create films that are emotionally powerful and that leave a lasting impact on my audience, just as this scene did for me.