Having grown up in sunny Los Angeles, California, where the film and media corporations govern almost every aspect of society, I was introduced to the complexities of this industry from a young age. My high school, located in the center of Culver City, a town within the walls of Los Angeles County known for housing Sony Pictures and MGM Studios back in the 1970s, was lucky enough to have a partnership with the powerhouse Sony Studios in order to provide young students with camera gear, lighting equipment, and university level courses for furthering their interest in the film industry. Also known as the Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, this program attached to my high school was a vital point in the development of my interest in film and cinema, and through this program I was able to take classes in pre-production, production, and post-production processes, documentary making, scriptwriting, and more. My teacher, Ms. Butler, guided me through this definitive time in my life by supporting my love for film even when I didn’t necessarily have the knowledge, and encouraged me even when I felt as if the program was too difficult for me. My first application to join the program was denied the beginning of my sophomore year of high school due to the large amount of applicants juxtaposed with my lack of film experience; although I was unable to officially be a part of the program that year, Ms. Butler allowed me to audit the after school production courses, and by my junior year, I was able to join the program full-on, again with her aide and support throughout. Without the perseverance and encouragement that Ms. Butler provided, I’m unsure if I would be as passionate about film and cinema as I am today, let alone understand the industry and production process as well as I do thanks to the hours and hours I spent with Ms. Butler in the editing room of Culver City High School’s film room. I have had many inspiring and important teachers and professors in my life, but I will say Ms. Butler was one of the most formative in shaping my interests and knowledge in the field I inspire to be a part of in the coming years.

I am currently working on a photo project in Paris, France, focusing on the idea of friendship, love, and relationships in a city that is easy to lose yourself in. I am also furthering my French studies by attending École Suisse in Paris. I am hoping to continue my journey here in Paris or New York in the coming year, and hope to have more photo and video projects in the next few months.