How it All Started
It all begins with an idea.
I was struggling to figure out what my next steps were — tbh I’m still struggling (in 2023). I have always wanted to work in TV/film production, but how?
2014 - Senior year of high school. Having the privilege of attending a school that had the option to take a film production class, I never took it for granted. Through the experiences I had in the class, I gained some much needed confidence. Of course I had options — the University of New Haven with a scholarship for their forensics program, UMass Amherst, UMass Boston, BU for film. But I was certain that that was what I was going to obtain a degree in (having been accepted into BU).
2018 - Recently graduated with a degree that I didn’t very much agree with because of the constant struggles with family expectations. I wanted to get it and be over with, but I knew deep down that it would never be enough for me. No matter what, I wasn’t going to settle for a 9-5, a desk job. I shouln’t have relented, I should have kept on fighting when I had the chance.
2019 - I decided to sit down and write that screenplay that I had been thinking of for the longest time. I finished those 121 pages, ofc I had to revise, but I did it. Around the same time, I had applied for a working holiday in New Zealand (which I got accepted into and was planning to go ahead with). Things were looking up, finally. But little did I know that the world was going to hit a standstill for the next 4 years — the pandemic hit like a storm.
2020 - I applied to Emerson College, and was offered a spot in the Fall semester of that year. But as I had expected, I was denied a loan unless I had a cosigner. Growing up in an Asian household meant that all expectations are supposed to be followed. Straying from the path meant that I’d be looked down upon — the black sheep of the family no matter what accomplishments or struggles I would be going through. “Unless you were going back to school for another degree in maths or science, I would definitely help you.”
2022 - Once again I decided to try my luck, I was offered a position at Emerson College. This time around I was able to get a student loan approved for the school year. I was making big moves. I had. the best time, having met so many like-minded people who supported me — I finally felt seen and heard. The community I have gained has been invaluable.
2023 - Because of financial reasons I am not able to finish my degree at Emerson College. I once again have to figure out my next steps as I apply to take a leave of absence from school. But I’ll never forget the people that I have met within the community, all the people that have supported and encouraged me to keep on going no matter what.