reflection
The past four years I have been working towards a degree in Digital Film & TV Production from the University of Florida. I have learned how to produce, write, direct, and film movies. It is an exciting industry to be a part of as we near a cinematic renaissance, with more minority creators than ever before. I've been lucky to have incredible professors here, with international backgrounds of their own. Among those include Iman Zawahry and James Babanikos, two distinguished professionals within the global film industry.
During my second year at UF, I attended Trinity College Dublin as a visiting student in the English department. It is here my perspective on writing shifted. I entered a space where writing and literary tradition was rich and vibrant. I gained confidence as a writer and started believing that writer was a title I could rightfully claim. This experience was instrumental in my deciding to pursue a postgraduate degree in creative writing. I have applied to multiple programs across Europe and plan to make the move in Fall 2024. On a personal level, my time in Ireland forced me out of my comfort zone and into a bolder, more outgoing version of myself. Unable to rely on familiarity, I had to make new friends and connections. While uncomfortable at first, I walked away with meaningful relationships that will last a lifetime. Equally important, I left with a newfound sense of self. I learned how I react in times of crisis and how I handle feelings of isolation and loneliness. I also learned that I am a successful solo-traveller and adaptable communicator.
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If my academic achievements are the meat of life, everything else is the manna. Each wildly different experience makes up a mosaic that informs my professional work. I spent my freshman year in New York City and learned about community, Hebrew, and dairy production working in a gelato shop on the Upper East Side. I had to communicate with people that spoke a different language than me and navigate that under an often busy, stressful environment. It taught me how to work under pressure and meet people in the middle, skills that have stayed relevant in all aspects of my life.
During the Summer of 2023, I attended the Cannes Lions International Festival for Creativity as a representative of UF and learned how to establish my voice, advocate for myself, and network with advertising industry leaders. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity that gave me a glimpse into the life I want to build for myself. I encountered so many inspiring people, whose drive and determination has rubbed off onto me. I also made invaluable professional connections that I have maintained ever since. Seeing the level of work created by those at the top of the film and advertising industry now serves as motivation for my own work. Additionally, seeing so many global companies opened up a whole new world of possibilities. Being surrounded by such a rich, diverse, group of talented and creative people was something that I will never take for granted.
As I near graduation I reflect on my undergraduate experience with immense gratitude. I consider it a privilege to have had the opportunity not only to study abroad but to study such a wide range of disciplines. From film production to creative writing to advertising, my cup truly runneth over, and the UFIC is largely to thank. My interests and pursuits all seem to intersect at their core, storytelling being the root. While I have learned an immense amount of knowledge through my time at UF, I am partial to the experiences I have had outside of the classroom. Cycling through the Slieve League cliffs, museum hopping in London, attending an opera in Copenhagen, dancing with CEOs down the Boulevard de la Croisette - these are the moments that have shaped my life and will continue to inspire my work. All of these lessons, experiences, trials, and tribulations will carry me into the next stage of my life, wherever that may be.