In modern times, the world tries to dismiss storytelling as a fleeting dream that isn't worth pursuing. I will not rest until that claim is proven to be untrue. I want to unleash stories unto the world in an innovative fashion--that of MOTION PICTURES--that move people to question reality, and themselves. Moreover, I have dreams and passions for making purely animated films, which have no limitations for how they look and the stories they want to tell. Even when it feels like I'm being pulled every which way for careers that prove usefulness to some entity--from the country I live in, to big businesses, to my own family--my love for storytelling is something I never want to lose sight of. Right now, I'm pursuing my BA in Computer Science degree, but the adaptability to bring that knowledge to other fields is what I'm riding on for my dream to come true. How did I ever conceive this dream in the first place? It turns out that I've been a big fan of compelling stories all my life, but I can thank the old animated films from the Disney Renaissance for showing me the potential they have. I, like many others of this generation, have been moved by these truly epic spectacles of imagination, from the sweeping crescendo that swoops us into Pride Rock for the first time, to the eccentricities of a wish-granting genie who's great with impersonations. The many different books I've read growing up have helped to develop my creativity for worldbuilding, too, from the fantastical Chronicles of Narnia to the mysterious Books of Ember. However, this dream didn't kick off for me until I got my spark: watching a live streamer say that the story of the Celeste video game would make an awesome movie. The game--which tells a heartfelt story about a woman trying to climb a mountain while dealing with the physical manifestation of her insecurities and self-doubts--has struck a chord with me in my early adolescent years. In some ways, it mirrors some insecurities that I had at that age, too. This was the spark I needed to realize THIS is what I wanted to pursue, and it hasn't left me ever since. I started to flesh out how a reinterpretation of how the game would work in a film format, and it all culminated in a 105-page narrative outline I have created over the span of two years. I eventually want to convert this outline into a professional screenplay, which is similar to writing for the stage in many ways. It's still striking to me that I'd chalk up my dream to wanting to write stories like this. There's still so much to learn about making it a reality, from learning how to work with a team to taking advantage of all the technological innovations that have been made in the filmmaking field. Nevertheless, this is what I want to do, and I don't see that dream changing any time soon.

Everyone deserves to have an adventure that takes an individual out of the confines of the world they already know. Also, I feel as if more people in the world need to understand how a little bit of generosity to a community goes a long way, even if you have to be a little bit of a rebel sometimes. If I were to have everyone in the world read one book, it would be "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" by Grace Lin. This book came into my peripherals at a particular time in my life--8th grade--when it felt like the biggest thing people wanted was an escape. This book was able to provide just that. Following an original adventure sprinkled with cultural influences of Chinese folklore, this book tells the story of a young girl going to great, magical lengths to bring prosperity to her fruitless village, in the shadow of a fruitless mountain. The main character--Minli--strives for a better life, not for herself, but for the people of her village. To go as far as taking the council of a talking goldfish to leave home and begin her journey may seem a little outlandish, but she doesn't let anything get in the way after the fact. Along the way, she's guided by her Ba's fantastical stories, a forgetful dragon, and a buffalo boy whose raggedy countenance is merely a facade, among others. Among all the twists and turns, she's able to stay true to her goal of breathing life back into her community. The stories she hears from those who come along for her journey also help to inspire her. We may not live in a world where these fantastical environments and creatures exist, but it pays homage to the escapism this work of fiction can supply. If a young girl in this world can achieve all of her dreams, what's stopping us from trying to do the same in ours? The themes of generosity and prosperity are also prevalent, as this story teaches readers to find joy in helping others. Lastly, this story can signify the importance of seeking counsel from others, no matter how much we think we know. If everyone was able to take these morals to heart, maybe our world can become a little more joyous--and a little more magical--in return.

The feeling of oppression--the pressure I've been getting--has molded me into a diamond. With a little bit of help, the diamond I am has been polished and ready to sparkle in a dull world. I've gotten a recent wake-up call--my sophomore year amid the COVID-19 pandemic--that reminded me of the uniquely human importance of social connection and interaction. It reminded me that I can emotionally attach myself to people who share a common struggle. The kindness I've shown to others has helped me grow sympathetic during a time when it's easy to think everyone can only handle those struggles on their own. The transition from middle school to high school was a very confusing time for me, given that I had a superiority complex as I was growing up. I thought I was better than everybody else. Because of that, I was quiet and reserved. Anyone I saw who tried to be unique and "novel" was shunned for it, and they usually couldn't stand up for themselves. Because of that, I acted the same way, only ever "opening up" to a select few people. I never had the idea to hang out with the people I bonded with outside of school, and I would spend most of my time at home. Sheltered. Alone. There was no event, graduation, or similar "fanfare" after completing middle school. For a time, that mindset of mine transferred over to most of my freshman year! I was content with the way things were. My freshman year was about to end, and I would've done it all over again. I could've never imagined what happened next. No one could've. The entire world came to a standstill. As summer break came to a close, I started my sophomore year online. It was the first moment when I knew of a common struggle among my peers; The struggle of distanced learning. It's what guided me to start opening up to others; Even a simple "hi guys" in the chat box was enough to start. The year continued, and my interest in what others were going through slowly turned into a common goal, a common perseverance. This was further developed by my Music Appreciation teacher at the time. He'd always find someone to pick on, and it was usually whoever joined his video class first--me. I knew he was joking, and I had no choice but to rebuttal him. It would always turn into a laugh on both of our ends! He ended up being my favorite teacher that year. Now, after knowing him for 3 years, his kindness, sympathy, and sassiness can't help but rub off on me. The bowling club he started to run near the end of the year, when doors started to reopen, was one of the best times of my life! I developed the friendships I had started in his class... and even rekindled old ones. The shared experiences we had during the online year have taught me that we don't have to struggle alone. We can pass on what we've learned to others instead of believing they've "got it handled." The pressure's only become greater in my senior year, but it's worth remembering even more that I don't have to go it alone. The world showed me kindness for a fleeting moment, and I returned the favor.