Taking A Turn

My YouTube/vlogging journey began in 6th grade (2014) and continued through my first year of high school (2017). During that time, I enrolled in my first professional filmmaking program at Coronado High School’s summer program, SOMA (School of Media Arts). This experience introduced me to a diverse group of filmmakers, each with unique storytelling styles, which broadened my perspective on directing and collaborating with a crew. Through the program, I gained hands-on experience working in a studio environment, learning essential skills such as proper set design, lighting techniques, and filmmaking.

One of the highlights of the program was when our instructor secured permits for us to film a segment for Coronado’s local TV station. This opportunity was one of the most impactful experiences of my early filmmaking journey, further fueling my passion.

In 2018, I began volunteering at the Digital Gym in North Park, San Diego—a local film program, studio, and theater that has since closed. There, I assisted film instructors in teaching kindergarten students, helping them explore and develop their passion for the creative process. This experience deepened my appreciation for film education and reinforced my commitment to fostering creativity in others.

Something New

I was fortunate to enroll in some creative arts classes in my second year in high school, including film and photography. Though the content and hands-on experience were limited, it allowed me to immerse myself in my creative endeavors within the school. During this time, TikTok became the new place to share unique and creative videos with a higher chance of reaching a wider audience. I used to combine my passion for fashion with my editing skills to keep people hooked. Eventually, I built a consistent following of up to 150k supporters at my peak. Through this, I could meet new artists, learn about marketing, and express myself in ways I would have never expected at that age.

I began modeling for clothing brands that had reached out online. I also collaborated with photographers on lookbooks for local brands and businesses. All while building myself in this environment/industry. A lot of that work is still present on my social media feeds. I leave much of my past work on my accounts so you can see its progression and correlation. I learned a lot through my early freelancing days, and it also prompted me to try something more within the professional production realm.

Recently

Upon graduating from San Diego High School in 2021, I applied for a Studio Tech job at San Diego State University. I have worked for almost four years at the Backdoor Studio, handling productions, recordings/live streams, and live performances. We also invented a new service involving free professional headshots for students, which resulted in a massive success for our facility. We have conducted these Headshots for two years in partnership with the A.S. Career Advantage program. Throughout my years working here, I have learned the most about professionalism within managing a studio and what it’s like providing services for individuals vs. large groups.

I am still a current student, finishing my schooling as a Marketing Major with a Minor in Communications. I plan to finish my education within the next year to work full-time in marketing and production. My dream career would be owning a production company that does remote and in-house production, providing all multimedia services for clients/companies. To support this career, I officially launched my freelancing services in early 2024 and continue striving to connect and live through the process.