Storytelling has always been my favorite medium of play. From elementary school to high school, I spent hours everyday immersed in novels and writing short stories.
My capacity for storytelling was remarkably elevated after my acceptance into a multimedia academy, where my passion for storytelling expanded into a passion for screenwriting. After seeing the seemingly magical way that the words on my pages can transform into visual renditions for the rest of the world to experience, I fell in love with the process of writing and producing.Â
I’ll never forget the feeling of premiering my first video project to my production class in high school; the exhilarating spin from anticipation to pride is a feeling that I’ve since experienced time and time again. I admire the ability of films to provoke strong, diverse emotions. Although language isn’t universal, visual storytelling has continuously proven itself to be.Â
When I began my first year at UC Berkeley, I battled between my personal desire to strengthen my multimedia skills and the conformist expectation of following an “acceptable,” low-risk career path.
Ultimately, filmmaking and entertainment were reduced to a formerly cherished hobby, and I fully accepted that. However, stumbling upon the Cinematic Arts and Production (CAP) Club sparked a flurry of wonder and excitement inside me. It revealed the possibility of pursuing success in terms of both personal and financial fulfillment.Â
After experiencing filmmaking in a much larger and more professional setting, I realized that I don’t want to, nor do I have to, give up my passions entirely. Clubs were an opportunity for me to continue my hobbies while simultaneously focusing on my career. Although balancing schoolwork and production cycles can be difficult, I truly love being a part of CAP Club. From scouting out beautiful locations in Berkeley to pulling excruciatingly long shoot days, these memories bring me a feeling of contentment.Â
Joining CAP Club reinstated my love for filmmaking after I’d given up on it, and I’m thankful for my decision to pick up a CAP Club flier at the beginning of Fall 2022. I am beginning my second year at UC Berkeley with a new lesson: you don’t have to give up your passions for the sake of your career.