My family has never moved out of my childhood home. Living in the same hometown neighborhood my whole life really had a profound impact on my ability to expand my creative intelligence without any distractions while shielding me from the possible chaos that comes with upheavals in location or family dynamics. My heavy involvement in sports kept my life busy through my sophomore year of high school until I unexpectedly broke my back. This injury took me out of athletics for good but ended up opening more doors prompting a deeper exploration of my innate abilities and passions. I always held a habit of refining certain skills such as out-of-the-box thinking, creating new games, developing visuals in Adobe apps, building toys and rollercoasters, editing homemade videos, exploring the latest technology, decorating for events, etc. This self-reflection period shaped me as a student, setting the stage for a journey that intertwined my childhood interest in engineering with my growing passion for creative production work and editing.

          While attending Brownsburg High School, I believed engineering would spark my career interest until I was introduced with an opportunity to join the Brownsburg High School News Production Team. Once high school sports ended for me, I spent my time creating unprecedented, unique games with the younger children I would often babysit in our neighborhood. This knack for pushing boundaries translated into capturing unique perspectives with GoPros, drones, and even a simple Apple iPod. It was not just about documenting moments, but about creating experiences that resonated. I'd always take activities to the next level while fostering creativity, enlarging imaginations, and putting these kids I grew up with through experiences many wouldn’t expect to undergo in a younger developing brain. Growing up as a teenager in the neighborhood, I became the go-to entertainer, crafting inventive games for the younger crowd taking the role as an older sibling figure to them. With virtually no experience in film or editing at the time, I became a self-taught editor using a mobile app called Luma Fusion. Soon thereafter, I bought my first DJI Phantom drone igniting within me a fascination for UAV work. Aerial cameras and video editing became my canvas for weaving together memories, music, and narratives all eliciting genuine emotions.

          I chose Indiana University largely because of its renowned cinematography and single-camera production programs, but also because it allowed me to stay close to my roots at home. Those college years have proven to be a crucible of learning for me. I have been mentored by seasoned professors, regularly navigated new challenges, and shaped my mindset for success in an industry that beckons for a blend of art and technology. As an IU alumni, I strive for continual growth while reflecting on my unique blend of passion and creativity that started in a small, consistent home environment.