I have been creating content since the age of eight. My passion for filmmaking began with a fascination for the Video FX apps that were popular in the early 2010s. I first learned to use iMovie during a fifth-grade summer camp, to which I was invited by my German teacher. Recognizing that I was a visual learner, my teacher encouraged my interest, and my mother was incredibly supportive of this creative pursuit. It was during this time that I discovered my love for storytelling through visual media.

I began filming videos on my old iPad Mini and used the first version of iMovie to edit and upload my initial YouTube videos. You can view my first short film here: [insert link]. At the time, I was only nine years old, with just one year of experience and a summer film school program under my belt.

As I grew older, I immersed myself in the YouTube filmmaking community, teaching myself how to use cameras and editing software effectively. With the help of my mom’s Sony NEX-3 camera and a GoPro Hero that I saved up to purchase, I launched my own vlogging channel. Some of my early vlogs are still accessible on my current YouTube channel, which you can explore below.

My filmmaking journey continued to evolve as I experimented with tools like the first version of DaVinci Resolve on my iPad Mini. What began as a childhood curiosity has grown into a lifelong passion for filmmaking, driven by creativity and a desire to tell compelling stories.

Taking A Turn

My YouTube/vlogging journey began in 6th grade and continued through my freshman year of high school (2016). 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 their 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 for high-quality, creative filmmaking.

In 2017, 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 not only deepened my appreciation for film education but also reinforced my commitment to fostering creativity in others.