University of Texas at Austin: Class of 2026
Majors: Radio-Television-Film & Sociology, Moody Honors Program
Grounded day-dreaming is where I feel most creatively fulfilled and harness that energy for my projects. I love exploring the line between the real and fantastic while endeavoring to showcase authentic, underrepresented stories. As both the screenwriter and director of “Fly as Francis” I focused on the story and imagery to create a visual representation of crippling anxiety though an uneasy balance between surrealist transformation and a literal yet larger than life fly on the wall. Although on its face, the experience of producing multiple graduate thesis films for the University of Texas’ MFA film students may seem more constrained, by the realities of funding, time and even physics. However, producing allowed me to both establish and push the boundaries of possibility while working within student budget constraints. I love the process of connecting with other creatives in order to identify, gently coax and ultimately weave together the vast array of talent into the finished product, a metaphorical shimmering tapestry.
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ABOUT ME
In the fall of 2022, I enrolled as a Radio-Television-Film major and as part of the Moody Honors Program. Beginning in my freshman year, I wrote, directed, and produced my own films while simultaneously working as a producer for other student filmmakers. Some of my favorite projects have been the MFA graduate students’ thesis films. These projects pushed me to master a number of new skills both technical and soft. As a sophomore, in addition to embracing my artistic creativity, I recognized my desire for additional academic outlets by formally declaring a second major in Sociology at UT’s College of Liberal Arts. Not only have I been able to explore the interrelationship of individuals and society from a variety of lenses in the classroom. I also served as a Teaching Assistant for “Sociology of Love and Transformation of Relationships.” In my role as a TA, I both participated in the classroom and identified areas where students struggled in order to devise strategies for success. As a junior, I am balancing a course load that includes both film and sociology courses. I tap into my knowledge of theatre and film to formulate sociological theories and my understanding of human nature and interaction enriches my filmmaking. Throughout my time at UT, I have learned to place a high value on collaboration and observation coupled with active listening to learn from everyone around me whether a recognized expert or wide eyed novice. My creative background and intense intellectual curiosity have allowed me to visualize and adopt unorthodox solutions. These are just some of the skills that I bring with me to each workplace, classroom or set.
