Growing up, I never really felt like I fit in—whether it was socially or academically. School wasn’t easy, and I had a hard time organizing my thoughts or getting my words out the way I wanted. Even in regular conversations, I’d mix up my sentences or lose track of what I was trying to say. Later, I found out it wasn’t that I didn’t have anything to say—my brain was just moving faster than my mouth could keep up.

Once I understood that, things started to make more sense. I found my way into video editing, which opened the door to the world of film and photography. I started teaching myself through YouTube, learning how to use editing software and slowly building my skills. In high school, things really started to click. I got great advice from older students and started to push myself creatively.

That class taught me a lot—how to use a camera, set up lighting and audio, write scripts, even do a bit of acting. I eventually started mentoring younger students the same way I’d been helped. One of them, Keagen, became a good friend—and now we’re starting our own film company together.

The journey’s just getting started, and I’m excited to see where it takes us.