Ever since I was young, I was taught to put myself into others' shoes. When I was in high school, I learned that everyone has a story if you take the time to listen. In my 20s, I realized that I want to be the one to spread stories throughout the world and across languages.

My distinct value is my ability to understand multiple perspectives.

In high school, I was a member of an organization that taught high school students about the city of Tampa. Not only how the city government functions, but the needs and concerns of the community. The City of Tampa Television staff also took time to allow us to run our own by-teens-for-teens television show. The most impactful moment for me was the Liberty in North Korea event that was held. This was the first time I edited a video and thought that this was something bigger than myself.

Moving to Japan when I was only 19 to teach English was also an invaluable lesson. I had never been outside of America before. Not being able to speak Japanese well when I first came to Japan taught me how to understand the needs and wants of others without heavily relying on the use of language.

“Show, don’t tell” is advice that I’ve received from countless telecommunication professors as well as my trainers when I was teaching English. I think the same applies to video production. Although subtitles and language are valuable assets, it one shows the message that one wants to convey to the viewer through understanding and visuals, it can be understood by others regardless of language.

Understanding and conveying the stories of others through video is why I’m passionate about video production.