It has been 3 weeks since I finished Digital Media Academy, and I have to say it was a wonderful experience. Everyone was super nice and friendly. I was nervous at first but once I got there everyone said hi to me and made me feel welcome. On the first day, we met a teacher who has been editing films for 30 years: he started with VCR tapes and his story was very inspiring. He was very nice and patient he explained various methods of editing and using the cameras. He made everything sound very simple and easy to understand to make sure no one got lost or overwhelmed. The teacher also tried to connect with every student he could and it felt like a community that enjoyed filmmaking and editing and not a boring class with random students. I can say I have never been in a class that was as diverse as the one I was in at DMA. There were people that came from different states, from Mexico and China; it was great having different perspectives about creating videos from different people. I made a video with two people from Mexico and they were very funny and had some great ideas, and I learned a lot about their culture along the way. All and all, I can say I came to DMA to learn some video editing techniques, but I came out with learning different cultures, making new friends, and learning techniques in cinematography like how to handle a camera, edit videos, and some special effects. Thank you to everyone who supported me and donated money for me to have these experiences it was really a once in a lifetime experience I am very grateful and I enjoyed every second of it.

I have finally finished my junior year and I can say I am very proud of how I have grown. I have to say it has been a rough year because my family was told we were going to have to move to another house. Now, I am spending my summer relaxing and studying for the SAT, getting ahead at school for senior year, and preparing to attend Digital Media Academy that will take me one step closer to my passion. I didn't do this alone, I had friends who helped me with school, family that supported and my mentor who supported me emotionally and in school. Thank you for your donations!