Field Notes: The Media School Travel Blog

When I made the decision to apply for the Semester in L.A. program, I was an exercise science major.

We were experiencing a black film renaissance, and there was this emergence of black writers and their content being released. Meanwhile, I was studying chemistry, anatomy and statistics.

I knew I was studying something I wasn’t passionate about, but as a first-generation college student, I believed I needed to become a doctor to be successful.

I began taking more classes in The Media School, and I received good feedback on my creative work from my instructors. I remember meeting with my adviser as a second-semester junior discussing how I could put myself on an equal playing field with other media students with such a late major change. She recommended I apply for the L.A. program.

I hadn’t even told my mom I was planning to transition into The Media School.

I decided to bet on myself, have faith and work hard. Keeping up with black writers and directors really inspired me to keep having faith. If they had made it, it meant that I could make it too. I told my mom I was changing my major and spending my next semester in L.A.

I interviewed for so many companies, but I knew I wanted to work for at least one black production company — one that I admired. I interviewed for Mona Scott-Young’s company, Monami Entertainment, and I thought it was the perfect fit because I, along with others in the hip-hop community, really respect her. Working at this internship allowed me to learn a lot, and I really made a lot of connections there.

A normal day at Monami consisted of me greeting Mona, greeting famous talent, working on different production projects, working on AVID to label/edit different footage for upcoming shows or heading out on set all day and hanging out with different producers.

Aside from working at Monami Entertainment, I also worked at Sam Raimi’s production company, Raimi Productions. This was also a great opportunity because I’ve always admired Raimi’s work. Working at this film company allowed me to read a lot of scripts. I learned different writing styles that I can use when creating my own content.

Aside from my internships, working on my own short film and releasing it for others to see was my biggest accomplishment this semester. I finally get to show my mom what I am truly passionate about and my capabilities.

I can finally say, “Momma, I made it!” and this won’t be the last time you hear my name.