The festival life
Junior Diem Dang gains a professional opportunity be attending the Beyond Wonderland music festival.
In my 21 years of life, I’d never left the parameters of the Midwest.
Coming to Hollywood and moving across the country away from my family and friends initially felt like a tough decision, but I knew it was for the best. Being in the same area for most of my life caused me to feel stagnant. I felt like I wasn’t bettering myself or preparing myself well enough for my desired career in the film and entertainment industry.
I’m from Indianapolis, which is a pretty big city, but being in Los Angeles was a culture shock. Everything from walking down Hollywood Boulevard to hiking Mount Hollywood to visiting the many beaches in this city (I’ve never been to a beach before, by the way) felt alien to me. Despite that, I feel that every step I take and every connection I make in this city is helping prepare me for life after school.
Spending time with my peers in this city has been great. No matter what we do together, whether that be going to a bar, club, beach, museum, parks, a Tame Impala concert or the famed Warner Brothers Studio, it’s always a great time to spend time with those who you relate to. I’ve definitely made valuable connections and relationships with people who share the same ambitions. Connecting with people has been the most valuable part of this experience, because the connections and network I’ve built may have a big impact on my future. They say iron sharpens iron, and I believe the people I’ve spent my time with have made me a better person.
The highlight of my time here in Los Angeles was randomly meeting my favorite group of YouTubers and social media content creators, who go by the name RDC World. I got a photo with them and got to talk to them for a few minutes. It felt surreal to meet people who have inspired me since I was a teenager.
You have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Once you do that, you’ll naturally adapt. Overall, the culmination of everything I’ve done in this city has made me more knowledgeable, more connected, better prepared and more comfortable to take on a career in the entertainment industry. The move from Indiana to California was initially uncomfortable, but I am glad to say I have adapted and grown.