PMA Class of 2022 Graduate Spotlight

Area of Study/Research
Documentary and Community-Based Theater; Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; Directing and Dramaturgy

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
I've had the opportunity to work on so many wonderful projects while here. I feel so lucky to have directed (among others) Leigh Fondakowski's Spill (2019), C.A. Johnson's The Climb (2022), and Audrey Cefaly's The Gulf (2022), and to develop new works like The Loneliness Project (2018), Climates of Change (2017), and Casa Cushman (2017) with students, staff, faculty, and professional collaborators. Co-organizing Escape from the Archive (a three-day symposium) with Erin Stoneking and participating in the Scholar as Human Mellon Diversity Seminar were early experiences here that continue to shape my artistic and scholarly practices.

What are some favorite memories of PMA?
Most of my favorite memories are from collaborations with fellow grad students. Serving as an informal understudy in Kelly Richmond's Haunted Natures, Hidden Environments, working with the cast of Sam Blake's Seven Homeless Mammoths, and providing dramaturgical and producing support to Jayme Kilburn's Women's Performance Workshop all come to mind as do grad student events like our reading groups and ten-minute play festivals.

If you could talk to your first-year grad self now, what would you say?
You belong here!

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
There are so many people! My committee is amazing, so all of my thanks to Sara Warner, J. Ellen Gainor, Beth Milles, Kate McCullough, and Debra Castillo. I have been so lucky to work with so many of the staff here on productions and events, among others, thank you to: Fritz Bernstein, Sarah Bernstein, Lisa Boquist, Warren Cross, Carolyn Goelzer, Kent Goetz, Ed Intemann, Howie Klein, Pam Lillard, Tim Ostrander, and Godfrey L. Simmons Jr. Last but not least, thank you to all of my fellow graduate students, particularly Sam Blake, Nick Fesette, Jayme Kilburn, Kriszta Pozsonyi, Rosalie Purvis, Kelly Richmond, and Erin Stoneking, who have been my dearest friends and colleagues throughout my time here.

Anything else you'd like to include?
I'm thrilled to share that I recently accepted a tenure track position in Theatre History and Dramatic Criticism at Kent State University.

Major(s)
Performing & Media Arts

Minor(s)
Fine Arts

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
Painting the Mural in the green room!

What are some favorite memories of PMA or of Cornell?
Cornell Dairy ice cream

What are you looking forward to doing after graduation?
Living in NYC and the none-ithaca weather

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
To take more filmmaking classes

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
Randy, the absolute lifesaver

Major(s)
Performing and Media Arts, Information Science

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
Making my own short film definitely comes to mind!

What are some favorite memories of PMA or of Cornell?
Spending time and working on some cool projects with the other graduating PMA students in Senior Studio was full of great times, especially coming back in person after spending a year all online. Also just meeting some amazing and creative classmates and professors!

What are you looking forward to doing after graduation?
Not sure yet!

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
I would cherish your time at Cornell. You never know when a pandemic is going to hit!

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
I would like to thank all the friends, classmates, and professors who helped me with various projects. I'd also like to thank Sabine Haenni, Jason Simms, Stewart Thorndike, and Veronica Fitzpatrick.

Major(s)
Performing & Media Arts

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
OC/OS Student Film Productions, Austin Bunn's Honors Thesis Course

What are some favorite memories of PMA or of Cornell?
"Randy, are you there?"

What are you looking forward to doing after graduation?
Applying to Jobs

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
Take PMA 1410 as soon as possible

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
Jason Simms

Anything else you'd like to include?
I hope my future films have audio that isn't "unwatchable."

Major(s)
Mathematics, PMA

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
I wrote and produced an original song as my final project for PMA 4000, I acted in a friend's short film for a class, I wrote a stand up routine and performed it for a project

What are some favorite memories of PMA or of Cornell?
Having a sunset picnic on the slope with my friends my first week at Cornell, finally climbing to the top of the clocktower, singing with my a cappella group and writing sketches with my sketch comedy group

What are you looking forward to doing after graduation?
Figuring out my life on my own

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
Get therapy

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
Professors Jeffrey Palmer, Sara Warner, Jason Simms, and Waylon Wilson for being extremely understanding and supporting me when I was at my lowest.

Major(s)
PMA (Design Track)

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
I think that having the opportunity to help create the immersive design installation Water this April was super exciting, and tied my PMA experience up with a nice little bow, in a way that portrayed my growth as a scenic designer since declaring my major three years ago.

What are some favorite memories of PMA or of Cornell?
I loved my first intro set design course that I took way back in freshman year, because it really solidified my desire to go into the field professionally. Also, studying abroad at the London Dramatic Academy sophomore spring was such a cool experience, and I'm so glad I was able to have that opportunity right before the world shut down in April 2020.

What are you looking forward to doing after graduation?
I'm starting graduate school in the fall at Brooklyn College, working towards an MFA in theatrical design and production. I'm so excited to really zero in on my design work and hone my craft. I'm also pumped just to live in the city for the first time!

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
I would tell myself that all the projects I take on, no matter how complicated or dramatic or stressful they might seem in the trenches, will ultimately be rewarding and worthwhile when they come to fruition. So keep on keeping on!

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
I'd love to thank my advisor Sarah Bernstein for her guidance and design support, as well as Fritz Bernstein and the rest of the scene shop staff for being such powerhouses in helping my PMA designs actually turn into real-life sets.
 

Major(s)
Psychology and PMA

Minor(s)
Education and Human Development

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
I am proud of my final projects for PMA 3650: Automated Lighting and PMA 3621: Image Design. For 3650, we did a mini concert showcase in the Kip where we each picked 2 or 3 songs and designed lighting for them. it was a difficult but exciting project that allowed me to combine the skills I was learning with music I love. Then for 3621, we each designed a video for Trans Siberian Orchestra's Carol of the Bells and then projected them onto the Eisner Pavilion. It pushed me to learn more about photo and video editing software, and it was very satisfying to see my hard work projected onto a huge surface for all of Collegetown to see.

What are some favorite memories of PMA or of Cornell?
Some of my favorite memories in PMA are from sitting around the scene shop round table and chatting with students, faculty and staff. I also loved the occasional late nights in Schwartz working on projects with my friends until the early hours of the morning.

What are you looking forward to doing after graduation?
I am excited to move back home to Georgia, and I will be attending the University of Georgia for a Master's in Educational Psychology focusing on Quantitative Methods.

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
The next 4 years are going to be extremely challenging, but keep pushing through, and make sure to lean on the people around you when you need them. It is ok to ask for help.

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
I am forever thankful for my family, friends, and boyfriend for their constant support and guidance. I am also thankful for the wonderful PMA staff and faculty that have taught me so much during these years, and made PMA a second home for me.

Major(s)

Performing and Media Arts What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
Taking an acting class with Godfrey Simmons, and finally going through the whole process of making a short film.

What are some favorite memories of PMA or of Cornell?
Being a part of Cornell Bhangra, and doing a documentary on one of the team's captains for class.

What are you looking forward to doing after graduation?
Figuring out how to find my way into the film industry

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
You don't actually know what you want to do yet, and that's fine. In the meantime, take some more PMA classes!

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
I would like to thank Warren Cross, Randy Hendrickson, Daniel Fermín Pfeffer, Jeffrey Palmer, and all the friends and faculty I've met along the way

Major(s)
Performing and Media Arts and Government

Minor(s)
English

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
From seeing my playwriting brought to life in Festival 24 to helping out on friends' film projects, I've had so many opportunities in PMA to be a part of the process of bringing a story from script to stage or screen. Whether I was writing, acting, directing, or just PA'ing, the highlights of my time in PMA all revolve around collaborating with peers to create projects using skills learned in the classroom.

What are some favorite memories of PMA or of Cornell?
One of my favorite memories was definitely hearing my play Old Man and Boy read through the Heermans-McCalmon Competition this spring. There are few more impactful experiences for a writer than hearing their words read aloud, and I was lucky enough to have two enormously talented performers and good friends, Josh Akinwumi and Audrey Teasley, read them. Working with them and my fellow writers selected for the Heermans-McCalmon Award was some of the most fun I've had in PMA. I emerged from that experience more exited to write than ever before.

What are you looking forward to doing after graduation?
I'll be moving to New York City this fall to pursue a Master in Fine Arts in Creative Writing at NYU. I'm incredibly excited to continue to develop the writing skills I've honed in PMA at NYU!

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
Buy stock in Zoom. Also--don't be in a rush. You've got plenty of time. Enjoy the little moments and try, as terrible as you are at it, to be patient with yourself.

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
I'd like to thank my family for their constant, unwavering support and PMA as a department for the unbelievable opportunities that it has afforded me. I especially want to thank my thesis committee, Austin Bunn and Aoise Stratford, for their years of mentorship. I've become the writer that I am today through their feedback. I'm so grateful to have found a community of such brilliant, generous, and welcoming artists in the Schwartz Center.

Major(s)
Performing and Media Arts

Minor(s)
Business

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
Winning the 1st Place Screenplay award for Cornell’s Heermans-McCalmon Competition two years in a row, and directing and performing in a staged reading of this year’s screenplay alongside my wonderful classmates!

What are some favorite memories of PMA or of Cornell?
All of PMA’s courses and their professors! Screen writing, Playwriting, Acting, Laughter... I could go on and on. With many of PMA’s class sizes being quite small and intimate, you’re class becomes like a little family by the end of the semester!

What are you looking forward to doing after graduation?
I can’t wait to dive into screenwriting in a manner that I haven’t before! There are an infinite amount of paths to make that passion into a profession. I trust that with time, hard work, and a considerable amount of luck, that dedication will pay off.

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
Trust yourself. Trust in your abilities. Trust that you will recover from failure as long as you get back up... and don’t forget to breathe. That one is especially important.

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
The incredibly talented PMA Class of 2022! Austin Bunn, Aoise Stratford, David Feldshuh, Sara Warner, Rebekah Maggor, Carolyn Goelzer, Beth Milles, and so many more. Thank you for you’re undying support and guidance during my time here. And to my relentlessly supportive parents... I couldn’t have done it without you.

Major(s)
Performing and Media Arts

Minor(s)
Business

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
Some of my highlights in PMA was working on a range of different projects as a cinematographer. LGD and Asiamnesia were in particular a great experience to utilize my film background in other aspects of the department. I was really inspired by the dance and theatre department and loved collaborating in combining the different mediums. Perfecting the editing of Asiamnesia at 4 am with the directors before the screening showed me how much dedication each student puts into the department.

What are some favorite memories of PMA or of Cornell?
Cornell has given me so many memories that I will cherish after graduation. Specifically, in PMA my favorite moments were with my fellow thesis students working in the editing bay. It created a fun and collaborative environment and made it even more rewarding when we were able to screen all of our films in the Kiplinger Theatre.

What are you looking forward to doing after graduation?
I am extremely excited to continue my film education at Columbia University School of the Arts. I look toward to continuing to collaborate and learn from talented artists.

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
Don't be scared to talk to the people in Intro to Film Analysis as they will soon become your best friends and support system. Also, don't worry all the hard work and persistent emails will get you into the screenwriting class!

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
I would like to thank the department for all their support in helping me to make my thesis come to a reality. Specifically, Jeffrey Palmer and Jason Simms thank you for always supporting me with all my projects and future endeavors. Shout out to my mom for pushing me to apply to Cornell and talking to me on the phone at midnight to talk through my scripts.

Anything else you'd like to include?
I am extremely grateful to the department for trusting me with all the projects over the last four years and supporting me in my creative visions! I look forward to seeing the department grow after I graduate!

Major(s)
Performing and Media Arts and American Studies

Minor(s)
Literatures in English

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
The two main highlights of my involvement with the PMA department were the plays I were in during my time: Spill (2019) and Seven Homeless Mammoths Wander New England (2021). I was lucky to work with amazing people such as Caitlin Kane and Leigh Fondakowski to bring the story of the BP oil spill to life on stage in the powerful documentary theater piece Spill. I played multiple characters including Andrea Fleytas (the only woman on the rig) and Arleen Weise (the mother of a man who died in the explosion). It was the most incredible ensemble cast. In Mammoths, I played Dean Wreen, a complicated and funny character who navigated grief, loss, and love. I worked with our amazing stage manager Howard Klein again and director Samuel Blake to bring the world of a small-town New England college to life in the story of queer love between women. It was the best way to end my final semester at Cornell to recite Madeleine George's sardonic monologues and witty repartee.

What are some favorite memories of PMA or of Cornell?
Being in David's directing class during the pandemic fall 2020 semester in person was quite the memory. I returned to campus mainly to be in in person classes. Having that opportunity to work in person with my classmates and David on honing my craft in directing during that time was so special. I nearly thought theater and live performance were going extinct at one point and it was so refreshing to be on the stage during such a precarious time. Living in Risley Residential College with some of my fellow PMA students was also crucial to my time at Cornell. I was heavily involved with the Risley Theater board, helping to produce theater even during the pandemic. That community was such a special artistic collaboration and gave me a safe space in my undergrad years.

What are you looking forward to doing after graduation?
I am looking forward to starting graduate school for an MFA in Film and Media Arts at American University! I begin classes this summer of 2022. I will get to explore both documentary and feature filmmaking in order to deepen the work I did in theater, politics, film, and media at Cornell. I intend to blend my passions to create my own works of art that impact the way people see the world. I have already been out of Cornell for a little while since I graduated in December. I have had the chance to watch a lot of films, TV, theater productions, opera, and dance since then. I have continued my passions and critical thinking that PMA instilled in me.

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
If I could talk to my freshman self now, I would say to go full out and try things! Get involved with PMA productions even if you're scared and make new friends. Try out for clubs and a cappella groups even if you get rejected the first time. Don't let that stop you from becoming the person you know you can be. You will do great -- you will have amazing experiences, life changing classes, and you will be part of ground breaking productions. You will get to know yourself better than you ever did before. It will all be worth it in the end even if now it's hard. Keep talking to professors and people in the dining halls. Keep trying and striving and you will make it to graduation sooner than you know!

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
Yes! I would like to thank so many people: Jumay Chu and David Feldshuh for being awesome advisors and Jason Simms for being there every step of the way. You saw my potential and made it possible for me to do everything I did. PMA Professors/faculty Juan Manuel Aldape Munoz, Sabine Haenni, Sara Warner, Caitlin Kane, Howie Klein, Sam Blake, David Winitsky, Theo Black, Carolyn Goelzer, Godfrey Simmons etc. My family: my amazing mom Lynn and dad Ben. My grandfather Alan who went to Cornell himself and met my grandmother Carol there. My other grandmother Frederica. My aunt Lauren and uncle Kevin. You all made this possible.

Anything else you'd like to include?
Thank you!

Major(s)
Performing and Media Arts

Minor(s)
English

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
My honors thesis

What are some favorite memories of PMA or of Cornell?
The highlight of my time has been competing as a part of the figure skating team, but my time with PMA has been incredible. I had so much fun doing Screenwriting in Los Angeles during winter session sophomore year, and my independent study with Aoise Stratford was an incredible experience. The highlight for me has been doing my honors thesis, and all the other film-focused thesis students that I've gotten to bond with because of my project.

What are you looking forward to doing after graduation?
Moving to LA to work at CAA

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
The world is going to shut down, but you'll get through it!

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
My parents, my incredible advisor Dr. Samantha Sheppard, the inimitable Aoise Stratford who did an IS with me AND chaired my honors committee, and Sydney Relihan... for being my partner in crime ;)

Anything else you'd like to include?
Graduating Summa Cum Laude!

Major(s)
Performing and Media Arts

Minor(s)
Arabic; Creative Writing

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
This year, I completed an honors thesis film titled Burn, for which I infamously worked with PMA to set a controlled fire. I also was on the selection committee for the Centrally Isolated Film Festival both my sophomore and senior year. This year, I've enjoyed participating in the Projects and Curriculum Committee and working with both students and faculty to work toward positive changes in the department.

What are some favorite memories of PMA or of Cornell?
My involvement with Delta Kappa Alpha Professional Cinematic Society stands out as one of my favorite parts of my time in college. Some of my favorite memories from the last four years include overseeing DKA's long-awaited chartering ceremony as the chapter president and making new friends every semester at recruitment. Some other favorite memories include attending the Film I, Film II, and thesis film screenings both this semester and last semester, recording sound on various friends' PMA film sets throughout the last few years, and helping plan events such as the Phi Film Festival, Stewfest, and PMA Prom.

What are you looking forward to doing after graduation?
I will be moving to California to attend Chapman University's MFA in Directing program. I look forward to keeping in touch with other recent PMA grads who will be in the Los Angeles area and to continuing to create films.

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
In the wake of the pandemic, I would tell my freshman self to appreciate the little things more because you never know what might happen.

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
I would like to thank my parents, the Phi chapter of DKA, and my advisor, Professor Jeffrey Palmer, as well as everyone else who helped with my thesis film.

Major(s)
Physics and PMA

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
Acting in Seven Homeless Mammoths Wander New England, as well as the several acting classes I took with Carolyn Goelzer.

What are some favorite memories of PMA or of Cornell?
Working as Assistant Camera on Sydney Relihan's and Crystal Navellier's thesis films, Sex Shop and UNREAL, as well as as Assistant Director on Shannon O'Shea's Burn.

What are you looking forward to doing after graduation?
Making movies, memories, and other meaningful things.

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
Don't second guess yourself, and keep moving forward.

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
I'd like to thank Carolyn Goelzer for giving me confidence in my abilities as an actor and an artist, my parents for supporting even my most radical choices without hesitance, and all my peers in the department for being such wonderful and inspiring collaborators.

Major(s)
Performing & Media Arts

Minor(s)
Creative Writing, Psychology

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
Every film project I've been involved in has been a highlight! The on-set experience of writing/directing/producing my Senior Honors Thesis TV Pilot, SEX SHOP, was certainly one of the best experiences of my life. Working with my incredibly talented cast and crew was such a positive, confirming experience as a filmmaker and person, and we all came out of the month with countless amazing behind-the scenes stories and photos to remember the shoot by. Helping out on friends' films always was a joy as well--we've all made such cool pieces here!

What are some favorite memories of PMA or of Cornell?
My favorite memories at Cornell all center around film and performing arts, either through PMA or Delta Kappa Alpha Cinematic Society. I joined DKA my freshman fall, and I never could have imagined how those people I met would become my best friends, closest collaborators, and constant supporters. I'm so thankful for all of the filmmaking and leadership opportunities I've had there, and in PMA over these four years. I think my favorite memories have been the chances I've had to go above and beyond in terms of planning events to celebrate fellow students, and in advocating for them and change in the department.

What are you looking forward to doing after graduation?
Fingers crossed for a lovely job in film or television!! For now though, I'm excited to move on from school and see what's next for me and my ideas. And I can't to see my dogs!

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
You are only a few years away from becoming the exact person you've always dreamed of being. I know you're having a nightmarish time at the moment, but you're going to be so incredibly proud of how far you've come and how yourself you are.

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
I'd love to thank my family for supporting me through my journey here, and for always believing in my abilities as a filmmaker. And especially my sister, Mackenzie, who always reads and watches my work and lets me talk at her about nonsense for hours on end. Thanks to my professors, especially Jeff and Aoise, for backing me on my thesis after others' previous doubts and helping me accomplish such a monstrous goal, and Jason and Jeff again for putting themselves out there to help make the department a better place for students. Of course my friends as well--all of the people who've fought all sorts of battles by my side about all sorts of things, supported and encouraged me, and accepted me as myself.

Anything else you'd like to include?
I am always more than happy to lend a hand or give any life or project advice to any of the younger PMA/film students I already know, or that will come after me!!

Major(s)
Performing and Media Arts

Minor(s)
English

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
Some of the highlights of my time in PMA were getting to learn from the brilliant faculty and staff members who have shaped me greatly and collaborating with some of the most talented people to create some awesome pieces of art.

What are some favorite memories of PMA or of Cornell?
My favorite memories of PMA have been my experiences in collaboration. I performed in several productions and worked behind the scenes on film projects. I'm also extremely grateful for the opportunity I had to write and direct my very own project Reach for the Sky in my last semester which helped fully cement my confidence and skills as a storyteller. Every project could not have been possible without my wonderful friends and collaborators whose passion is electrifying.

What are you looking forward to doing after graduation?
I am looking forward to returning home, spending time with my family, and exploring more of who I am. Cornell showed me what more I can offer the world and I just want to keep searching for what else brings me joy.

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
Part of me wouldn't want to speak to my freshman self since I feel wildly different from who I was four years ago, and that's a wonderful thing. If I were to say anything, it would simply be "Stay true and stay cheerful. There's too much negativity in the world."

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
I would love to thank Professors Aoise Stratford and David Feldshuh for trusting and encouraging me, my friends and family who have supported my creative endeavors, every member of the Reach for the Sky team, and my mom for always believing in me and pushing me to be my best self.

Major(s)
Information Science

Minor(s)
Film, Business

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
Enrolling in a course on Japanese Film! It was so interesting to learn more about the unique representations of Japanese culture and media. It was also such a treat to learn from Professor Campana :)

What are some favorite memories of PMA?
Making a comedy film with my peers in PMA 1410!

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
I'm so glad you chose to make film a huge part of your Cornell experience. The courses I have taken and the people I have met through this major have been some of the biggest highlights of my semesters here!

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
Professor Andrew Campana, Professor Samantha Sheppard

Major(s)
Communication

Minor(s)
Anthropology, Film, Media Studies

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
I got to make a lot of things hands-on! I made a movie with Prof. Palmer that I'm proud of and two documentaries with Prof. Raheja.

What are some favorite memories of PMA?
My favorite memory is doing a screening of my Film II movie Picture at an Exhibition at the Schwartz. It was my first time being at a huge screening with my own work being shown, and it inspired me to go into the film industry. My favorite class was Laughter, which taught me the art and science of comedy. My other favorite memory is making a sitcom in that class, and we had to film in the snow in a gorge with a classmate dressed up in a blue Care Bear costume.

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
I would tell her to keep pursuing creativity above all other things.

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
I would love to thank Prof. Natasha Raheja, because I took three classes with her and all were wonderful and she inspired me to pursue anthropology in addition to filmmaking. I would also like to thank Prof. Jeffrey Palmer for teaching me about the industry and how to be successful after graduation as well as including me on larger projects.

Major(s)
Computer Science

Minor(s)
Film and Psychology

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
Creating my first short film in PMA 3570 and being able to participate in the campus-wide screening at the end of the semester

What are some favorite memories of PMA?
Feeling comfortable with expressing whatever thought that comes to mind because there is no wrong answer in PMA and everyone can learn from each other’s ideas

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
All my PMA professors who support my passion for filmmaking and encourage me to continue exploring; my friends Amanda, Sandy, Yaoyao, and Yingyi for helping me in my first film production

Major(s)
ILR

Minor(s)
Film, Law & Society, Inequality Studies

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
Working on the CIFF organizing team junior year

What are some favorite memories of PMA?
Interviewing student filmmakers for CIFF

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
Listen to yourself wholly, do not compromise, and breathe. Keep going, keep going.

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
Sabine for her patience

Major(s)
Hotel Administration

Minor(s)
Film

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
I loved getting to be apart of the little Hollywood productions of Ithaca made possible by the incredible filmmaking resources PMA has to offer. Getting to cast a film, direct a scene and act in a friend's film, all in the same week was an inspiring experience and really highlights the collaborative nature of the PMA program here.

What are some favorite memories of PMA?
Having all night access to the editing suite during the final days before a film project was due.

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
There's no wrong turns as long as you give it your best.

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
My mom and dad for encouraging me to keep studying film.

Major(s)
Information Science

Minor(s)
Film, Game Design

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
My short film.

What are some favorite memories of PMA?
I enjoyed the film production class so much. I loved spending time to work with my actors and see my film gradually get polished.

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
Dream big and dare to fail.

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
I want to thank all the professors and faculties who taught me and helped me, especially Prof. Jeffrey Palmer, Sarah Bernstein.

Major(s)
AEM

Minor(s)
Theatre

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
Festival24 has been a major highlight - having the privilege of working with so many talented writers, directors, and actors every semester was such a joy. I will miss the long days in the Schwartz Center!

What are some favorite memories of PMA?
I remember my first Festival24, where I overslept and ended up not being able to act in the show - so instead, Milo had me help backstage, and later decided I would be her successor as producer, to my surprise as a freshman. Best coincidence of my life. I remember running to the Bell Tower and back as part of rehearsal for The Wolves in 2019 - I may not have not developed any spectacular soccer skills, but being involved in that play was a wonderful experience.

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
I would strongly advise that freshman Arin learn video editing and streaming before March 2020, for no particular reason at all.

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
The list is very long! Thank you to Theo, Carolyn, and Aoise for being such wonderful professors and teachers! I have learned so much from you all! Thank you to Beth, Kelly, and Andy, all of whom I had the honor of being directed by in various projects! Thank you to Pam for putting up with my many, many emails! And always being so approachable and kind! And then, just a running list of thanks for everything: Howie, Jason, Steven, Youngsun, Gary, Chris, David, Lisa, Tim, Warren, Savannah, Fritz, Lisa, and Carley! To anyone I may have forgotten, thank you too.

Major(s)
Biological Sciences

Minor(s)
Performing and Media Arts

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
Some highlights of my involvement in PMA include taking several acting courses, playing a role in Asiamnesia, helping to put on the CIFF, and contributing to a few student films, including my own, in Film and Video Production.

What are some favorite memories of PMA?
If I had to choose, my favorite memories of PMA have been seeing everything finally come together after months of rehearsing, revising, and reviewing.

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
I would tell my Freshman self to explore the Schwartz and enroll in a PMA course sooner. The PMA department is such a lovely and special place that I hope everyone gets the chance to get involved with it in some capacity during their time here.

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
I would like to thank Theo Black for reigniting my passion for acting, Professor Sara Warner for opening my world up to the wide range of diverse plays out there, and Professor Jeffrey Palmer for deepening my love for film and knowledge of filmmaking.

Major(s)
Performing & Media Arts

What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
One of my favorite things about PMA was the amazing people I was able to meet. From students to faculty, everyone I met had a new story to tell.

What are some favorite memories of PMA or of Cornell?
I will never forget playing the character Omari in Pipeline. This role is what got me to fall in love with acting, and even though we had to perform behind plexiglass booths I still learned a lot from my fellow actors and my directors Beth Milles and Carley Robinson. Another favorite of mine was my advanced scene study class in my final semester. I went into the class hating Shakespeare, but Theo Black's enthusiasm and knowledge combined with a talented cohort not only made me understand Shakespeare's importance in acting, but also have me a newfound love.

What are you looking forward to doing after graduation?
I'll be in Ithaca for the next year, so I'll be auditioning for different plays and films in the region. After that, I want to move to New York and continue my acting career there.

If you could talk to your Freshman self now, what would you say?
Even if the work seems too hard, keep pushing. You're capable of anything you set your mind to, you just have to believe it.

Is there anyone in particular you'd like to thank?
I want to thank my family for always supporting my decisions and giving me the strength to push through. I also want to thank my advising dean Richard Keller, Professors Carolyn Goelzer, Beth Milles, Theo Black, Jeffery Palmer, and Sabine Haenni.