Transcending Barriers by Jalil

Transcending Barriers by Jalil - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

I believe that my move to China from the United States at the age of 2 has had a significant impact on my perspective and identity. From kindergarten to my senior year, my friends that surrounded me only spoke English as a second language, if at all. The lack of fluent English speakers that surrounded me impacted my language and communication skills at young ages, making it hard to explain or express exactly what I wanted to. This caused me to look for other ways to communicate with others, leading to my passion for film.

Despite not knowing it yet, I believe my passion for creating art at a young age was motivated by my desire to express myself without the need for language where barriers exist. As years went on, my passion for film only grew as I watched and rewatched films, recognizing and admiring the passion and creativity put into them by filmmakers expressing themselves. Inspired by the power of cinematography to create meaning that can be universally understood, I decided to pursue film as my major in hope to convey valuable messages and inspire others through my art, beyond what can be put into words, transcending barriers between us.