MAKING A SHORT FILM EXPERIENCE AS AN AUTISTIC INDIVIDUAL

On February 2024, I made my first short film as my final project for Woodbury University. A film, in which, I had the pleasure of ending my year with George Larkin, and I want to speak my piece as to how I was able to plan my whole school curriculum into one piece of dialogue, and how autism coincided with it.

I can't really mention on resumes or cover letters the struggles that I faced during my academic journey. Because I am autistic (and had undiagnosed ADHD), my journey was a challenge. When I started school, I had a GPA of 1.2. I was on my own, juggling whether I should continue my education or keep a roof over my head. Because of this, I was plagued with high levels of depression and in academic probation.

After I looked at my impending financial and mental health, I came to a resolve that I gotten so far to just quit. I had to finish my goals, regardless if it materialized into anything bigger.

I plotted for three years, planning an elaborate story with continued parts, shared my passions with my crew and pursued my dream. I'm autistic, though. Communication is tricky for me to navigate. Thankfully, I was the director and the AD was my voice.

I spent weeks self teaching how to track and rotoscope animation. I spent weeks learning special effects and color grading. Still, to this day, I believe this is the most proudest moment.

I graduated being in the honor roll for the past 2 years in school, beat the depression, and cried after I finished shooting the film. It was more than just a senior thesis. It was a testament to never give up. It told me that no matter the struggles, we can achieve the impossible.

I am grateful for my bachelor's degree. I am grateful for the knowledge, the people in my life and most of all... I'm grateful for my willingness to never give up. Let this be a lesson for my fellow neurodiverse peers. Don't give up.

I also got engaged right after my film aired, so... there's that lol