<p>The Reel Deal</p>
<p>“I’m so proud of you,” she said with her eyes smiling and mouth wide open. She had her eyes set on the computer monitor with a big smile on her face as she watched my first self-directed video debut online. Although it was not viral and far from prominent filmmaking like that of Alfred Hitchcock, it had still captured her heart and her attention. This was my own mother who, like most Korean parents, did not always take her child’s “hobbies” seriously. Not until that moment did we finally see eye to eye. She was looking into my world, and without a doubt, liked what she saw. </p>
<p>It was March 18, 2011 of my junior year. I had the honor of shooting a promotional video for 30 Hour Famine by World Vision, which is an organized event that seeks out everyday people to empathize with what families in 3rd world countries endure daily. We go without food for 30 hours while raising money door-to-door hoping to cease world hunger. The opportunity came to me through my church youth leader/employee at World Vision, who encouraged me, that “having your vision shared with others is perfect for what World Vision needs to encourage change.” So quickly grabbing the opportunity, I set off. </p>
<p>There were children who were sick and hungry every day and it was up to me to show others that they need us. They didn’t need our sympathy, but our hearts. People had to know that even from the famous to the faceless; everybody needs love. So feeling confident with the task at hand, I took a breath and collapsed on my bed, when suddenly it hit me like a car at full speed. It was never about how far I could take this project, but how far the audience was willing to go. We happen to be living in the fortunate part of this world, and we sit back and . People had to see that we all share a common goal which is to make the world a better place. But they needed a reminder first. </p>
<p>So days later, with a camcorder in hand, I took to the hallways of my high school and began to embark on a social experiment. It was to encounter students of all different backgrounds so that hopefully people would be inspired by seeing different cultures come together for the same purpose and same knowledge. From New Orleans to Haiti, I told them about the food shortages there and how they could be changing the lives of children everywhere. It became bigger than I imagined that by the end of the day, I had spoken to over 60 students individually.</p>
<p>With a finished project turned in, I learned that maybe I’ll never be a sure runner up for an Oscar, but I had found a new passion. It became a passion to help create worlds where people could go to when they find this one too judgmental.</p>