Into the heart of the Island

My Scholarship entry - Discovery

Philippines | Saturday, November 8, 2014 | 5 photos

After graduating from high school, I lived in the Philippines for a year as an English teacher and worked with Strong Roots Ministries in their feeding, reading, and sponsorship program. Within that one year I experienced the beaches, mountains, rice paddies, ocean; but more importantly I met amazing hard-working people weathered by their environment and their simple joy. I was also touched by the poverty and hardship that they face: the lack of food and water and education. I witnessed the desolation after Super Typhoon Haiyan, and also the rise out of the ashes afterwards. The entire experience has made me passionate about becoming a filmmaker and creating documentaries, not just for informing or entertaining, but also to bring attention to things that matter, things like education and poverty and nutrition. I want to use my skills to make a difference in lives abroad, and it may be only one person, but if I can help them, then I will have succeeded in what I aim to do.
Having this travel scholarship would mean a lot to me, as I would be able to develop my skills as a photographer/ filmmaker and being abroad would also broaden my perspective on the world.