Anival

I am a 23-year-old Puerto Rican college student with the aspiration to become a director of film and photography.  During my adolescence, I was forced to become independent at a very young age. This experience, along with my natural hunger and ambition, inspired my educational and professional aspirations. I started working in customer service at the age of 14 to provide myself with the things my parents could not give me, and I graduated from Woodbridge High school in 2005. Anything I have set my mind to, I have succeeded in obtaining. 

To discover my desired career path, I took four years off after completing high school, and my immediate family moved to Florida the same year that I graduated. I still visit them once or twice a year, or as often as I can afford. They want me to succeed in life, yet are unable to provide me with the assistance I need to help me achieve my professional goals. Though I carry their unconditional love in my heart, I must be my own support system in my journey to success. I did not have assistance or guidance during the college application process. Being the first in my family to attend college, I find this whole experience surreal, yet rewarding. After completing three consecutive semesters in college while maintaining a GPA of 3.6, I realized that the power for success was solely in my hands, and if I focused intently, anything is possible.

This semester, I am applying for scholarships to assist me with the financial aspects of studying abroad next summer, where I hope to study film and photography in either Italy or Japan.  Ultimately, I plan to graduate from my current community college with a GPA above 3.5, and then transfer to a university and build my portfolio. My professional goals are to open my own business for photography and video arts. My dream is to direct music videos for upcoming artists and to write and direct original independent films. One day, I hope to change the world through my artistic creativity, passion and individuality. 

Being an NYNY Fellow means the world to me. It means gaining essential knowledge that will help me prosper in my career choices and in life. Being a Fellow means utilizing my talents, turning my weaknesses into strengths, and making connections that will last a lifetime. Being a Fellow means crossing the boundary from leader to prodigy by maximizing my full potential. I am truly thankful for NYNY, and because of their dedication to my success I am no longer a diamond in the rough.