This summer, thanks to the FAST grant, I was able to travel to Los Angeles and put all my skills as a filmmaker to use on a professional, feature length documentary. As a film student at SHSU, this trip and research opportunity was a dream come true. On this trip I was given the chance to work as a cinematographer with a team of filmmakers, including Professor Garrett, and make industry connections that will be invaluable when I leave Sam Houston State University. Being involved with the film program and this trip has already benefitted me greatly both as a student and as a future professional. Because of my film experience, I was asked to travel with another group, the Global Center for Journalism and Democracy and apply everything I had learned from my research with Professor Garrett and the opportunity the FAST Grant allowed. None of these opportunities, which will define me as a SHSU graduate and a person, would have been possible if it were not for the encouragement and mentorship I received at SHSU. The uniquely personal education I receive as a College of Fine Arts and Mass Communications student has allowed me to participate in specific creative work projects side by side with my instructors. I look forward to continuing to apply the lessons learned and opportunities given and pay forward by mentoring others in my senior year.