Hey Everyone! My name is Lisa.

As I was thinking about how to write this post, I realized that for one year now, I have been introducing myself by saying that I am a 19-year-old international student from Ivory Coast who came here to follow my passion for making films. I believe that I am more than that, but at the same time, it is a part of me.

Growing up, I was always the “artistic” kid in my family. I would constantly come up with new passions and hobbies, causing my parents to spend a lot of money on ballet classes that I gave up on after two days, a piano that I never knew how to play, and a guitar that ended up smashed on the floor and filled with water. After some time, they gave up, and I kind of gave up too.

Until I discovered BOOKS. I spent my entire middle school years reading books and writing some of my own in the back of all my copybooks. Fictional characters were better than people and I had finally found how to make something of the chaos that was going on in my head. As the years passed, I got into the wonderful world of doing nothing with my days except binge-watching TV shows and reading books. Then, one day, I had this revelation: I was going to make movies for the rest of my life! 

After days, weeks, and months of arguing with my mother (who actually wanted me to become a doctor, as if I had the abilities for that, lol), she gave in, and I flew 7,349 miles to Eugene, where I began this great adventure. I have no idea what I am doing, and I am still very lost after one year here, but as I explore filmmaking and creative work from people around me, I am sure of one thing: I am doing something that I love.

By Lisa Kouadio.