My first-ever camera was an outdated Canon PowerShot from the ’90s that belonged to my mother. It was small and metallic red. On the edge of the camera, there was a punk band sticker engraved onto its metal frame—a souvenir from my mother’s wild youth. I remember the first time I held it, constantly glancing at my mom from the corner of my eye, petrified that I’d drop it. Her delicate hands glided over mine, her soft voice whispering instructions into my ear on how to use it. I remember feeling so enamored and inspired at that moment—knowing that my mom had given me something that contained all her memories through the years. I remember gliding through the pictures and videos, watching how she went from a teenager in love with the rock scene to her modeling years as a young adult, and finally to her life as a mother. In that moment, I understood the value of photography and videography. I learned that without them, we would sometimes be unable to see how we’ve grown through the years, how beautiful life is, and how it can change in an instant. Ever since I got my mom’s camera, I couldn’t stop taking pictures and filming everything around me. For years, I became obsessed with the arts, and that small camera became my lifeline.

At ten years old, I started my own YouTube channel. With my love for photography and film, I learned to capture the small moments in life that people often overlook. I have taken my photography and videography skills throughout the Santa Ana community, OCSA events, OC events, museums, and anything and everything I could get my hands on. Two years ago, I was given the opportunity to coordinate photography and social media for a nonprofit organization called Mix Academy, which focuses on educating children of all ages in a variety of artistic disciplines. At Mix, I’ve captured moments where children have truly connected with their art or expressed themselves creatively in ways I had never seen before, across more than 20 different types of classes. Through my coordination efforts, I have helped immigrant families find a welcoming community by consistently promoting Mix through my volunteering and photography/media work. One day, if I ever become truly talented in my craft, I hope to share their stories with the world.

My number one goal as a photographer and filmmaker is always to show others the beauty in things. For that reason, no matter what challenges or conflicts life throws my way, I will never let them bleed into my work. I believe that in the moment I capture an image, whatever I am photographing is the most important thing in the world.