Statement of Intent

Throughout highschool, I have always had a passion when it came to

digital design and video editing. I’ve taken up jobs, volunteer
opportunities, and classes in hopes of furthering these hobbies for my
future. I only have gotten more serious about these passions as life has
continued and decided to start researching colleges that specializes in
these regions. After doing so, staying in California was a very easy decision to decide on
considering everything I hope to achieve is right there. I plan to apply to the colleges of San
Jose State, UC Los Angles, and Long Beach University in hopes of majoring in Graphic Design or
other digitally-involved majors.

At my school, they were offering a Graphic Design class that was at a college level. As soon as I
found out about it, I immediately decided to take on the challenge and further my knowledge of
Graphic Design with the programs along with it. Though I had previously taught myself Adobe
Photoshop and Lightroom, the programs most essential for digital design, the class met my
expectations of teaching me more parts about the programs I had never used before. This
allowed me more opportunities both inside and outside the class since I had become much
better with making logos, posters, and other digitally-designed projects.

After taking the Graphic Design class, unfortunately there weren't any other classes that they
had where I wanted to specialize in the future. I decided on taking action outside of class and
got a job at a local church where I would make logos and other online promotional projects.
Eventually, I picked up the hobby of video editing and self-taught myself the programs of Adobe
After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Sony Vegas Pro which are some of the most well-known
video editing softwares. From there, I offered my video editing experience to the church I had
been working for and ended up editing multiple videos together for the California State Youth
Conference which they had been attending annually.
Despite these hobbies being very important to me, my academic record has always been my
top concern. Throughout my sophomore and junior year, I was able to win high honors at my
schools even though these were my hardest years both educational and personal wise. With my
mom experiencing heart issues, I was going through a very dark time to the point both my
hobbies and grades were slipping away from me. Eventually, something within me said I needed
to push through and I ended up getting my highest gpa during those years. During the summer, I
would focus on my hobbies more and expand my knowledge with them even more.

In conclusion, I feel like I would be an ideal candidate for the colleges I have chosen due to my
acquired skills and persistence. I’m very satisfied with my experience at high school and what I
have gotten out of it. My passion for graphic design, video editing, and other digital aspects has
only grown over time and I am excited to see where they may take me. I am hopeful that the
colleges I have chosen will also see that passion and dedication that lies within me.

Best regards,

Sierra McRay