RJ Edrolin is a senior studying Cinema and Media Studies with a minor in Law and Social Justice. She is involved in the CAMS undergraduate Spotlight Journal and has previously held internships at Universal Pictures and Blumhouse. In her free time, RJ enjoys singing karaoke and looking for an excuse to grab matcha at Dulce.

What interests you most about your specific division or program at SCA?
At first, the term 'film theory' was extremely intimidating to hear when I first joined the program, but it ultimately became the aspect I'm most interested in in the field of Cinema and Media Studies. There are numerous, fascinating, philosophical theories proposed in the field like how/if film engages with the unconscious, how editing manipulates time, and the male gaze. After exploring these theories, it's drastically changed the way I view film and society's relationship with media, inside and outside of the classroom.

Why did you choose SCA?
The support from the faculty, staff, and students is unmatched at SCA. There's a joke that there's an 'SCA Mafia' when you join the entertainment industry, but I feel like this 'mafia' already starts on-campus. I always feel like I have people rooting for me to pursue my passions and that alone fuels a lot of my motivation to go after what I want!

What has been your biggest challenge at SCA so far?
The biggest challenge I had at SCA so far was beating imposter syndrome! When you're surrounding by students equally passionate about the same things as you, and seemingly doing a million things a minute, it can be easy to fall into a dangerous comparison rabbit hole. But once you engrain in yourself that YOU were also invited a seat at the table, the imposter syndrome begins to fade away. Also, it's important to remind yourself that Rome wasn't conquered in a day -- go at your own pace because everyone's journeys are different!

What has been your biggest success?
My biggest success has been my involvement in CAMS Fest! Annually, CAMS hosts a student film festival. I've been volunteering since my freshman year, and it's been amazing not only to see just how big the festival has gotten over the years, but also how much of an impact the festival has on me! I've gotten to meet so many students within my major that I probably would've never crossed paths with had it not been for the festival, and I also stepped out of my comfort zone and emceed the festival last year!

Is there a project you are working (or have completed) that you're especially proud of?
I am especially proud of my 3-part short film series that I wrote and directed for CTPR 290. These projects weren't intentionally supposed to be a series, but while ideating for the 3rd short film assignment for the class, I realized both of my previous shorts had the same actress. I ultimately decided to make the 3rd short about the character this actress portrayed and interweave the storylines from my previous shorts. This project really showed me how sometimes the stories you create can manifest itself in ways you may not have intended!

How has SCA prepared you so far for the career you want?
SCA has strong internship connections with various companies, and because of this, I was able to try out multiple fields of the entertainment industry before deciding that I ultimately wanted to pursue a career in entertainment law. Although seemingly left-field from what most film students pursue, SCA has tremendously prepared for this field not only through deciphering/analyzing tough readings for my class, but also in the amount of support I've gotten from the faculty and staff.

What advice do you have for prospective students looking to apply to SCA?
Be authentic, not only in your application, but also why you want to join this specific program. This is just my take, but I think SCA cares more about who you are as a person and storyteller rather than which movies you've seen. Before applying, try to be in touch with who you are as an artist or as a scholar and what stories you're trying to tell (it's okay if that changes later too!). And then when you apply, try to explain not only how SCA can help you accomplish this goal, but also how you hope to contribute to SCA with the unique things you're bringing to the table!