Today we’d like to introduce you to Dustin Parro.

Dustin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

As long as I can remember and have been told, I have high functioning autism with a learning disability. I couldn’t talk until I was 5 years old. I graduated at west valley community college in the spring of 2014, transfered to San Jose State University in the Fall of 2014, and graduated at SJSU spring 2017. When I went to these colleges, there were some subjects/topics/lectures I could relate to. Such as film history, video editing, researching movie/tv series facts, etc. I love getting lost in the story direction of movies/shows without immersion breaking from real life issues of today.

I then attended at Taft College in there ILS program from August 2017-June 2019. I learned more about what it takes to be responsibly independent away from my parents’ home. I gained the knowledge and awareness than I ever had before in some ways about Independent Living Skills during this time at Taft, California. The highlights from this vocational program were budgeting finances, cooking, making friends, and working at a small town movie theater. Along with attending special events, trips hosted by Taft college/TIL program, and creating two bake sales for VANC: Veterans Association of North County in Oceanside, CA.

When I got my certificate of completion from this program, I went ba k to San Jose, CA to continue working at California’s Great America (2012-2017 & 2019-2025). While I worked there, I went to another vocational program, local this time, called Options For All Film/Media and recieved another completion certificate in March 2021. I learned futher about what goes into filmmaking and what it takes to be a video editor, & production assistant. I felt I’ve learned nearly as much at OFA compared to SJSU to prep for my next job in this field of work.

Throughout my life, I had some challenges over time in many ways, due to my learning disability, to overcome and succeed towards. Generally speaking, the lessons in life I learned, confidence in myself, making the best with what & who is with me, and staying prepared enough for the future ahead keeps me going to appreciate life’s many offerings/qualities.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

It has been mostly a smooth transition since I was a kid, despite my life struggles living with a learning disability. Such as not having enough school friends over the years, not having my 1st job until 2012, and expressing my independence well enough until end of July 2020. I still had a positive attitude, inner confidence, & finally, tons of hope in my soul for something good yet to come.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I’ve been a part of many film projects, and some internships over the years at options for all and San Jose State. I helped out being a production assistant and video editor on short films and promo videos. I created a short-lived series of visual gaming podcast videos called Dorker Dudes during my internship at KMVT15 Community TV Station in Mountain View, California as well. As well as editing these 4 video episodes too. I’m very proud of the visual gaming podcast I created, hosted, and brainstormed ideas from. I’m very well known for following specific tasks and asking questions to get these tasks finished properly. I feel what sets me apart from others is I ask questions in case I’m stuck/misunderstanding parts of a task, make best with the tools given to me, and finally, give everything my best to finish what’s expenses yes of me in a timely manner.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?

I’ve personally learned that the future belongs to those who prepare for it. That piece of common knowledge has stuck with me as I got older from community college to present day. That mindset has guided me in fascinating directions towards success in relations to my love of movies and entertainment in general. Learn enough to be set for a paid job to what a hobby/what I love as much as family/friends.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dustinparro.wixsite.com/portfolio
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-parro-5928a950?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@burmhaven010?si=zjvMF8uSN4gHZOTY

Image Credits

Peter Kangas
San Jose Sharks Tank Patrol
KMVT 15 Mountain View