Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mia Oquita. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Mia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Looking back at internships and apprenticeships can be interesting, because there is so much variety in people’s experiences – and often those experiences inform our own leadership style. Do you have an interesting story from that stage of your career that you can share with us?
During my freshman year of college, I juggled remote internships for various small businesses and non-profit organizations. However, the challenges of adapting to college life as a first-generation student and the limitations of remote work, I found myself questioning the growth potential of my contributions. It wasn’t until my sophomore year, during summer break, that I actively sought in-person internships. Discovering Reshoevn8r’s advertisement for a video editor position was both exciting and intimidating. Surrounded by professionals, I felt a mix of nerves and anticipation. Yet, this internship proved to be a turning point. Interacting with talented colleagues and receiving mentorship from experienced editors enriched my learning experience. Their guidance helped me identify my goals and refine my skills, shaping my career trajectory. Moreover, my time at Reshoevn8r provided clarity regarding my academic pursuits; while I had initially focused on creating student films, my internship experiences nudged me towards the realm of advertising and strategic communications. The hands-on nature of the internship complemented my academic studies, offering invaluable practical knowledge. Returning for subsequent summers, I witnessed tangible growth, culminating in securing my first paid role as a videographer and editor. Reflecting on my journey, I credit Reshoevn8r for fostering my professional development and igniting my passion for creative media and film.
Mia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Mia, and I am a soon to be graduate from Northern Arizona University with a double major in Creative Media and Film and Strategic Communication. As a freelance videographer and video editor, my love for filmmaking goes way back to when my mom handed me an old camera as a kid, a trusty sidekick I still use today, ten years on. Those early days of messing around with vlogs sparked something special in me. But it wasn’t until my senior year of high school, when I stumbled into a beginner film class, that my passion for filmmaking really took off. Talking with my teacher about career paths when applying to colleges made me realize I’d been applying to a major in criminology out of fear for what I was truly passionate about since film school had always sounded like there was no guaranteed success. Thanks to my teacher’s encouragement, I switch majors before even setting foot in college. His support was a game-changer, nudging me towards Creative Media and Film, where I truly belonged. Since then, I’ve been all about self-learning, diving into YouTube tutorials and getting hands-on with other professionals in the field that I have met along the way. This dedication paid off big time, landing me some valuable internships and freelance gigs where I could practice my shooting and editing skills with confidence. These days, you’ll usually find me behind the camera, shooting and editing whatever catches my eye. I’ve had the chance to collaborate with my university’s athletic teams, capturing live events and creating hype recap videos for their social media feeds. I’ve also teamed up with some of Flagstaff’s local spots like Kuttz Barbershop and Kuttz Beauty Salon, as well as getting in sync with the scene at the town’s bars and clubs, working alongside talented DJs. It’s been a big learning curve but overall, an amazing experience blending creativity with professionalism in every project I take on.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
One of the most fulfilling parts of being a creative is the boundless stream of ideas that flow through your mind. I find immense satisfaction in looking back at my older projects and seeing my style evolve and shine through in my work. Developing a unique style can be a challenging journey, but once you find it, there’s something really special about seeing yourself reflected in every piece you create. Another aspect I cherish is the opportunity to lend a hand to others in similar positions, especially since I know what it’s like to navigate this path without much guidance. Being surrounded by fellow creatives in this field is pretty awesome too—it’s like being part of a unique community where everyone has that similar drive and passion in them.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
In my creative journey, I’m dedicated to continually outdoing myself. There’s nothing like seeing my work evolve and become more polished, especially when I’m pushing boundaries and creating something unique. Alongside this, I aspire being able to continue my freelance work, carving out a fulfilling career doing what I love and hopefully, down the line, I’d love to build my own crew of talented creatives. It’s this vision that keeps me motivated to keep growing and getting better at what I do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miaoquitaa/
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/miaoquita