By: Brittany McGowan

As I write this sitting in an office with the outside feeling like -6 degrees, I think back to the beautiful 70-degree weather that we left on Saturday. Visiting Los Angeles for the first time with a mix of learning and networking (and a hint of touring) was an experience I’m never going to forget.

Aside from the tremendously valuable connections I’ve made that will help me further my career both now and post-graduation, I’ve made connections with people that I barely knew, and those who I got on the plane with are now close friends. I was able to bond with people that I go to class with, and I know that these friendships will become great connections in the industry down the line.

While in L.A., I learned so much. I cannot accurately put into words the amount of information that I have to process. It’s overwhelming, yes, but it’s all incredibly helpful. I learned mainly that there is a slew of positions that I didn’t know existed until now. Though I’m studying production now, that doesn’t mean I’ll end up in production by any means. I could go into editing or development or representation, or anything else.

I have a lot to think about, which is why I’m so glad I went on this trip as a junior, so I have roughly a year and a half to figure out exactly what I want to try and do after I graduate.

I love Los Angeles. I had an incredible time. I’m not entirely sure if I want to move out there (I say as the roads on Long Island are literally frozen); my heart still stands with New York, but that could change. I’m looking forward to where my future takes me, regardless of what coast I’m on. I’ll be sure to make it out to La La Land again because there’s still so much that I want to know. The only thing I know for sure is that I have to continue to work hard to get where I want to be.

Hofstra in L.A. 2019 is an experience that I’m never going to forget. I’m beyond grateful to have been chosen to participate this year. That’s a wrap for now!