Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1259912
myself I wanted to keep being passionate and work hard so, hopefully, I could win this award one day and complete my master's degree. Now, I have achieved that goal, and it is the best gift for my graduation. I will use the money to buy my favorite plugins. Thank you so much to all the gift bag sponsors, which include some plugins I have wanted for a long time. This will allow me to save more money so I can buy one of my favorite microphones as well. The next time I travel, I believe I can record more interesting sounds with better quality to capture the true beauty. Having entered the student contest two years in a row, and winning the second time, do you have any advice for someone wishing to enter? And any advice for someone starting out in the sound for film business? I would say to be brave to show who you really are, and always be open to learning new things and be passionate. I remember when I just started out in sound in college. Everything was new to me. Always being curious about things is good, but it is also important to spend time to learn it thoroughly rather than just scratching the surface and moving on. Never be afraid of making mistakes and make sure you learn from them with a positive attitude. I have a notebook where I write down all the mistakes I have made, and how I finally solved the problem. It's a great way to see how I have progressed. Be humble and ask questions and try to understand it [through] practice. For me, I know I love what I am working on right now, so I always do my best at every opportunity provided to me. Do you have any stories or challenges from your path that you would like to share? Filmmaking is always about teamwork. To be a person with good communication and skills to deal with the high pressure is very important in my mind. I was very shy when I was a little girl, but that changed when I studied abroad. I spent time in London for a year. It had a significant influence on me. While we are required to learn English as children in China, there were not many chances to practice speech. I remember how shy I was the time I had just arrived in London. I usually just stood there listening and smiling but was too afraid to interact with anyone. However, I realized I was missing out on so many new experiences. I started asking my classmates' help to overcome language barriers, talking with them, sharing our cultures, ultimately becoming very good friends. I am glad that I made so many friends from all over the world. They helped me grow up and become a more outgoing and confident girl. Later on, I came to America to pursue my dream of going to Hollywood. I became more independent and learned how to do a better job under pressure. Last summer, I took my grandparents to Yellowstone. While driving through Salt Lake City, the road was winding and very narrow. This was my first time driving such a road and I was worried that I would scare them and not be able to complete the trip. If this were a few years earlier, I may have cracked under pressure, but I took it in stride and drove without fear. They were amazed at how effortlessly I had driven. I had changed so much from that shy little girl playing the piano back in Qingdao. Who have been the people that have influenced you the most and what did you receive from them? I think my family is a big influence on me. They have taught me to always be gentle, humble, and patient. My dad is very hardworking. When I was young, every night before I went to sleep, I could see the outline of my dad silhouetted by the lamp as he sat at his desk, writing. It inspired me to be just as diligent as him. My friends also play a very important role in my life. Not only have we learned from each other's different backgrounds and personalities, but their trust and support push me to be a stronger and better person. All the people who have ever taught and helped me, from my mentors at school to the people I just met once have all made an impact. I appreciate their time and patience to allow me to learn from them. Not only the knowledge I received from them, but also their attitude toward filmmaking and sharing. What's your next step? Like many filmmakers, I always had a dream of going to Hollywood. After I received my master's degree at Chapman University, I felt I officially started my career journey. My goal now is to work in sound for film in Hollywood, and to keep learning and exploring my passion. Is there anything else you would like to add? Thank you so much to everyone at the CAS for honoring me with such an amazing award. Thank you so much to my family and all my dear friends. Thank you so much to everyone who has helped me through all the years. It's a dream come true, as well as a new beginning. Thank you! Bo Pang is a very inventive and creative mixer. I wish her luck and expect to see her credited in many future projects. Her habit of writing down her mistakes and how she solved them would seem to be a great practice for learning from your experience. I would encourage everyone to try it out.