We asked some of the most inspiring folks in the community to tell us where they want to be professionally by the end of their careers.

Mikayla Mendoza | Influencer & creator

My end goal is to be a successful known lifestyle influencer and content creator. Here are some of my major goals I wish to achieve.
Establishing a consistent content style and growing my audience to a certain milestone. Collaborating with other creators, engaging with industry influencers, or attending events to expand my professional network. Aim to develop a signature style with my own originality. Turning my content into a sustainable source of income. Read more>>

Thomas Petborisooth | Director/Filmmaker & Podcast Host

I think the answer to that will change in five years so ask me then! What I mean by that is, it’s grown and evolved since I was a kid. I think then it was Academy Award Winning in the caliber of James Cameron, Peter Jackson, and as I grew up became more like Nolan or Fincher. And when I finally moved down to Los Angeles and started working in production on films and commercials it was to become a festival darling that was able to amble along financially through independent films. Now, I think the end goal for me is to a hybrid of both, I want to get theatrical releases for films that I find dramatically moving that matter to me, that have this very personal and indie feel but can also be loved by a large audience like Hayao Miyazaki. Read more>>

Isaac Bell | Actor

The end goal for my professional career and just in life in general is a combination of personal fulfillment as a creative artist and as a human being, making a impact on the world in a positive way, and leaving a legacy behind. I want to inspire the youth behind me and the world ahead of me. Spreading love can have a profound impact on a individual and society as a whole. By spreading love to the youth, you can shape a more compassionate and connected world, bringing positivity and resilience into the future because all we have is one life so why not give love always! Read more>>

Riley Rudy | Writer/Director/Actor

I used to think the end goal was accolades. I used to think the end goal was a picture on a piece of paper. A house, awards, freshly watered plants. It’s taken me years into my artistic journey to realize the end result doesn’t really matter. Candidly, it’s something I often have to remind myself. A mantra I repeat in my head as I get denied from festival after festival. The only thing that matters is the process of making something. I cannot tell you how depressed I get after I finish shooting something. It is the worst feeling in the world. It quite literally feels like a piece of my heart has been ripped out. I feel empty after making something and high while making it. Read more>>