GOLDEN GATE XPRESS -- Students always express how grateful they are for the experience they take away from this ‘bootcamp,’ which is more than a regular semester class could give them, according to Zhang.
“We had so much support when we were there, and each other. It’s a team effort, so you got to make sure to treat each other well, help build each other up and if you don’t, you’re just dragging everyone down,” said McKiernan, reflecting on the experience of being with the same group of people for three weeks.
The program is centered around documentary filmmaking; however, it is not exclusive to cinema majors. In past years, an anthropology major had participated, according to Zhang. An informational meeting and applications will be ready later this fall.
Zhang continues to organize this program because it challenges students to push their limits. Students leave the program feeling impressed at what they can achieve, and with the friendships and connections they formed.
“As a professor, as a teacher, this is something I like to do,” she said. “It feels like I’m changing lives and no other experience can compare to that.”