Check out our teen spotlights at CPL.
David A. is a regular at the Back of the Yards YOUmedia. He is a senior at Back of the Yards College Preparatory High School, and he plans to attend Daley College to study Theater Arts. He created a video that placed in the top ten for Project Hometown Video Contest.
Q: What does YOUmedia mean to you?
A: I feel like YOUmedia is a place we belong together as teenagers. We can explore our interests like video or graphic design. YOUmedia is a safe place where we don’t judge other people. We meet new people and new friends.
Q: What have been some of your favorite YOUmedia workshops over the years?
A: My favorite YOUmedia workshop was when we made chocolate roses for Mother’s Day. I never gave something to my Mom before other than a card. She was so happy when she tasted my chocolate. I learned how to make chocolate. I never had the experience before of learning how to cook. I had to learn the skill, cooking, in case I ever lived on my own.
Q: How did the pandemic inspire you to create this video?
A: I feel like pandemic inspired me since during the past year I was feeling isolated and on my own. The pandemic affected us mentally. Time was tough for many people around the world. Even though we have been wounded by the cruelty of this world, it did not make us feel that cruel. We matter and we just have to have faith.
Q: Do you have any advice for teens who want to create their own videos?
A: I want teens to try make their stories more realistic. A place that you belong. Explain why you enjoy these things. If you got an idea, go for it. When it comes to video editing, it is more fun than it looks! Even if you don’t win something, your story will be carried out. If you do something small, it can affect a big way in the community.
Thanks for sharing your voice David!
