College Bound: Acharya puts forth his best image

Listening attentively during the Chapman University college presentation on Sept. 12 in the Library Research Center, senior Saro Acharya found himself being surprised. He had already researched Chapman’s impressive media program and even toured the campus, but the presentation expanded his perspective of what it would be like to pursue film at the school so much more.

“Talking to the speaker really fleshed the college out for me,” Acharya said. “The speaker stated that the primary basis for the film program at Chapman was the art of storytelling, and that caught my attention immediately.”

Acharya hopes attending college presentations like these will help him understand whether he aligns with the culture for the schools he is interested in. He tried to keep the new information he had learned in mind as he prepared for his Chapman, New York University (NYU) and Loyola Marymount University (LMU) applications, which have early Nov. 1 deadlines.

Right now, Acharya has completed the three applications. What compounded the difficulty of the application process was that he juggled the different video requirements of each film school. Chapman, for example, requires a specific video prompt rather than a demonstration of skill. NYU wants a portfolio that focuses on artistic influences and demonstrates “imaginative expression of thought,” according to its website. And LMU requires a film less than three minutes in length.

For his letters of recommendation, Acharya asked history teacher Mike Davey and English teacher Suzanne Herzman to write for him, considering that both know him well and have been large influences on him. Davey said Acharya has gained tremendous confidence since they first met, but he is never arrogant.

“He never seeks to be the focus [of] attention,” Davey said. “[He] is comfortable helping others and basking in their success, [and he] is incredibly creative and mature beyond his age. I have no doubt he will be very successful in his endeavors in college and beyond.”

Herzman not only taught Acharya for English 9 and 10 MAP, but also had him as a teacher’s assistant last year. As his senior project adviser, too, she has continually provided guidance for him throughout the past few years.

“Coming in freshman year, I was a very shy kid, and [Herzman’s] class honestly helped me come out of my shell,” Acharya said. “She also understands my love of film and has helped me develop those skills.”

Herzman described him as a critical reader with a good eye and a quiet leader who never dominates but is always willing to help others. She also regards him as a talented, diversely skilled and patient editor. While Acharya is still as full of passion as he was freshman year, Herzman has observed how he has changed.

“The voice that he’s always had that has shone through in his media projects comes out more in everyday classroom situations,” Herzman said.

Acharya’s interest in media developed even before high school when he started to explore different aspects of animation in middle school. As he began selecting courses for high school, Acharya realized that the Media Arts Program (MAP) would allow him to further his hobby.

“I really got interested in film, just movies in general, and MAP really helped me nurture that passion,” Acharya said. “It really provided me with the opportunity to learn and create more.”

After editing and filming his first project during freshman year, Acharya became “hooked” and knew it was what he wanted to continue to do.

“The potential to create and to tell stories through this medium is honestly what drew me into it,” Acharya said.

The college application process has challenged Acharya to maintain the originality and creativity that inspired him in the first place — especially so because of the varying video requirements for the schools he is applying to. “I really just hope I can pull together a solid portfolio that depicts who I am as a person and the kind of content I like to create,” Acharya said.