PASSION PROJECTS + ACADEMICS

crtvty + prsnlty

In my undergraduate capstone project, I explored the extensive research connecting personality traits with creativity. I aimed to internalize and contextualize the associations proposed by Robert McCrae and Paul Costa in their Five-Factor Model (FFM), which includes openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Applying creativity to the FFM, I sought to understand how different points along the personality spectra could influence preferences for specific creative works and the techniques used in ideation and problem-solving during the creative process.

Through my exploration, I delved into existing literature to demonstrate links between varying degrees of personality traits and preferences for entertainment genres and traditional art. The goal of my project was to challenge stereotypes associated with specific FFM personality trait degrees and suggest ways to overcome these compartmentalized labels through the lens of creativity. The 100-profile photo installation I created aimed to prompt viewers to engage in internal discussions, encouraging them to reflect on the question: What role does personality play in creativity?

 

Bridge The Gap (unreleased)

In collaboration with podcaster, writer, and storyteller Chachie Abara (KasamahanCo) and visual artist Shaneika Aguilar, the objective of "Bridge The Gap" is to initiate dialogue within families and bridge gaps in areas that need closure. The goal is to foster openness, transparency, and vulnerability. The series particularly focuses on addressing the disconnection from our culture, aiming to promote a sense of openness, transparency, and vulnerability within our families and community.

Our specific goals include:

  1. Encouraging familial dialogue that wouldn't typically happen in everyday conversations.

  2. Initiating an inquiry into and understanding of the lived experiences during one's upbringing.

  3. Deepening connections with loved ones through regular check-ins.

Pre-production for episode two has started, and the release date is yet to be determined.

 

1946

a creative nonfiction

“So kolohe,” Janet said. “I hope they slip and fall too!”

“They’re big boys, sis,” Tita replied. “You know they rascal.”

“Uh-huh,” Janet gets up and brushes herself off. She hears Danny and the boys cackling as they run back up the shore from another flow of water. The girls follow suit and run back up to the lookout to avoid another falling mishap.

“Brah! Brah! Brah!” The teenage boys were chanting as they narrowly escaped this second wave.

“Another one!” Danny said. The boys continue their pursuit with the ocean by chasing the receding water again and running from it when it comes back up. This back and forth went on two more times while Janet, Tita, and the girls admired from the lookout.

My Corner

a short story

“No, tell us what’s really going on,” Ben’s mom snapped. “We know you are hiding something.”

Ben just looked at both of them and down blankly at his plate that is still full of food. “There is nothing going on,” he murmured.

Papa and Mom both nodded their heads in what seemed like agreement to what Ben says, but still in disbelief in Ben’s authenticity. Ben understood that his parents had caught on to something; maybe something slipped when he was in his corner or maybe they'd placed an ear on his bedroom door when he didn’t know. His mind went round and round on what they thought could be happening, but he didn’t want to say anything that would compromise himself.

UH Hawaiʻi Community College Portfolio

Between 2017 and 2020, I pursued and earned an Associate of Science degree in Creative Media at the Hawaiʻi Community College. Throughout the program, I engaged in coursework covering graphic design and digital storytelling, as well as video and audio production.The curriculum emphasized hands-on experience, allowing me to work with industry-standard software and equipment. I developed skills in various aspects of digital media, with a focus on fostering creativity and encouraging innovative approaches to production. The program also provided opportunities for real-world experience through internships and capstone projects, enabling me to build a portfolio.