“Pursue and be who you are, not what others want you to be”. This is advice from Beedie Luminary Lilian Cormier-Stumpf, a first year student at Capilano University where she is studying Motion Picture Arts.
What post-secondary school will you be attending?
Capilano University
What program will you be taking in post-secondary and why does it interest you?
I will be taking the Bachelor of Motion Picture Arts degree. The diversity and professionalism of this specialized program will give me the tools I need to become a successful filmmaker in the motion picture industry. Filmmaking has helped me express my artistic creativity, which is why I have chosen this career path.
Tell us a little bit about your background (growing up, going to school, extra-curricular activities, etc.).
Growing up I definitely embraced learning by testing and trying new things. This led me getting into a bit of trouble, but ultimately I gained important knowledge and experience. My family always supported me exploring and creating. I always tried to prioritize doing things that I loved.
To be honest, I didn’t always love school, but the opportunities it presented me are some that I am so grateful for. Through school, I found my passion for film, the arts and leadership. This gave me confidence to create environments where I could share with others these passions. This included creating Film Clubs, volunteering, and organizing events inside and out of my school.
Who inspires you, and why?
My older sister inspires me constantly. From a young age she has excelled in music promotion , creating her own company and growing Vancouver’s live music community. Her passion and dedication to her business inspires me to always put 100% into what I believe in. She just obtained a diploma in Arts and Entertainment Management at Capilano University, and is expanding her company ‘Cushy Entertainment’. I am so thankful for everything she has taught me, and I hope that one day she is as proud of me as I am of her.
What motivates you, and why?
I motivated by wanting to be something. I don’t want to be another casualty of my circumstances, a statistic. Ultimately, I am terrified of becoming a person who is sleepwalking through life, only achieving what they believe is enough. I want to achieve things that I wouldn’t even consider as a possibility and don’t want to live inside the lines and expectations that have been drawn for me. I am motivated by changing the world, and give back to those who have been helping and supporting me.
What are your goals for the upcoming school year?
My one goal for this upcoming school year is to really let myself enjoy this wonderful learning opportunity given to me. I will not take for granted any of my classes (even the ones I might not love!). This goal is important to me because I know that the pressure to excel is immense, but sometimes just appreciating where you are and how far you have come is critical.
What is one thing you learned in high school that you will take with you to post-secondary?
Appreciate your friends! Half of learning is creating a community of people that support and understand you. You are more likely to succeed and have and enjoyable time when you have good friends. Independent learning and focus is important, but relaxing and venting to others is just as crucial for success. In post-secondary I will focus on making healthy and positive relationships with my classmates as well as class work.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to future Luminaries?
Make sure you’re doing this for yourself. Pursue and be who you are, not what others want you to be. Life is too short to waste it on being someone else’s vision of you.
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