Choosing to dream big

Editor's note: This is part of a series of profiles for spring 2016 commencement. See the rest here.

Growing up in Buckeye, Arizona, Anique Brito dreamed of the glamour and glitz of Hollywood.

Life took her to Tempe, but she didn’t have to give up those dreams. While an Arizona State University student, she double-majored in film and media studies and psychology, rubbed elbows with artists and movie stars as an intern at Sundance, and helped run a successful social-media campaign for an international film festival in Sedona. She graduates this spring with a 4.03 GPA.

Brito completed her two film-related internships under the direction of Kevin Sandler, an associate professor of film at ASU with professional connections in Hollywood. Sandler says that Brito always had the drive to tackle both academic and real-world challenges.

“Anique put a tremendous amount of energy into her work at the film festivals. She has a combination of talent and motivation that will help her succeed in whatever she ultimately chooses to pursue,” he said.

Brito answered a few more questions about her time at ASU and her future plans.

Question: What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?

Answer: I have many passions (my past majors include astrophysics and French — seriously). When I was a year or so into my French degree, I changed my major to psychology. I had always been interested in psychology, particularly after I lost someone very special to me to a mental illness and experience mental illness myself. Then, after I changed my major, I went through a major life shift where I realized that my biggest passion is and always has been movies. I’ve come to realize that the two majors complement each other much more than I had ever expected!

A: I learned to enjoy life more. This was something that came outside of the classroom. I’m still learning to enjoy life more every day, but this was a gift that ASU gave me.

My Sundance trip was an absolute blast, and it definitely put so many things into perspective for me. Here I was, amongst people who were passionate about the same things as me and were succeeding. It served as an inspiration and an invaluable learning experience, and it fueled my desire to work in movies after I graduate.

Q: Why did you choose ASU?

A: I chose ASU because it was the exact kind of environment and atmosphere that I wanted. I love the huge campus, and it was in the perfect location. I’m happy with the decision I made!

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: Work is definitely important, but find time to have fun as well. Don’t waste a single day. Make it memorable.

Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?

A: The Memorial Union, the gym, the Language and Literature building, and the Secret Garden!

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I plan on working and saving up money to move to Los Angeles. I’m still trying to figure many things out, but I would like to start working as a production assistant or anything that will help me get a start.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: I would do my best with climate change. No other problems matter if there is no planet.

The Film and Media Studies program in the Department of English and the Department of Psychology are both academic units in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.