Main fundraiser photo

Sarah's Computer Fund

Donation protected
I have always been a lover of stories. Whether on the printed page, on the silver screen, or told aloud, stories have always fascinated me. I started writing my own when I was about six years old. I have always loved writing and I always will, but in my young adult years, I have discovered a new form of storytelling that I am even more passionate about:

Video editing.

I remember watching movies as a kid and whenever there was a scene with memorable music (whether a pop or classical song or a score unique to that movie), I would wonder what it would be like to be the person that puts the footage together and makes it work with the music for an emotional scene. That got me thinking further: someone takes all the footage filmed for a movie and puts it together to tell the story! I remember becoming so excited by this idea.

When I was about 14 years old, I discovered video editing for myself. I started out with the very basic program, Windows Movie Maker, using my trusty old Dell Inspiron 6000. I taught myself about types of video, how to arrange clips to make a cohesive whole, appropriate transitions, and the importance of timing. I had fun with it, but I was limited in my abilities.

About four years ago, I got my current computer, an ASUS Notebook K53E. Friends of the family heard about my developing interest in video and helped me purchase my current editing software, Sony Vegas 13. Since then, my horizons for editing have expanded tenfold. Sony Vegas has allowed me to learn about editing in multiple layers, text manipulation, and special effects. Some videos I make just for fun, but I have also been able to use my skill to help my church with media projects and even run an online small business creating lyric videos for independent music artists.

This fall, I will transfer from my local community college to Regent University to begin my major in Cinema and Television with an emphasis in Post-Production. I hope to use my knowledge and talent in church media and in education. My dream is to join a creative team and work on films or shows. I want to continue to learn how to tell stories more effectively in this ever-increasingly visual culture we live in.

My ASUS computer has served me well these last four years, but I will need a more powerful machine as I begin my education and career in video. I hope to purchase a Dell XPS 15 by July of this year. It will cost $1,880; I am hoping to raise about $1,500 of that and pay the rest myself. If you are able to make even a small donation towards my goal, or at least share this page with others, I would be very thankful. 

As a pastor, my dad believes that storytelling is one of the best ways to convey the Gospel, since Jesus often used parables to make complicated topics easier to understand for his listeners. Narrative not only has the power to capture the imagination, but also to inspire others to greatness. Stories of all kinds have had a tremendous impact on my life and I want to spread the joy of storytelling to everyone I can.
Donate

Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $40 
    • 8 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $1,200 (Offline)
    • 8 yrs
  • Cindy
    • $100 (Offline)
    • 8 yrs
Donate

Organizer

Sarah Smith
Organizer
Manteo, NC

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee