SEND TYRA TO FILM SCHOOL IN CZECH

Greetings Family and Friends!     My name is Tyra McKinzie and I am a film student at the Northern Virginia Community College here in Alexandria, VA. Last year I switched my major from Psychology to Film Production because I realized I wanted to development my other writing gifts. I began taking a screenwriting class which quickly sparked my interest into film production. Upon enrolling in screenwriting and Film Production classes, I have done quite well in my studies and have been offered an opportunity to study film abroad  at The Film Academy of Miroslav Ondricek in Pisek in Czech Republic this Spring.  This opportunity would allow me to study under the tutelage of Academy award-winning filmmakers and other film students in the Czech Republic.      I didn’t attend college after I graduated from high school because I didn’t have the focus or the drive I have now. I looked at my high school transcripts and gasped when I looked at my grades. Although I waited 30 years later to attend college, it has given me not only the focus and drive, but also the maturity and direction I lacked as a high school graduate. Since enrolling in college I am on the Dean's list and I have also been inducted intoThe National Society of Collegiate Scholars.       I’ve always been a creative person and enjoy songwriting, singing, playing piano, and bass guitar. However, I come to realize that I have many stories to tell, and many vehicles by which those stories can be told. It wasn’t until I enrolled in a screenwriting class last fall that I learned, I was not only a great songwriter, but also a pretty great budding screenwriter. I had a chance to collaborate with a classmate on a short story and also got to utilize my songwriting skills in a short film for I student film festival. Be sure to click  on the links to check out a song I wrote about autism entitled “Hear My Voice in the short film” Between 2 Worlds”       I never imagined that by simply broadening my horizons as a creative, I would ever have an opportunity to travel abroad in this capacity. I am certainly honored and excited about this opportunity, but it does come at a price. And that’s where my amazing family and friends come in. The cost of this trip is $4000.  I would really love your help with raising money so that I can secure a spot to take advantage of this amazing opportunity. The $4,000 will cover the cost of international roundtrip flight, room and board,  film classes  (6 credit hours), two meals a day, a day trip to study in Prague and budget  for final film project.     I am working part-time and going to school so I decided to use GOFUNDME because I know all too well the stress of having to use and pay back financial aid. That being said, I would truly appreciate and be eternally grateful for any amount you can donate. My desire is to become the best film producer possible. Having a chance to study in Prague with Academy Award winning film producers and directors, as well as students from Czech Republic will certainly expand my knowledge and give me a different perspective. And besides, who would want to pass up an opportunity to study in such a beautiful country. And you know I will be using Facebook Live and Instagram Story to keep you updated on some of the cites and activities.   While you’re making your decision, also please take a look at a 30 second clip of a short film I wrote, produced and directed for film class.  Thanks so much and GOD Bless!!  Yours Truly, Tyra V. McKinzie