Chicago Scholars is excited to bring you a series of essays and reflections on the impact of Scholars’ college degrees on their communities, their families, and themselves. This essay was written by Ginelle Bamfo, Class of 2025.
Deciding to pursue a degree in Film & TV at New York University was one of the best things I could’ve done for myself. While it’s true that in most artistic fields, a degree isn’t a necessary aspect of a successful career, there is so much value in doing so anyway. I grew up loving and consuming art, and it showed me ways to communicate with the world even when I found doing so extremely difficult. Art has made me who I am, and I am extremely passionate about creating stories that help others discover who they are too.
So, what does a college degree have to do with any of that? For one, being in a controlled environment that encourages me to make mistakes and learn through them in my craft is invaluable. I’ve learned so much more about how to take care of the technical aspects of art so that I can better communicate the heart of each story. But, the most beneficial part of my schooling so far has been the people that I’ve been able to connect with as a result of being here.
I’ve found so many lifetime collaborators through my time at NYU, and I haven’t even graduated. I’ve connected with alumni who have founded their own production companies and have worked at big-names companies like NBC or Disney. I’ve talked to multi-hyphenates who have done everything from acting to camerawork. My network has exploded, and now I have so many dependable contacts that I can always call when I need something. Not to mention the professors that I have access to now. There are so many people here that have created work that inspires me and have taught more productive and efficient ways to work.
Because of my degree, I’m being given opportunities that I wouldn’t have otherwise have. My time in college has helped me secure internships at WarnerBros/Discovery and HBO. I had the opportunity to study abroad in Prague and to work on 35 mm film. I’ve connected with other Black creatives and taken up leadership roles in spaces dedicated to us.
My time in college has helped me find security in my sense of self and identity. Pursuing a degree has been one of the best things I’ve done in my life and I can’t wait to see what post-grad life holds for me.
