Dreamer Spotlight: James Garcia

James Garcia (London ’07) knows what he wants for his future career: happiness, fulfillment, and passion. And he’s willing to take uncommon opportunities that could possibly present those things.

Like many University of Dreams participants, James wanted an internship that would help him get a foot in the door in the entertainment industry of film and television. But here’s what sets James apart: his internship was with Dennis Publishing. To anyone else, this may have seemed like a step in the wrong direction—why would someone who wants to direct films work for a publisher? But James saw opportunity.

While other internships with major film production companies likely wouldn’t allow him to get hands-on experience, the small amount of filming that Dennis Publishing did do could provide vital chances for his involvement. He was right.

“Because I looked at another internship that wasn't in my direct field of study, I ended up getting to spend my entire time there working the way I wanted to, and doing what I wanted to do,” James said.

James spent the summer traveling throughout the United Kingdom gathering footage and returning it to London to edit it for the company.

“The thing I liked the most was doing work that I cared about and that interested me,” James said. “I was never bored or ever had that feeling that I had to go to work. I always wanted to go to work because I had so much fun with the actual work I was producing. I got the reassurance of enjoying my job immensely and the knowledge that I was pursuing the right career for me.”

An important part of James’ being able to excel at Dennis Publishing was his work ethic. He worked hard to put forth his best effort and to show genuine interest in every task he was given.

“I was willing to do anything I could, even if it didn’t necessarily apply to the internship I was there to do. My internship was something I cared about and that gave me pleasure, so I think that spilled over to work and my attitude.”

Upon the end of the program, Dennis Publishing asked him to stay for another five weeks to continue doing filmmaking for the company.

James sees the importance in taking advantage of opportunities. He took advantage of an opportunity to explore a new culture and country, to complete an internship in a field that others may not have initially viewed as helpful to his goal, and to network with individuals in his chosen industry, especially his supervisors, he said.

“You have to show your superiors that you care about the company, your work, and your future in general, and there is no way they can know those things if you don't speak to them daily,” James said.

James is now a senior at Savannah College of Art and Design with only two quarters to go until obtaining a degree in Film and Television. Following graduation, he hopes to move to London or New York to continue pursuing his career in that industry and to eventually be a writer for a television series.

“I don’t want to work to live,” James said, “I want to live to work.”