Last month I traveled to Toronto, Canada for a one weeklong study abroad for the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), all thanks to the MSUFCU scholarship.

This week-long study abroad program has undoubtedly changed the way I think and feel about the film industry, which is exactly what I was hoping for. My week was filled with movie premieres, conferences, red carpets, running into A-list celebrities, and of course exploring the city of Toronto.

Upon arrival, my group and I were given “industry passes” that served as a very important tool for access to various events. This very pass allowed me to watch the first ever screenings of movies and documentaries and has gotten me into conferences with people like Hugh Grant and Cate Blanchett. This pass leveled me up to a full-on industry professional and helped me blend into crowds of higher ranks.

Each day had its own schedule with awesome once-in-a-lifetime experiences, but I’d say my favorite part of the whole study abroad experience was attending world premieres. Getting to watch the first ever screenings of anticipated movies alongside the full cast of actors and directors was incredible. It is a feeling that I struggled to put into words even after I got back.

Getting to see and meet people in the film industry that I look up to was surreal. I now get to say that I was in the same room as Willem Defoe, Bill Murray, Andrew Garfield, Jacob Elordi, Angelina Jolie, Steven King, and many many more. Something that I'll never forget.

Thanks to this amazing study abroad opportunity I got an inside look of the inner workings of my desired field and gained much experience in terms of networking. This experience solidified my passion for filmmaking and helped me see that it is in fact within reach and hard work will eventually pay off.

I went into this a bit nervous about what to expect and whether or not I'd feel lost, and I came back a week later with a boost of confidence and a whole new set of friends. The experiences and friendships make me want to come back for more and teach me that sometimes taking risks and chasing your dreams is totally worth it.

Name: Klaudia Maciejowski
Status: Sophomore
Major: Digital Storytelling
Hometown: Palatine, Illinois
Program: Toronto International Film Festival