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Featured photo: Xavier Johnson in the Film & Video studio on the Henderson County Campus. Photo by Emily Gill.
Emily Gill, Marketing & Communications Dept.
A few years ago, Xavier Johnson’s family started watching movies together every week. Each family member had a turn to pick the film of the week, which brought new films into Johnson’s view.
“Before I was only watching big blockbusters, superhero movies, and popcorn flick type films,” he said. “Watching films with my family opened my eyes in a really interesting way. I became more passionate about it, really quickly, and I realized I wanted to study film.”
This May, Johnson will graduate from Blue Ridge Community College with a certificate in Film and Video. He will also graduate from the Innovative High School, where he was able to attend high school and college at the same time.
Johnson explained that early in the process of taking college courses as a high school student, typically the high school liaison helps pick the courses to help get students started. Later in the journey, students to pick classes that follow their potential study interests and get a head start on their futures.
“I still feel ahead of other people, because I have had the opportunity to experience high school, but also get the educational and the social boons of going to college at the same time,” said Johnson.
This fall, Johnson will attend the UNC School of the Arts in Winston-Salem. The credits he earned at Blue Ridge will transfer to his new school, giving him a head start and financial savings as he pursues a university degree.
“It’s a conservatory, so it’s like the arts version of a trade school,” he said. “It’s considered one of the best film schools in the country, so it’s very cool and prestigious in that sense. I’m excited to get hands-on industry experience.”
Learn more about the Film & Video program at www.blueridge.edu/visual-arts.