As a graduate student in Georgetown University’s CCT program, I have made storytelling central to my academic research and personal exploration. Storytelling is not just a creative pursuit for me—it is a way to understand the world and connect with others. From childhood fantasies to the study of narrative theory and the practice of cinematic storytelling, storytelling has shaped my academic and personal journey. This narrative will present my reflections on storytelling, my academic background, and my future aspirations.
My academic journey began with a fascination with storytelling, and I continue to explore how values and cultural meaning can be conveyed through storytelling, from literature to film, from traditional mythology to modern science fiction. In the CCT program, I combine communication theory, cultural studies, and digital media tools to examine how technology changes narrative boundaries and apply this knowledge in practice. I enjoy engaging audiences and provoking emotional resonance by designing cinematic stories that combine plot, character relationships, and suspense. I believe that a vivid story touches the emotions and stimulates deep thinking about social, cultural, and philosophical issues.
By designing objects and building scenarios, I visualize abstract ideas and demonstrate the multi-layered nature and core concepts of storytelling. For example, in a story about a fox losing its memory, the flower candle connects to its inner world, the jade pendant symbolizes the hope of breaking through its demons, and the dynamic memory fragments enhance the strain and emotional tension. This design conveys the themes of “struggle” and “renewal,” and through symbolic props and scene details, it invites audiences to think about metaphors and suspense while stimulating emotional resonance and in-depth interpretations. This design reflects my approach to storytelling: bridging abstract concepts and human emotions through thoughtful design.
I believe storytelling is a powerful tool for cultural exchange and dissemination of ideas. My academic goal is to explore the application of AI and VR technologies in storytelling. For example, I envision using AI to recreate the mythological world of The Classic of Mountains and Seas, generating fantastical scenes and dynamic narratives to revitalize ancient cultures and engage global audiences. At the same time, I plan to enhance the emotional delivery of narratives through technologies such as AI-driven audience feedback analysis or designing interactive storytelling experiences that allow audiences to participate deeply in the story. I plan to use AI and interdisciplinary collaboration to craft resonant, adaptive narratives. Through my work, I hope to touch audiences’ hearts and provoke them to reflect on complex issues such as memory, identity, and technology ethics while integrating universal emotions and profound ideas into each story.
Storytelling remains my way of understanding the world and expressing myself. By designing vivid scenes and symbolic elements, I strive to create storytelling that conveys meaning and emotion. I aim to merge traditional storytelling techniques with the innovative application of AI and VR, crafting works that connect history and the future, emotions, and ideas and bringing unique narrative experiences to global audiences.