Morgan Qiu’s life feels almost cinematic: filled with loud laughter, moments of overconfidence, and by the end, reflection and growth. His high school experience is made up of late-night dorm gaming sessions with the sharp click of controllers, weekend runs to 99 Ranch with friends, and the repeated motion of a swinging tennis racket. During his freshman year, as a young tennis talent, Morgan learned firsthand how talent alone isn’t enough, and is now candid about how that affected his reputation and relationships with teammates. Over time, he’s come to value humility and self-awareness far more than status. Humility is a lesson he wishes he could pass back to his freshman self, alongside a few other reminders: don’t panic, don’t stress too much, and focus on what truly matters. Fittingly, Morgan found his passion for film in the classroom, drawn to the way movies blend creativity, emotion, and reflection in a single story. Next year, he’ll head to NYU to study film, taking the next step toward a future in the media and entertainment industry. He is guided by the words of Alexander Pushkin— “Merry days will come, believe”—Morgan has learned to take both highs and lows in stride, as his film continues to unfold.