By: Joe Unda

/ As the sun sets on this fall semester of 2019, I’m left with these few intermediate weeks to reflect, be with friends, family, and just breathe for a bit. While breathing is nice (in a few senses), I can’t help but think about what’s coming my way in January, 2,789.7 miles west. My name is Joe Unda, I’m from Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and I’m a junior at Hofstra University studying film and minoring in creative writing. Creating, writing, and developing videos, films, music, and sketches throughout my entire life has grown into a great passion of mine. I’ve always loved the process, collaborating, and seeing an idea come to life. Which, to me, is the best feeling there is. 

I can still remember setting up my Mom’s laptop in front of my kitchen table, getting into a collared shirt, opening up the webcam, and queuing up my songs for my many segments. As soon as I pressed record, I was in my own studio, hosting my very own entertainment, news, music or sports talk show (my older sister being the recurring guest and outside anchor). This love and imagination has stuck with me, and as my love for comedy, video, film, music, and just overall creating continues to grow, my skills and abilities do, too.

My time at Hofstra has allowed me to grow in so many ways as a person and as a professional. I’ve been able to make so many great connections with fellow students and faculty, getting involved in some of Hofstra’s amazing on-campus productions along the way. In particular, I am currently a cast member, writer, and a part of the packages team for Hofstra’s own sketch comedy program, “Thursday Nite Live,” and loving every moment of it.

When you think of entertainment, which two places come to mind? New York City and Los Angeles. I’ve spent the last two and a half years here in New York, and nothing against it, but I’m ready to see what L.A. has to offer. I know that I love comedy, writing, and that I want to work in entertainment, but I’m still looking for that steady, assured direction. I’m ready for the above 50-degree temperatures, the sunsets, the L.A. energy, and to hear from all of you about what you do, how you got to where you are, and to make a connection.

LA, here I come.