Abby Surber

Abby's History Making Moments

What are your central passion(s), and how do you plan to pursue them after graduation? How have your experiences at Flagler shaped these passions?

My passions lie in film, in both the study and creation of it. I love being able to study and take apart the films that others have made to see what people can take away from them, but I also love being a part of the production of new films and creating in that art form as well. 

I am planning to stay in that realm after graduation. I want to keep studying film on my own time as well as getting a job in production and seeing where it takes me next.

Who or what inspired your passion in this area?

As I think most people who are into film and television would say, the thing that inspired my passion for the medium was watching film and television. I think it’s such an interesting way for someone to tell a story. It’s a medium that allows for people to connect to it, but also connect to others through it. 

Can you share a memorable story from your time at Flagler that always makes you smile? What made this moment special for you? 

The memorable moments about Flagler that looking back make me smile are the little moments with the people that I care about. Whether it’s heading out for a car ride late at night for a sweet treat or hanging out in my room to watch a movie, locking in to study together for finals or working some early mornings and late nights on set. They mattered because the people that I was with are the people I hope stay with me long after graduation. My most memorable story is made up of all the little pieces and all of the amazing people that helped to make the story happen.

Which academic resources, experiences, or mentors at Flagler were most valuable to you, and how did they contribute to your success?

I couldn’t stress enough the amount that the professors at Flagler helped to contribute to my success. The large majority of the opportunities that I have had at this school have come from a professor who believed in me. I am grateful to all of the professors who have been there for me and my journey here and I could never thank them enough.

What advice or lesson would you give to your freshman year self about the college experience?

The advice that I would give my freshman year self would be to just try it. I think when I first got here, I was scared to try out for things that I wasn’t confident in or hadn’t done before. But now that I’m leaving and looking back, most of my favorite things that I have done here have been because I decided to try for that thing that I wanted but was scared I wouldn’t get or couldn’t do.