Maryann's Advice to Current Students

“My time at LHS was so important to me. I learned so much, and more importantly learned how to work diligently, stay organized, and complete work thoroughly. These basic skills have been invaluable to my work as a producer. When I was there at LHS, I met and studied with people who are my closest friends to this day. These bonds of friendship from this time are everlasting. 

When I studied at LHS, I was shy and had low self-confidence. I was always worried about fitting in and being someone that people liked. When I look back now, I want to tell that high school girl not to worry about those things. You will go on to meet many people, have incredible adventures and learn things you never knew existed. The one thing I know is that each and every time I have stepped out of my comfort zone, I have grown exponentially as a person. The corny phrase, “any dream you have is possible” is actually true. Take it from me. Moving to Los Angeles was scary. Working with people like Jeffrey Katzenberg and Stephen Spielberg was super scary at first. I was shy and the first time Jeffrey asked for my story notes on a movie, in front of a room full of people, I thought I was going to throw up. My nerves were so rattled to speak in public and give my notes that I almost couldn't speak. I remember after that meeting having big red blotches on my skin from my nerves! I kept working super hard, asked a lot of questions, developed relationships, learned from a lot of cool people, and over time gained more confidence."

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"I really want to say that if you can envision a dream, you can achieve it. You must take massive action and believe in your dream. Even if you have to “fake it til you make it”, believe in the vision you have for yourself. I've learned that the only difference between people who have an idea or dream, and people who achieve an idea or dream, is massive action and belief in their goal. Don't listen to the internal voices that say, “I can't do that”, “Other people are more talented”, “Other people are smarter”. Take the first step and take action. Believing that you will achieve your goal is so important. Do not wait or stop achieving your dream because you do not know how to do it. It is the WHAT that is important, not the HOW. You will never know the HOW at the beginning of a journey. You just need to take it one step at a time and let it lead to the next step, and the next, and the next. I had no clue how to make a short film, with no money, no people, and no equipment – but we didn't let that stop us. We did not let the HOW stop us. We believed we would figure it out and embraced the journey. Take hold of your dream and keep showing up, day after day, even on the days you have no clue what you are doing, and you will eventually make it. I promise."

"If a shy girl, who was terrible at math, from Laconia High School can win an Oscar, trust me, anything is possible!!"

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"P.S.    Be kind to people. I've learned that people generally want to work with people they like being around and spending their days with. Honestly, it might even be a hair more important than talent at the end of the day, in my humble opinion."