264: Creating A Reel Impact With Shuling Yong

Shuling Yong is a filmmaker with a passion for creating positive social change through media, and have Produced/Directed Growing Roots which premiered on the Discovery Channel, worked with the Chicago-based multi award-winning production company Kartemquin Films on Maria Finitzo’s In The Game and Steve James’s America To Me, and on Rebecca Parrish’s award-winning documentary Radical Grace. She has also worked with multiple non-profit organizations across Chicagoland, helping take their videos and online marketing efforts to the next level. Shuling also has a podcast called Reel Impact based on interviews, case studies, tips and stories from impact film and video professionals worldwide.

Shuling was not able to express herself when she was younger. Growing in as Asian household, her family was never expressive which made Shuling not realize what she can truly achieve herself. In this episode, you will learn what Shuling did to gain confidence to be where she is today creating a positive impact through filmmaking.

Bio

Shuling Yog is a documentary filmmaker and founder of Media for Social Change and the host of The Reel Impact Podcast.

Cultural Background

Shuling is of Singaporean Chinese descent.

Favorite Self Confidence Quote

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Definition of Self Confidence

Self-confidence starts with awareness. Awareness of your gifts, talents and strengths. Then self- confidence blossoms when you consistently put in the work to develop those strengths until you’re prepared to take on the challenges that come your way.

Her Life Before the Discovery of Self Confidence

Growing up in Singapore, Shuling’s parents were not the most expressive and because of this she was not aware of what she can achieve.

The “AHA” Moment

At the are of twelve, Shuling was told to stand up and read something out loud to her peers in English class even though she was scared out of her mind. When she was done reading it, the teacher told another teach how well Shuling could speak which helped Shuling believe in her own abilities.

Her Life After the Discovery of Self Confidence

Shuling made the decision to want to become a radio DJ, and studying Mass Communication in Polytechnic.

It gave her the drive to work hard to become the valedictorian of her graduating class, which then helped her get that scholarship to study film at Northwestern.