Inspiring Young Alumni: Catching up with Liam Abbott ’19
Since sharing his story for the St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) Inspiring Young Alumni Wall, Liam Abbott ’19 graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor of fine arts in film production and a minor in entrepreneurship and documentary filmmaking from Chapman University in May 2023. He continues pursuing his passion for film, which he explored at SMCS and continues refining his narrative and documentary storytelling skills. Abbott is embarking on a move to the ‘Big Apple,’ New York City, to start working in the film industry.
Read on to learn more about this inspiring young alumnus.
Please provide a brief update on your professional life.
Since graduating from Chapman University, I have started working as a freelance video editor, helping clients on a variety of projects ranging from wedding videos to non-profit fundraisers and YouTube Channels. I also work two part-time video editing contract jobs.
The first is for a company called SnowBrains, which is one of the biggest digital ski news websites. There, I am scaling their media and video production across the board.
The second job is for Blueboard, where I am also a video editor in their marketing department. While I am doing both jobs remotely, I plan to move to New York City in September, where I plan to continue growing my career in film.
Please describe your history with St. Mike’s.
I attended St. Mike’s from Grades 7 through 12. During my time, I got involved in all aspects of the school, including the badminton and ski teams, stage crew, SMC TV, the morning announcements, Student Government, and more. Since then, I have maintained connections with various teachers and faculty and try to visit the school whenever I return to Toronto.
Please provide further details on any involvement with SMCS since you graduated.
I haven’t had too much involvement since I have been living on the West Coast since graduation. Still, I have had the opportunity to go back and visit teachers and faculty several times, the most recent of which I went to see this year’s Spring Musical, which I really enjoyed.
How would you describe your time at the school?
I loved my time at St. Mike’s – I would describe myself as being involved in all facets of the school and loving everything St. Mike’s had to offer.
How did SMCS prepare you for and propel you into life?
In terms of preparation for university – my programme felt very manageable because of my experience and what I had already been taught at St. Mike’s. Without all the amazing co-curricular programmes at St. Mike’s, such as the morning announcements, stage crew, and SMCS TV, I would not have found my love for film and would have most definitely not chosen that as the career path I am now on today.
How do you live out the Basilian motto of Teach me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge?
I think that by following this motto in life, it has led me to so many opportunities both in my educational and personal life. Being disciplined has kept me focused and on track throughout my post-secondary degree and is one of those words I like to use in job interviews or other things where they ask you to describe yourself. Knowledge is similar in that I always try to take in new things I am surrounded by. Goodness is also something I try to embody, and I believe that putting that out in the world will only mean you receive it back sometime in the future.
Describe how you are being the best for the world through your work and education.
During my time in university, I really found a love for documentary storytelling. One of the reasons I loved that specific type of film was because you get to tell real stories about real people and help educate and share unique and diverse perspectives on topics important to the world today. I find doing that very rewarding because it serves such a valuable purpose.
What advice do you have for current students?
My advice for current students is when trying to figure out what you may want to do in university, really explore and consider all the programmes that are out there. I found that during my time at St. Mike’s, it seemed that among the students, the only options really appeared to be business, the sciences, or a general arts degree, but there is so much more than that worth considering.
We are pleased to feature Liam Abbott as a member of our inspiring young alumni. More inspiring young alumni can be found on the featured wall across from the main office.
Related links: