What’s up FOTO fam!!
For those of you who don’t know me, (feeling kinda old, I’m guessing there’s more of you who don’t know me than do) my name is Reilly Burton, and I graduated in 2022 with my degree in film production! I joined FOTO my first month of freshman year, and I’m forever grateful I found this beautiful, wonderful, incredibly important organization.
I remember immediately clicking with the people. I looked forward to every Monday night meeting, knowing I would be greeted with smiles and hugs and the BEST energy. Instead of Mondays being a drag, Mondays became a glimmer of light for me. FOTO quickly became my ‘thing.’ It was so dope feeling like I was a part of something bigger than myself and knowing I was making a bunch of great friends along the way. (I am still friends with so many FOTO ppl <333) I met all my senior year roommates through FOTO, and my freshman year roommate and I Rylee (R^squared) joined FOTO and went through the entire experience together, ultimately both dancing in THON 2022! I learned that when you’re surrounded by good, supportive people, it makes working towards a goal even better. FOTO is TRULY a family. UGH missing you guys so much!!!
Here’s a little bit about my FOTO journey after freshman year:
I became a liaison sophomore year, and then served as communications officer junior and senior year (shoutout Cam continuing on the Comm legacy LOVE YOU)! It was so insanely cool getting to combine my love for film/editing/photography/videography with FOTO. I made so many videos for FOTO, and it’s amazing to have this digital record of my time with FOTO, plus the fact that so many videos I took are used to this day. It just fills my heart with so much joy!!! I am so grateful I got to capture so many moments of pure happiness.
Getting to combine my passion for making a positive impact on the world with my passion for film was just so awesome. My experiences in FOTO helped shape me into the person I am today; I met so many wonderful people who inspired me and showed me support from the beginning of my journey. Proud to say I’m now an actress living in Los Angeles working in the film and tv industry! FOTO still inspires me to never give up or lose hope in the journey or in yourself. Sometimes we may face hardships and question things, but remember, everything we want is on the other side of fear. Sometimes, experiencing friction means you’re on the right path, and mistakes allow us to learn and grow to become our best selves.
It genuinely makes me so happy to see how much FOTO is growing and all the wonderful people who are carrying on FOTO’s legacy. Matty, Megan, Logan (and now Brooke!! So happy for FOTO to gain another beautiful family!) all still inspire me to this day. They are a constant reminder that if they can fight cancer, then we can find strength in moments when we feel hopeless, lost, or weak. Everything you’re doing in FOTO is for THEM and every other child who has battled cancer and beat it, and for those who have fought so bravely and lost the battle.
MY BEST ADVICE FOR ALL YOU AMAZING PEOPLE WHO HAVE YOUR WHOLE LIVES AHEAD:
DO EVERYTHING. Have no regrets. Whatever time and effort you put into this organization is what you get out of it! TBHH I am a very anxious person and most of the time, I wish I could just stay home! BUT… go to the bake sales. Go to Monday night meetings. Talk to people, make new friends, go on group hikes, join in for bowling nights, hub hangouts, participate in silly string assassin (do you guys still do that?? GOD that was so fun), the F45 fundraisers, interview the Willard preacher (is he still preaching on the steps???) go on family visits, donate your hair THON weekend, perform in FOTO’s talent show, audition for the THON showcase, go all out for THON weekend, bring cool kaleidoscope glasses and make everyone try them on, just do all the social events! I cherish those memories and miss those days so much. Even little old anxious me has never regretted doing any of those fun FOTO events. :)
I could go on and on. FOTO will always hold an incredibly special place in my heart. I’m so proud of you all!!! I’m always here if anyone wants to reach out for more FOTO-related or PSU-related advice or anyone who is interested in a career in Los Angeles or the film/tv industry!! Would be SO happy to impart the bits of wisdom I have now that I’m kinda old.
I also can’t believe there’s only 31 days until THON!!! To everyone dancing, you got this!! Dylan I will answer your text about THON weekend advice I promise!!
I will be cheering on the dancers and all of FOTO THON weekend from the West Coast!! And I’m always cheering yall on all the time!!! :)
Xoxo
Reilly