What started as a senior thesis project, with a paper and eight minute short film requirement, turned into a two-year process to which I took the extra mile. I had started capturing and following this story in 2020, before I had even known it yet. The most challenging aspect was following a story that was changing drastically day to day and even hour by hour, with no certain ending until it was over. Pair this with filming, editing & more completely solo, and you wouldn't second guess the time it required to get this piece distribution ready. Not only does this the film encompass the theories, history and filmmaking techniques I have learned over 4 years, but it is a story I will forever hold close to my heart, with a result that could not be ignored. My starting expectation with this piece was to focus on techniques that drew out emotion, but concluded as an exploration of ethics and aesthetics in the video journalism sphere. This project was a chance for me to take the concepts I spent four years learning and implement them in the world with a big purpose. You may pick up on changes or improvements in my filming techniques from beginning to end, as this piece additionally represents my progress as a self-taught videographer. The film is shot on a Nikon D7500 (a photo camera that just happens to take a little video) and DJI Mavic Air 2, with stabilization only from a monopod. Amidst countless challenges, I am proud to share my first longitudinal project.