Kyree Mackey chose to come to Eastern New Mexico University because two alumni played key roles in her life. Kyree’s grandfather attended the University for criminal justice, later becoming one of the commissioners in Hobbs, New Mexico, and her father studied communication.

“Both [my father and grandfather] passed away when I was growing up. To be able to say that I can put my name on the alumni list with them at Eastern is a great honor,” she said.

Kyree, a sophomore studying digital filmmaking, has always loved movies and had a background in filmmaking. Her start in digital filmmaking began in high school when her theater asked her to take pictures and video.

She thought that filmmaking would be a great career path because she already had the skills and always had a camera in her hand. Kyree believes that ENMU’s film program is something special because the department helps people to stand on their own feet.

“We’ve had plenty of film professors from other campuses come speak to us, and they think it’s amazing that we, as freshmen, get to hold cameras and make films because a lot of their students don’t touch a camera until their senior year,” said Kyree.

Film students at the University are able to get their hands on the equipment, and be on set with experienced people to improve their skills. She says that the program teaches students about lighting, casting actors, writing scripts and creating storyboards, directing, filming and editing, as well as acting.

“I want to be the ace of all trades in the film industry… It should not matter when I go into an interview because I can do almost all things. I can be whatever they need me to be at that moment,” said Kyree.

In addition, she is using her degree and filmmaking skills to perform her job as the African-American Affairs director. Although her job is to promote cultural awareness of campus, she creates multicultural commercials, videos and films for her office.

She says that the fun part about her job is putting all her creativity together and getting paid to do what she loves and have fun. Her office helps to coordinate events, and bring what is interesting to students.

“We try to make sure there’s an event for everyone’s needs, even if it’s a dance or banquet. We’ll bring a guest speaker down to help you become a better student, and pass your classes,” said Kyree.

After she graduates in two years, she is planning to continue her education by studying African-American studies at University of New Mexico. Kyree’s two biggest dreams are to work on international films in Australia or Cape Town, Africa, and to see her name on the credit line after a movie.

“When I was younger, after the movie was over, I would sit there and look at the credit lines as they went by. It would be so great to see my name there,” said Kyree.

Her biggest inspirations and influences for filming come from her friends and family because of the crazy moments they have with each other. Recently, Kyree pulled out her camera to film the spider problem in her apartment, and thought the crazy scenes would make a great film.

Often, she gathers ideas from the life experiences from those around her. The people that Kyree interacts with daily fulfill her life.

“Even though I’m always in small towns, I feel like that’s better because your relationships with other people have more quality. I feel I can influence someone positively, and that gives my life meaning,” said Kyree.

She says that the community of ENMU stands out because different people with a variety of backgrounds and faces make up campus, but everyone is still considered family whether or not they are the complete opposite of each other.

“I want to stay in New Mexico because they a good film business. I feel I won’t move to another state; New Mexico is my home state, and I love it here. It’s crazy, the weather’s crazy, but I’m used to crazy,” concluded Kyree.