Rejected From The Only College I Applied To (NYU Rejection)

A couple of months ago I got rejected from NYU (New York University). It was the only college I applied to, and after some thought I eventually made the decision to not go to school at all. This is the story behind why I am taking these risks and why college isn't for me.
I hope this story can inspire others to make the jump towards defying the status quo.
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[e-mail]

[@victoriasvideos7224]

2nd, the most Asian thing I’ve ever heard is that “aiyah” when you don’t make the high jump

[@riverogue13]

Bruh i hate the word “aiyah” so much and my dad manages it to turn it into the loudest sigh possible

[@Dan-sz7qn]

@@riverogue13 why do you hate it tho?

[@riverogue13]

@@Dan-sz7qn it’s the sound of disappointment

[@Dan-sz7qn]

@@riverogue13 oh I see well ye fair I get it

[@Selena-of1py]

But I was a legend at high jump😼

[@eileenliu9673]

NYU in a few years when you’ve become a famous film maker: 👁💧👄💧👁

[@RyanNgFilms]

😂

[@chimmyswiftie5252]

IKR! His video looks so professional.

[@creativehaya9057]

Taking this energy with me cause NYU did the same thing to me

[@tristantheoofer2]

it just started lul. literally a week ago he was at 2k now hes at 9.4k and getting 10 subs every 10 mins or so. yea fucking crazy liek wew

[@JS-ny5yn]

@@tristantheoofer2 now at 35.8k

[@ryujinzzz6050]

“Receiving positive results felt more like a relief than accomplishment” Asians: *Relatable*

[@stendortried]

@Gatorade Asians could still relate more*

[@eemann4989]

and africans too

[@Pastellaxart]

@@stendortried nah im black and my grades only cause me relief ( im straight A and occasionally B+) I feel like im letting someone done when I get less then a great/excellent grade

[@zinniaward8549]

Everyone: relatable

[@parrotilol]

can confirm my mom got angry at me for getting 98 in maths

[@boomnomics9902]

i don't know if i'm being offensive by saying this, but this video is like the best 'i got rejected' video i have ever seen. you don't really need a college dude. you are already on the way to becoming a great filmmaker :)

[@RyanNgFilms]

Haha thank you so much for the lovely comment!! Not offensive at all, I'm thankful that you were able to enjoy the vid! Much love

[@boomnomics9902]

@@RyanNgFilms I love your short films and video essays sooo much! Pls upload more when you have time💕🙏😤🔥

[@-toriizaka46]

1k liker!

[@boomnomics9902]

@@-toriizaka46 oh shit i didn't realize that it blew up lol

[@tycowashere]

favourite quote was "Receiving positive results felt more like relief than an accomplishment. Progressing forward felt more like a burden than excitement"

[@eatrocks6704]

same i related to the accomplishment one so so much

[@ЯфКДВНСКБНСДГДЙФВБЦНВВН]

This quote applies to me as well. I used to have a dream of attending MIT or Caltech for CompSci, but honestly at some point that dream disintegrated because I was so miserable pursuing that goal. I attend a community college now and I'm working towards a cybersecurity career in the end. I'm happier and have no regrets giving up on trying to get into a fancy school. There are different paths to success. College is just 4 years for most people.

[@asyouwish6108]

"It was a rejection letter that left me with no education and a blank canvas" *swell of orchestra* GAVE ME CHILLS

[@ghislainr5127]

Same!!! this video is art

[@sparkle0859]

@@ghislainr5127 Ikr it's such a good video I can't believe NYU rejected him

[@darcyjohnson871]

Gave me very main character vibes

[@johnzhibai]

Gives me Hunter x Hunter vibes

[@ariannamorrison2758]

goosebumps

[@NateKillian]

dude this is UNBELIEVABLY WELL DONE. The editing is next level here dude. Amazing work

[@RyanNgFilms]

haha much love my man

[@Qo0_0]

BIG PRO

[@justabotatthings.1039]

@@RyanNgFilms well done using the similar art style I seen from Vox! Keep up the good work,don’t let your talent be wasted :)

[@addisonzucker1532]

This guy somehow made a 21 minute video feel as long as a movies, and still kept my interest during the whole time. Well done!!!!!

[@RyanNgFilms]

[@Chehan17]

didn't even realise it was that long wow

[@blueshoes3432]

Wow. Clicking on this video, I expected it to be just another vlog of someone sitting in front of a camera and reacting to their college admissions decision. Only a minute in, not only did this the quality of this video massively exceed my expectations, but it indicated a mastery of film and editing that I am certain many NYU graduates do not have. Regardless of how everything pans out, you're going places.

[@RyanNgFilms]

Much love dude

[@jessicadu6103]

After seeing those videos where smart kids were getting into stanford, Harvard and other ivy’s schools, I’ve found out that this video is more closer to the realistic and competitive world we’re living on. Idk why but this video somehow comforted my anxiety. This videos is well made and underrated, keep up the good work!

[@RyanNgFilms]

So glad Jessica :)

[@youdontknowwhoiam4349]

Honestly this video is much more relatable down-to-earth

[@prplehaze8442]

@Sunglasses poiu they ansolutely réserve to brag about it, imagine beating hundreds of thousands of other students in a race to the best colleges But if you lose, it's no big deal either

[@youdontknowwhoiam4349]

@Sunglasses poiu It’s still difficult and prestigious to get into these colleges regardless of how good they are. Not to mention that the average American has no idea which colleges are considered Ivy League lmao. I’m planning on applying in a few months and I still have no idea what half of them are.

[@photonicfn6796]

anxiety comes in its final form in the end

[@cameronn1891]

It’s overlooked but I like the way you talk about your parents. A lot of non-Asian people (white people specifically) hear about how we’re raised and go “ohhh I’m so sorry” or “wowww your parents sound so strict, it must’ve been annoying”. But no, our parents just have different ways of showing affection. And they just want their kids to be as successful as possible. I’m happy you didn’t completely vilify them like popular media chooses to do

[@farahalyahya1026]

yeeeeesssssssss

[@ЯфКДВНСКБНСДГДЙФВБЦНВВН]

It's good to have strict parents because it sets you up for success later on in your life.

[@sangat4315]

yes thank you for saying this our parents do care about us and our well being, which is why sometimes they may come off as strict.

[@user-pm2zv9fs5r]

@@ЯфКДВНСКБНСДГДЙФВБЦНВВН it really depends, because I got really sick because of my parents and almost died multiple times. I know that their heart was in the right place though

[@kaylahreed8899]

@@user-pm2zv9fs5r I don’t really think I can speak on this because my parents aren’t Asian but they are strict when it comes to schooling. I feel like parents should learn how to show affection as well as be strict. Yes everyone has their own way of showing affection but I feel like if you give me a hug or tell me how proud you are once in a while it will make a huge difference. I’ve had Asian friends that have even made jokes about how they wish their parents would just tell them that they are proud of them. So idk just a thought.

[@stefepedia]

mans isn't even getting paid for this video a masterpiece jakjdflaks

[@RyanNgFilms]

😂

[@jamielmeza4122]

Second comment 😈

[@NukeRadius]

sksksksk

[@_AniWatch]

@@jamielmeza4122 just a menace😈

[@sloosh8Archive]

third

[@lenalifts]

As a junior at NYU let me just tell you that what you get from the education v.s what the tuition is, is not worth it in most cases. You are extremely talented and they just made a huge mistake rejecting you. It’s clear you are going to make it and you don’t need the “big” name of NYU to do it. Excited to see your other content☺️🙌🏼

[@RyanNgFilms]

Thank you so much lena!! This means the world

[@incognitoincognito7500]

Hey I’m just asking, I’m in high school and thinking about film school do you think you could still find a place in the film industry without going to a film school or an expensive one like NYU?

[@goldsunsilvermoon]

@@incognitoincognito7500 i would suggest looking through bestdressed’s channel (she graduated from ucla film and talks about it in one of her videos). she’s basically saying it’s hard, but not impossible and the scene’s changing especially thanks to social media

[@incognitoincognito7500]

@@goldsunsilvermoon thanks

[@cameronn1891]

@@incognitoincognito7500 I know you probably won’t see this since it has been a month but my sister goes to school for screenwriting and I believe she’s learning a lot. I know screenwriting is more specific than film in general but there’s always techniques and instruction that you can learn. You’ll have professors that have experience or know the industry better, and you’ll meet a whole bunch of people who might be able to connect you to the industry. Maybe one of your fellow film majors will become a studio exec or producer and reach out to you years down the line to see what you’re up to. The education might not be the MOST valuable, but the connections you’ll get will be extremely valuable for getting you a head start past somebody who decided not to. Of course theoretically the people that are the most talented and would have the best shot at becoming successful should be at the most well known film schools but I’m sure you can find great talent anywhere, so don’t pay TOO much attention to the big names. However, do consider how big name film schools such as USC and NYU are big because they are in hubs of entertainment (LA and NY). So if I was going into film I would try to pick a school in or around those places, but I’m literally a random high school senior talking about a major I’m not even going to do. Good luck though, and don’t get caught up in big names.

[@nathanielthrush5581]

Big brain move: NYU sees this video and retracts their rejection

[@RyanNgFilms]

😂

[@nathanielthrush5581]

@@RyanNgFilms lmaoo

[@noobslayernbalm9212]

@@RyanNgFilms would you go back to NYU if they did retract??? I’m basically asking would u rather get the approval of your parents or get the approval of yourself

[@rigelr5345]

"It does not matter what you do. But whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly."

[@murk959]

Omg thanks what my dad says!!! Do it with all your will and hardwork

[@tiana2313]

@@KcMove2Smoove i dont think thats what they meant...

[@PistolSovereign]

@@KcMove2Smoove cursed comment

[@nanamirai14]

it matters. duh

[@morbid849]

@@KcMove2Smoove same

[@Cam-vi7ok]

this is the only youtube video that i have ever watched that felt like a movie. so glad it was in my recommendations.

[@RyanNgFilms]

❤️❤️

[@benjaminmaness7372]

Facts

[@MattSezer]

Wow, I was expecting to click away after seeing some melodramatic kid talking directly to the camera, but instead was greeted by this visually-engaging meditation about success and happiness in America. I actually transferred to NYU film school at the end of my sophomore year, after focusing way too much on getting good grades during my first two years of college. I definitely don't regret going to NYU, but it's not some magical place that'll instantly bring you fulfillment. College is really what you make out of it regardless of where you go. Just from watching this, I can definitely tell that you have a greater visual storytelling ability and a stronger voice than a number of my classmates at NYU had.

[@RyanNgFilms]

Thank you so much Matt!!! Amazing to hear this from an NYU Tisch student haha. I'm so glad that you ended up enjoying this video

[@Lavrnjaa]

It's so odd how undergraduate admissions work. I graduated high school at 16 and my dream uni was Georgetown. I was a junior olympian in swimming, spoke four languages, had good sat scores/gpa, and had such a great interview with my Georgetown alumna that she ended up writing to the school recommending they admit me... and they didn't even waitlist me. that was four years ago, and I just recently got admitted to a Master's program there. It sucks but undergraduate admissions are the dumbest, most cutthroat/unrealistic processes ever, and for what? A designer degree? As someone who applied to 20 schools and thought name was everything, who was admitted to some amazing schools but chose my safety, I promise you guys who are applying to schools... it isn't worth it. Don't sacrifice your stress and happiness for a name brand school... just apply there for your masters if that's REALLY what your path is. Seriously wish all hs seniors reading this the best and I've been right where you are now xx🙏

[@user-hk8px4pi3p]

Woow I am applying to georgetown next year,Can you please help me in editing my essay?

[@maddybrong]

so true!! I'm doing community college this year and I'm really glad I decided to go with it, especially now everything's online- it'd be so expensive otherwise :)

[@Juli-ow5uc]

Did you graduate at 16?? Is that common in USA? 👀 In Argentina, people usually graduate at 18

[@kristinnakamura2322]

@@Juli-ow5uc usually in the US people graduate at 18, but if you get enough credits you can graduate early.

[@Juli-ow5uc]

@@kristinnakamura2322 wow that's amazing! Thank you for answering me 😊

[@satrickptar6265]

University: *rejects* Random person: I reject your rejection. See you on the first day.

[@Hzorlurkz]

That random person is me

[@Hzorlurkz]

@Siddharth Doshi 😂 lol 😂 No bcz I’m 13 yo I just said bcz of my profile name but maybe u were using sarcasm 😂 Have a nice day

[@ok2713]

@@Hzorlurkz bro, whos die ? :') Im gonna send my yaseen 🙏

[@chaizan9733]

@@Hzorlurkz dude your username😂😂😂 you were like, only Allah can reject me you ugly heads!

[@Hzorlurkz]

@@chaizan9733 😂

[@Supershiftery]

This was well made

[@abdullahcoolgamer797]

Yes

[@orgenyob9369]

yes

[@uddinmashrafe]

yes

[@quinkontheinterwebs]

yes

[@black_hammer2789]

yes

[@CantoMando]

Wow this video was done so well. Your story with your parents is different, but at the same time so relatable. Great editing, storytelling everything. Loved it.

[@RyanNgFilms]

Wooowww. Thank you so much for this lovely comment

[@jmassary9671]

Yeet 2nd comment

[@kiwimcmango]

Funny seeing you here.

[@mariafernandamoralessoto7545]

Yes my story is different but I can relate sooo much to the way he feels.

[@Lemonade_353]

Sheldon？

[@SantiagoVerbel-j4l]

This man should have a Million subscribers, this edition is not good, its poetry.

[@RyanNgFilms]

[@alanbchen]

"positive results felt more like a relief than an accomplishment" shiii :0 thank you for making this

[@RyanNgFilms]

haha, much love Alan, thank you for taking the time to watch the video

[@beybrain7896]

I really related to that.

[@alanbchen]

idk, every few months I return to this video

[@yanwenqi4620]

The definition to success is unique to each individual. The majority is trapped in this socially constructed form of success instead of seeking for what success really means to them. You are a brilliant, talented, and brave guy. You know what you really want and are willing to fight for it. This video is so genuine and encouraging. Wish you well!

[@hinanaela3305]

I'm a High School Senior from India, who has been pretty much rejected by almost all American universities I applied to. I applied because they do offer better education than my own country does (mostly), but every time I read the rejection letter, it felt like a stab, and my self esteem plunged even more. The self-questioning and self-hatred has been so toxic for me. Your video helped me a lot. It's hard to put your own happiness first, to put your foot down, but once you do it... Life feels easier. I wish you all the best and thank you so much for sharing your story with us. :)).

[@hanamuneer8233]

woah i can understand!

[@yadi1902]

Hope you get in!!

[@dikshitapatra7801]

There are good institutes in India too but the acceptance being soo less makes it hard to pass ,it requires a resilient and hard working person to get in…cause these tough exams will surely make you as crazy as possible in term of preparation.

[@MS-qh3iz]

This is the only video I’ve ever seen in my entire life that shows the bitter-sweetness of being a child of parents who came from the other side of the world and worked extremely hard to succeed and the guilt that follows you feel when you ‘fail’ and ‘disappoint’ such parents.

[@RyanNgFilms]

Wow thank you for this comment

[@misomar7193]

i relate to the trying-to-make-your-immigrant-parents-proud idea so much. Although my parents are from Africa, i'm glad i wasn't the only one who grew up with that thought in the back of my head

[@follilolli5648]

Same the struggle is real😭

[@dania-hk6qo]

From someone with middle eastern parents I can relate too

[@starzies]

Seriously relatable 😭

[@ameet4625]

I can also relate my parent were in the iraq

[@bang2goeezy496]

Every immigrant parent thinks the same so do we.

[@susannahnania8966]

I almost didn't watch this, didn't think I needed to see another college decision reaction video. But I'm so glad I did. Amazingly well done, keep it up

[@RyanNgFilms]

wow thank you so much!!!!

[@mesp3786]

I don’t think you understand how much I needed this rn. As a girl with a Russian mom, I have felt extreme pressure to life the perfect life, perfect grades, perfection in the arts, and have the goals that she wants me to have. This is my senior year of high school and I’m terrified to tell her that I’m planning on going out of state bc it’s a good school and they offered me a bunch of money (russian culture is very family oriented too). I too have felt like happiness is a privilege that I don’t deserve, but your video has really changed my heart. “Happiness is a right” and “sometimes you have to stand up against loved ones” these two things really struck me. Thank you so much, you are so insightful and talented! This is a masterpiece

[@RyanNgFilms]

I'm so glad that this helped you out. ❤️❤️ Congratulations on your acceptance and I hope everything goes well for you :)

[@sweetdestiny7718]

*the pursuit of happiness is a right, it still applies in your case though.

[@coziclair]

this felt like a pixar short and i loved every second

[@RyanNgFilms]

❤️❤️

[@shen_7938]

Man I just want to give you a hug. Not just from the relatability of it all but the fact that you've proven in a single video the fact that you can find truly brilliant people everywhere. You don't have to go to the 'top' uni or any uni at all to find them. Absolutely amazing job with this video from your own sheer brilliance, it made me cry :').

[@RyanNgFilms]

Wow thank you so so much for this comment

[@rubellite7841]

as someone who's applying to college, damn this hit. i've long wanted to go to a college for prestige, but now i'm rethinking...

[@RyanNgFilms]

I love this!!! Thank you so much for this comment. I'm glad you're giving it some thought. I feel like we're trained to think one way that sometimes we don't even realize that there are other paths.

[@emmacassady4518]

Do what’s affordable not prestigious! Trust me I have a life time of student loans

[@dredreidel]

I really love the quote "happiness is not a privilege, it's a right...it's a right [where] you understand the unique qualities that you have and making that jump to embrace it." Awesome film and I really needed it during this time. Thank you.

[@RyanNgFilms]

Haha thank you so so much! I'm glad it was able to help you in some way

[@jayabhattacharyya596]

When you're this talented, it doesn't really matter what school accepts you, but what school is lucky to have you. NYU denied itself of a great filmmaker.

[@analupelosi3319]

it's insane to think that your grandparents were deprived of so much and 2 generations later you're able to share your story with people from literally all around the world. I'm in Brazil and i get to hear about the life and struggles of someone from a whole other continent. social media can be bad sometimes but it can also be amazing. thank you so much for sharing with us.

[@yngads6313]

This is incredible. I am actually a student at NYU and am so glad that I stumbled across this video. Authenticity is so important, and it is often difficult to maintain that in such a clear-cut institution whose priorities do not always align with my own. I know so many people who have gotten to NYU and become completely lost, thinking that being there would solve all of their problems when in reality, no place can “save” you from the difficult questions you must ask, and answer, by yourself. Stay true to who you are and the world will reward you for it-the diploma isn’t the objective here. Your creativity, your promise to the world, is what truly matters in the end.

[@RyanNgFilms]

I couldn't agree more Dagny!!! I think university, and especially very very expensive universities like NYU can be great if you know what you want to do. The issue I think is that our parents and everyone around us is telling us to race through life. How many 18-20 year olds actually know what they're going to do with their lives and what their passions are? I'm not sure that many are 100% sure of what they want to do. It can suck when you're paying $70k to take classes on a subject that you're not completely interested in.

[@jjnojam886]

NYU be like, damn how did we reject this guy???

[@RyanNgFilms]

😂😂

[@eshaandham5146]

Litterally tho

[@amarachiukandu5613]

For reallll...the guy's good

[@poppychalupa9390]

just goes to show how retarded the foundation the education system is built upon. Most big minds these days never even went to college and used their degrees in the end

[@jjnojam886]

@@poppychalupa9390 It's kind of like they need talented people, but only certain type of talented/smart people

[@Ellesappellejejeje]

My dad wanted to be a doctor, but I am choosing to be a nurse because that intrigues me more. From an African family, my biggest fear is being less than my parents. Thank you from a junior in high school.

[@RyanNgFilms]

I totally understand where you're coming from. Our generation likes to compare ourselves to our parents and one another. It can get very very stressful at times. I think it's just important to understand that we are all different. We all have our own interests and being happy is what's most important at the end of the day.

[@kankenoh]

This feels like some documentary I'd see on Netflix. Really well done.

[@letmeknow4167]

Even though its not NYU I recommend applying to other visual art schools. U have great editing skills, "the eye" and I see a very high potential in what u can create in the future. Especially in arts, its not about what school u get into. Its important to constantly surround urself with other creators, create connections with people who already worked in film, and get GENUINE critiques from other artists that help u improve (not just compliments) and build on top of what u already know. There is so much to learn from looking at another creator's creative process, collaborating, and seeing how something so small led to their final design. All this results in creating a strong identity in ur designs to a point where the audience can tell "that film" was produced/edited by Ryan Ng, without even looking at the credits. To me, I don't think u have anything to lose if u do choose to go to an art school. U are still young and have A LOT of time. Going to college wouldn't also mean that u will need to completely give up on youtube. It will bring tons of future content, grow ur audience, and bring something unique on youtube that no one has seen before. This advice is coming from someone who spent 4 years getting a degree in criminal justice, thought school for art was pointless but went to Parsons to study fashion design. I wish u luck in whatever u decide to do.

[@RyanNgFilms]

Thank you so much for the support and advice! I've been thinking about it, but I'm honestly super super happy with where I am now. I'm pursuing things that I could have never done with the amount of school work I had. I'm just not sure if school overall is for me at this very moment. But of courses it's not off the table. Anything can change at any minute. Again thank you so much for the advice

[@Jojodancer20100]

Best of luck. You’re gonna be a great filmmaker

[@embershen364]

My sister wants to study fashion design too, we’re from singapore. Any tips on how to get into Parsons? I don’t know much abt fashion, so far I only heard of parsons & Rhode island. Cost is not an issue, I’m working n will support her, she’s 14 now so I have a few more years to save up.

[@letmeknow4167]

@@embershen364 if there are private art schools in Singapore, i recommend sending her there to build her portfolio. Good to send her to a place that has a good track record of their students getting admitted. For my portfolio, the theme was my life story on how i ended up changing majors to pursue fashion design and all the artworks told a story of different parts of my life. I think parsons likes to see a single theme for the portfolio that tells a story. Also u can ask for previous students portfolios who got into parsons. I dont kow much about Rsdi, but there is also FIT in nyc. Fit is more industry focused while parsons is more geared towards students who want to have freedom with their art.

[@embershen364]

@@letmeknow4167 thanks for the quick reply! Unfortunately Singapore is a place very focused on academics, and my parents also were the type to force her to study and be a dentist. Hence for her college, I will pay for it so she can study whatever she wants with no strings attached. The Singapore arts scene is also dismal. I will tell her your advice on having a theme for portfolio :) too bad I can’t help her much bc I’m in the finance industry.

[@dhiyaprasanth7326]

I cannot even articulate the love I have for this video. Im really glad the algorithm showed me this, this was truly something else.

[@RyanNgFilms]

Wow thank you so much Dhiya!! Now I can't articulate how thankful I am for this comment LOL.

[@sage1476]

This work right here is on the same level as work of leading media channels like Vox. Good work man,maybe NYU will regret not taking you in one day 😉👍.

[@RyanNgFilms]

Haha not at vox level yet, but hopefully one day! Thank you so much for the support!

[@manalhuxley4809]

you didn’t fail it’s an opening to a new beginning

[@RyanNgFilms]

[@caitlinm0929]

It’s so interesting to hear the “American Dream” story of your parents. The narration, editing, and your story itself all tie together to look like a movie. Keep up the stellar work!

[@BrandonShi]

Hey Ryan, I go to NYU, and ummm, let’s just say, they don’t deserve you man!! Hoping for your success! Love your storytelling. You inspire me to create better videos. Hopefully we can connect some day, love to meet you.

[@RyanNgFilms]

😂 Thank you for the constant support my man

[@xujonathan]

Just so you know, this showed up in my recommendations so it’s likely that the KZbin algorithm decided that you deserve a bunch extra viewers. That aside, this video was extremely high quality. I’d argue that this is of the same level if not greater than those by Vox or CNBC. As a random person on the internet, I really liked how you used visuals and the music very well to tell a story. Lowkey, it kinda reminded me of something straight out of a Netflix original. You also have a talent with keeping peoples attention spans active. Finally, I want to say that NYU really did miss out and make a bad choice here. Your filmmaking has great potential, if you choose the KZbin route you could get well over a million subs if the algorithm blesses you. If you don’t choose this route, I’m sure that there’ll be a bunch of companies that want to hire you, just based off of the content on your channel alone. Nevertheless, please keep making content!! I just binged a decent amount of your channel and I’m hungry for more :). 加油！

[@RyanNgFilms]

That's super exciting to hear man. Thank you for such a detailed comment

[@wholesomesimon]

This video belongs in a museum.

[@RyanNgFilms]

[@TerryHe]

“I was digging myself into a deeper hole - into this character that clearly wasn’t me." Wise beyond your years Ryan! 👏🏼🥂 A great reminder to start 2021 with. You're already doing great things and I'm sure you'll continue to. Keep being true to yourself, 加油!

[@linyili6503]

not expecting to see Terry here!

[@WolvePlex]

This is the most inspirational and well made story ever

[@RyanNgFilms]

Thank you ❤️❤️

[@asyouwish6108]

"Receiving positive results felt more like a relief than accomplishment and progressing further felt more like a burden than excitement". My god I've never related to a statement so much in regards to uni/life, thank you. I'm so glad I found your channel, looking forward to watching more of your art.

[@rahulraman9956]

Ryan this was was so creative and the editing was unbelievable. I can't imagine the amount of time that must have gone in to making this. I can totally understand how difficult it must have been not pursuing the 'traditional route'. Keep following your passion and I can't wait to see what you put on that blank canvas

[@RyanNgFilms]

Thank you so so much Rahul!!! haha this thing took me 2 months working day and night. I wanted to give up so so many times LOL. I'm so glad that you were able to relate to this in some way man, really these comments mean the world to me man.

[@simonxu7723]

That's such a nice and creative video. NYU is just a corner of the world, and with your fascinating ability, the world is yours.

[@RyanNgFilms]

Thank you so so much Simon! Yes I totally agree with you

[@karanpatel5616]

I just wanted to let you know that this was an incredible video. Storytelling, editing, and everything else was on point. You definitely have more than enough talent and passion to succeed and achieve your dreams. Multiple times during this video I had chills. Your choice to not go to college this year was an incredibly brave decision. College is not for everyone. I’m in my senior year now, and I’ve had that same feeling that you’ve had multiple times, however I was to afraid to act on it. It truly brings me great joy to see you out here trying to achieve your dreams. I was going through my high school yearbook yesterday and something you wrote stood out to me. Next to your signature you wrote “you can’t sell this.” Well Ryan, I will not sell it ever, and once you become what I know you can I’ll frame it and brag to everyone about it. Ryan, you’re only 19 yet have more courage than most people. I know for a fact that your passion and talent will take you far in life. Although this may not have been what what your parents wanted, prove to them that you can live out your dreams and still “successful”. If you ever have time, I would love to get together sometime, it’s been too long.

[@RyanNgFilms]

Karannn!!! Duuude I miss you so much, thank you so so much for this beautiful comment. Super happy that it was able to resonate with you in some way, really man it means the world. I remember writing that in your book haha and I'm so flattered that you say that. We need to get the football squad back together to get a game going! I hope you're safe and doing well man

[@arsalenebehi]

like many people, I have been watching KZbin for years now, and I have never seen a well done video like this made by one creator. This video was so much better than a lot of videos that I watched made by high production companies. I don't kow anything about filmaking or stuff like that, but the way that you grabbed my attention and you made me listen to your story is just mind blowing. At one point I forgot that this was a youtube video. Keep it up man you're amazing! you're very talented, I don't think that someone in NYU or any other university is doing what you're doing. the editing, the style is just unique and special.

[@RyanNgFilms]

aww Thank you for this heartfelt comment. Really it means the world that you view this video in the way you did :)

[@siwihshdf8586]

Thank you thank you for this. From an Asian who's grandparents went through hard times and parents whos education system was much worse than mines, I constantly feel the pressure to make sure I "use" this privilege that I have. I constantly think of how, I'm lucky, in the current living situation I am, and I need to make the most of it. It may seem like a good thing at the start, but after, it feels like constant pressure and idk, like a race. My parents constantly telling me that I have to work hard now, so that I won't suffer later. The constant voice in my head saying that I'm not trying my best, and that I have everything and to make the most of it, it's really unhealthy. Every positive result, it really is just a relief. And every negative result is a heart attack. I just realized I was going to get a B in one of my classes, and im constantly thinking of this every single day because it is really getting to me mentally. And, on top of that, how you said that youtube was your passion, but you couldn't get to that because of your studies. I really really felt that. I'm planning to do a comp sci major with an emphasis on video game dev/design, but I've never loved the technical side. As an Asian, pressure to be in STEM, it gets to you. I know I'm going to spend the rest of my life as a programmer, when really, I want to create worlds and write stories but ofc it won't pay, and I understand that but yk its sad. So, I'm usually catching up w my studies instead of doing what I love: creating worlds. Thanks for this. It makes me feel like I'm not exactly alone. I've always and currently feel an insurmountable amount of guilt for not being good enough when I have such a perfect life. Having a life that so much people dream of, and feeling like your not making use of it, and that you don't deserve happiness when so much people want what I have. So thank you, and yes, happiness is not a privilege, it is a right.

[@RyanNgFilms]

I'm so glad you were able to relate to this Sirisha ❤️

[@ablessedsound]

I can feel the passion from every cut, every transition and choreographed bgm. You are small now but in no time i believe you'll shake up the film world.

[@alissonlopez7164]

This was an excellent video. You touched upon many important themes such as the pressure from immigrant parents, pressure from society that states college is success, the path of success that only has one, and many other meaningful topics. Keep up the good work I'm proud of you.

[@RyanNgFilms]

Thank you alisson

[@thePinkKitty3]

This is the most impressive rejection video I've ever seen. You're an inspiration for me as I wait for my own acceptances.

[@AAA-ml4ds]

give him an oscar. right now.

[@RyanNgFilms]

😂 I'm not there yet

[@JadenBanson]

He went sicko mode with the editing! Beautifully done.

[@jessicamassey6663]

damn can't believe this was free

[@francescagolden1061]

If you put this in prize winning film festivals you’d win

[@ahm3d.h]

FRFR

[@pedros4322]

Seriously, what the fuck did I just watch? THIS WAS AMAZING. At first I thought I was going to be some random generic video about colleges but daaaaaamn. Editing on top, when I first felt the paper wraps effects were getting repectitive they stopped so PERFECT, MY DUDE. The soundtrack? Guess what ON TOP TOO PERFECT, DUDE. Story telling? Guess what he got it too like broooooooo

[@RyanNgFilms]

😂❤️❤️❤️ Much love Pedro

[@graaaavityy1129]

I'm not even american and our situations are so different, but the video resonated with me, I truly got it recommended at the best time. I'm just starting university, and honestly I don´t know if I made the right career choice. I have spent so much time trying to fit in society's expectation of success, that I don't know if I chose this career because that's what I wanted or because I'm trying to please my parents and everyone else. The idea of going after my dream sounds so uncertain that it scares me. BUT, seeing this video, like, made me think about it? I don´t know, maybe I will be more fullfilled if I go after my dream and say fuck people's expectations. Seeing someone actually doing that is more convincing that any bullshit motivational talk about fOllOwinG YOuR pAssIoNs. And, honestly, the video is AMAZINGLY EDITED. The 21 minutes flew by. I hope I made myself clear because english isn´t my first language :C

[@RyanNgFilms]

Dude I'm so glad that you resonated with this video :) I can say with 100% confidence that following your gut decision is going to pay off if you put in the work. Remember that you only have one shot in this body, in this life. Make it the best you can. The worst thing you can do is waste the best years of your life doing something that you hate. I really can't emphasize this enough and now that I've dropped out, it's become so much more real for me. Do what you love man. it's so cliche, but sometimes cliche advice is the best advice.

[@newchangeunlisted_viewer5594]

I didn't expect a super high quality video when I clicked on this. This really helps a lot, i graduate next year and i still feel really lost. And i feel our parents or just most parents in general still try for that old, go to college get a job plan. I don't hold it against them tho bc.... who really knows what's the next best plan in our changing world? Tech ages faster than we can keep up, and with that comes a whole new set of problems. Stuff like this helps imo

[@RyanNgFilms]

Much love. Thank you for the kind words ❤️❤️

[@adamproceviat2285]

What a masterpiece. I love how you used the Photo Booth to film yourself. So cool that you have so many home videos from when you were a kid to add to this video. I think Mr Beast had a similar experience. His mom didn't agree with his pursuit of KZbin. Probably because it is not the conventional "cookie cutter" approach to life and success. I think the fact that the NYU plan didn't work out will be a blessing in disguise. Sure, things may not be comfortable and planned out for you right now, but sometimes that is what you need to get to the next level in life. Wishing you all the best on this part of your journey! Keep up the filming, you have skills that will pay off for you as long as you don't let up

[@RyanNgFilms]

Much love adam, thank you so so much for the constant support

[@RW-lu9qx]

This was randomly recommended to my feed and I don’t regret clicking on this. The time and effort that you put into making this is just beautiful and it made me cry. The authenticity and rawness resonates on a deeper level. I recently graduated from a private university with my Bachelors and Masters after 6 years and it feels so empty. I followed the path of success that my parents ingrained into me from a young age and it led nowhere because I don’t want it. I let my academics define who I am as a person and the piece of paper I got just proves that doing something for someone else rather than yourself is just so unhealthy for your mentality. Graduating during the pandemic was probably the worst thing to happen to my career with my degree but it made me realize that I have nothing outside of school. I, like you, had to give up my passion because it wasn’t on the path of success and you valued what your loved ones sacrificed. The university I ended up attending was the only one my parents accepted that I could go to even though it was $15k a semester (they paid for it a week before the semester started). I applied to a lot of art colleges and I got accepted to all of them but they refused to help pay for them because they were a unsafe option even though they were so much cheaper and I could have transferred. I ended up just making my academics who I was and now that it’s over I have no foundation to hold on to. With the time that the pandemic caused, I started to regret letting go of my passion completely. You are braver than I was when I was your age. You’re fighting for your happiness early on instead of going with the flow and regretting it after getting a random degree like I did. Going against your loved ones is such a painful experience and you shouldn’t be digging yourself in to a deeper hole. Be who you are meant to be, not who they want you to be. NYU doesn’t deserve to have you and I know they will want you after seeing this. You have freedom to go and do what you want to be. Like you said, it’s a blank canvas so go for it. You’re only a few years younger than me but your profound abilities in your storytelling and editing shed insight of someone much older. Thank you for this magnificent video. I’ll definitely be subscribing and I can’t wait to see what you decide to do.

[@RyanNgFilms]

Thank you so so much for being transparent. Really I'm humbled that you are willing to open up after watching this video. Dude, we're still really young and it's never too late to just chase your dreams. That doesn't mean drop everything you worked for, but that can mean staying up late nights recapturing that love and passion you once had (or maybe still do). I think it's important to know that you only have one life as this person in the body that you're in. it's the rarest of rarest things and probably what scares me more than going against my parents is feeling resentment for not pursuing what I loved to do. Pursuing what you love is not selfish. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you do

[@andrewlau2936]

This video was so moving that I had a few tears come out. From the editing and your ability to captivate and entice your audience with your story, your determination to reach your idea of happiness resonated so much with me. You have a bright future man, just keep working towards it.

[@RyanNgFilms]

Dude thank you so much Andrew :)) this comment made me smile.

[@sirdumpling9951]

Woah, you deserve more attention. That editing is extraordinary!

[@RyanNgFilms]

❤️❤️

[@Jon-cm2bq]

u r a good story teller....how u present them hands off🙌

[@RyanNgFilms]

Thank you John :)

[@RayaneTsala]

This is truly a masterpiece from the editing to the story itself, I haven’t seen a KZbin video like this ever🤯. Plus the message of grades feeling more like a relief then an accomplishment really does hit. I hope you know this piece of art has helped me and many others -simply thank you.

[@RyanNgFilms]

haha thank you Rayane

[@Kayla-it4zf]

WAIT! Oh my goodness Ryan, I'm a junior at the high school you went to this year! This was really inspiring for me with college apps coming up. It just popped up in my recommended, I think KZbin is hearing my stress. It's crazy seeing an almost identical story except I can't imagine what it felt like to open your rejection. Thanks so much for making this! I wish you so much luck for the future and always remember that things happen for a reason; doors close for new ones to be flung WIDE open :) -from an anxious hhs'22

[@RyanNgFilms]

That's so awesome Kayla!!! hhs can be very very stressful lol, I'm glad you were able to resonate with this in some way!!! I'll be honest, I was in shock when I opened the letter, but only because I was scared of what my parents would say. I quickly got over it though and I realized that it means so little in the grand scheme of things. We're in the first 1/4 of our lives, one slip up, one rejection isn't going to do anything unless you surrender to failure. Once you graduate I think it'll be clearer that college is just a small part of life. There is so much to live for! But I do wish you the best of luck in your future! I'm so glad that an hhs student could resonate with this:))

[@dee5168]

welp, saving this when i get rejected from college lmao. but for real, NYU rejected the person they saw on a piece of paper. Not the true you. keep it up

[@RyanNgFilms]

aww thank you for this! And I'm sure you'll do fine. I think once you graduate from high school and go to whatever university you go to, you'll realize that these rejection or acceptance letters are just a very very small part of your life. Think about it, we've only lived 1/4 of our lives. How can one letter make you a failure or a success? Sorry for the rant haha. Thank you for the comment again!

[@catsareetuc7022]

This is so true and relatable! Unfortunately, many felt this way, but doesn’t even have a passion/goal in life.

[@DaisyPrado23]

It was on my recommended, best thing I’ve seen

[@RyanNgFilms]

❤️❤️

[@hitomikidahashi3021]

you don't need college to make you a good film maker because you are.

[@RyanNgFilms]

Thank you so much for such a kind commernt :)))

[@hughmungus4698]

This was super good I felt like I was watching a documentary on Netflix

[@RyanNgFilms]

Dude thank you so much

[@aaryanpatel7180]

I saw this vid in my recommended and from the title and the way that the thumbnail looked, I had a feeling this video would be good but it truly blew me away with the editing. What a masterpiece and I wish the greatest amount of success for you and your channel.

[@RyanNgFilms]

haha thank you so much Aaryan!!!!!

[@jacobdeschamps1681]

This was amazing. This resonates with me on an extreme level, especially the timeline. As a child I was always creating videos, making music and drawing comics but somewhere in high school that feeling of creativity was gone and I stopped pursuing my ambitious dreams. After getting high grades in high school, I spent two years at a university pursuing a Physics degree but for some reason I started to fill up my time with making music and programming games. When I realized that school was interfering with my true passions, I finally felt like I woke up from a 10 year coma. I left university February 2020 and like you I am a blank canvas (I've actually said this exact thing to people before), excited for what's to come. After leaving school, I went back home and worked on game development and music extensively and have seen progression in myself that I have not seen in a long time. Thank you for this Ryan, this video really made me feel like I am not alone in this world. I hope your passions bring you far in life.

[@bang2goeezy496]

Thank you for this message. Im a junior stressing over SAT's and I look forward to playing your game.

[@GokuBlack-yg5kc]

The real definition of success: Being happy with who you are and what you do. Very well made video by the way.

[@cody.taurus]

Geeze I'm absolutely blown away by the quality and story telling ability of this entire video. You're definitely going far Ryan, keep it up!!

[@RyanNgFilms]

Thank you guys so so much!!!! You guys are amazing :)))

[@JChenTech]

Wow this is INCREDIBLE! Hold on let me rewatch it again!

[@RyanNgFilms]

haha much love Peilun, this means the world coming from someone like you

[@edwinng6830]

I don’t usually comment at all on KZbin but I think I had to those time around. It’s 2AM right now and I’m busy stressing over colleges and was scrolling through vids and saw this. I clicked on it expected something about how it motivated you to do big things, or how much better you are now after being rejected. As I watched through it I realized how much I could relate to your story, and feel as if my own story was told through a mirror. Having parents come over from China growing up in harsh environments and working at a young age. Being sent to summer school and after-school program due to my ineptitude of school in elementary (as you stated I daydreamed a lot and didn’t care much about grades). Even your interests in film are similar to mine, and I’m also scared about disappointing my parents. Just hearing about how your parents said you were wasting your time just gave me PTSD on the exact words my father drill at me when I’m on the internet. I just want to make them proud, to show them that I wasn’t a waste of a investment. But I’m so lost, I want to be able make them proud, but feel lost in pursuing what I want in college. Anyways I just wanted to say your story telling skills/editing were great, and I watched every second of it thank you for making this. Also I find it ironic that we also share the same last name lol.

[@sofialuna2584]

the amount of TALENT in this video is just--- I CAN'T-

[@eggrolls8488]

oh man this is a masterpiece. i can’t even put it into words but keep doing what you’re doing. i haven’t seen this type of work in a long time, it’s rare to see people and videos like this. this truly puts a smile to my face. thank you

[@otherryan]

Ryan -- wow, I don't even know where to start. From the first second all the way to the very end: I was hooked! Your parents and more importantly, your story is something that resonates with me too; while a lot of Asian Americans go through a similar experience, the way you have voiced and expressed it is so powerful. It's difficult when your passion and your idea of success is not in line with what society, or your parents, want, but we can all really see how much drive and dedication you have on this platform. The storytelling, shot composition, b-roll, stop motion, special effects, audio, editing, and everything else were executed so well, and you really made this a short film. Not sure if I heard correctly, but are you Cantonese? Regardless, this was such a powerful video and I'd definitely want to hear what happened after you got that notification. What you're doing on KZbin is amazing though: please don't stop :) amazing work bro!

[@RyanNgFilms]

Much love Ryan, it's so heartwarming to know that an Asian American like yourself can understand this video on a much more personal level. Thank you for leaving such a beautiful comment man. And yes lol my family speaks Cantonese, Shanghainese, and Mandarin. Cantonese was actually my first language which is funny cuz now I struggle to even say a sentence in it (I know it's really bad lol, I really need to get on my language grind). Again Ryan thank you for this comment

[@otherryan]

@@RyanNgFilms Anytime, you knocked it out of the park with this one! And if it makes you feel any better, my Cantonese is not very good either 😅😅 "sik tang mm sik gong" if you know what I'm saying hahaha

[@rahilatre8203]

Ryan, im constantly blown away by the passion, effort, and creativity that goes into each one of your videos. This was a masterclass of incredible editing, animation, sound design, and I feel like each one of your videos could easily stand as a film with an amazing narrative structure. Even something as mundane as the talking head shots were handled in such a creative way that I feel guilty for watching this for free lol. I just hope that you stay with film/video since its something that naturally comes to you, and I'm sure that, if not this video, one of your videos will be picked up by youtube and you'll get the recognition you deserve. Regardless of the views though, for the people who are tuned into your work I'm sure each video feels really inspiring and take as much time as you need for each project. You got this Ryan!

[@RyanNgFilms]

Love you Rahil. So happy to call you my friend and a partner throughout this KZbin journey. It was quite a challenge doing the talking head, but I'm so glad that you pushed me to do it man

[@LizBrousseau]

You said it all

[@rahilatre8203]

@@RyanNgFilms Lets go ryan!

[@yantan7709]

yes same.... I feel guilty for watching this for free, periodt.

[@vivianabarajas4846]

this deserves so much more recognition. this is such an amazing piece of art.

[@RyanNgFilms]

❤️❤️

[@jenniferm.2305]

although i’m still in highschool, i never would have thought this would be so relatable. not only do i also come from chinese parents that also speak cantonese, your explanations of what you went through really hit. my parents are the same way and i feel like there’s no hope for the future. they think that the only way for me to succeed in the future is to apply to a good college and get a bachelor’s degree in order to get a high paying job as the definition on success. your story really made me think differently and impacted me in a way as a person still having to face highschool. thank you :)

[@eraamkhan216]

This video hits so close to home! You are an amazing film maker! Truly inspirational.

[@djderie]

this is one of the most beautiful and heart wrenching storytelling that I've ever seen

[@BarknoorZ]

This was a really beautiful story Ryan, and so well made, I have no words to describe how grateful I am for this genuine content you're putting out.

[@RyanNgFilms]

Thank you so so much Barknoor

[@nijhayoung]

"Happiness and following your dreams, as good as they were, were only for the privileged." - This made me tear up. I don't know if it's because this is a message so commonly relayed or because of the fear that it might just be true. Probably both. Happiness is truly a right, and in a perfect world it wouldn't have to be sacrificed for a version of success that has been predefined! Your work is incredible and greatly inspiring and I wish you the best along your continued journey!!

[@RyanNgFilms]

Thank you so much for this comment Nijha. It was something that hit me so hard as a kid and it was something that I truly believed for a long time. I used to relate happiness to money and traditional success for the longest time. I'm so glad that you were able to relate to this in some way Nijha, really I can't thank you enough for this comment.

[@stevenkao1993]

I'm just starting college this year and in a completely different situation, yet your storytelling really allows me to see and experience your path in a way that's surreal, almost personal. It's really beautiful the way you described everyone's right to happiness, and how we each follow our own path to find it; I am rooting for you all the way, man. You clearly have the passion, talent, and most importantly the drive -- you've inspired me to always keep pushing and I hope you continue to do so too!

[@yenm4650]

This made me tear up, I relate so much and you portrayed it all SO beautifully, you truly are a creator!

[@ddaengjoon]

this is very fitting because I just dropped out of med school, I’m thinking of changing career paths now but the weight that was lifted off my shoulders is so big. It was very scary but it was needed. Great video, I like your style of filmmaking:) wishing you the best of luck in the future!!

[@sparkle0859]

Omg you are literally so talented, who tf does NYU think they are for rejecting you???? It's definitely their loss. If I could, I would give you my NYU acceptance in a heartbeat.

[@RyanNgFilms]

Haha thank you so much!!!!

[@dbr_199]

Searched "NYU rejection" on KZbin to brace for mine, which I'll probably receive in a few hours. This gave me some unexpected perspective, thank you

[@dbr_199]

​@@yukiparker I was rejected! Strangely enough, the only colleges that didn't reject me were those that couldn't legally offer me fin aid as an international student -namely, UCLA and UC Berkeley... even though less selective private schools had rejected me. I'm staying in Europe though!

[@julzgulz1992]

Love this. Keep working hard and you will find success (your own version of it, anyway) and then you will fail again and then you will hit something big and then have a setback and then.... you get what I mean. Life is long and winding and we put to much emphasis on the destination. You never really “get” somewhere, you will just continually be in a process of sailing or falling, but what what goes down will always go up again. Just keep moving and enjoy the journey. You can always do a bit better than yesterday. Put your focus on that. The present. Then if nothing else, you will have peace.

[@RyanNgFilms]

Haha I get what you're saying and I totally agree!!

[@FrankPastula]

what a great and relatable story, I just finished my second short film and happen to be applying to nyu as a sophomore. this video gave me courage that no matter the decision, ill pursue my passions because like you said, happiness is a right.