You recently returned from volunteering at the Sundance Film Festival, which was held Jan. 17-27 in Park City, Utah. How did you get that gig?

Sundance was something I had been wanting to do for a while, and after three tries I finally got the chance. It is an application process, and I think that this time the timing was right and I was ready.

I am so lucky to work at a place that was so supportive of this opportunity, so I have to thank Jimbo Martin and Helen Neal at PMB Broadcasting for all their encouragement and support.

What were your responsibilities at Sundance?

I worked in the press department as a press line associate. I worked closely with publicists, media outlets, the film office and entourages acting as a liaison on red carpet premieres between the media and the talent.

I worked premieres for films such as "Fruitvale," "The Spectacular Now" and "jOBS," to name a few.

Did you meet any celebrities?

I met lots of celebrities because of the position I held, but the two that meant the most to me were Edward Burns and James Ponsoldt. I have been a longtime fan of Edward Burns' writing, so meeting him was a huge deal to me.

James Ponsoldt is a Georgia native who directed "The Spectacular Now," which was filmed in Athens. It was nice talking with someone from back home.

If you got to watch any films at the festival, which ones impressed you?

Some people work the festival and watch so many films. Everyone there has a strong passion for film and an even bigger love of indie film.

My job kept me so busy that I did not get to see as many films as I would have liked but the two I did see that stand out the most were "Afternoon Delight," which was in the U.S. Dramatic competition and "Blood Brother," which was in the U.S. Documentary competition.

What's the best-kept secret in the Chattahoochee Valley?

I think the best-kept secret in the Chattahoochee Valley is The Loft recording studio. Columbus is home to a state-of-the-art recording facility that is right upstairs above a music venue that hosts some of the best acts, up-and-coming and renowned.

Young artists in the region should look no further when looking to book a place to record their sound. It's right here in the heart of Columbus.