PASSION FOR STORY-TELLING

Coming from Orange, California, Joel Corral reflects on a childhood filled with storytelling. From writing fictional stories of his own, playing video games and watching a lot of movies and TV shows, to expressing these stories through a lens, Corral brought them to life in his own way. 

“I have a really close relationship with my dad, even to this day, how we were able to bond really sparked my interest in everyone having a story to tell,” Corral said.

His dad, Joel Corral Senior,  is a video producer for a Christian telecast, who showed him the ropes growing up and introduced him to the details of video production early on. The passion for video storytelling has been fostered at a young age and he learned that there is power behind a lens.

As a production concentration, Corral has explored multiple aspects of film, not limiting himself to one area. Whether it be writing, editing or producing, he has done it all. Getting that experience across different mediums is important to Corral and has allowed him to understand the different elements to a meaningful story.

“I want to do this for the rest of my life, because I love creating, and because of this outlet here at Biola, I’ve just been able to grow as a filmmaker,” Corral said. 

THE ANGELS AND SUPPORT 

Growing as a filmmaker means discovering that the path is not going to be an easy one to walk. In the past, Corral had applied to the Angels but was rejected.

“I did have multiple interviews with them in the previous years, it definitely discouraged me, but I knew that it wasn’t my timing,” Corral said.

This year, Corral interviewed for their internship for a second time and did not make the cut. However, he was asked to interview for a position on their video production team, a part-time position with the organization. 

“Fast forward to another month later they were like, ‘You got the position.’ And I just broke down in tears because this is such a dream come true,” Corral said. “God was really doing something in the long run, I just had to see things through.”

Growing up in a baseball family, Corral has always been passionate about the Angels. His dad is a die-hard Angels fan, and grew up watching games and going to the stadium. His dad even held him as a baby at home watching on tv when they won the World Series in 2002. All of this inspired him to play baseball up until his senior year of high school. 

“Angels baseball is where I found my passion. When I was younger, I looked up to many of the players, and they inspired me to start playing the game,” said Corral.

His dad not only fanned the flame of passion, but he was also his coach. Getting to share these two passions with his dad allowed him to be a big support system through his journey.

“My dad is my best friend, he was able to mentor me and these two passions today, just seeing everything from back then leading up to now,” Corral said.

He does not forget about his mom, who constantly prays and encourages him. When he would get discouraged from the times he did not make it, she would remind him to be patient and see what happens next. His sister, Nina Corral, junior Broadcast Journalism major, has been a huge support, helping him connect with people on staff. His fiancée, Kenzi, senior Cross-Cultural Journalism major, has always seen him through. 

“Her knowing how bad I wanted this position, and constantly praying, you know, surrendering it also to the Lord, her being encouragement in my life. You know, when times were down, I knew that she would always be there for me, whatever that would look like,” Corral said when talking about Kenzi.

His support system has been there through it all. Seeing the downs come into fruition empowers him to keep pushing past adversity because he will make it out the other end better.

Balancing school, graduation, wedding planning and overall life, Corral is using these last few weeks of school to take it all in. 

FAITH ON THE FIELD

Going into a secular field, Corral is able to be a light in a setting that many people may not be able to see on a day-to-day basis.

“Moving forward, I really want to be a light for other people, I want to be there for people, I want to be an encouragement,” Corral said. “It doesn’t have to be evangelism necessarily, just even through my actions.”

A dream come true for Corral is an understatement. Step by step throughout the past four years, he has seen God’s grace overflow and his trials become worth it. Doubts may come and discouragement will flood the mind, but there is not a moment where God has not seen him through. That is who Corral is and how he wants to be seen, a person of grit and determination, leaning forever on the grace of God to persevere and see his passions to the end.