The journey of computer science and game design can only be rightfully fueled with a true passion for the creative path. For alumni Joshua Saunders, this career was everything to him. Over the years, he has evolved into a multifaceted creator, video producer, storyteller, and visionary. He has dedicated his time into pushing the boundaries of technology and narrative.
Prior to graduating from PPCHS in 2014, Saunders took multiple computer classes, diving into subjects like computer science and game design. He always found himself curious on how things worked behind the scenes and quickly became interested in cybersecurity. His passion for learning pushed him to earn his CompTIA Security+ certification, taking his skills to the next level. This achievement marked a big step in his journey toward mastering the art of protecting digital systems.
Throughout his expedition, Saunders credits much of his personal growth to the experiences he had at PPCHS. “Pines Charter helped me understand that relationships were important and understanding those around you matter,” he reflects. The supportive environment of his high school helped him realize that success isn’t just about technical skills or creative talent; it’s about building connections and collaborating with others.
Whether working on group projects or interacting with classmates who shared his passion for technology, Saunders learned that effective communication and empathy were key to thriving in both his personal and professional life. These lessons would prove to be invaluable as he moved forward, shaping the way he approached his future career and creative endeavors.
Saunders currently works for the greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce and specializes in video production, marketing, communications and creative writing. However, before working there [Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce], he used to work for a magazine called Highly Unique Magazine where he made cover stories titled Zaytoven, Irv Gotti, Jawan Strader, and more.
All his life, Saunders had been glued to growing up and working on his own film business. The art of storytelling through visuals and sound was always in his blood, and he found comfort in the process of bringing ideas to life on screen. But it wasn’t just about creating content; each project was a personal journey for him to learn and grow, “The most exciting projects for me have been my social skits because they’re the first cinematic project that I’ve done,” he explains. These skits represented a turning point in his creative career, where his vision started to take shape into a more structured, artistic form. “I’ve been creating content for years, but I started diving into this type of content around three years ago,” Saunders adds.
It was then that Saunders’ artistic voice found clarity, using humor and storytelling to connect with his audience in new and meaningful ways. Each project became a stepping stone, it was a way to refine his skills and explore different dimensions of his craft. Saunders often sought comfort in the worlds he created. “I focus my stories on pulling people from reality and into my own,” he’d say, “The stress of life hits us every second of the day so I hope to encourage and inspire through my stories.”
With a degree in Journalism and Digital Media Design, he skillfully created his experiences into narratives that encouraged and inspired others. Each tale he crafted became a refuge for those weary of their everyday struggles and allowing them to escape reality, even if just for a moment. In Saunders’ mind, every story was a lifeline, merging the space between the common and the extraordinary.
