Disrupting Aging: Cindy Lee's Journey from Lifelong Learner to Documentary Filmmaker

In December 2023, Arizona State University celebrated the graduation of over 11,000 students, among whom Cindy Lee stood out not just for her academic achievements but for her inspiring journey. At 67, Lee was awarded the title of Outstanding Graduate from the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, marking a significant milestone of earning a master’s degree decades after graduating from college.

Born in Pennsylvania to immigrants from Korea, Lee's educational journey began at Yale University, where she was part of the sixth-ever undergraduate class to admit women. After a successful career in advertising in New York, Lee joined her husband’s ventures, living in Los Angeles and New York, before retiring and moving to Arizona. Her retirement was anything but idle; she dedicated her time to volunteering as a Medicare Counselor, engaging in environmental advocacy, and serving on a commission for the City of Scottsdale. Then, a creative nonfiction writing professor at a community college recommended she enroll in a program at Arizona State University (ASU).
 
Motivated by this advice, Lee embarked on a new chapter, pursuing a master's degree in Liberal Studies (Film and Media Studies) at ASU. During her studies, she published two insightful essays, which showcased her ability to reflect deeply on her experiences and the world around her. Tragedy struck in the final year of her program, when Lee lost her husband and her father within four months of each other. Despite these profound losses, Lee found strength in their memory, choosing to focus on the positive impact they had on her life. She shared, "As much as I've had profound loss this year, I have received so many gifts, as well. Living in gratitude helps you see the good that comes your way, even as you're navigating through loss."

Poster Credit: Moose Monarrez | Photo Credit: Kat Aparicio

Lee's resilience and determination led her to the world of documentary filmmaking. Her debut film, "The Stories They Didn’t Tell Us—Nina’s Story,” seeks to uncover the concealed stories within families, focusing on a friend, Nina, who fled Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Her three children, in their 20s, did not know much about their mother’s past. This project reflects Lee's commitment to shedding light on the complexities of immigrant experiences and the untold stories that shape them.

Lee’s film became an Official Selection for the 2024 Phoenix Film Festival, showing three times at Harkins Scottsdale 101 on April 11, 13, and 14. Lee is already planning her next project. She aims to explore the beauty in diversity and promote empathy to combat intolerance, using her newfound skills in filmmaking to tell stories that matter.

When asked about her advice for others inspired by her story, Lee emphasized the importance of passion and perseverance: "It is never too late to find something that you love. If you really want something, just go for it and figure out a way to do it." Cindy Lee's story is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and the impact of pursuing one's passions at any age. Her journey from a retired professional to a graduate student and documentary filmmaker serves as an inspiring reminder that it's never too late to embrace new challenges and make a difference in the world.