Why did you choose to attend UM?
This is a question I’ve been asked numerous times during my time at UM, and I can honestly say my answer has evolved over the years. As an out-of-state student, it’s often the first question I get. Freshman year, I would have said I chose UM because I wanted to be somewhere warm and to experience all the perks that come with being part of an SEC school. However, the present-day me would answer much differently. It’s not until you’ve truly experienced life here that you begin to realize all the incredible opportunities this university has to offer. I’ve made lifelong friends, formed genuine relationships with amazing people, and had the chance to do things and visit places that many people never get to. Most importantly, I’ve found a department that genuinely cares about me, which is something not everyone can say about their college experience
This is a question I’ve been asked numerous times during my time at UM, and I can honestly say my answer has evolved over the years. As an out-of-state student, it’s often the first question I get. Freshman year, I would have said I chose UM because I wanted to be somewhere warm and to experience all the perks that come with being part of an SEC school. However, the present-day me would answer much differently. It’s not until you’ve truly experienced life here that you begin to realize all the incredible opportunities this university has to offer. I’ve made lifelong friends, formed genuine relationships with amazing people, and had the chance to do things and visit places that many people never get to. Most importantly, I’ve found a department that genuinely cares about me, which is something not everyone can say about their college experience
What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they are interested in pursuing that field of study?
Graphic design is a field that many students pursue, even if they don’t explicitly label themselves as graphic design majors. Whether you’re in IMC (Integrated Marketing Communications), Marketing, or Graphic Design, these areas often overlap depending on your focus and the direction you take with your major. If you're passionate about designing products, creating branding, and working on visual design, I would highly recommend exploring the BFA or BA programs in the Art Department. Ultimately, there are many pathways to success in visual design, and it’s important to explore which one aligns best with your interests.
Graphic design is a field that many students pursue, even if they don’t explicitly label themselves as graphic design majors. Whether you’re in IMC (Integrated Marketing Communications), Marketing, or Graphic Design, these areas often overlap depending on your focus and the direction you take with your major. If you're passionate about designing products, creating branding, and working on visual design, I would highly recommend exploring the BFA or BA programs in the Art Department. Ultimately, there are many pathways to success in visual design, and it’s important to explore which one aligns best with your interests.
Why is your department a special place?
The UM Art Department is truly special because of its small size, which allows for more personalized attention and the opportunity to build meaningful connections with both professors and classmates. I’ve had the privilege of meeting some incredible professors who genuinely care about your success, and I’ve formed some of the most genuine relationships with fellow students. The supportive environment here promotes growth, and the faculty is always willing to go the extra mile to help you achieve your goals.
The UM Art Department is truly special because of its small size, which allows for more personalized attention and the opportunity to build meaningful connections with both professors and classmates. I’ve had the privilege of meeting some incredible professors who genuinely care about your success, and I’ve formed some of the most genuine relationships with fellow students. The supportive environment here promotes growth, and the faculty is always willing to go the extra mile to help you achieve your goals.
What class or professor has had the most impact on you?
The professor who has had the most profound impact on me is Brooke Alexander, a painting and drawing professor here. She is by far the most genuine professor I’ve encountered, offering support that goes beyond the typical student-professor relationship. Brooke has always been more than just a teacher—she’s been a friend and someone I can rely on when I need to express myself. Her support has been nothing but beneficial in helping me rediscover my passion for my major, especially on the days when it’s harder to maintain a positive mindset. I’m truly grateful for her guidance and encouragement.
The professor who has had the most profound impact on me is Brooke Alexander, a painting and drawing professor here. She is by far the most genuine professor I’ve encountered, offering support that goes beyond the typical student-professor relationship. Brooke has always been more than just a teacher—she’s been a friend and someone I can rely on when I need to express myself. Her support has been nothing but beneficial in helping me rediscover my passion for my major, especially on the days when it’s harder to maintain a positive mindset. I’m truly grateful for her guidance and encouragement.
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
My goal is to return home to Chicago and pursue a career in packaging design. I’ve been fortunate to take a wide range of graphic design classes that have exposed me to various areas, including typography, product design, web design, and, soon, editorial design. This diverse experience has been invaluable in helping me determine which design field I want to pursue. Ideally, I would love to work either in a corporate setting or a small business environment, where I can contribute to expanding the company and make a meaningful impact through my design skills.
My goal is to return home to Chicago and pursue a career in packaging design. I’ve been fortunate to take a wide range of graphic design classes that have exposed me to various areas, including typography, product design, web design, and, soon, editorial design. This diverse experience has been invaluable in helping me determine which design field I want to pursue. Ideally, I would love to work either in a corporate setting or a small business environment, where I can contribute to expanding the company and make a meaningful impact through my design skills.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you'd tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
One thing I wish I had known is that it's okay if things don’t work out the way you initially expected. My freshman year was a challenging adjustment period, and it’s something that isn’t often talked about, even though everyone goes through it in some way. College can be difficult when your values and morals differ from those around you. But, in the end, everything does work out, and giving yourself time to adjust is one of the best things you can do. I’m not a part of Greek life, and while it’s a huge part of UM—both in the media and on campus—there are plenty of other ways to connect with people. Not being in Greek life is perfectly okay, and you’ll still meet great people. There are so many experiences to be had, and even if things don’t go according to your original plans, everything will be just fine.
One thing I wish I had known is that it's okay if things don’t work out the way you initially expected. My freshman year was a challenging adjustment period, and it’s something that isn’t often talked about, even though everyone goes through it in some way. College can be difficult when your values and morals differ from those around you. But, in the end, everything does work out, and giving yourself time to adjust is one of the best things you can do. I’m not a part of Greek life, and while it’s a huge part of UM—both in the media and on campus—there are plenty of other ways to connect with people. Not being in Greek life is perfectly okay, and you’ll still meet great people. There are so many experiences to be had, and even if things don’t go according to your original plans, everything will be just fine.
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