Why did you choose to attend UM?
I initially chose to attend UM in order to be closer to my family, however, I quickly fell in love with
the beauty of the campus upon touring. Not only that, but the faculty and students were all so
kind and supportive. I immediately knew this was a good environment for me.
the beauty of the campus upon touring. Not only that, but the faculty and students were all so
kind and supportive. I immediately knew this was a good environment for me.
When and how did you choose your major(s)/minor(s)?
I have always gravitated towards art, ever since I was four I have been drawing or painting
(though some might call those scribbles). I feel the most at peace when I am creating. I chose an
African American Studies minor to give myself a further education on cultural historical topics
which go hand-in-hand with some of the work I create
(though some might call those scribbles). I feel the most at peace when I am creating. I chose an
African American Studies minor to give myself a further education on cultural historical topics
which go hand-in-hand with some of the work I create
What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they’re interested in pursuing that field of study?
I would tell any prospective student who loves to paint, that the UM BFA Painting Major is an
excellent program. You will gain such a rich understanding of color, composition, and even tools
such as building your own canvases and wood panels! The faculty make sure you have the
opportunity to gain major skills, both in craftsmanship and in gallery work, so that you feel
prepared to enter the fine arts world after graduating. The faculty is extremely supportive and
kind to their students, and will really work with you to help find what you’re interested in pursuing.
It is a really amazing curriculum, with some awesome people, and I highly recommend UM to any
high school students who are painters (or artists of any concentration).
excellent program. You will gain such a rich understanding of color, composition, and even tools
such as building your own canvases and wood panels! The faculty make sure you have the
opportunity to gain major skills, both in craftsmanship and in gallery work, so that you feel
prepared to enter the fine arts world after graduating. The faculty is extremely supportive and
kind to their students, and will really work with you to help find what you’re interested in pursuing.
It is a really amazing curriculum, with some awesome people, and I highly recommend UM to any
high school students who are painters (or artists of any concentration).
Why is your department a special place?
Our department is a special place because it has a lot of heart. Each emphasis within the
department has its own set of friendly faces and personalities, and while we all do vastly different
things, there is a camaraderie among people all across the art department.
department has its own set of friendly faces and personalities, and while we all do vastly different
things, there is a camaraderie among people all across the art department.
Can you tell me about a professor or a class you’ve taken that has had the most impact on you?
The class that had the most impact on me was my freshman year Drawing I class with Professor
Fuqua. I really stepped out of my comfort zone for the first time in that class, and Professor
Fuqua really helped me find my voice as an artist. It was in that class that I was encouraged to enter the Painting BFA! I am very grateful to all the advice and encouragement she has given me
over the last few years, and I learned so much both in and outside of her class!
Fuqua. I really stepped out of my comfort zone for the first time in that class, and Professor
Fuqua really helped me find my voice as an artist. It was in that class that I was encouraged to enter the Painting BFA! I am very grateful to all the advice and encouragement she has given me
over the last few years, and I learned so much both in and outside of her class!
What has been one of your most memorable or enjoyable moments at UM?
Receiving the David Rorie Award for outstanding studio work in Spring 2023 was definitely a
highlight for me! I would also say that in the same spring, Dr. Kris took a group of students in her
art history class to Chicago. It was some of the most fun I’ve had since enrolling at UM!
highlight for me! I would also say that in the same spring, Dr. Kris took a group of students in her
art history class to Chicago. It was some of the most fun I’ve had since enrolling at UM!
What do you hope to do after you graduate? What are your career goals/ plans for post graduation?
I am planning to get my MFA/graduate degree and teach!
What is your go-to meal in Oxford?
I love a falafel wrap and spicy feta dip from Opa!
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
I would tell my younger self to step out of her comfort zone more often! Especially creatively. It
never hurts to try something new if it’s for your own growth, even if it feels a little frightening at
first.
never hurts to try something new if it’s for your own growth, even if it feels a little frightening at
first.
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