Why did you choose Daemen University?
I chose Daemen University because it’s a small school with an excellent art program. I knew if I came here, I would get the individual attention and instruction to help me succeed in my major. Their facilities are beautiful, and the professors are experts in their field who help their students to pursue their own careers.
Why did you choose your present major?
I chose Art Education as my major because of my love for the arts, and for helping others. I admire educators at all levels so much — they make such significant contributions to our communities by taking our youth under their wing and guiding them. It's our educators who teach our children how to read, to write, and to work together with others. Teachers play such a vital role in our society, and I want to contribute to that. At the same time, I have a deep passion for the arts, and I'm excited to encourage that same love in others. The arts are such an important part of our daily lives, sometimes obviously, and sometimes not. Especially in adolescents, the ability to be expressive and have some sort of creative outlet is imperative. I want to make a difference in my community and really have a positive, lasting impact on the students who come into my classroom.
Please describe your academic experience at Daemen.
So far at Daemen, my classes have been challenging but extremely rewarding. Particularly my art classes — I’m already seeing myself grow and develop as an artist as I’m able to hone my more technical skills. Even when the work is monotonous, I know that it serves a purpose.
Please describe the impact Daemen faculty, staff and advisors have had on you.
My art professors have already helped me to grow so much as an artist. I'm learning extremely valuable techniques that I was never able to implement into my work before now. The professors are all so talented, and have a real eye for their craft. I feel comfortable going up to them and asking for help when brainstorming ideas, or trying to improve a piece. I really look forward to packing my schedule these next few years with as many art classes as I can. College is all about learning and preparing yourself for your career, and the staff here really prioritize that.
Do you live on campus? Please tell us about your on campus experiences.
My suitemates and I are already like family. Of course, not everyone will have it this way — but we all get along really well. We frequently hang out in each other's rooms, go to dinner together, watch movies, and go to clubs together. Living on campus gives you opportunities to make friends and get involved, which is so much harder to do when you're commuting. Not everyone can dorm, though, so my advice is just to get involved! There's all types of people here, you'll find your group.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to become a college art professor. I've known for a while that I wanted to go into high school or college education, but since coming to Daemen, I realized that I really want to teach at the collegiate level. I want to help other students grow their skills like I have, while also being able to pursue my own career as an artist. By teaching at such a high level, my students will really be passionate about their work, and ready to learn. I love the prospect of having intellectual conversations with my students during classes.