“My happiest days and moments are talking to my students and allowing them to explore the creative depths of their minds and to find purpose in the art that they create.”
Quick Facts
Program: Visual Arts, BA
Graduation Year: 2017
Current Job Title(s): Adjunct Professor, California Baptist University
Life at CBU
Why did you choose your major? What interested you in this particular field of study?
Since a young age, I've always known I wanted to be an artist and was heavily influenced
by my grandfather, who had a few floral pastel artworks hanging in the dining room.
In high school, my favorite classes were art history and art, where I got to explore
new mediums and find my love for oil painting. During my time at CBU, I had very supportive
and enthusiastic professors who led me to pursue not only a graduate degree but adjunct
teaching at the college level.
What did you like about being in this program at CBU?
I loved how small the classes were because it allowed more time with the professors
and to hone in on various techniques and get one-on-one feedback. The professors are
in the field and use various media in their craft, therefore they allowed us as students
to work outside of our original medium to push us in new ways. There is a variety
of classes to choose from to give us a well-rounded education, and, again, having
the variety of classes gave us much to explore, so within our senior thesis, we were
able to pull ideas and mediums from our previous classes to create our body of work.
What did you think about your professors?
During my time at CBU, I had the most incredible faculty that supported my goals and
aspirations in the arts. Not only did they support my academics while at the university
but they also pushed me beyond that, specifically to pursue my Master of Fine Arts,
so I can pursue my dream of being a part of the faculty. My professors are now colleagues,
and that just shows the impact and influence faculty can have on their students.
Did you participate in anything else at CBU?
For two and a half years, I participated in the cheer team "Golden Girls" while at
CBU. I participated in cheering at games and being at special events like Fortuna
Bowl, which brought much excitement to my time at the university.
How did you grow while in this program at CBU?
Being at CBU, you get so many new experiences that lead to much growth. I knew God
led me to CBU. Therefore, the people who were placed in my life while attending CBU
helped grow me spiritually, like my RA, whom I was able to lean on in my spiritual
journey. Fun events like Fortuna and Woo Fest made my time at CBU filled with so many
fun and amazing memories that I still think fondly of today.
Did your program help you figure out your purpose?
I had asked myself many questions while in my program, like what my options are in
a career, how I can go beyond my bachelor's degree, and so much more. The faculty
pushed me, and in those times of questions and a fair amount of doubt, they guided
me to pursue my master's and find my purpose and passion teaching college students
just like they once did.
Life after CBU
What have you done since graduating?
After I graduated, I taught junior high and high school students in a private nonprofit
school. While teaching, I pursued my Master of Fine Arts at the Academy of Art in
San Francisco, and I was chosen to display my painting titled "Kaitlynn" in their
annual spring show. Now, I am proud to say that I am an adjunct professor at my alma
mater, California Baptist University.
How has your program and time at CBU prepared you for your life and career after college?
One thing that should be highlighted is that our professors connected us to the Career
Center's services on campus, where we had mock interviews, resumes reviewed and were
given insights into the specific field we want to pursue. Having a mock interview
prepared me for the "real world" in applying for jobs and standing out from the rest
of the applicants. I felt prepared to graduate and take on the process of job hunting.
How are you making a difference in the world? How are you living your purpose?
I live my purpose with the students that I teach. The one question that I receive
on the first day of classes is, "I am not good at art, so how can I do this class?"
They come into a new experience already feeling like they can't do it. Being that
most of my students are pursuing different degrees other than art, I hope that when
they leave my classroom that they feel supported and challenged to step into a new
subject matter and leave saying, "I can do art." My happiest days and moments are
talking to my students and allowing them to explore the creative depths of their minds
and to find purpose in the art that they create.
What are your future goals and plans?
As a current adjunct professor at CBU, I feel as if I have met part of my long-term
goal, which is to keep teaching, but I would love to pursue this full time. My newest
goal is to pursue a PhD in Art History to further my studies and be able to teach
not only the arts but the cultural influence and history behind the arts.
Would you recommend CBU to others?
California Baptist University creates lasting friendships and wholesome relationships
with professors. Small classes allow you to get individual feedback and assist in
growing you holistically in and out of the classroom. Professors go above and beyond
to push you academically and provide their insight into the fields you want to pursue
as a career.