Sofia Aguilar
MFA Studio Arts: Printmaking and Drawing
“I’ve learned patience. Because the work that I dive into is very tedious, it really helps me understand the patience that I have to have with my art sometimes, especially if sometimes I make a wrong part in carving out some image or if I paint the block in a color I didn’t intend. The other important thing I’ve learned is time management!”
Christian Lowray Bartney
BFA Drama: Musical Theatre
“Being here has taught me how to slow down. New York and L.A. are very fast paced. It is go, go, go, go all the time, and you can get trampled if you’re not at that tempo. ‘Lost in the sauce,’ as my dad says. My School of Theatre experience has taught me to take a deep breath, be present, and grow as an artist. Find out who you are, both in the theatre and as a person. Then, you’ll be ready for New York or L.A., if that’s where your journey takes you.”
Vesa Basha
BM Performance: Popular Music and Technology
“Learning how to be a listener and take other people’s input into consideration is huge. You’re learning from others as much as from faculty,” she says. “In this program, you’re collaborating with all kinds of musicians every week. I was in the practice rooms all the time — that’s where the work happens. The practice rooms in the School of Music are where I grew as an individual. That place has my heart.”
Carina Young
BFA Dance: Choreography/Performance
“Take a risk! There are so many opportunities provided here. Watch for those doors to open. Step out of yourself and try something new. Apply for those programs and scholarships. Take advantage of every single opportunity. Being here, I feel like I’ve had a lot of courageous moments. I’ve learned to be authentic and persistent. My dance training and my artistic voice have grown so much here, but I’ve also learned the importance of being curious and believing in myself.”