What years did you attend WAA?
I attended WAA from 2008-2014.
What program(s) did you participate in at WAA?
I participated in theatre camps/programs and dance.
How did WAA make a lasting impression and impact on you?
One way WAA made an impact on me was simply by being a space where I could pursue my artistic interests. Through the programs I participated in, I learned two important lessons that I still carry with me today:
- Life is a performance and the world is a stage.
- You have to fake it ’til you make it.
While these may sound like cliches, I have found them incredibly powerful in helping me overcome any obstacle I encounter, feel confident in myself, and learn to see the joy and humor in life. Moreover, being in a space like WAA, where I was surrounded by people practicing different types of art all the time, really demonstrated to me the significance of art. WAA taught me that art was not only something that I could do, but was also a powerful tool to think critically, learn about myself and understand the dynamism of the broader world. And for this I am incredibly grateful for WAA.
What areas of study did you pursue after your time at WAA?
After my time at WAA, I continued performing in Sterling High School theatre productions, speech and group interpretation. I was a Rotary Youth Exchange Student to South Korea. I then went on to study Global Studies and East Asian Languages and Cultures at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
What are your current arts related job/career?
I am currently a sociology PhD Candidate at the University of Southern California.
Do you feel that your time at WAA is a direct reflection on your current position/career path?
WAA introduced me to worlds outside of the Sauk Valley. From the global art that was displayed in the hallway gallery to the global sounds and rhythms that I was introduced to on the stage and through dance, I can proudly say that WAA ignited my desire to learn about and explore the world. This passion for exploration and learning motivated me to pursue academic research. As a sociologist, I use dramaturgy and performance as an analytical lens to make sense of and understand everyday social situations. Additionally, WAA taught me that art is a medium for understanding broader social phenomena and I heavily incorporate art into the classes I teach and within my research.
