Student Spotlight
We wanted to recognize Communication and Visual Arts students who work hard to go above and beyond coming to class and truly make a difference in the department, student media organization(s), and/or the community. As a parallel to our Alum Spotlight, our Student Showcase offers students an opportunity to lift up those who truly stand out, allows others an opportunity to conceptualize their academic path, and evoke inspiration through various careers that stem from their degree. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to submit a nomination for any student currently attending Valpo. Please email us with any questions or click here to nominate a student who stands out!
Student Spotlight: Sabrina Searcy
Q) What brought you to Valpo?
A) I wanted a school that was a specific size, looking at a lot of different schools, but Valpo allowed me to come in as a double major. I liked the area and being able to be so close to the Dunes. Everyone here seemed to be a double major and I appreciated the ability to pursue both in equal measure.
Q) What is your dream job?
A) Scientific Illustration. I’m really passionate about biology and nature and art. Throughout high school, I couldn’t decide between art or biology but then I realized that I could do both.
Q) What did you want to do when you were 10?
A) Probably be a veterinarian. When you’re a kid, there is a very specific number of jobs that people actually show you/talk about. I’ve always been interested in animals, so it was kind of the logical step until I realized that I could do more than just that.
Q) What is your favorite CVA class that you have taken so far?
A) A class that I didn’t expect to enjoy as much as I did was Art History with Nina Corazzo. When I had to take it, I was not sure about having to remember all of the dates, etc, and although it was challenging, it was such a great class. It was so interesting and Nina is amazing. I took it sophomore year and even now, I can look at pieces and point details out. It helped me to understand what I wanted to do with my own art, learn my own style, and what I wanted to try out,
Q) What is the best piece of advice you have been given by a professor or student while at Valpo?
A) Some good advice that Professor Sarah Janzi gave me was to make every project something that stretched me, not to do it for a grade. She encouraged me to make every project something worth spending time on.
Q) What is your favorite memory from being at Valpo?
A) I think my favorite Valpo memory is in my ceramics class. We took a field trip to Chicago to the Art Museum. It was exciting and fun. I had never been to Chicago. It was really exciting being with my friend First time riding on a train.
Q) What (internships or exhibit experiences) have you had?
A) Last summer I did a fellowship at the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. I spent the summer working there, living on site. I painted insects and anthropods. I found it really inspiring to be able to spend so much time surrounded by fields, grassland, and nature. I’ve never been able to spend so much time outdoors, so being in that environment was very awe-inspiring and helped me grow as an artist. My exhibit there will be on October 2, 2021. I also have a piece that was selected for the permanent exhibit in the Christopher Center Library with a reception taking place on October 1, 2021.
Q) What are you most proud of accomplishing in your time at Valpo?
A) Actually being able to be selected for my fellowship. It was a very rigorous process to even set up an application. There were a lot of applicants and they are very selective with only two people selected. Multiple professors told me about the opportunity since it was exactly what I am passionate about. Being able to go and do all of the things I was able to do there was such an amazing experience.
Q) What words of wisdom do you have for other students?
A) Take what you can from life and your experiences. There are always going to be things that aren’t fun or that don’t go the way you want them to. It always helps to make the most of it. Take what you can from experiences rather than finding everything to be hard. Also, give yourself time to play and rest. Especially as a creative person, it is important to give yourself room to rest.