In the Ohio Honors Program, I spent a lot of time on experiential learning projects, as I really enjoyed learning with my hands and on-the-spot problem-solving. I was involved in various theatrical projects ranging from lecture-demos, to student-led plays, to professional theater plays. Outside of the theater, I took on roles in a handful of film projects, was a student ambassador for 1804 Scholars and the Ohio Honors Program, and I also had my hobbies, such as crochet, reading, and painting, when I had enough free time!

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A big difference between my experience and the “normal” experience in the Ohio Honors Program is that I transferred into the program during my junior year at Ohio University. While the requirements were adjusted, I was able to complete four years’ worth of requirements in the two years I was a part of the program. Even before joining the program, I enjoyed being involved in various projects, as previously mentioned; however, once in the program, I felt like I was learning much more about how to work on those projects and things myself, both as a person and as an artist, through the reflection process.

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The student-led plays – Blue Birds and Mr. Marmalade – helped me learn about my thought process in designing and communication skills with directors and playwrights. These projects made me realize that I like to explore themes of childhood in my art – ranging from innocence, to growing up, to even overcoming trauma. In my experiences with professional productions – Tantrum Theater’s The Prom and Inherit the Wind, and as the production designer for an MFA thesis film – I learned about working with people from diverse backgrounds, including their experience, professionalism, communication, and overall working dynamics. In the Tantrum Theater productions, I learned a lot about dynamics and the how-tos in a professional theater setting. As the assistant designer under a grad student on The Prom, I learned the ropes of being a part of a large production, especially a musical. Then, as the assistant designer under a guest artist, I grew confidence in myself and my skills without a designer peer or my professor present. Next, as the production designer on an MFA thesis film, I worked with grad students with professional backgrounds from different cultures and work expectations, so I learned a lot about compromise, communication, and scheduling to work out minor production problems. Lastly, I have also done projects with peers for the Ohio University Fringe Festival that allowed all of us to have fun with our art and provide an escape for us and the audience, even though Camp Clawder was an escape room, and my current project is a lecture-demo.

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Outside of projects, I took a few OHP special topics classes that reshaped how I think and grow as an artist. I took a class in the history of long-distance travel in the United States, and because of the way I designed my final project, it opened my eyes to how many Shakespeare festivals and small but well-known community theaters are out there! We had to create a road trip, so I decided to plan a Shakespeare crawl up the East Coast to Maine, and I learned about so many hidden gems! In my STEAM class, I learned how seemingly unrelated electronics courses can be put into my skills as a theater artisan. I didn't take the STEAM class with the intent of making something theater-related, but once I got that idea, I couldn't think of anything else, and now I have a proof of concept for future model boxes, miniatures, and props. Because I took these classes, I feel like I have more room to grow as an artist and designer since it took me out of a theater-only mindset.

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After all these experiences, I feel prepared for almost any working environment I will encounter as a young professional scenic designer. The projects I have worked on have helped me make valuable connections with my peers and with professionals across the country, so I feel stable in any direction I may end up landing in post-graduation. The Ohio Honors Program overall has improved how I think about my experiences and projects, and I’ll continue to think about those skills throughout my career. I’ll always look to learn something new from every experience, either in artistic choices or how to be a professional in the entertainment industry.