1. Why did you choose to minor in Theatre Arts at Tech?
When it came time to choose what I wanted to do, I was very torn between
doing something with math and science or in the arts. In the end, I
made the right decision for me to be a mechanical engineer but I was
thrilled to find how much I loved the VPA department at Tech. I was
spending so much time there, and I realized how much more there was for
me to learn about the different aspects of theatre, that I decided to
become a minor.
2. How did adding a minor in the arts enhance your experience as a Tech engineering student?
Adding the theatre arts minor was the best thing I could have done for my engineering studies because it allowed me to split my time between exercising either side of my brain. When Mechanical Engineering courses were overwhelming, I could spend a few hours on theatre classes and come back to those other courses feeling more confident and refreshed. Also, when you know more about a variety of subjects, you are able to approach any issues more creatively. I am always amazed how much engineering and the arts lend insight to one another.
3. What is the most important thing you learned from participating in theatre at Tech?
The
most important thing I learned from theatre at Tech is how much I am
truly capable of and that I should never doubt my abilities. I became
so many distinctly different characters and learned a lot about myself
in participating in so many productions but more importantly, I learned
that I could balance classes, homework, hours of rehearsal a night, and
friends. Not having to cut out any of those aspects, really enhanced
the rest of my life and I never dreamed that I could be able to do it
all.
4. What inspires you?
I am inspired by the beauty and diversity of the people around me.
Everyone I meet has a different story to tell and they all find so many
wonderful ways to be happy. It is so inspiring to know that no matter
what life hits me with, there will always be beauty and happiness to be
found in the world.
5. How will you use your theatre experience now that you have graduated and work as an engineer?
I
am working as a mechanical engineer but I hope to still remain involved
in community theatre. Even if I am not directly involved in a
production, I will always use what I have learned from the arts: once
you learn to work together and what you are personally capable of, with a
little creativity, anything is possible.
6. What advice would you give to other engineering students who want to participate in the arts?
To
other engineering students, I would say there is no reason to think you
can't participate in the arts; I have seen every type of person benefit
from even minimal experience. You may be forced out of your comfort
zone, but that is quite possibly the best thing you can do for yourself
because only then you will find out who you truly are and what you are
capable of.
