Why did you choose Stockton?

The pandemic hit when I graduated from high school, so I started my higher education at Atlantic Cape Community College and transferred to Stockton as a junior.

How did you choose your major?

In 2020, I fell into art making, skateboarding and surfing. I realized that I am very in touch with my creativity and emotions. I began working with children as an instructional aide for an elementary school. Becoming an art teacher felt like the most authentic path for me.

What other opportunities have you had at Stockton?

I had a wonderful art exhibit through Stockton. In April of 2024, “My Story with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)” was my solo pop-up art exhibition at the Noyes Art Garage of Stockton University. My exhibit was well received, and I was featured by 6abc Philadelphia and the Press of Atlantic City. Instructor and Noyes Museum Executive Director Michael Cagno helped me bring the idea to life. My first semester back after my brain injury, I was enrolled in Cagno’s class “Art and Disability.” It was no coincidence that I was placed in that class as an artist with a newly acquired disability. I had all these paintings that I had created while combating TBI symptoms, so he raised the idea of an exhibit. The exhibit was so heartfelt to me and even helped me heal from my accident that happened just a year before. Professor Cagno and his team at the Noyes Arts Garage were so welcoming and supportive to me and my family. I truly felt seen for the healing work I put in as I recovered from my TBI.

What clubs and activities are you involved with at Stockton? 

I’m involved in The Creative Collective, a club where artists get together to discuss our artwork, provide feedback and ideas. We help each other in our creative processes and art direction and have had professional artists and professors provide insight at our meetings. I’m involved in the Stockton Surf Club, the Ski and Snowboard Club and The Crew dance club. The Crew is an awesome group of students that enjoy hip-hop and Caribbean-style dance. Dancing allows us to let loose and enjoy the moment.

What are your career goals?

I am studying Art and Early Childhood Education. I plan to pursue a master’s in Art Therapy. I would love the opportunity to use my experience with TBI to help other individuals combat emotional dysregulation and other aspects of TBI through art therapy. Art therapy is a great way to heal from trauma and just to better ourselves as individuals. Healing individually means healing collectively to live for a better future. 

What advice do you have for students thinking about attending Stockton? 

Go for it! After two years at community college, I really was in awe of all Stockton had to offer when I became an Osprey. I’m so thankful to my supportive professors and everyone at the Stockton Cares program. The energy is alive on campus, and you never know what you’ll see when you are walking around, like pie-throwing competitions or dance battles. I love the friendly cafeteria staff; the one gentleman who sings as he makes my burrito bowl is the best. I really find Zen when I can get from class to class on my skateboard. I’m thankful to be a part of Stockton.