Congratulations to the class of 2025! Read this year's senior spotlights here.
Pronouns: She/They
Major: Theatre and Speech Communication, Theatre Performance concentration (BFA)
Hometown: Salem, MA
Why did you choose Salem State, and what鈥檚 one thing a prospective student should know about the campus community?
I chose Salem State because it was an affordable option close to home. What I didn鈥檛 expect was how close-knit and welcoming the arts community would be. There鈥檚 a place for everyone, and instead of being fragmented, there鈥檚 a lot of collaboration and shared involvement across departments.
Once you got to campus, what made you say, "This is the place for me?"
After talking with a few of my professors, I knew I was where I was supposed to be. I felt pretty lost at first, but those early conversations reassured me. Once I got involved in theatre productions and connected with other students, I knew I had made the right decision.
What made you choose your major?
I鈥檝e always loved art and theatre, but I wasn鈥檛 sure what a career in the arts would look like. After taking a few classes at a community college, theatre was the only thing that consistently brought me joy. Choosing this path meant letting go of fears about financial insecurity and embracing what fulfills me.
Do you live on campus or commute?
I commute, but I鈥檓 just a short drive or walk from campus. There鈥檚 always something happening in the theatre department鈥攆rom Mainstage shows to improv nights to community game nights鈥攕o staying connected is easy. We basically live in the lobby between classes and spend our nights rehearsing.
How have you grown as a person during your college experience?
I鈥檝e learned what I value in education, relationships and creativity. I鈥檝e been encouraged to take up space, create freely, and stay true to myself. That support has kept me on a path that brings me joy.
Can you describe a challenge you overcame at Salem State?
During the pandemic, I took a few years off to focus on my mental health. I didn鈥檛 think I鈥檇 return to college, but I realized I deserved to finish what I started. Coming back was hard鈥攊t took courage to reintroduce myself鈥攂ut I鈥檓 so thankful I did.
Have any faculty relationships influenced your learning or personal growth?
Before Salem State, I viewed education as rigid and disconnected. The theatre faculty here changed that. They helped me learn to advocate for myself and see my professors as people first. Acting is vulnerable, so feeling safe and seen in rehearsal spaces mattered. Building those relationships helped me grow as a student, artist, and human.
How has Salem State supported your academic journey in terms of value and accessibility?
I wouldn鈥檛 be who I am today without the education I received at Salem State, and I wouldn鈥檛 have accessed it without affordability. I鈥檓 grateful Salem State has a strong theatre department and remains financially accessible. The arts are more vital than ever, and I hope the university continues to invest in creative programs.
Can you share a hands-on learning experience you鈥檝e had?
The theatre department pushes us to be well-rounded artists. While my concentration was in acting, I also took courses in tech, design, and writing. One production had me acting, assistant directing, and designing the costumes and the set. I wouldn鈥檛 want to juggle that many roles again, but knowing I can is empowering.
What are your post-graduation plans, and how has Salem State prepared you?
I plan to keep auditioning for theatre and film projects in Boston and New York, travel, and continue building connections in the arts. Eventually, I鈥檇 love to earn my master鈥檚 and teach. I鈥檒l miss this community deeply, but I鈥檓 ready to branch out and find a new one to call home. Salem State taught me to trust myself, so I鈥檓 not overthinking it. There鈥檚 no wrong path, just the one I鈥檓 on.