TeenLife 2023 Guide to Performing & Visual Arts Colleges

What Did You Hope to Get Out of Your Time At
Seton Hill, and Did You Achieve It?
When entering the program, I wanted to learn more
about the different paths that graphic design can take
me. I knew I wanted to do animation and work for
Disney or Pixar due to my love for their movies and
animations. In the last three years, Seton Hill has
opened my eyes to different job opportunities around
me after learning about the various graphic design
fields. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.
My professors allow us to learn and develop different
skills for each area. I learned how to design websites,
which caught my attention, then I learned about UX designers
(User Experience), and it also caught my attention.
Seton Hill University allows students to dip their
toes into different job opportunities through internships.
IN MY
OWN
WORDS
Seton Hill University,
School of Visual & Performing Arts
TERESA KONDAS
Why Did You Choose to Attend Seton Hill
University and Select This Major?
I have been on Seton Hill University’s campus from a
young age, and every time I was on campus, I felt right
at home. It sealed the deal for me when I went to Seton
Hill Open House during my junior year of high school
to learn more about the university and the program I
was interested in. I went to a small high school about
ten minutes from Seton Hill, and I loved the small
atmosphere from my high school. I wanted that same
small atmosphere when I went to college.
Growing up, I had always been interested in movies,
special effects, and animation. My favorite movies were
Marvel movies, and I knew I wanted to get into something
where I could create something I love. So, when
I discovered that Seton Hill had a Graphic and Interactive
Design program and I could concentrate
on animation, I knew it was the place for me.
Did You Have to Prepare for This Major in Any
Way? If You Didn’t, Do You Wish You Did?
My graphic design class in high school introduced me
to Adobe Photoshop. I didn’t have much experience
with Adobe products. I was then introduced to other
Adobe products, like Adobe InDesign and Illustrator,
during my freshman year of college.
What Was a Typical Day at Seton Hill Like?
My studio classes are Monday through Thursday.
They can either start in the morning or start in the
afternoon. They are about three hours long which
is divided up into sections. The first hour and a half
is lecture time, where my professor will introduce
background information.
For example, during my History of Animation class,
we would learn about a period of animation and
take notes. The last hour and a half would be studio
time to work on any projects relating to the period.
After classes, I would meet up with friends and find
different spots on campus to catch up or do work.
What Advice Do You Have for Teens Looking for
the Right College?
Picking the right college is hard and intimidating.
Trust me, you will find the college that makes you
feel right at home and makes you want to keep pushing
yourself. It is scary, but you will find that place
that helps you become the person you want to be -
like I did with Seton Hill.
26 | 2023 TEENLIFE GUIDE TO PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS COLLEGES