Danni Petrilak

Emma Dannenberg

Concentrations

Visual Arts and Film

Why does your field matter – how does it impact our world/the average person?

I think separately, my study of art and environmental issues matter so much and impact the world and average person immensely. Art is a universal language, something that is loved, thought provoking, and needed in the turbulent times that we are facing so much nowadays. Art allows for expression of feelings and is also a powerful tool in education and advocating for important things that need to be discussed. I think looking at the intersection of my fields is where I have truly found my life’s passion and purpose, and where I think the world could benefit greatly. This intersection is the realm of environmental art, which is using art as a form of education on the environmental issues we are facing today, such as the climate crisis, mass extinction, deforestation, etc. I think it is an incredible way to reach large audiences and introduce these tougher topics to the mainstream population and get people to become passionate about saving our planet and all the species, including us, who call it home.

Why did you choose Champlain to study this?

Champlain’s smaller class sizes allow me to make connections and build relationships with professors, faculty, staff, and other students. The close connections I have made at Champlain will hopefully allow me to secure a job after college in something that will be supportive, but also something I am passionate about. Champlain’s location in Burlington allows for wonderful experiences and relationships with people, businesses, organizations, and NGOs that are both in the art world and the environmental studies and activism world.

Describe your other professional experiences so far. Have you worked on-campus or in a work-study position?

I have been so incredibly lucky to be a part of the Eco-Reps program as my work study on campus. It is my second year in this position and I can already confidently say that Eco-Reps has changed my life. Dr. Christina Erickson, who runs the Center for Service and Sustainability, initiated the Eco-Reps program here at Champlain and has fostered an inspiring and educational environment that I am so glad to contribute to and learn from. As an Eco-Rep, I’ve had the opportunity to grow my leadership skills, become a peer educator about sustainability practices and environmental awareness, and get to work with an amazing group of individuals. Because of Eco-Reps, I have been able to hear from so many inspiring speakers and play a part in so many amazing events. Most recently, I volunteered with Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s Beach Turtle Nesting clean up at North Hero State Park where I got to learn and be an active participant in the wildlife conservation efforts for the endangered Spiny Softshell Turtle and help release some hatchlings back into the wild. Even though my time here at Champlain isn’t quite done yet, I know that being an Eco-Rep has been one of the greatest opportunities of my experience here.

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Maggie DeCapua

Primary Specialization*

Creative Writing

Complementary Specializations*

Game Design and Visual Art

Post-Grad Job

Director of Development at Rad Magpie in Burlington, VT

What's the best part of being a Creative Media major?

I was able to pick three different specializations: Creative Writing, Game Design, and Visual Art. In addition to that, I also have a minor in Public Relations. My interests are all over the board, which has been complemented by the curriculum here at Champlain. I’m able to study everything I’m interested in, and I get to bring it all together in my coursework.
The Creative Media major is really unique in that you get to pick the specializations that you are really passionate about. It’s definitely not the sort of program where you’re restricted to just one thing.

How has Champlain prepared you for the professional world?

Within the Creative Media major, there are a lot of specific classes where you work on your portfolio and professional development. That has been one of the most beneficial facets of the Creative Media major for me. It helped me to collect my art and my work into a presentable, professional portfolio. Creative Media classes helped me to clearly understand how my work can be applicable to a career.

What is your favorite thing about living in Burlington, Vermont?

I think the arts community in Burlington is truly unparalleled. I come from a place where there isn’t a whole lot of artist engagement in the community, so coming to Burlington, where there are art galleries I can visit, is amazing. There are also events like the South End Art Hop, which provides opportunities to network with local artists. It’s really empowering for me, knowing that there’s so much out there, even within my own community.
I also love to visit the different coffee shops in Burlington. I know that’s a weird favorite thing because there are coffee shops everywhere, but here in Burlington they have their own vibe. It’s great to go and study in a coffee shop, and there are so many options.

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Anthony Mahon

Primary Specialization*

Sonic Arts

Complementary Specializations*

Creative Writing and Moving Image

Internships

On-Air Talent at Hall Communications in Burlington, VT

Post-Grad Job

Account Manager at Scout Digital in Burlington, VT

What do you love about being a Creative Media major?

I love that I don’t have to be stuck doing one thing. In Creative Media, you declare a primary specialization—mine is Sonic Arts—and two complementary specializations; mine are Creative Writing and Moving Image. I switched from the Broadcast Media Production major, so the Moving Image specialization let me keep those credDivision of Information Technology & Sciences, and I was already doing a lot of writing for fun, so I also chose Creative Writing. Ever since I declared my Sonic Arts specialization, I have been doing music production and voice-overs, and I’ve been on the radio, which is crazy to think about. There’s really an endless realm of possibilities to explore.

Can you tell us about switching majors?

I realized that working with the video camera wasn’t for me, but I still loved editing, and I loved working with audio. So I talked to my Broadcast Faculty Advisor and the Creative Media Faculty Advisor, and based on their guidance, I decided to try Creative Media. It ended up being a perfect fit.

How was your study abroad experience?

I studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland, and it was my best semester at Champlain. If you had asked me a year beforehand, I did not want to study abroad at all. I was petrified to leave Connecticut for college, so leaving the country was a huge jump for me. But my cousin convinced me, so I went. I did an internship with a podcast called The Igniter Series, where we talked to entrepreneurs about turning an idea into a business. I also learned a lot about Irish literature, Irish art, and Irish writing, which helped me get a global perspective I wouldn’t have gotten, if I’d let my fears keep me from going abroad.

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Elizbeth Marando

Piece of advice to students?

Never be afraid to apply yourself or your interests when working on a writing assignment. That makes it feel less like an obligation and more like an opportunity, and you might just learn something new about yourself.

What's your favorite book, movie or podcast?

Movie: Loving Vincent

Inspirational Quote?

“What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet.” – Anne Frank

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Lily Tammik

Specializations

Visual Art & Design, Sonic Arts, and Creative Writing

What do you like about your program?

I love the range of courses I have been able to take within the scope of the Creative Media major. From classes in Intermediate Creative Nonfiction to Film Scoring and the Advanced Digital Image, I’ve been able to try my hand at all sorts of practices that have fostered growth and the expansion of my creative capabilities. Through all of these courses, I have researched artists from modern times and times long past, and have used those influences to inform myself about what my voice is and what I want to communicate with my own art.
I love that the Creative Media major encompasses so many different types of artists because all of those perspectives allow me to see the breadth of art, and the value that learning about so many mediums can have on one’s own understanding of the world and of the self.

What extracurricular activities are you involved in? What do you do/why do you enjoy them?

I’ve been a part of Champlain’s literary and fine arts magazine, Willard & Maple, since the start of my second year. Each week the group of associate editors goes through submissions from the college’s students, ranging from poetry to prose and photography to digital painting, to select our favorites and compile them into a magazine yearly. I’ve been able to design the covers, choose fonts, and more for the last two years, and next year I will be a Co-Editor-in-Chief for my senior year. I enjoy Willard & Maple because I love reading through our submissions and experiencing the unique voices of Champlain’s students, engaging in their stories, along with providing them a vessel through which to become published. As an artist, I know how important it can feel to be recognized for your work, and I think that Willard & Maple serves as a very inclusive and creative channel for that outcome to be obtained.

How has your Champlain experience prepared you for your future career, both in and out of the classroom?

The Upside-Down Curriculum, combined with the wealth of knowledge from my professors, has provided me with the capabilities and confidence to pursue a professional career as an artist. A seemingly intimidating career path, becoming an artist in today’s world, feels much more accessible with the experience my classes have given me. I’ve learned the business side of the music industry and how to predict trends and stand out from the crowd, how to create photographs that capture audiences through composition, content, and creativity, and how to craft meaningful and relatable writing that connects with readers. These tools, along with many others, have prepared me for the various positions in the professional world I could find myself in, given the creative world’s desire for multi-talented employees.

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Emma Worthge

Primary Concentration

Creative Writing

Internship

Social Media & Event Management Intern at Vermont Womenpreneurs

Favorite Class

Aesthetic Expressions: Jordan

Have you had any internships during your time at Champlain?

I was the Social Media and Event Management Intern for Vermont Womenpreneurs in Burlington, Vermont. I assisted with creating social media posts and campaigns. Ialso scheduled events for the company, culminating in a storytelling showcase at the end of November. My friends at other schools haven’t even thought about applying to internships yet, so already having completed one definitely puts me at an advantage. I notice that when I am applying for jobs, interviewers are really impressed with how much work I have done this far in my school career. I already have the experience that’s necessary to work in the field, which is miles above other people.

What extracurricular activities are you involved in?

I’m a member of Los Dormant Volcanoes, Champlain’s improv comedy troupe. Improv comedy is a big part of my life and something that I love. I was super excited when I heard we had a team at Champlain. I auditioned during my first year, and have loved the family that we’ve built along the way. We practice by playing games and perform every few months for the Champlain community.My favorite part is hearing people laugh at the jokes I make on stage. It makes me feel like I’m a part of something really special.

What is your favorite class you’ve taken at Champlain?

My favorite class at Champlain was Aesthetic Expressions: Jordan. We learned about Jordanian culture, art, music and architecture throughout the whole semester, and then travelled to Jordan over Thanksgiving Break. We visited all the places we learned about, swam in the Dead Sea, rode camels through the Wadi Rum Desert, stayed at a Bedouin camp, and ate the best food in the world.

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