Student Spotlight
Julie Alleshouse
“You don’t have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great.” Les Brown
What area of study are you specializing in?
Visual Communication - Graphics Design.
What or who inspired you to pursue this career?
A friend who’s always motivated me to be better when it comes to choosing a career and doing what it takes to get it, including going to college. My husband also is my greatest cheerleader and encourager.
When will you graduate? What do you plan to do after graduation?
I graduate 2023, then I plan on taking a certification in the UX field.
What is/was your favorite class and why?
I have enjoyed all my design classes because they’ve helped me gain experience and it’s also interesting for me to work on a design from its conceptual stage, researching, ideating, brainstorming, sketching, and finally seeing the final design. I now know for sure that design does not happen by chance, it’s a process. I have gained some special interest in advertising after working on several class projects, which I might want to explore in the future.
How much time do you spend studying outside of class? Where is your favorite place to study?
I spend 4-8 hours a week outside of class. My favorite place to study is my little home office.
What high school did you attend and if appropriate what kinds of classes prepared you for success in this career?
I attended High School in my home country of Kenya; then took a couple of classes with Elkhart Community Schools at my local Library to help me get to par for college, none of these classes were directly related to graphic design.
Do you have any advice for your peers?
I would advise them to spend their time wisely especially while in college and maybe cut off any disruptions that might delay or hinder them from staying on course so that they can achieve their goals in a timely manner.
Is there anything else you wish to share?
Special thanks to my amazing instructors for their guidance.