UTeach Fine Arts Student Ambassadors “Be a Leader! Take the initiative to organize things you’d like to do. Treat the people around you with respect and have enthusiasm when interacting with others. Keep working hard toward your goals, refining your skills and never give up!” Matthew Chan, B.A. Biology, B.M. Music Studies, 2016 The Student Ambassadors are a group of students enrolled in COFA’s UTeach Fine Arts programs in Visual Art, Dance, Music, and Theatre. They plan and host activities that allow students to meet their colleagues and faculty from other departments and schools within the college preparation programs. In addition, the ambassadors creates opportunities for students to gain connections and opportunities to advance their careers after graduation. Eugenio Chapa – UTeach Theatre, B.F.A Theatre Education 2027 Theatre changed Eugenio’s life. He moved to the United States in 6th grade with a basic knowledge of English. He did not know words such as washing machine, sea, elementary, etc. He audited for the school play in middle school and was exposed to many things. He mainly learned English by reading plays and singing in the choir. Ever since then, he has been a part of the theater department. Eugenio enjoyed performing and being backstage, but what gave him the best feeling was helping people. Whether that was helping them with costumes, hair, songs, blocking, painting, etc. After High School, he took a gap year, and their theater director asked if he wanted to help at the school, which, of course, he accepted. What started as just doing sound for all the shows ended with him being a teaching assistant and choreographer for the middle school. During the gap year, he found his true passion and knew what it felt like to wake up excited to work the next day. Every day was a new adventure that filled his heart with joy. To him, being a theater teacher is about choosing the place where I have felt the happiest and creating that place for kids in the future. As he always says, he wants to help his future students find their “spotlight” to let them shine as people and artists. “Gain as much knowledge as possible and meet new people by going to events, join organizations, ask questions, and try new things that will boost your experience and future at UT.” Sarah Ewing – UTeach Theatre, B.F.A Theatre Education 2027 Sarah attended McNeill High School in Austin, TX. In school, the time she spent in theatre was always the most important to her. She hopes to impact her future students’ lives in the way that her theatre teachers impacted her’s. “My experiences in the UTeach program so far have taught me that it’s super important to push yourself to try new things and find ways to involve yourself in what you’re studying and what you’re interested in. That way you can really grow as a person.” Adelina Hernandez – UTeach Art, B.F.A in Art Education 2027, Council Co-Chair Adelina attended IDEA Sports Park College Preparatory in Brownsville, TX. Adelina credits their high school teachers, Ms. Santos, Ms. Nelson, and Mr. Corkill, as their biggest motivation for becoming a teacher. These educators inspired them to go to college to pursue what they love and to look forward to being a teacher for the rest of their lives. “Always look for new connections, take risks (responsibly), and always have fun!” Noelle Lansford – UTeach Theatre, B.F.A. Theatre Education 2027, Council Co-Chair Noelle attended Wakeland High School in Frisco, Texas. She chalks up her desire to receive a teaching certification from her former theater teachers, who have inspired her. Theater has always been a home and a safe space to flesh out her creative side from the moment she started school. The years of friends and experiences she’s had, have made her want to pursue a life in the arts, but she didn’t quite know how. When she was involved with Theater for Young Audiences, Noelle realized her passion was not just about making art but teaching and guiding others into the community that the fine arts can be. “To new students entering the field, or questioning if this is what they want to do, I would say: go for it. So long as you have the passion and drive for this type of work and commitment, this program will take you far.” Angel Macias – UTeach Theatre, B.F.A. Theatre Education 2027 Angel attended Socorro High School in El Paso, TX. Angel started watching how passionate their own directors were while teaching. Those teachers were never like their other teachers, who just showed a presentation and went on with their day. Their directors showed so much effort to make a production the best they could, even if it was a small black box play. When it was time to start applying to colleges, Angel wasn’t sure what they wanted to major in. When one of their directors told them about the UTeach program, they knew that this was the path they wanted to take. After being able to direct their own show as well, Angel found the same passion to teach about what they love to others, and make others feel the safety and happiness they felt while in the theater. “Step outside your comfort zone, show vulnerability, and maintain an open mind. The arts require a great deal of experimentation and never truly sticking to one thing for very long. It will be worthwhile in the end if you are willing to embrace the idea of vulnerability. You have the opportunity to observe your personal growth as an actor, artist, fine arts teacher, etc. It’s well worth the effort and a fantastic educational opportunity.” Nyta Prom – UTeach Art, B.F.A in Art Education 2027 Nyta attended Klein Forest High School in Houston, TX. She loved making art from a very young age and took art classes throughout high school. She became interested in teaching by taking education courses and volunteering at local elementary schools. Then, the opportunity to teach preschoolers and the encouragement from her art teachers solidified her plan of becoming an art teacher. “Don’t stop being creative and keep going. Take all the opportunities you can!” Samantha Seat- UTeach Art, B.F.A Art Education 2027 Samantha attended Central High School in Keller, TX. They really enjoyed how their art teachers taught in high school, and because of them, they decided to become an art teacher. “Make sure that you choose a career that is true to your heart instead of your brain!” Tara Tran-Huu- UTeach Music, B.M. Music Studies 2028 Tara is a first-year Music Education student at the University of Texas at Austin, pursuing minors in Arts Administration & Management and Communicating for Development. A proud graduate of Cypress Woods High School in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Tara spent four years immersed in band under the direction of Tom Harrington and T.J. Peterman. Her passion for music education and the arts was fueled by her supportive directors and mentors, Dr. Anne Leek and Dr. Andrew Parker, who served as inspirations and played pivotal roles in her personal and musical development. During high school, Tara performed with esteemed ensembles such as the Houston Virtuosi, Houston Youth Symphony, the Honors Performance Series, and various TMEA All-State groups. As drum major of her high school marching band, she discovered her love for teaching and fostering musical growth in others. The organizations she performed with created a supportive community and home of peers and mentors alike, all united by a passion to create. Her fulfilling time as an oboist and student leader cemented her desire to pursue a career in Music Education—one focused on empowering future generations through the transformative power of the arts. “UTeach Fine Arts has helped me break out of my shell, explore opportunities that shape my career, and connect with peers and guest speakers who inspire me. Every event is not only informative but a chance to grow more confident in yourself—and have a blast while doing it.” Kenneth Qu – UTeach Music, B.M. Music Studies 2026 Kenneth attended James Bowie High School in Arlington, TX. Being part of the marching band in high school and having amazing music experiences doing Youth Orchestra, Region band, and orchestra made him seek out Music Studies as a major here at UT Austin. Kenneth wants to provide music education to students, like what he received as he grew up. “Be authentically yourself as a music educator. It is so easy to meet and gain connections as an educator, and it is important to be kind and be yourself in all situations you put yourself in. Authenticity will bring you much further in life.”
