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, BA Biology, BM Music Studies, 2016 The UTeach Fine Arts Student Ambassadors are a student leadership group representing UTeach Visual Art, UTeach Dance, UTeach Music, and UTeach Theatre. Ambassadors plan and host activities and events that bring students together across disciplines, departments, and schools within the educator preparation programs. Through these experiences, ambassadors help foster a strong sense of community while creating opportunities for students to build relationships with peers and faculty, expand their professional networks, and connect with resources and opportunities that support their careers after graduation. Eugenio Chapa – UTeach Theatre, BFA 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 auditioned 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.” Alyssa Conchas – UTeach Theatre, BFA Theatre Education 2028 Sarah Ewing – UTeach Theatre, BFA 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 hers. “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.” Kannon Greg – UTeach Music, BM Music Education 2029 Kannon attended Birdville High School in North Richland Hills, Texas. His desire to become a teacher was inspired by his middle school band director, whose passion and dedication to his students made a lasting impact on Kannon’s life. His teacher went out of her way to show every student that she genuinely cared about them, and Kannon continues to turn to her for advice. That relationship has inspired Kannon to pursue a career in which he can serve as the same kind of role model and mentor for his future students. “The people I have met through the UTeach Fine Arts program are some of the most caring people in the world. They genuinely care about those around them, cheer everyone on, and hope for the best for each other. Some of the people I have met through UTeach Fine Arts have become some of my closest friends, and together we have pushed ourselves to become the best versions of ourselves.” Kannon encourages students entering the field to take every opportunity, even when they may not feel confident in their skills. “You will never feel fully prepared, but you have to believe in your work and in yourself the same way others have believed in you. If you do, you will succeed.” Adelina Hernandez – UTeach Art, BFA 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!” Mayte Hinojosa – UTeach Art, BFA Art Education 2028 Mayte attended John B. Alexander High School in Laredo, Texas. Her journey toward teaching began in her senior year of high school, where she served as a leader for her color guard team. Mayte was responsible for teaching choreography and overseeing her teammates to ensure they could execute routines during competitions. This role allowed her to witness peers’ growth firsthand, which inspired her to become a mentor and role model. During the school year, she was further influenced by an art teacher. She fostered a classroom environment built on community, engagement, and professionalism. Her ability to push students beyond their perceived limits, while encouraging originality and creativity, solidified Mayte’s decision to pursue a career as an art educator. “My advice to new students is to prioritize being a consistent communicator and a professional role model from the very beginning. Focus on fostering a positive classroom environment where your students feel safe to express their unique creativity. If you lead with passion and high standards, you will inspire your students to go above and beyond what they ever thought they could achieve.” Noelle Lansford – UTeach Theatre, BFA Theatre Education 2027, Council Co-Chair Noelle attended Wakeland High School in Frisco, Texas. She chalks up her desire to receive a teaching certification to 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.” Nate Motes – UTeach Theatre, BFA Theatre Education 2029 Nate attended James Bowie High School in Austin, Texas. His passion for teaching grew from his experiences as a theatre student, particularly when he directed his first dramatic play, Steel Magnolias, during his senior year. He was also deeply influenced by his middle school theatre teacher, who encouraged him to continue pursuing theatre at a time when he was ready to give it up. Her support changed the trajectory of Nate’s life and inspired him to pursue a career where he can have a similar impact on others. “Theatre Education truly may be one of the best programs Theatre and Dance offers because it provides such a well-rounded education in theatre. I’ve had the opportunity to take classes in acting, scenic design, playwriting, and lighting design, allowing me to explore so many different pathways within the field. That versatility has strengthened me not only as a creative artist, but also as a future educator, giving me a broader understanding of the many disciplines I hope to bring into my classroom.” Abigail Padilla – UTeach Theatre, BFA Theatre Education 2029 Abigail attended Earl Warren High School in San Antonio, Texas. Her interest in teaching began when her middle school theatre teacher asked her to help plan a summer camp. During the camp, Abigail had the opportunity to teach an acting class and have full control over the experience. That was when she realized how much she loved teaching—not only the act of sharing her knowledge, but also the meaningful connections she could create with her students. That experience inspired her to pursue a future in theatre education. To new students entering the field, Abigail says, “…go at your own pace. Everyone is on different paths, but remember that you are still learning.” 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, BFA 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!” Ella Wolf – UTeach Art, BFA Art Education 2028 Ella attended Gainesville High School in Gainesville, Texas. She has wanted to be a teacher for as long as she can remember. As a child, she would bring her younger brother into her room and teach him everything she had learned at school that day. It was not until high school, however, that she realized she could combine her love of teaching with her passion for art. UTeach Fine Arts has allowed her to pursue both of these passions and prepare for a career as an art educator. “One thing I have learned so far in the UTeach Fine Arts program is that it’s alright to fail sometimes. As long as you take that failure as a learning opportunity and move forward with a fresh spirit, it will make you stronger! When I was just starting out at UT, I was so afraid to do anything wrong, especially in front of my professors who I so desperately wanted to impress. But as the year went by, they taught me that the process is often more important than the end product and that learning new things is meant to be hard.”
