Rebekah Britton, a 2022 Integrated Studies graduate, was hired by The Donoho School in Anniston, Alabama, to work as a Long-term Substitute Art Teacher for students in grades 7-12. Britton has enjoyed being around disciplined students eager to learn, and “sharing the design elements and principles I learned in the JSU Art Department has been fun and rewarding.” Currently, they are working on value, shape, and contour in 2D work. 

According to Britton, the Integrated Studies program’s ability to allow her to accommodate her education to her future career as a college instructor was very beneficial. She credits the program’s flexibility in allowing her to complete the Teaching College English micro-credential and take other classes to serve her future career endeavors. Britton also appreciates the hands-on experience in the classroom that she got from EH 115/116 mentor roles. 

Britton’s favorite memories from JSU during her undergraduate education include her time in the International House, where the sense of community and diversity was very influential. She credits her time as an English EH 115/116 mentor as her favorite part of her time in the Graduate program. “Working in the Writing Center was a lot of fun!” Britton said. “Specifically, the day we recorded a promo video for the Writing Center, we poorly attempted to keep straight faces while recording.”

When asked about her favorite class or professor, Britton expressed her gratitude for having had many positive experiences with JSU professors and classes. Britton’s favorite class was Book Arts with Sarah Ellis because it not only introduced her to a new form of artistic expression but also inspired her work in her final graduate Capstone project. 

Britton advises current students to be involved on campus in any way possible because any involvement can change their college experience. “College can be an isolating, lonely time; getting involved with, creating, or joining a community can make college a much more positive experience.”