“Art and education are both passions of mine, and I knew I wanted to do something in the future that combined my love for both areas. I have realized how art has helped me in so many ways in my personal life and I hope to use my skills and further my understanding on how the two work and intersect together.”
With commencement upon us, we spoke to some of CFA’s stand-out 2023 graduates as they gear up to leave LMU and take on the world.
Jane Tse ’23
Major: Studio Arts, Minor: Asian and Pacific Studies
What’s next for Jane: Graduate studies in art education/art therapy
How did you decide to become a studio arts major?
Ever since I can remember, whether it’d be doodling or taking after-school art classes as a kid, art has always been a part of my life. I always knew I wanted to pursue a major in studio arts/graphic design since high school, and so by the time I entered college, the desire and passion to major in the arts stuck.
Tell us a little about your time at LMU!
I’m a studio arts (graphic design) major and Asian Pacific studies minor. I worked at the William H. Hannon Library as their graphic designer since June 2021 and I help them with designing all their graphics for services, events, etc.
I’m also a member of Gryphon Circle Service Organization, an all-female GNC service organization focused on education and social justice. Through Gryphon Circle I volunteered weekly at St. Columbkille School where I spent time in the kindergarten classroom. Additionally, during my time in Gryphon Circle I served as their president (2022) and vice president/director of spirituality (2021).
I’ve also been on Ignacio trips to Ecuador and Navajo Nation through Campus Ministry. I’m also a Christian Life Community Small Group Leader where I lead faith-discussion based groups every week. I am also the co-coordinator for the Acolyte program here at Sacred Heart Chapel.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I am going to be taking a gap-year before I begin graduate studies in art education/art therapy. I came to that decision over winter break where I had a chance to reflect and discern during LMU Campus Ministry’s Silent Retreat. Art and education are both passions of mine and I knew I wanted to do something in the future that combined my love for both areas. After having some time to reflect on the retreat, I realized how art has helped me in so many ways in my personal life and I hope to use my skills and further my understanding on how the two work and intersect together.
A dream of mine is to open my own studio at some point where I can create my own work (combining computer graphics and printmaking) while also teach art classes to students that do not necessarily have access to such resources in their own art curriculums at their schools.
What will you miss most about LMU?
I’m going to miss the little spontaneous moments I’ve spent with friends at LMU, it’s the moments like how a study session in the Burns Courtyard or a coffee date at the Den can turn into a meaningful conversation where a stranger becomes a friend or you become closer to your friends.
What advice do you have for underclassmen?
Don’t be afraid to say yes to new opportunities at LMU, you often more times than not pleasantly surprised with what happens when you say ‘yes’. There were moments in my college career where I was nervous about being overly ambitious with an art project, scared about taking a particular class, or taking on a e-board position; but those experiences have been some of my favorite at LMU and I’m glad I said yes to those opportunities and pushed myself outside my comfort zone both inside and outside the classroom.
