"On my visit, I could tell people were kind and willing to help out. I also think, for me, the accessibility of being able to pursue theatre but also have a backup plan without stressing was really cool. So many other schools have theatre programs that make you choose, and here I can do everything I’m interested in!"
She always loved creating, performing, and storytelling. After an encouraging conversation with an acting professor during her campus visit, she knew Theatre Arts was the right fit. She later added Journalism and Mass Communication because of her interest in visual storytelling and creative media.
One of her favorite classes was a clowning course taught by Professor Paul Kalina. The class challenged her creatively and helped her connect with performance in entirely new ways.
One of her most meaningful experiences was acting in Day Fades Into Night Fades Into Day, a production written by a fellow undergraduate student. Not only did she originate a role in the show, but she also met one of her closest friends through the production.
A memorable academic experience came during her clowning class when students explored downtown Iowa City in character without speaking. The exercise challenged them to embrace vulnerability, observation, and connection in unexpected ways.
Rhya's advice is to get involved in something, anything. Joining a student organization is one of the best ways to meet people, discover new interests, and learn more about yourself.
