It is time to meet Ricky. He’s a recent graduate of NWFSC, who now works at the college as an admissions navigator. He’s gonna tell us all about the Fine and Performing Arts department, as well as the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Ricky, that’s your cue.
– Hey, Alex. It’s great to be here today. I graduated from Northwest Florida State College in 2022, and since then, I was hired on here as an admissions navigator. I love how small and affordable Northwest Florida State College is, compared to other major universities. I did not come from money, so I knew growing up that it would be up to me to pay for my own education. As a performer, I was able to apply my passions of theater and singing to good use, and I earned a full ride scholarship, which then allowed me to earn a degree without having to pay anything out of pocket. When it came to performances, I had many opportunities to shine on our 1,700-seat Mattie Kelly Arts Center main stage due to our smaller class sizes. When I transitioned to the professional world, I had what I needed to perfect my craft, thanks to the experience, resources, and know-how I earned at Northwest Florida State College. The Mattie Kelly Arts Center is home to some of our beautiful theaters and performing spaces that host tons of events. From traveling Broadway shows to exhibits that host world-renowned artists, you’re bound to find something that sparks your creative fire. Northwest Florida State College presents unique opportunities for professional-level experiences in dance, theater, music, and visual arts. These experiences complement academics, to provide you with two-year AS degrees, industry-specific certifications, or even two-year transfer programs. We also host multiple student-run productions each year that allow students to express themselves in ways they might not have ever had the chance to do so before. My time at Northwest Florida State College and the opportunities presented to me at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center have fully prepared me for a life outside of college. I get the pleasure of telling my story to others every single day. Now, without further ado, back to you, Alex.
– And that’s a wrap, Ricky. Thank you for sharing your experience as a student, performer, and employee. The campus offers so many creative outlets for students of all experience levels. There’s a place on stage or behind the scenes for everyone. Thanks again, Ricky.
Let’s catch up with Yvonne, a dual enrolled student at NWFSC, who’s about to earn her high school diploma as well as an Associate of Arts degree. She’s here to give us a rundown of the college’s academic offerings from A to Z. Take it away, Yvonne.
– Thanks, Alex. Hello, everyone. In 2021, I moved from Tennessee to Florida, and had to find a new high school. After much research, I decided to attend the Collegiate High School at NWFSC. I’m now earning my Associate of Arts degree and my high school diploma through dual enrollment. As a CHS student, I’ve been able to receive excellent education for free because of NWFSC’s dedication to providing all students with the resources needed to support the learning environment. My hard work has helped me to maintain my 4.0 GPA and to be on the NWFSC President’s List for the past three semesters. I would not have been able to make these great grades without the help of the teachers at the college. The teachers and tutors are always willing to help you, and truly want you to succeed. The Zoghby Learning Commons offers free tutoring and other resources for students at the college. The teachers have helped me to enjoy my college experience by making learning fun and engaging. Along with attending college classes, I have also been given the opportunity to participate in events and extracurriculars, such as the Sigma Mu chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and International Honor Society, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Being a dual enrolled student helped me to become accustomed to college life by earning my Associate of Arts degree and realizing my passion for the mental healthcare field. In addition, my time at NWFSC taught me that a college education does not only consist of taking the required classes for a particular career field. It also consists of learning how to optimize your time and developing meaningful relationships with faculty and staff. Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to share more about the Collegiate High School at NWFSC and its dual enrollment program. Back to you, Alex.
– Awesome job, Yvonne. Thank you for sharing your academic experience with us. NWFSC offers so many resources to make sure all of its students succeed and exceed their academic potential. Thanks again, Yvonne.
It’s time to meet Jackie, the Executive Director of the college’s Cybersecurity program. Let’s hear about the experiences students get while attending NWFSC in the cybersecurity world. Take it away, Jackie.
– Thanks, Alex. I’m happy to share the student experience in our cybersecurity program here at Northwest Florida. One of the things that our students will get when they come to Northwest Florida for the cybersecurity experience is that they will get excellent classroom and academic training. Our professors are individuals who actually work in the industry. They bring in that practical experience to the classroom, and make sure that our students are able to apply current, relevant knowledge to the actual theories that they’re actually learning in the classroom. Key aspects of our program is hands-on experience. Hands-on experience is important because it allows students to practice so they can obtain industry certifications. Industry certifications are very important because they validate the students’ knowledge, and they also allow students to be recognized in the community as cybersecurity experts. Another vital part of our program is pairing our students with internships within the community, having our students work side by side with industry experts to acquire skills and knowledge, and they themselves become cybersecurity experts. Come join us here at Northwest Florida State College to begin your cybersecurity experience. We look forward to making your cybersecurity dreams become a reality. Thank you.
– Thank you, Jackie. This program has so much cool technology that’s on the cutting edge of industry standards. It’s great to hear how NWFSC prepares students for careers in cybersecurity. Thanks again.
All right, y’all, it’s time to meet Brayden. He’s a freshman studying mechanics at the NWFSC Aviation Center of Excellence in Crestview, Florida, and he’s gonna tell us about how students take their careers to the skies. You’re cleared for takeoff, Brayden. Take it away.
– Thank you, Alex. Growing up, I loved drawing and building with my bare hands, using Legos and crayons. And when I got into high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do. And then my mom found the Northwest Florida State College Aviation program. Before joining, I always wanted to know what the ins and outs of the aviation field was like. With the immersive experience that the college provides, students study real-world situations that they’ll encounter in the field. When we’re not in the hangar, we’re hard at work studying diagrams and valuable information. My colleagues are always helping one another become the best we can be, whether it’s in the classroom, the hangar, or elsewhere. The program and its teachers offer the best resources for students, including trips to airports, where we get to see our lessons in real life, or when we get to visit the Air Force Armament Museum to look at repairs on antique planes and volunteer at the museum for even more valuable information and hands-on experience. The school offers so much to its students in the classroom and in the field, so whatever major you’ll choose, they’ll help you at the college. When I started out, I would’ve never imagined what I’d be able to do, learn, and see. I could not have done it without the admissions navigators down at the Niceville campus, who made the transition into the program amazingly easy. I’m not only learning engineering and communication skills that make me stand out, but I enjoy what I’m doing while working towards my dreams. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks so much for sharing your experiences at the Aviation Center of Excellence, Brayden. It’s incredible to see the state-of-the-art facility that gives immersive, hands-on experience. Students are certainly supported here, regardless of what they study. Thank you, Brayden.
It’s time to meet Jennifer, a junior in the NWFSC Medical Laboratory Technology program, also known as MLT. Let’s head over to the MLT lab at the Fort Walton Beach campus, where she’ll tell us all about how she got started. Take it away, Jennifer.
– Hello, Alex. When I was ready to return to school to make a career change, I knew I needed a flexible and supportive school to balance my education with being a mom and supporting my family. I also thought I would follow the example of my mother and become a nurse, or a teacher, like my sister. I chose Northwest Florida State College for its flexible class options, hybrid programs, and multiple campus locations. Additionally, the college’s career options in health services gave me the capability to pursue my dream of working in STEM. I wanted to be a part of positive patient outcomes, but I wasn’t comfortable working directly with patients. With my advisor’s help, I found the Medical Laboratory Technology program. The MLT program was like coming home. I was able to pursue my dream of a STEM career as a woman, mom, and leader. My professors and program director are all women of science, balancing their work and family life just like me. I’ve never had such incredible role models. The MLT laboratory was built with the technology to prepare us to go into working laboratories. Northwest Florida State College is committed to my success and supports me as a returning student pursuing a new career. I have access to free tutoring, advising, and financial aid, and professors who are always there to help whenever possible. It feels incredible to be a student and already have hospitals, clinics, and research facilities reaching out with job opportunities. I feel confident in the skills and knowledge I have gained here in the MLT program, and the incredible support I’ve had from faculty and staff, to one day take those skills to work in labs around the world. So come on, Alex, come hang out in the lab.
– Jennifer, thank you for giving us a tour of the MLT lab. With the faculty and equipment at this lab, there are no limits to what students can learn and discover. This also goes to show how important it is to have role models in education. Thank you so much, Jennifer, and this looks pretty good on me. Take care.
Okay, let’s meet Kaiden, a sophomore studying project management. Her family’s military assignments moved her from Louisiana to Florida, and she now calls NWFSC home after transitioning from taking classes online to learning on campus. Tell us about your journey, Kaiden.
– Thanks, Alex. When I started looking for a college, I felt lost. I didn’t know where to go or which degree I should pursue. When my dad’s career moved my family to the area, I knew I wanted to stay close. I gave Northwest Florida State College a closer look and discovered a hidden gem. I started here as an online student. When I transferred, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and be on campus. I was nervous at first, but the faculty here made this process incredibly easy. The teachers are incredibly knowledgeable, and create a supportive environment through their education. I couldn’t believe how easily I adapted to changing my scenery and being in a school setting again. And speaking of scenery, the college has seven locations with plenty for students to do on and off campus. The Niceville campus is the home of the Mattie Kelly Fine and Performing Arts Center, one of the premier performance venues in the area that hosts performances and exhibits of artists of all mediums. Most of the college’s campuses and centers are within 30 minutes of the beaches along the Emerald Coast. Whether you’re going to Destin or 30A, it is such a treat to drive to the beaches and watch the gorgeous sunset. In addition to its crystal clear waters, the surrounding area contains endless places to shop, dine, and play. Some of my favorite spots to hang out outside of campus are the Destin Commons, Crab Island, and the Boardwalk. No matter what major you choose, you won’t just learn about it here. You’ll gain life experience, and have fun through it all. I continue to learn life skills through my education here. I feel prepared to step into the world with confidence to help me work towards my aspirations. That’s all from me. See you at the beach, Alex.
– Kaiden, thank you for showcasing the beauty that surrounds Northwest Florida State College. Whether you’re at the Niceville campus or the South Walton Center, there’s something off campus for all students to enjoy. Thank you.
Dhwani, a Screenwriting major from Mumbai, India, found community at NYFA. Students have a flourishing creative network of students, faculty, and staff in disciplines that range from broadcast journalism to producing to cinematography. With so many unique perspectives and skills to share, let’s hear more about NYFA’s community from Dhwani. Take it away.
– Okay, cool. Thank you, Alex. Growing up in Mumbai, India, in the ’90s, I would run around shooting all my family’s home videos on our little camcorder. And as I grew older, I realized I loved art but had a passion for writing for the screen, and that’s how I naturally found my way to screenwriting. I always believed that screenwriting encompasses two key elements, the art and the craft. And although the art is innate, the craft can definitely be polished. And what better place to learn both than here at NYFA? This college is like a mecca of collaboration. Films, as we know, are a multidisciplinary art form and NYFA gives me the perfect playground to cross pollinate. When I first joined NYFA, I was seeking that which made me unique, my individuality, but what I ended up finding, like many others, is my universality. It’s a place which teaches you that which makes you belong. In fact, I’ve already made some lifelong friends and we’ve even worked together more than once. Being on campus just fills me with this crazy adrenaline. NYFA’s biweekly student mixers let us meet peers from different departments and sometimes even different colleges. At these mixers, screenwriters meet producers, directors find cinematographers, and so on. NYFA really cultivates a great appetite in you for networking and collaboration, which gets you industry ready pretty much from the first day after graduation. I’ve always considered myself an artist but after studying here at NYFA, I consider myself a professional. What NYFA ignites within you is not a spark, it’s a fire. And every single student that you meet around the school just brightens the flame. That’s all from me. Back to you, Alex.
– Great job. Your story is amazing. Thanks again for sharing.
Juniel, a student at NYFA New York from Puerto Rico, found community by becoming a student ambassador. The ambassador program at NYFA serves two main purposes, to support a vibrant student life program and provide opportunities for the ambassadors to hone their leadership skills, which can ultimately help them in their careers. Tell us more.
– Hola, Alex. I grew up in Puerto Rico. My mother, a writer, always encouraged the arts. She would take me to poetry bars to perform from her published works. After our family moved to Texas, I took a chance and joined a dance and theater group. It was a huge creative outlet for me. This helped me realize that I wanted to sharpen my skills by returning to school. After moving to New York City and enrolling at NYFA, I found myself craving community, so our student life department helped me form a dance club. Our club collaborated with student filmmakers to create music videos, which was such a great way to release stress after moving to a new city. While studying at NYFA, I became a student ambassador to encourage other students to create new clubs. I’ve worked with peers to hold information sessions and help students from all disciplines to meet each other based on their common interests and passions. I’m proud to say that at the New York City campus, there are five new active clubs that didn’t exist last year. Part of my duties as a student ambassador involve producing fun student events like the speed networking event or a recent masquerade ball. Chinwe, my fellow student ambassador, and I were so determined to make the masquerade ball a unique and fun experience for all, and it was a success. Following my path at NYFA, I intend to write, act, dance, and share my stories through art. After starting the dance club, I founded the NYFA comedy club, which can reroute my path somewhere new. I’m excited for what comes next. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Juniel. Student life is one of the most exciting parts of being at NYFA with a range of student clubs, networking events, and guest speakers to get students involved. Off campus, there’s plenty more to explore, as NYFA has campuses in the best cities for film, media, and entertainment.
Omarion, a NYFA Los Angeles Filmmaking student from California, gets access to industry standard equipment, software, and resources critical to the development of a filmmaker, as well as opportunities to work on stage five at Burbank Studios, which is adjacent to the stages where “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “The Johnny Carson Show” were filmed. Take it away, Omarion.
– Much appreciated, Alex. My interest in cinema and my love for movies all started with the Sam Raimi “Spider-Man” films. It was such a special way to tell the story. However, it wasn’t fully realized until I got into high school. A video production class introduced me to the behind the scenes of filmmaking, and it really cultivated my drive to create stories of my own. What’s really incredible about the New York Film Academy are the people that you get to meet and work with. I mean, first day of school, I was introduced to people from different backgrounds and cultures from all over the globe. I was really amazed by the diversity on the campus. The teachers have such creative ways of helping us understand concepts, like exposing us to movies that spark ideas. These lessons always keep me curious and excited to learn techniques for my future filming career. There are endless amounts of industry standard camera equipment to work with. Costumes, props, lighting. We even have the ability to film on the back lots on real sets. Plus, as a film student, you have access to a resource and streaming library to watch films, production services, filming permits, and a festival department that works with students across all three US campuses. NYFA’s always hosting events, film industry Q and As, movie screenings, film festivals, clubs, and even more. We even have a networking night so students can connect with others for future films and projects. Everything I wanted to learn about filmmaking has led me to this school, and to be here in one of the media capitals of the world is truly an honor. It’s a blessing to gain so much information like the science behind cinematography, the importance of screenwriting, and the knowledge of directing. Well, that’s it for me. Back to you, Alex.
– Stage five is a 5,000 square foot sound stage where many NYFA filmmaking and cinematography students learn the ins and outs of stage shooting. How’s that for hands on? With unique experience like this, students like Omarion go beyond the classroom and right into the action. That was awesome.
Violet, a NYFA New York Musical Theater student from Stockholm, Sweden, is a part of the close-knit community at NYFA that encourages students to feel comfortable embracing their true selves so they can establish their unique voices as an artist. Tell us more, Violet.
– Hi, thank you so much for that introduction, Alex. Now I’ve had a passion for singing and for performing ever since I was very young. I was singing everything from 2000’s Rihanna to Avril Lavigne, anything that I could listen to on the radio. But being a queer person of color who was interested in the performing arts, I was never really sure if there was a place where I truly felt like I could thrive and belong back in my home country of Sweden. So that’s why I came to New York Film Academy to pursue my dreams. Our musical theater conservatory program is very hands-on. There’s a lot of practical work and a lot of opportunities for you to truly improve as a performer, and working on my own talent has also been surprisingly helpful when it comes to my social life. My classmates, my coworkers, and the people that I’ve gotten to work with are, in my opinion, probably the best parts of this entire experience. I’ve been able to meet and connect with people who I truly feel like I can relate to because they shared not only similar experiences to mine, but also similar passions. I’ve been able to surround myself with people who are so kind and supportive. What makes NYFA special is truly its supportive and collaborative environment. I’m always being pushed to perfect my own abilities as a performer while also being allowed to express my true self. Whether we’re on stage rehearsing for a musical or just socializing with each other, NYFA always encourages us to fully explore who we are and to tell our unique stories, both through our craft and in our daily lives. After NYFA, I intend to keep working as a performer in the United States, and I’m confident that with everything that I’ve learned here and everything that I’ve experienced, I have a very bright future ahead of me. This is what I love to do, and I know that my college experience is a big step for me, not only in my career, but also in my life. Back to you, Alex.
– NYFA is committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community with strong leadership, inclusive decision making, and global citizenship. Violet joins the ranks of former award-winning students such as Bill Hader, Aubrey Plaza, and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, who after NYFA went on to create meaningful and compelling work. Thanks, Violet.