Student Spotlight: Meadow Hall
Meet Meadow Hall, a CFCC Advertising and Graphic Design student, who discovered her passion thanks to a neighbor who also teaches at CFCC. She’s now making waves as an intern at a local surf shop, where she creates striking flyers, email newsletters, and t-shirt designs. Her story showcases the impact of mentorship and hands-on experience in graphic design.
WHERE ARE YOU FROM ORIGINALLY?
I am a Wilmington native. Born and raised in Wilmington and Castle Hayne.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO ENROLL AT CFCC?
I never really had a dream university that I wanted to go to. So after high school, it made sense to attend CFCC while figuring out what I wanted to do.
One day my neighbor, Teri Diana, who happens to be the CFCC’s Medical Office Administration program director, told me about the graphic design program at CFCC.
I was on the yearbook staff throughout high school. For three years, I did journalism stuff, and I was an editor for two of those years. I liked designing the spreads for the yearbook. So, I decided to switch my major from general education to Advertising and Graphic Design.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AT CFCC SO FAR.
So far, it’s been very nice. I’ve had very good teachers. I like them.
My Advertising and Graphic Design instructor, Nicki Bloomer, is very helpful. She gives me a lot of feedback on everything. She pushes me to my limits knowing I can handle more.
In high school, I learned the basics of Adobe. I mostly worked with InDesign because of the yearbook. At CFCC, I am learning and using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, which I like a lot.
Cable Hardin, CFCC Advertising and Graphic Design program director has come into my classes a few times and talked about the video editing program. He’s starting an animation class here soon so he wants to introduce the graphic design students to the new courses in case we’re interested.
WHAT OTHER STUDENT ACTIVITIES HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN?
I was accepted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, however, I haven’t had much time to participate in meetings. Other than that, I have only been involved in this program and my internship.
My internship is with Carolina Surf Brand. My instructor knows I like surfing and the beach. That’s my go-to style when I am designing something. When she heard that they were looking for an assistant, she told me about it.
Carolina Surf Brand is run by two brothers. They already have a graphic designer, but sometimes he needs help because he’s working a bunch of jobs at once. Whatever he can’t handle, they pass off to me. Sometimes they want my input on a project.
Carolina Surf Brand is a unisex brand, but they need more feminine input for their women’s clothing line. I am able to help them with ideas, update them on trends, and help create designs that go along with their brand.
I like that I don’t have regular office hours. I mostly work remotely. From time to time, I am asked to come into the shop to discuss projects. Not everything can be explained through a text message. There are times when I need to see what they want me to do.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO PURSUE THIS CAREER PATH?
As I said earlier, I was on the yearbook staff. I liked doing the journalism tasks, but I preferred the artistic part of it more than writing. Seeing my design printed somewhere is a dream goal. I think it would be cool to see people wearing a T-shirt with my design on it.
HAVE ANY PLANS AFTER GRADUATION YET?
I thought about transferring to a four-year university, but I’m not sure if I want to. I don’t have an end date for this internship, so I’d like to continue working with Carolina Surf Brand. I want to help grow their brand, and I can keep adding to my portfolio.
HOW HAS CAPE FEAR PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR NEXT STEP?
Because I have taken so many online classes, I have learned to be self-disciplined. Not having in-person classes all day, every day has made me get on a schedule. I wake up early, especially when I don’t have in-person classes. I make myself sit down and take time to work on the assignments. This is similar to working a remote job. I developed time management skills.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE CONSIDERING STUDYING AT CFCC?
It’s a good choice if you don’t know what you want to do. There are many programs from nursing to mechanical programs. Employers reach out to the college looking to hire interns. In my first year, I learned about internship opportunities. I say that’s really nice.
The costs are definitely worth it. You get the same education you’re going to get at a four-year college. If you want to transfer, it’s good to get the first two years done here. Then, you can focus the remaining years on what you really want to learn.
