Student Spotlight: Mya Goodman
Mya’s story is one of artistic growth, personal transformation, and the intricate interplay between family ties and personal ambitions. Hailing from the state of New Jersey, Mya’s creative pursuits took root during her middle school years, when she first ventured into art classes as a hobby.
As fate would have it, a significant shift led her family to relocate to Wilmington four years ago, driven by the commitment to care for their grandmother. This transition not only changed her physical location but also set her on a path that would shape her educational and professional aspirations.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO ENROLL AT CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE?
I decided to enroll at CFCC primarily because of its Advertising and Graphic Design program. The fact that it’s conveniently close to my home was a big plus. The small environment here is exactly what I need at this point in time. Plus, my transition into college was smooth since I had already completed some Career and College Promise (dual enrollment) courses.
SO TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AT CAPE FEAR, INCLUDING YOUR MAJOR AND ANY ACHIEVEMENTS.
My time at CFCC has been pretty awesome so far. When I made the jump from high school to Cape Fear, it was like a breath of fresh air. High school wasn’t a great experience for me. But being at Cape Fear is a whole different vibe. I get to choose what classes I want, and they’re all about stuff I’m genuinely interested in. Learning’s actually fun and the teachers are all really supportive.
I really enjoy the art classes and the art instructors here. I love exploring different artistic mediums, especially in the realm of graphic design. Staying inspired means soaking up ideas from everywhere. The range of electives here opens doors to new experiences that ultimately find their way into my art.
A highlight for me was participating in the 2023 Student Art Exhibition in the Spring of 2023. It’s great how Cape Fear goes all out for the art scene. Having my artwork showcased at the Wilma Daniels Gallery was an amazing opportunity that not many people get to experience.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO PURSUE THAT CAREER PATH?
My decision to pursue a career in graphic design was a bit of a journey. Back in middle school, I started taking art classes just because I loved it, not thinking about it as a career thing at all. As I got closer to college, I explored different options, but art just kept pulling me back.
When I was checking out CFCC’s programs, I stumbled upon Advertising and Graphic Design, and something just clicked. It felt like the right fit. I figured graphic design would give me more job options compared to fine art, so that made a lot of sense. It’s kind of cool how what started as a hobby has turned into a potential career path with all sorts of creative possibilities.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION?
Once I graduate from CFCC, my plan is to jump into the workforce and start gaining some real-world experience. But, I’m not ruling out the possibility of further education later on. I want to see how things go in the job market and figure out if there are any additional skills or knowledge I might need to advance in my career.
HOW HAS CFCC PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR NEXT STEP?
CFCC has really set me up for my next step in just one year of being in the program. The foundation they’ve given me in graphic design is solid, and I can feel it getting stronger as I continue to progress through the program. It’s all about building on what I’ve learned and keeping that momentum going.
Additionally, as a work-study student , I’ve had the opportunity to work with Tammy McKenzie, CFCC’s Director of Publications and Brand Management, in the Community Relations department. My work has been put up all around campus – from those sticky notes and bumper stickers for the Stick With It campaigns to designing flyers for courses and promoting various clubs and their meetings.
On my FAFSA application, I indicated that I was interested in work-study. When I received email notifications about available jobs, I was excited to see a graphic design intern position. And it’s exactly what I was hoping for. I’m getting hands-on experience that’s not only beefing up my resume but also getting me a paycheck. The whole application process taught me how to prep my resume, write a solid cover letter, and even sharpen my interview skills. It’s a win-win situation all around.
“From the start, Mya was very proactive. She has done so many things from big to small, giving her a little bit of exposure to everything in marketing,” commented McKenzie. “It is so fun watching Mya work. I’m very machine-focused when I’m working, and Mya will draw things out by hand.”
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE CONSIDERING STUDYING AT CFCC?
If you’re thinking about studying at CFCC, my advice would be to definitely give it a shot. No matter where you’re at in terms of making decisions, CFCC has got your back when it comes to figuring out your path.
Once you’re actually here, make sure to have conversations with your advisors and teachers. Staying connected with them is key because if you ever find yourself struggling, they’re super willing to offer assistance. And the cool thing is, they often get where you’re coming from. Trust me, there’s always a solution waiting to be worked out.
Learn more about CFCC’s Advertising and Graphic Design program .
