Arts & Entertainment

So I have an Arts degree, now what?

Six graduating seawolves in the arts share their post-grad plans and how they will apply their degree as they go into an uncertain world

Kaley Gruener, Marivella Torres, and Natalie Re • April 30, 2024

Andrew Burkhart

B.A Technical Theatre

“I plan on going into Stage Management after leaving SSU. Within 5 Years, I would love to be living on the east coast. With my varied skill set I could see myself working in children’s theater” Burkhart said, “My dream is to create pottery and ceramics, fabricate theater props, and stage manage.”

Paige Eickmann

B.A Liberal Studies

“I’m planning on taking a year off before going back to school to get my teaching credential at Cal State East Bay.” Eickmann said, “I want to teach elementary school, ideally somewhere in the Bay Area. I’m excited to see what the future holds and I can’t wait to educate young minds.”

Riley Volz

B.A Art Studio

“My time at Sonoma State has been spent making lots of art, creating amazing friendships, and enjoying the beautiful scenery of Sonoma County” Volz said, “After graduation, I plan on moving to Santa Cruz and finding work at an art gallery there. I hope to continue doing art as a hobby, or potentially part of my career.”

John Kirk

B.A Music

After graduation, he plans to take a break for a while before looking for a job related to music or audio recording. “I’m thinking about eventually going back to school to get a master’s degree, possibly to a school like CalArts where I can design my own degree pathway to be something involving music technology, which is my passion.”

Denise Bevis

B.A English

After graduating, Bevis is continuing her education at Sonoma State to pursue her Master’s degree in English for Creative Writing.

Julia Zavala

B.A Communication and Media Studies

After graduation, “I plan on giving myself the entire summer to relax and travel while also looking for a job, I enjoyed my time in KSUN here at Sonoma State so much that I hope to find a job somewhere in the radio field.”

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About the Contributors

Kaley Gruener, Staff Writer

Kaley Gruener

Marivella Torres, Opinion Editor

Marivella Torres is a fourth-year Communications and Media Studies major at Sonoma State University. After writing for the Sonoma State STAR for a semester, she is now the Opinion Editor. Marivella enjoys journalism because it allows her to express herself through her stories. She especially enjoys Opinion because it gives people an opportunity to voice their viewpoints. When Marivella isn't writing she enjoys painting, practicing self-care, and spending time with her friends and family.

Natalie Re, Staff Writer

Natalie Re is a third year communication major at Sonoma State.