JOUR 311 Assignment 6

JOUR311 Karadjov

Cienna Acevedo

SHOOTING STAR

Jessica Louise Garcia, an aspiring singer, is the ideal role model for those that know her as a multi-talented star student when she attended California State University, Long Beach. At 22, Jessica is a recent alumni of Cal. State Long Beach with a Bachelor’s degree in Theater Arts and minor in Business Marketing. Her name is legendary based on her many accomplishments during her time at the university. While attending classes, Jessica had a role in many of the business and art student organizations such as Associated Business Students Organization Council [ABSOC], American Marketing Association [AMA], Senator and President of College of the Arts [COTA], and the University Player Theater. Jessica mentions her friend’s comment, “I think you’re a professional student. I think that you were so good at school with getting good grades and doing everything, that when you graduated, that profession you had in school was gone.”

Jorge Soriano, 22, a graduating Chinese Studies major at the school, worked closely with Garcia as a professional colleague and best friend. With a minor in Theater Arts, Jorge crossed paths with her frequently in the theater building. As ASI co-senators of COTA from 2011-2012, they both shared the responsibility in representing students’ needs of that college and listen to the concerns of those students. “Jessica took a really active in the COTA Student Council,” says Jorge. “She put a lot of her time and energy into it and helped the council get back on its feet.” Jorge recalls how they both supported one another both in school and once Jessica graduated. He describes an occurrence when he ran for ASI President and had a benefit concert put together for a fundraiser. “Jessica came and sang at the concert,” says Jorge. “It was really special and made me feel special of her support.” Jorge continues to describe Garcia as “the most ambitious person he’s ever met”. “She’s got an incredible knack for setting her sights on something and doing everything in her power to get it done,” says Jorge. “She’s a go-getter”.

Sitting down to talk with Jessica was a breath of fresh air while listening to her ideas from college experiences and what came after. She reminded me of the privileges and luxury that we have at school, especially as an artist. “You have ultimate freedom to just express yourself, you have classes that allow you to do that and teachers that encourage you to do that,” says Jessica. She explains that at school she would have that “space” to work in and practice her creativity in singing and activity. Asides from being very active in school at the time, Jessica truly enjoyed her years in college. “The amazing thing about being in a university and studying hard is that this is like a safe zone.”

Her perseverance in the arts continues in her passion for singing and acting. “The good thing about being an artist is you create and good artists will create constantly regardless of the situation,” says Jessica. “Sometimes you let yourself get in the way of your creation.” After graduating and working on her own with her singing career, Jessica shares how the support from school is missed. “You leave and then there’s no recognition. A lot of obstacles in the way to getting to that sense of freedom.”

However, Jessica’s efforts and hard work have not gone unnoticed by some of us on campus still. In the theater department, business department, and in the arts, Jessica has left her mark on the school and students, let alone aspiring artists that hope to replicate her actions someday.

Paige Pelonis, 21, a junior in Journalism and International Studies, worked with Jessica in her play, Blue Valentine, as the lead actress. Playing “Cindy”, Paige explains Jessica as a fun director to work with and that she encouraged the cast to “play” out the scene and see where it takes them. “She was always very motivating and had a lot of faith in us”, says Paige. As an artist, Paige describes Jessica as “someone with a famous personality” knowing that she has special qualities in addition to her being multi-talented.

Mark Lee, 23, a graduated Film major in 2013 from CSULB, praises Jessica as a “multi-talented artist who’s got a lot of thing going for her”. He identifies Garcia as very ambitious, professional and a hard worker. “She’s one of those artists who’s dedicated to what she does and is passionate about it,” says Lee. While attending film school for his pursuits in being a director and cinematographer, Mark met her in the theater department and through friends. He worked with Jessica on a handful of film projects where she served in the actress role. Lee comments, “She listened to me, took direction really well, and put her best foot forward.” ♦