Just Off College Avenue

Deciding to become an independent artist is a huge decision and Laura Wächter, an adjunct professor at UVA Wise, talks about her experience as well as creating a portfolio as a student. Laura hosts her own website via WordPress and has been published in various magazines for her illustrative work. Also, be on the look out for her 3rd space opportunities on campus!You can view her art through her digital portfolio, https://www.laurawaechter.com/ , or on her Instagram page, @laura_waechter. She has some pieces being showcased at HollerHouse in Bristol, VA for those interested in seeing them in person. If you would like to connect with Laura, stop by after one of her classes or reach out via email at [email protected]. Staying curious is always on our mind and Laura has being doing so by exploring memory and nostalgia in her current personal projects. How could reflecting spark creativity in your life this week?

Hospitality and Tourism are growing industries in Southwest Virginia and to respond to that demand, UVA Wise has been cultivating programs that align with regional needs. Scott Morrow, Instructor of Hospitality and Casino Gaming, joins us to discuss these opportunities. Through his work to connect and strengthen relationships that benefit students, Scott is known as the jobs and relationship guy by his network. Looking for ways to contact Scott? Check out his LinkedIn, reach out via email, or drop by his office in Smiddy, room 233!What's keeping Scott curious? The possibilities tied to expanding the hospitality and tourism program, particularly in the gaming sector, at UVA Wise.

“I wanted to be missed,” states Steven who participated in UVA’s Brain Institute in Charlotteville, VA over the summer. “I don’t just want to be like a tourist. I walk in the lab and I do what tasks are handed to me.” In today’s episode, Steven, a senior at UVA Wise, talks about his summer experienceand the value of taking advantage of the opportunities that are available to you while in college. To connect, you can email him at [email protected]. To stay curious, Steven suggests connecting with yourself through writing! Maybe even take a chance and submit your piece to UVA Wise’s literary publication the Jimson Weed.

Doing a summer experience, such as being a research intern like Gabbriella, can spark realizations for students exploring career pathways. In this episode, Gabriella shares about their summer experience and the knowledge they gained from doing research with UVA’s Research Internship program in Charlotteville, VA. Staying curious is always on our radar and the suggestion this week is discovering connecting threads in the things you are learning! Sometimes topics and interests are more intertwined than you might have guessed.

Are you stressing about what you will do after graduation? In this episode, we talk with MJ Holden who is Spring 2026 graduate of UVA Wise as she shares insights on her early career at People Inc. and creating opportunities for growth. Those who have additional questions for MJ can reach her via email at [email protected] or call (276) 608-6664!Don’t forget to stay curious, Cavs! MJ’s curiosity suggestion is Now It All Makes Sense: How an ADHD Diagnosis Brought Clarity to My Life by Alex Partridge, a book that made a profound impact on their late ADHD diagnosis.

Carolyn, with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia’s statewide internship initiative, VTOP, joins us to talk about what employers are looking for in early career talent. As an individual with 40+ years in academia, Carolyn shares a wealth of knowledge for students looking to make a lasting impact on employers. Want more guidance? Contact Carolyn through LinkedIn or at [email protected]!Today’s curiosity suggestion is to attend a conference or webinar. Carolyn expresses that there is endless knowledge to gain from utilizing these professional development opportunities.

Being a non-traditional student comes with its struggles and advantages. In this episode, we talk with Andy Huffman, a 2nd year student, about his experience navigating the non-traditional student experience at UVA Wise. Want to connect with Andy? Reach out via Instagram (@huffmanandy13), Facebook, or through email at [email protected]. Don’t forget to stay curious this summer! Andy has been staying curious through The Hunger Games series, specifically the newest book release of Sunrise on the Reaping and the upcoming movie release. So, check out Susanne Collins or other related authors for an immersive world building experience!  

In today’s episode, we talk about applying to graduate school. From when to start considering graduate programs and information sessions to looking for funding, we cover it all with Mark McNalley! Currently, Mark works in graduate admissions at Purdue University’s Mitch Daniels School of Business, but his career in academia has allowed him to navigate various areas of student affairs and admissions. As an alum of UVA Wise, Mark is passionate about assisting students as a self-proclaimed bridge builder. Looking for ways to connect with Mark? Check out his LinkedIn page or send him an email at [email protected]. Today’s curiosity suggestion includes checking out the podcast Hey, Riddle Riddle, playing board games, and the book Play the Man by Mark Patterson. Drop a comment with your curiosity suggestion!

We are happy to have Natalie Blankenship, the Academic & Professional Program Manager with UVA Wise’s Office of Strategic Engagement & Government Relations, join us for this week’s episode! Natalie has a background working in admissions as well workforce readiness which makes her a great candidate to talk about continuing professional development after graduation. To participate in the programming mentioned in this episode, please visit https://www.swcenter.edu/uvawise/ . Want to learn more from Natalie? She is reachable at [email protected] or by calling her work line at (276) 639- 0686. You can also talk to her about program related scholarships. Today, staying curious means taking care of yourbody! Suggested is using a kettle bell to build lean muscle. Working out can seem like a daunting endeavor, but if you keep your body moving you will maintain a healthy brain. So, let’s hit the gym!

Follow your dreams, or your passions in this case! Finding ways to make your passions the soul focus ofyour daily life is difficult and has many obstacles. Damean, a published alum, talks about when he identified his passion for literature and writing as well as how he was able to connect with the Appalachian Writer’s Guild community to foster his craft. Students who are interested in pursuing their passion as acareer will benefit from hearing about Damean’s journey and the advice he thinks is important for not getting discouraged. Interested in Damean’s publications? Check out Barnes and Noble or Amazon. On his website, dameanmattews.com, you can keep up with events to see him in person. Looking for more ways to connect? Damean is on Instagram and TikTok as mr.author91 as well as hosting a Facebook page. If you would like to join his pen pal group, SWVA and Beyond, don’t hesitate to reach out to him on one of the various platforms previously mentioned.We can’t forget the curiosity suggestion! Damean is fascinated by Appalachian cryptids and the supernatural, so he spends his free time looking into the many stories to discover new creatures. In thatsame vain, he listens to Old Gods of Appalachia, an ‘eldritch horror fiction’ podcast that leans into legend, creating an immersive experience.