More than an accessory

Hannah Pinion is a jeweler at heart. After high school, she gained licensure in repairing jewelry. She moved back to the Valley and now along with working in a jewelry shop, she enrolled at STC to pursue an Associate of Arts in Graphic Arts.

The Associate of Arts with a field of study in Graphic Arts is a program of study that combines studio courses in art and design with a broad range of liberal arts courses. The two-year degree program prepares students for creative positions in the workforce, and provide skills, values, and knowledge in the liberal and creative arts.

She said the program exposes her to different mediums and ways to be creative.

“It really opens up doors for you, gives more opportunities,” Pinon said. “A lot of the classes I’ve been enrolled in, that are for my degree in graphic arts expose me to so many mediums. I’ve done photography, a computer design aspect. It might not all specifically be related to graphic arts but it’s just exposure.”

She also noted that the college’s focus on community and relationships has helped make her time learning more enjoyable and meaningful.

“Aside from that, getting more involved with your community,” She said. “STC is really different, especially compared to my experience at the technical school. I think it has a lot to do with the teachers. They’re so passionate about their jobs and they’re very student involved. It’s like a community. I really feel if I have an issue my teachers would help me solve it right then and there. I didn’t have to wait days to hear back from them.”

Specifically, on the art program, she likes the way local, regional and cultural art has a special focus.

“The school is very art-centered,” She said. “Having a rotation of other artists, local or within the Mexican heritage. That also contributes.”

Pinon’s future plans revolve around art, creativity and offering her skills to the community that might come calling. She already takes social media photos for the jewelry shop she works at and hopes to expand all of her skills for more options

“I think that doing an art program kind of sends you ways,” She said. “I’d love to do marketing for local businesses for the graphic arts. I’d love to design and help them.”

Her message to other students that might be in the same situation is to remember everything is within your reach.

“It’s absolutely possible,” She said. “I was very hesitant I believe I had a five-year gap (from school). I was like “Oh my goodness, do I remember how to study for tests if I’m not waking up at 7 a.m. to get ready for school.’ It can be done and in the end it’s so worth it. It doesn’t matter how old you are and it doesn’t matter if you want to further education or pursue a hobby. Even just exposing yourself to something new.”