Outstanding Students

Charissa Swanson

Q: Where are you from? (city, state) 

A: I was born in Zion, Illinois, but me and my family moved out when I was young to live in Mexico for 13 years. 

Q: Why did you choose Kirkwood? 

A: I chose Kirkwood because I wanted a good and safe learning environment to ease me through a transitional period in my life as I re-adjusted to life in the US. 

Q: What is your major and how did you choose it? 

A: My major is Graphic Communication Technology. I chose it because I love design and this major seemed to be the most practical way for me to channel my creative interests into a career. 

Q: What has been your proudest moment at Kirkwood?  

A: I think my proudest moment at Kirkwood has just been to help out my colleagues and to be useful to their learning process as we learn together. 

Q: What are your plans after Kirkwood? 

A: I am hoping to transfer to a four-year institution if that is something that turns out to be financially viable for me. I am also prepared to move into the workforce with that I have gained at Kirkwood with my current degree. 

Q: What inspires or motivates you?

A: I love to create and design strange works of art that tell interesting stories. I like to take very weird, very unconventional ideas and turn them into something relatable. It might be cliché, but I really just love to create. I want to put my ideas out into the world so that I can see the reactions they create, and the things they might be able to change. 

Q: Tell us about who you are outside of Kirkwood – hobbies, family, other interests, etc.

A: I mostly work on my own creative projects. I have several fictional literature pieces in the works, which I plan to illustrate and produce as books/webcomics someday. I do a lot of worldbuilding and concept art for these projects, or spend time collecting inspirational resources for them. I am almost always occupied with creating personal illustrations. I also play a lot of video games. 

Q: What does being named an Outstanding Student mean to you? 

A: I’m very excited that I was considered! I am very grateful. 

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

A: I have enjoyed my experience at Kirkwood and would recommend it to anyone thinking about getting a two-year degree. 

Categories: Outstanding Students