Keeping in touch with alma mater is beneficial

Belen Sassone/ Contributing Writer

Although many current college students dream of leaving everything behind after graduation, the reality is that cutting ties with your alma-mater may not be the smartest choice.

Making connections with your peers, professors and previous graduates may give you the advantage you need when applying for jobs or graduate programs in the future.

Allyn Moriyon, who graduated in 2016 with a B.F.A. in theater performance, learned that using all of the resources that school provides you with is essential to success. When the end of his college career was approaching, Moriyon decided that he wanted to pursue a Master’s degree.   

As he began looking into graduate programs, the University of California San Diego caught his eye. He remembered that a previous graduate from the FIU theater department was studying there, so he reached out to her despite having only spoken a few times.

“We had two phone conversations, but she answered every question I had about the application, audition and callback process,” Moriyon said.

This helped him feel more comfortable about the possible transition from Miami to San Diego.

Once he was offered a callback, Moriyon got the opportunity to connect with the student in person and thank her for her help. It was then that she gave him a final piece of advice — be 100 percent yourself. Don’t try to be what you think they want.

He took this advice and ended up being admitted into the program, which hundreds auditioned for. Since moving to San Diego, Moriyon has had the opportunity to act in multiple productions as well as teach acting methods to undergraduate students.

Now that he is in the position to help others who are hoping to get to where he is, Moriyon is determined to pass on the advice that he received, as well as share his personal experience. He believes that it’s never a bad idea to reach out and ask for assistance, and that maintaining those connections made earlier in life could make all the difference.

DISCLAIMER:

The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of Panther Press Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.

Photo by Elijah Flores on Unsplash.