Alyssa Gilleo: Discovering Creativity and Community at PHSC
TUDENT
SPROFILE
Alyssa Gilleo: Discovering Creativity and Community at PHSC
Alyssa Gilleo began her academic career at PHSC in 2017, a journey that led her to discover her true passion for visual arts and storytelling. As a native of Pasco County, Florida, Alyssa earned her Associate in Arts degree in 2020, with the encouragement of her aunt. Since then, Alyssa returned to PHSC to delve deeper into her interests, focusing on digital media technology and digital arts. Alyssa is on track to earn her Associate in Science degree in Digital Media in December 2025. She plans to transfer to the University of Florida’ s Digital Arts Bachelor of Fine Arts program in the Fall of 2026, with the goal of ultimately entering the animation and game art industry.
We spoke with Alyssa about her PHSC experience and how her program prepared her for a successful future, both in her artistic career and personal life:
What has been the most impactful experience at PHSC so far? My most impactful experience was my internship in the Marketing Department. With that knowledge, I have been able to achieve other internships, freelance work and confidence in career choices.
Have any specific classes or professors impacted you? Yes! Painting I, Painting II, Art Appreciation and Drawing I courses with Julie Lovero-Fox, Adjunct Art Instructor, solidified to me that art is what I want to do for the rest of my life. Lovero-Fox has a way of inspiring students to create, and she allows our ideas to run wild. She will always hold a place in my heart, and I’ ll always cherish the tips she gave me.
For my Videography and Graphic Design courses with Jonathan Tietz, Assistant Professor, Digital Media and Multimedia, I found that he cares so much about his students, their work and their passions. He has helped me so much with my degree, and I will forever be grateful for all his help.
How has PHSC shaped your academic and personal goals? I don’ t think that I would have strong personal or academic goals without PHSC. Having dedication and passion for a good future isn’ t enough; it’ s about those you meet along the way that drive that passion and help you get on the track to success. Being in the art community has taught me that no one in this world has to do things“ alone,” we always have some form of support. For my first two degrees, support came from the instructors, students and staff who helped me along the way, and I can promise you I will never forget it. Most of all, my aunt, Carolyn Struble, helped me both on and off campus to attain my goals.
What are some of the challenges you’ ve faced since coming to PHSC and how have you overcome them? My biggest challenges have been in time management and scholarly funding. I overcame these things by being vulnerable with my peers, advisors and myself. I started asking questions, making appointments at the advising office and financial aid and I faced my challenges headon. This helped me far beyond just my education, but also with self-advocacy all around. If you’ re struggling, please ask for help. Asking is the hard part, not what comes after.
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