Mari Nguyen (Ryman '11), Alumni Engagement Specialist
Every fall, alumni give back to Ryman Arts by speaking at College Preparation Weekend (CPW) to encourage current students who may be hesitant about the college application process. This year's CPW hosted 20 college representatives with 25 virtual and in-person sessions, welcoming over 960 students, alumni, and their families! Ten alumni speakers joined us for an enlightening two-day event, guiding students through key aspects of college admissions, financial aid, and beyond!
Alumni Panel: Abigail Sanchez, Jersey Vargas, Toby Shiao, Lilyan Chu, and Zoe Asis (clockwise)
Hear from alumni Zoe Asis (Ryman '22) and Stephanie Petteplace (Ryman '16) on why they returned to share their knowledge and college journeys with current Ryman Arts students.
After graduating from Ryman Arts in 2022, Zoe Asis enrolled at Otis College of Art & Design as an animation major. During CPW, Zoe spoke in two alumni panels and represented her school in their virtual information session.
Zoe Asis as a student on her first day of Ryman Arts
Zoe shared, "When I was in Ryman Arts, CPW really provided me information on different schools and opportunities for college, leading me to find the one that was right for me! I wanted to help guide another student in similar situations... As a speaker, it was cool to be on the other side of the pond. Being on the alumni panels and All About Otis College felt really full circle. Only two years ago I didn't know what college I wanted to go to, and now I was representing Otis College!"
Stephanie Petteplace (right) as a Teaching Assistant with students in Foundation Drawing class
At CPW, Stephanie Petteplace hosted the popular session College Advice from a Ryman Arts Alumna, where she divulged common application mistake, tips on selecting colleges, and more!
"I love coming back to present to our students!" reflected Stephanie. "My goal is to help students feel comfortable and learn about that stressful transition from high school to college, demystify the process and reminding them that they can do it! It holds a special meaning for me to see students who were once in my shoes take as much advice as I can give in the hopes that they will go further in their journey as young adults."
Stephanie is an ArtCenter College of Design graduate and continues to encourage and uplift students as a Ryman Arts Teaching Assistant.
We’re incredibly grateful to all our College Preparation Weekend alumni speakers who continue to empower students and help motivate the next generation of college graduates!
Thank you to our alumni speakers!
Zoe Asis (Ryman '22)
Lilyan Chu (Ryman '22)
Bella Peng (Ryman '22)
Stephanie Petteplace (Ryman '16)
Frank Rivera (Ryman '06)
Madison Rodas-Cabrera (Ryman '24)
Abby Sanchez (Ryman '23)
Toby Shiao (Ryman '23)
Jersey Vargas (Ryman '21)
Laura Young (Ryman '98)
