Like many Class of 2024 college graduates, Devin Brice (RICH2 Hidden Genius Alum) began his first years of college off-campus and in isolation, due to social distancing protocol. However, with the support of The Hidden Genius Project, he’s never felt like he’s been alone. Devin credits The Hidden Genius Project as the reason why he went to college in the first place, and for the ongoing support in securing scholarships that make it through all four years.
Read the reflection below on his experience, and join us in congratulating Devin on his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the California College of the Arts.
How does it feel to graduate from college?
It definitely feels like a milestone. College, especially my last year, has marked a transitionary period. Finishing has given me the opportunity to reflect on what’s changed over the last four years and how I can continue to improve now that it’s over. As I build out my personal art portfolio, I hope to work on an animation project with a studio or independent producer to further my skills and experience. I also want to complete the short film I started in my senior year and submit it to a few film festivals.
How did The Hidden Genius Project prepare or support you throughout your college journey?
The Hidden Genius Project is why I went to college in the first place. Pursuing education beyond high school was barely a prospect for me until California College of the Arts was recommended. Furthermore, the organization helped me secure the scholarships I needed to make it through all four years of school. When I wasn’t at school, I was also granted the opportunity to work with The Hidden Genius Project and teach what I was learning.
In what ways did you remain connected to The Hidden Genius Project (staff, OAK3 Geniuses and new cohorts) over the years?
Coming back as a Youth Educator and being able to develop my own curriculum was a good way for me to stay engaged. It was great to see the cohorts evolve in the short time since I was in the Intensive Immersion Program. Because I was teaching at The Hidden Genius Project while also going to school, I really wanted to relay exactly what I was learning to the Geniuses while it was fresh in my mind, so I started an animation course. I developed a curriculum based on the cumulative teaching of my professors and had the opportunity to teach it during the summer of 2023, which was extremely rewarding. I really enjoyed watching the kids who took an interest in it learn and improve in their art.
What was it like completing your senior year at CCA?
It was actually one of the best years I’ve ever had. This was my first year on campus, due to the 2020 quarantine and issues moving to the dorms. Most of my family, excluding my mom, didn’t want me living there anyway. While attending, though, I really saw what I was missing. The campus resources, social events, and community of artists were a combination of positives I’d never experienced. Living in proximity to all my friends, working together all night, and hanging out every weekend, I was able to experience a shared perspective I’d only ever had before at The Hidden Genius Project. I feel I learned more about life and people this last year than in all my years of school combined.
Now that you are a college graduate, what’s next for you?
I’m hoping to work in the animation industry in any capacity. I got into this field because I love the storytelling potential of animation, and if I can contribute to a story through concept art or storyboarding for animation itself, I want to do it. While looking for jobs with studios and smaller animation groups, I also want to continue the development of my own short films and series, Seascape, Beoskalle, and Space Cletus.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Geniuses who will be starting college this fall?
Don’t forget The Hidden Genius Project, make your interests known, and when you succeed, try and bring back what you learned to the Geniuses.
Since 2012, more than 11,400 students have revealed their genius through our Immersion, Catalyst, and Community Partner Programs, and so many more are waiting to shine.
HELP NEW GENIUSES STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT.
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