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Published on October 09, 2020
Recent Eastern Connecticut State University alumna Wasan Hayajneh ’20 is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in animation at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
A New Media Studies major who specializes in animation, Hayajneh, chose SCAD not only because of its top rankings, but also because of its teaching methods. “Their online modules have been perfected over the years, are widely lauded and allow me to study from wherever I am,” said Hayajneh.
She has already been involved in many projects at SCAD that have put her skills to the test. “Most of my recent projects have been personal portfolio work, comics or non-academic study,” said Hayajneh. “I got to contribute to a fan-made Gorillaz music video and I will be directing something Halloween-themed for October.”
“I've been occupied with funding my graduate degree through a combination of freelance work,” said Hayajneh regarding her response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on job opportunities.
She said how her Eastern degree has prepared her in many ways to handle the rigor that comes with pursuing her MFA. “The courses I took at Eastern gave me the basis to pursue animation,” said Hayajneh, “particularly the multimodal writing and film class. These new media aspects in combination with my illustration degree were instrumental to helping me get where I am today.”
As for the future, Hayajneh hopes to expand her career in animation. “I’m looking forward to storyboarding as a professional, and to have a substantial portfolio that can get me there. It’s one thing to tell your own story but telling someone else’s is a challenge in its own right.”
Eastern’s New Media Studies major offers students an innovative program of study that is structured in three tiers. All courses incorporate conceptual and hands-on learning to build students’ critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills and promote development of competencies in digital and print media practices. Emphasis is placed on the dynamic, interactive, immersive and creative applications of digital media forms in order to prepare students to enter careers and meet the challenges of ever-evolving developments in media technologies.Written by Bobbi Brown