From long pause to passion reignited: Finding a creative renaissance at YSU

Student Spotlight

Now in her second semester of YSU’s fully online Graphic and Interactive Design program, Kaari Wentz is thriving.

A transfer student from Kent State University, she took a pause on her bachelor’s in 1990 and earned her associate’s degree in 2007. She then took some time to earn years of personal and professional experience, and during that time, she has since taught herself to use modern design software and rekindled her creative spark.

“I’ve always been a creative person, but life just kind of happened,” Wentz says. “I put school on hold, raised a family and worked jobs that weren’t always creatively fulfilling. Now that I’m back, it feels like the right time.”

After working in roles that relied on her self-taught design skills, Wentz found the flexibility of YSU’s online format to be the perfect solution. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw the whole program was online. Two weeks later, I was logged onto Blackboard.”

While the seven-week courses present their own challenges such as faster pacing or more frequent assignments, Wentz appreciates the opportunity to deeply focus on just two classes at a time. “It works for me. It keeps me accountable and helps me manage my full-time job and coursework without overwhelming me,” she explains.

Wentz’s artistic skill has already made an impression. Professors, including Michelle Nelson, professor of Art at YSU, have noted her standout work in foundational courses. Wentz credits much of her progress to the encouraging feedback she receives from faculty. “That support has been a big confidence booster. After all this time, it’s nice to hear that I’m meant to do this and my professors are glad I’m here.”

The journey hasn’t just been about personal achievement; it’s reshaped her outlook on creative work. With new skills in tools like Adobe Illustrator and Procreate, she’s exploring possibilities and artforms she never would have before. “I’ve been exposed to all kinds of different art styles ... You never know. You might find something you really like.”

Through her courses, Wentz has been able to put thought into the future of her creative work. “Michelle’s class had a section about what someone can do with the illustration skills I’ve learned through the course ... freelance work, commissions, selling on Etsy – it’s all definitely something I’m thinking about now.”

As for advice to others who might be holding off on their goals, especially nontraditional students, Wentz is clear: “Don’t wait. If this is what you want, just go for it. Life will always be busy, but the right time might just be now.”

From unfinished beginnings to newfound momentum, Kaari Wentz’s story is one of resilience, timing and rediscovered purpose – a testament to the doors that education can open, no matter when you walk through them.