Anna Andreen
Anna Andreen wanted to study art. And religion. And graphic design. And writing. And dance.
In fact, there was very little she didn’t want to learn about. So, rather than choosing an exclusive art academy up North, the Houstonian junior chose Centenary College in Shreveport, La. "I desired a school that could offer me everything without sacrificing the quality of education. I didn’t want to end several interests for the sake of one," she explains. "So I found Centenary. It has classes to help me grow in every sort of curiosity that pops into my mind."
But Centenary’s variety doesn’t end in the classroom, and its small size, Anna says, helps students take advantage of the college’s diverse student life offerings. "Because Centenary is a more manageable size compared to some major universities, it's easier for students to find organizations that fit their interests, and if there isn't one to be found they can start one of their own! Opportunities, faculty and staff," she adds, "become more accessible with the size of the campus as well."
Throughout her three years at Centenary, Anna has been involved in Pandora Fine Arts Magazine as the layout editor; the leadership team of student-led worship service Stepping Stones; the Christian Leadership Center; Resident Assistants; and Chi Omega sorority. But her most memorable experiences, she says, have been those that forced her to figure things out for herself. "I was offered the position of layout editor for Pandora my sophomore year. I stumbled my way through it, and learned quite a bit about layouts and using the software necessary," she laughs. She was also asked to work temporarily for William Joyce, the creator of Rolie Polie Olie and Meet the Robinsons. "I'll admit it, I was a little star-struck the first time I met him!" she laughs.
Yet for all her experiences, nothing tops traveling to Greece with fellow students and professors for May Module. She remembers, "I went four-wheeling over mountains with several friends and we found the Temple of Demeter on the island of Naxos. We also intentionally got lost in Athens, exploring the flea market and learning the city's layout,and hiked up several hills to visit chapels or ruins."
Above all, Anna believes, Centenary’s greatest draw is the campus community. "Finding and befriending amazing people, simple as that," she says of her college experience. "People make a place, and finding such a variety of friends that I can rely on and have fun with is what makes Centenary."
Quick Facts:
Organizations Involved in: Pandora Fine Arts Magazine (layout editor), Stepping Stones Leadership Team, Chi Omega sorority
Cool Things Done at Centenary:
- Served as layout editor for Pandora Fine Arts Magazine
- Worked for William Joyce, creator of Rolie Polie Olie and Meet the Robinsons
- Spent May Module studying in Greece