Elevate: Ava Norman

Timothy Webb: Thank you all for joining us today, here on Elevate, broadcasting from the Razorback Camper Sales Studio. This National Park College podcast highlights a different nighthawk with each episode. We'll talk about their journey, challenges, key moments of success, their moments of elevation, leveling up, and overcoming. I'm Timothy Webb, your host, and I'd like to welcome to the program Ava Norman, thanks so much for joining me today. Ava Norman: Thank you so much for letting me be here. It's a privilege. Timothy Webb: Oh, absolutely. Absolutely. So Ava, you're a student here at National Park College. How long you been here and what are you majoring in? Ava Norman: So this is my third year here. So when I was a senior in high school, I took some concurrent credit classes, and then I've been here just as a college student for two years. And I'll be graduating this spring. Timothy Webb: Awesome. What are you graduating with? Ava Norman: So it'll be the Associate's Degree for Digital and Media Arts. Timothy Webb: Oh, cool. Why did you choose digital and media arts? Ava Norman: So it's kind of a funny story. When I started taking classes here, it was solely because I was interested in photography. And so when I was still in high school, I wanted to take some concurrent credit classes where I could get some kind of a certificate that was related to that, and NPC was just the perfect choice because they offered a certificate of proficiency that was just what I was looking for. But then after I got here and got a taste of the graphic design program, I knew that this is what I wanted to learn more about. And so after I graduated from high school, I decided to continue on that path here and pursue the technical certificate and then the associates degree. Timothy Webb: Oh, great. So you came straight out of high school? Ava Norman: Pretty much, yep. Timothy Webb: Wow. Wow. So what are some of the challenges you face as a college student? Ava Norman: Well, I've had to learn a lot about balance. It's taken some trial and error to figure out how to juggle school, work, volunteer opportunities and other responsibilities. But my grandma has always told me that if I love what I do, then I'll never work a day in my life. And I truly believe that. I love graphic design, and so school and work is so much fun and definitely worth whatever sacrifices that I've had to make to be here. Timothy Webb: Absolutely, absolutely. Grandma sounds pretty wise. Ava Norman: Oh yeah. Timothy Webb: So what are some of the common myths of being a college student? Ava Norman: Well, specifically graphic design related, I feel like a lot of people hear graphic design and they just think art. And really there's a lot of differences between the two. Even though they use a lot of the same principles, art is all about self-expression and can be perceived differently by different viewers. But the purpose of design is to be functional and convey a specific idea. So all people need to be able to look at an advertisement and immediately know exactly what's being advertised. And that's not how art is. Art is all about emotions, but graphic design is all about logic. So graphic designers use what they've learned from the world of art to logically solve problems for commercial purposes. And so yeah, that's definitely one of the big things that I've learned here at the college. Timothy Webb: Wow, that's so interesting. I never thought of it like that. So they really do fall in two different camps. Ava Norman: Exactly. And there's so much science that goes into graphic design too, that isn't so much in the art world because we're all about problem-solving here in graphic design. Timothy Webb: Wow. That's awesome. So what are some of the biggest obstacles you've had to overcome to get to where you are today? Ava Norman: So as far as school goes, like I mentioned earlier, I'm from Waldron, which is not close to Hot Springs. It's about an hour and a half away. And so at times it's been a challenge to try to complete my classwork remotely, but the teachers here at NPC have just been so awesome about working with my circumstances and letting me zoom into my classes whenever possible. And so that way I don't have to travel to campus as often. In fact, my whole first year when I was doing concurrent credit classes, I actually never came to campus once. I did it completely remotely. And so I definitely couldn't have been here where I am today without the teachers being so accommodating. Another challenge that I've had to face is that I didn't really have a background in art before I came here. So it hasn't been easy to kind of start from scratch as far as a lot of the skills go that I've learned here. For example, one of the classes I took was a drawing class with Ms. Lana Taliaferro, and before then I had literally never touched charcoal before. So I'd never been more nervous about a class, but she was just so patient with me and helped me to learn more than I ever could have imagined. Timothy Webb: Oh, that's great. That's great. So do you like to draw now? Ava Norman: I do, surprisingly. And that's, yeah, that's what that class taught me so much about, just trying out new things, not being afraid to try something new. I've always been kind of afraid of the unknown and been a play it safe sort of person. But that really, that class really showed me the importance of having an open mind, saying yes to anything, to try something new, and just giving your best no matter what the situation. Timothy Webb: I've said it before, Ava, and I'm going to say it one more time, that is what college is about, trying new things and seeing what you like. Ava Norman: Exactly. Yeah. I never would've known if I hadn't have just tried it. Timothy Webb: Right. What rewards you about being a graphic designer, Ava? Ava Norman: Well, an incredible opportunity I've had recently is to be able to be an intern here in marketing at the college. And so I love that I'm getting to apply what I've learned in school to real world scenarios and situations, and it's just so cool to know that your designs are actually getting published in magazines and websites. That's definitely very rewarding. Timothy Webb: Yeah. Yeah. That is awesome. What achievements are you most proud of? Ava Norman: Well, here at NPC, I was very honored to receive the President's scholarship and also the Bonita Russell Art Scholarship, which was so cool. Very unexpected. And then some of my work got put into NPCs Art Exhibition and also NPCs Art and Poetry Journal, The 101, which was such a privilege. It was so cool. Timothy Webb: That's great. That's great. Does your granny like seeing that stuff? Ava Norman: Oh, yeah. I always send it to her. Timothy Webb: Good. Good deal. What lessons have you learned from being a college student and a graphic designer? Ava Norman: Well, one big lesson that I've had to learn the hard way at times and that I would definitely give this advice to others is just don't procrastinate. Procrastination is a choice. A choice that limits your potential and leads to stress. And as a student, if you can just focus on the task at hand and get done what you need to get done, you will be a much happier student. I've learned that from experience. Timothy Webb: I wish you'd had told me that 20 years ago. So Ava, where did you grow up? You said Waldron is where you live now, is that where you grew up and what was it like there? Ava Norman: Yeah, so I've always lived in Waldron, the same house, and it is a very tiny town of about 3,500 people. So definitely have lived a small town life. So it's been cool to get to be in Hot Springs so much at the college here. It's definitely a change from home. Timothy Webb: Yeah. I grew up in a little town called Glenwood, so I can relate. We have 2000 people. Ava Norman: Oh, my goodness. Timothy Webb: Any favorite childhood memories you'd like to share? Ava Norman: Yeah. So one of my favorite memories is when I got my very first camera. So I had always loved photography, even when I was little. And so at my kindergarten graduation, my parents got me a little point and shoot camera, and that's really just a symbol of how they've always just been so supportive of me and my sisters, whatever our interests may be. And that's really how I got to where I am today, is because of their support. Timothy Webb: You're telling me that your parents got you a camera for your kindergarten graduation? Ava Norman: Yeah. So it started actually with the grandma that told me about doing what I love and I'll never work a day in my life. I was at their house and they had a camera, and I don't even know how old I was, but I was just going all over their house, taking pictures of everything. And that was the first time I remember taking pictures and then yeah, just using my parents' camera. And so yeah, I was really excited about that present. Timothy Webb: Wow. Ava Norman: I still have it today. Timothy Webb: Oh my gosh. You still have it? You didn't break it? Ava Norman: No, no. That was my prized possession. Timothy Webb: Oh my gosh. That's so cool. You were destined to be a graphic designer, I'm afraid. Can you tell me about an influential person in your life and how they impacted you? Ava Norman: Absolutely. And it's actually someone here at the college. My teacher, Jennifer Seward, here in the art program. I have never seen such a patient, kind, skilled, and generous teacher. It's obvious how much Ms. Seward cares for each and every one of her students, and she really does everything she can to help each one of them reach their full potential. And she's so knowledgeable, and you can tell that she's really trying to share with her students everything that she's learned from experience. And she's always just so understanding. I could not have gotten this far without her. She's just gone above and beyond to help me to reach my goals, and it's a privilege to be her student. Timothy Webb: Wow. That's something I've heard so many different times, not just about Ms. Seward, but about so many different instructors here at National Park College. We really have a great group of instructors. Ava Norman: Absolutely. Everybody here just does everything they can to help their students to succeed. Timothy Webb: So if you could give your younger self any piece of advice, what would it be? Ava Norman: So it's kind of cliche, but I would tell myself to not stop practicing piano. I feel like a lot of kids let artistic interests go because other things start to take up more of their time. But I really wish that I hadn't have let that go, but maybe someday I'll pick it up again. Timothy Webb: Okay. I didn't know you played piano at all. Why did I hear about this? Ava Norman: Well, because I don't practice anymore. Timothy Webb: You're what, 20? You're 20. I mean, you're still very young. Get that piano going. Ava Norman: Maybe when my graphic design career fails me I'll try to pick that up again. Timothy Webb: So what is it about National Park College that brought you here? Ava Norman: So there is a lot of reasons. My concurrent experience here at NPC when I was a high schooler was just so awesome and really made me want to be a student here. As we've talked about, the teachers are top-notch, and I just loved what I was learning here. And then the scholarships offered here, definitely made it the most cost effective option. And also something specific about NPC is that here, 12 credit hours is considered full-time, whereas most other colleges in the area require students to take 15 credit hours to have those same full-time benefits and scholarships. So this was a lot more manageable for me. Those three credit hours can really make or break someone. Timothy Webb: Absolutely. Yep. That is true. That one extra class can be the straw and the camel's back, so to speak. Ava Norman: Exactly. Timothy Webb: Other than National Park College and graphic design, what are some of your interests and hobbies? Ava Norman: So this year I've gotten into custom mechanical keyboards and type racing. Timothy Webb: Oh, wow. Ava Norman: It's been fun. So this semester in one of my classes with Ms. Seward, I actually got to illustrate and then hand dye a set of custom keycaps for one of my keyboards as a school project. So that was a really fun way to be able to incorporate graphic design into one of my hobbies. Timothy Webb: That's cool. That's cool. Are you using the keyboards that have two different sides or? Ava Norman: I want to get one of those. Timothy Webb: Yeah. Ava Norman: Because those look amazing. But no, I've just stuck to a standard keyboard so far, but maybe that'll be next. Timothy Webb: I was looking into those several years ago. It seemed like it would be more efficient to have your arms and hands in a more... Ava Norman: An ergonomic way. Timothy Webb: Ergonomical, more natural position. So what is it about mechanical keyboards that drew you to them? Ava Norman: Well, it's kind of hard to explain. It's one of those things where you just kind of have to experience the feeling of typing on one for you to understand. But yeah, it's just very different from your standard store bought keyboard. And it's also really fun to pick out all of the specific parts that you want to build your keyboard with. And then there's a lot of customization involved to make the best sounding, best feeling keyboard possible. And so yeah, it's just a really fun challenge. Timothy Webb: Do you assign different functions to each of the buttons? Ava Norman: I am not smart enough for that, but there are ways to do that for those that are inclined to do so. Timothy Webb: I see. So Ava, if you could talk to anyone from the past, present, or even the future, who would it be and why? Ava Norman: So honestly, I would choose my mom because I talk to her about everything, but sometimes life gets so busy I don't get to talk to her as much as I wish I could. Timothy Webb: Yeah. Ava Norman: And so yeah, my mom. She just always gives the best advice. Timothy Webb: Ava, what are your future plans? Ava Norman: So there's a lot of unknowns as of right now, but what I do know is that I'm really excited to see how after I graduate next year, I can use what I've learned here in the arts program and in my internship to help me to continue to reach my goals. Timothy Webb: Okay. What are your goals? Ava Norman: Well, I would love to do graphic design more. And so this internship is helping me to kind of hone in on what specific graphic design skills I want to develop for my job. And we'll just see what happens after I graduate. Timothy Webb: Okay. So after you graduate, you're going to be looking for a job where you can be a graphic artist? Ava Norman: Exactly. And see how I can find a job that can help to support my volunteer goals also. Timothy Webb: Oh, okay. Where do you volunteer at? Ava Norman: This year, I got to assist with disaster relief and for Hurricane Ida. And that was just a life-changing experience, one that I definitely hope to be able to do more of soon. And so yeah, if I could find a job that could help to support that. And also Bible educational work. Timothy Webb: Is there any advice or any mottos or quotes you live by that you'd like to leave our listeners with? Ava Norman: Just I'll say, I've said it before and I'll say it again, just don't procrastinate. It will save you so much trouble. Timothy Webb: Don't procrastinate, ladies and gentlemen. Get it done. Ava Norman, it has been wonderful sitting down and talking to you today on Elevate. We really appreciate you coming in. Ava Norman: Thank you for having me. Timothy Webb: And thanks to all of you for listening to Elevate today from the Razorback Camper Sales Studio. New episodes are released each Thursday. Special thanks to National Park College and The Sentinel-Record for making this podcast possible. Until next time, this is Timothy Webb reminding you that every day is a chance to elevate.