Mariana Rodriguez-Guzman (Mar) is a senior Theatre and Studio Art major with a minor in Costume Design from Mexico City, Mexico. She has been in numerous theater productions at Gustavus, and has created art that can be found both on campus and in Sain. Peter. Mar met with us to talk about her experience at Gustavus.
Why did you come to Gustavus?
This is my favorite question I get asked. There was a mix of things. My grandma is here, from Springfield, Minnesota, and my dad studied here in the states. He thought it would be nice for me to come and study in the U.S. I looked at a lot of colleges and was always looking for small colleges. I am not a big crowd kind of person and wanted some place I could call my home. Then I visited Gustavus and it became my option number one from the beginning. I was really excited when I got in since it was my first option.
How would you describe your experience at Gustavus so far?
I really like it! There are always ups and downs, but overall it’s been a great experience, especially in the departments I am in. All the people are really nice and really approachable. It’s a nice vibe that we have on campus.
What are you most proud of from your time at Gustavus?
At first I didn’t know if I wanted to study art, so I am really happy I decided to pursue it. I actually decided on an art major in my junior year. I have always loved art and I thought, “Oh, now I can make art and actually get a degree in that.” I think my favorite piece that I have made is a dinosaur that I made in the library. It is made with cardboard and she is really cool and I really like her. I need to go in and fix her because her hand is broken right now.
What shows have you been a part of?
I have been in about five shows, more or less. I really like them. I think the one that I am the most proud of is the first show I was in. It was my first time being in an actual theater production. I was cast as a secondary role with a few lines, but then someone dropped so I was able to have one of the main roles. It was the last day of Judas, which is a very long show, and I was probably talking for two of the three hours of the show for the role.
What are some projects you have done at Gustavus?
Last semester, I was really excited to put some art pieces at River Rock for an art exhibition. It was really cool because it was the first time that someone from out of Gustavus, that I didn’t invite, could go and see my work. Someone actually left a note on one of my art pieces that said something like “This is really deep, I feel for you.”
Do you have any words of advice for people considering Gustavus?
I think Gustavus is really nice in general. People are very welcoming and nice here. That’s something I noticed from visiting universities here. Everyone says hi and opens doors for you. I also think that what I’ve been studying makes me feel prepared to go and look for a job in the theater or art field. They also helped me a lot with finding an internship which I am very grateful for. They helped me find an internship last summer working with the Children’s Theatre Company. I was a teacher assistant so I was able to see how kids are getting involved with theater while they’re young. They made me an offer again this summer, and I’m so excited to go back. I don’t think I could have done it without the Career Center’s help.