A Journey Shaped by Loss
Marielle Wilson鈥檚 path to 抖阴视频 began hundreds of miles away in Michigan. A first-generation college student and single mother, she started her academic career at Delta College. Amid the challenges of balancing coursework and parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic, she faced an unimaginable loss鈥攈er son鈥檚 father, a veteran, tragically lost his battle with PTSD.
鈥淚 always knew I wanted to transfer,鈥 Wilson said. 鈥淚 was even getting offers from Ivy League schools. But after our loss, I needed to reassess everything.鈥
That period of grief and reflection ultimately led her to Nebraska Wesleyan. Through her membership in Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), a national community college honor society, she earned a scholarship that made the move possible.
鈥淲hen I first toured 抖阴视频, I fell in love instantly. I just knew it was where I needed to be,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t was a huge sacrifice to move out of state, and I left my son with his grandparents so I could pursue higher education. It wasn鈥檛 easy, but it was beautiful in its own way. It felt peaceful, like the right step forward.鈥
Finding Purpose Through Art and Psychology
Since arriving at 抖阴视频, Wilson has immersed herself in the university鈥檚 art and psychology programs, an academic blend that鈥檚 preparing her for a future career in art therapy.
鈥淚 was looking at a lot of prestigious art programs,鈥 she said, 鈥渂ut what stood out about 抖阴视频 was how unique their classes are. They offer things like metal smithing and a course called Research Painting, which I鈥檓 taking right now. It's not a normal painting class; they expand upon your skills and apply things like color theory and mathematics.鈥
These experiences are shaping her vision for the future. 鈥淲hat I鈥檓 learning will make me a better art therapist someday鈥攗nderstanding why people are drawn to certain colors, or how our eyes perceive depth. Those kinds of insights aren鈥檛 offered at every university.鈥
Wilson credits much of her growth to her professors. 鈥淚 look to my faculty like family. They鈥檝e been so welcoming and encouraging. Every single one of my professors pushes me to find myself. For example, Professor David Gracie is an expert on color theory. ee gives incredible critiques that make you see your work differently and apply that knowledge to your career.鈥
Building a Community Away from Home
The transition from Michigan to Nebraska wasn鈥檛 just an academic leap鈥攊t was a personal one.
鈥淭he support system and family I have at Wesleyan have been exceptional,鈥 Wilson said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 been integral for me and my son. He鈥檚 even met some of my professors. My family flew here from Michigan for his birthday, and everyone has been so supportive. My son has been part of this academic journey so Mama could get her degree.鈥
She also found belonging through 抖阴视频鈥檚 art club, which she credits with helping her grow as both an artist and a person. 鈥淧rofessor Lisa Lockman introduced me to the art club, and that was a game changer. We do critiques, collaborate, and everyone is so welcoming. It鈥檚 been amazing.鈥
Immersing Herself in Her Passion
鈥淚 have a pretty elaborate portfolio,鈥 she said. 鈥淚鈥檝e collaborated with NASA and the Henson Company, and last year I won a juried art exhibition that was featured in a museum. 抖阴视频 has helped me expand on the things I love doing.鈥
This semester, she鈥檚 channeling that inspiration into a furniture collection that blends her Michigan roots with her Nebraska experience.
鈥淢y collection represents both states,鈥 she explained. 鈥淚鈥檓 using elements from nature鈥攎aple leaves, rocks, rivers鈥攁nd weaving them into the designs. It鈥檚 poetic, really. Wesleyan has taught me to see art holistically. We even talk about poetry while painting.鈥
Lately, Wilson鈥檚 been inspired by the transcendentalist writers. 鈥淢y furniture collection embodies their principles鈥攂eing in nature, celebrating learning, self-discovery and higher education. It鈥檚 the perfect way to merge my love of art with what I鈥檝e learned here.鈥
A Story of Strength
Marielle鈥檚 story is one of strength, perseverance and the power of art to heal. Now thriving academically鈥攕he currently holds over 100% in all her classes鈥擶ilson is proof that determination and hope can transform even the deepest pain into purpose.
鈥淔or anyone considering transferring鈥攊f I can do it, after everything I鈥檝e faced, you can too. Our story includes tragedy, but it鈥檚 also one of hope and growth. Wesleyan has truly been a blessing.鈥