CFA: How did you first learn about this opportunity, and what steps did you take to secure it?

Megan: I learned of the BUild Lab through Brendan Hoey (Director of Undergraduate Student Services) when discussing entrepreneurship opportunities and a minor. When I went to an info session at the BUild Lab, they encouraged me to apply for the fellowship program. I was hesitant at first before deciding this was an incredible opportunity and one that I had to pursue.

CFA: Tell us about your role and responsibilities within the fellowship.

Megan: I’m one of the first year fellows in my cohort of students. Responsibilities include monthly deliverables as well as attending and planning events.

CFA: Tell us about the work you’ll be implementing with the help of this fellowship and grant.

Megan: I’m currently in the works of implementing a program called 4Rtists. 4Rtists is a sustainable, student-run, donation-based program with a mission to reduce, recycle, reclaim, and reimagine supplies for students in the College of Fine Arts at Boston University. We currently have a small area set up in front of the library and hope to begin a donation collection at the start of the spring semester.

4Rtists came from an idea and a problem. As I went into BU as a freshman, I realized…art supplies are expensive. The second issue I encountered was the amount of waste [being created]. I believed that we should have a donation system within CFA that could bring both sustainable and accessible action to its students.

CFA: What are some of your accomplishments from this work experience?

Megan: I was able to win an additional grant of $500 for my program at CFA from BU Sustainability and the BUild Lab. This means with the addition of the funding I’ll receive from participating in the fellowship, my initiative will have $1,000 to put towards our goals.

CFA: Did any resources at CFA or BU help you prepare for success?

Megan: I believe that quite a number of resources at CFA have prepared me for success. Other students encouraged me that this was a good idea and something necessary to the School of Visual Arts. While professors, advisors, and faculty coached me as I got my program implemented and known. BU gave me an opportunity to change my school for the better and it is not without the resources at the BUild Lab and the resilience of artists that I am where I am today.

CFA: How did the coursework at CFA connect with this experience?

Megan: One of the first lessons I learned was to say “YES.” Professor Kính T. Vũ in my CFA FA100 class explained that only by saying yes to opportunities would you not only thrive but succeed as well. I took that mentality to heart and pushed myself out of my comfort zone. I went to events, met new people, signed up for things, and applied myself.

CFA: In what ways do you think the career opportunity has helped you prepare for your work beyond BU?

Megan: The Fellowship has given me the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills as well as explore different ways to make an impact, which have proven critical to my development as an artist. As a fine artist I have to learn not only to sell my work but myself as well. By learning entrepreneurship skills I’ve been able to network and connect with other artists in the community in order to collaborate on bigger ideas and projects. These skills will stay with me throughout life and beyond BU.

CFA: What did you learn about yourself?

Megan: From this experience I’ve been taught 3 things: 1) that if I put myself out there I can do great things and achieve my goals, 2) it is only by saying yes that I am able to gain new experiences, and 3) I can do more than I believe and only by having high expectations can I break them.

CFA: Any advice for current CFA students beginning this type of process?

Megan: Don’t be scared to reach out to people with your ideas! You never know what opportunities it could bring or where it could lead you one day!

CFA: How do you hope to see your program grow in the future?

Megan: I hope to see this program go beyond CFA. I’ve been in communication with other similar programs around the Boston area in other schools. I hope to partner with their programs, students, and artists one day with the shared goal of zero waste.

CFA: What’s next for you?

Megan: This year I’ll be implementing my program 4Rtists into the College of Fine Arts and working with students and faculty to give it the resources it needs to thrive. This summer I’ll be working under a local artist as an intern while also selling my artwork at farmers markets thanks to the Framingham Centre Common Cultural District who have graciously sponsored me.