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

Yoon: The coursework at CFA deepened my understanding of real-world and political issues in the art world and encouraged me to engage with my local art community in new and meaningful ways. It helped bridge the gap between academic learning and community-based practice, allowing me to apply classroom concepts to real-world contexts. It also showed me that valuable resources and opportunities for connection are often closer and more accessible than we think. Most importantly, it instilled confidence in my perspective of leadership as an artist—showing me that leadership can take many forms beyond administrative roles. I’ve come to understand it as an ongoing, evolving process rooted in collaboration, creativity, and social awareness.

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

Yoon: Working at Moses Brown has helped me gain a clearer sense of how I want to show up in professional spaces—as an educator, artist, and leader. The school’s values-driven environment has allowed me to explore teaching with intention and purpose while stepping into roles that have challenged and expanded my skills. It has also deepened my commitment to cross-curricular, arts-integrative learning, showing me how creative education can promote exploration, problem-solving, and real-world application. In a world that often undervalues imagination and creativity, this work has reminded me of their critical role in education.

At the same time, my time at MB and at BU has provided new ways of looking at current technology through STEAM-based learning, finding a balance that ensures students are not only creative thinkers but also prepared for a tech-driven world. Beyond the classroom, my role has opened doors to connect with local artists, community members, and academic peers at institutions like RISD. It’s also sparked my interest in museum education—an area I’m eager to continue exploring. These experiences have expanded my understanding of leadership as something grounded in collaboration, curiosity, and connection across disciplines and communities.

CFA: What did you learn about yourself?

Yoon: I learned that I have developed leadership skills I hadn’t fully recognized before. In education, it’s easy to assume that leadership is defined by your role or the subject you teach, but I’ve come to understand that it’s far more faceted. Every type of educator in a school plays a unique and vital role, and each one contributes in their own way. True leadership isn’t about being seen on social media or how well a school necessarily performs externally—it’s about acknowledging the importance of each person’s contribution and maintaining that sense of perspective and professionalism to set a truly productive learning environment. When everyone works together with respect for their different roles, it fosters collaboration and helps create a space where students can thrive. Leadership is about supporting one another, holding ourselves and others accountable, and meeting the needs of students—much like the process of creating art, where the effort and relationships behind the scenes are what truly matter.

I also found a newfound strength and confidence in my own artmaking, which challenged me to look inward and better understand what I am truly passionate about. This journey pushed me to broaden my mixed media repertoire, and I discovered a playful penchant for mask making. This creative exploration has not only deepened my own practice buthas also encouraged me to think more deeply about the art-making process within the classroom—how exploration, play, and personal discovery can enhance both the learning experience and my role as an educator.

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

Yoon: It can be challenging connecting and communicating with others when you’re learning virtually, but don’t let this hinder you. Don’t be afraid to initiate, connect, reach out, and ask questions! Remember to sometimes take a step back to evaluate, you might see things more clearly. Be mindful, and know that sometimes the world is beyond you. Don’t be prone to blind optimism, but stay curious, keep an open mind, and keep it real. It’s true when they say wherever you are in whatever context, you can make your experiences however small or big you want and the value you put on these experiences depend on perspective. Work hard, but remember to find balance and care for your health too!

CFA: Yoon, what’s next for you?

Yoon: After graduating in Spring 2026, I plan to return to full-time teaching. I miss being in the visual arts classroom and look forward to continuing to grow as an educator, individual, and professional artist. I’m also keeping an open mind about expanding into museum or collegiate settings—spaces where I can combine teaching, leadership, and community engagement in new ways. No matter where I land, I hope to keep contributing meaningfully by collaborating with others and helping students connect art to the world around them.

This past spring, I had the opportunity to present my first solo show at CFA’s Gallery 5, which led to my first commission from a fellow artist and collector. This experience was incredibly affirming and has inspired me to continue sharing my work professionally. I’m excited to apply to future gallery showings and remain committed to making art.

For now, I’m giving myself some grace to rest before focusing on the upcoming two courses I have left in the program and getting married in June!