From Museum Restoration to the Italian Dolomites, Students in the College of Fine Arts and Communications Carry President Reese’s Invitation Across the Globe
When Brigham Young University President C. Shane Reese gave his inaugural address, he invited the campus community to “become the BYU of prophecy and promise” by embracing inspiring learning — learning that reaches beyond academics and centers on a student’s eternal progression.
In the College of Fine Arts and Communications (CFAC), that call has not gone unanswered. From Provo to the Italian Dolomites, Japan and beyond, CFAC students are embracing President Reese’s call to action. Through experiential learning, they are enhancing their skills, deepening their discipleship and expanding their understanding of the world.
The 2025 #ExperienceCFAC Creative Works Contest, which drew more than 80 submissions, showcases how CFAC students have taken their learning beyond the classroom and transformed their lives.
This year, six students received prizes for essays and visual media pieces highlighting internships, study abroad programs, theatre and arts events and service. However, CFAC Dean Diane Reich said the value of their experiences extends beyond this recognition.
“The goal of this contest is to recognize and celebrate the incredible, unique learning experiences of our students,” said Reich. “Not only are students enjoying immersive learning opportunities, but are also having profound life-changing and faith-building experiences at the same time. This is the heart of inspiring learning at BYU and in our college.”
This blend of intellectually-enlarging education and spiritual purpose is the core of BYU’s identity. For CFAC students, experiential learning is about more than mastering a craft or building credentials. It is about using creativity to connect with others, with God and with their own divine potential.
These students embody President Reese’s vision of “Becoming BYU.” They are not only learning about the world, they are helping to shape it.
Read the full winning submissions and learn more about the contest here!
Sydney Jezik is a senior studying political science, with a minor in communications, at BYU. She submitted an essay about her experience reporting from the Utah State Legislature with Deseret News.
“If my writing helps people understand one another, I will succeed as a journalist. If it helps them love one another, I will succeed as a disciple. Because of my internship experience, I improved in both journalism and discipleship.”
View Sydney’s full submission here!
Colette Radstone is a senior in American studies, with a minor in ballet, at BYU. She submitted visual media about her experience cataloging dancers from the Joffrey Ballet.
“I knew I was being nudged by the Spirit, and once I acted, everything unfolded in ways far better than I could have planned. God showed me that His plan does not end at BYU. Rather, BYU is a platform that launches me into the next step of learning and service.”
View Colette’s full submission here!
Rachel Maughan | Essay Second Place
Rachel Maughan is a senior studying art at BYU. She submitted an essay about her experience working on the “Gates of Paradise” restoration project at BYU’s Museum of Art.
“Though the panels were chipped, covered in dust and, at the beginning, abandoned in a corner, with care they have been restored to their intended beauty. I know that through this opportunity, I have been built up, gilded in faith and prepared for new opportunities ahead.”
View Rachel’s full submission here!
Ella Babcock is a senior studying graphic design at BYU. She submitted visual media about her experience studying abroad in Utah and Japan, and her contributions to a shared campus exhibition titled “Down Wind Peace.”
“I have a testimony that seeking light, truth and knowledge is one of my callings here on Earth. I have a duty to learn from the past and help make the world a safer, more peaceful place for all of God’s children, regardless of the nation they are from.”
View Ella’s full submission here!
David Kime is a graduate student in BYU’s School of Music. He submitted an essay about his experience touring Europe with BYU Singers.
“This Zion community is perhaps the most significant memory and lesson I will carry from the tour: when united in our desire to follow Christ, we can become one in Him.”
View David’s full submission here!
Cooper Douglass is a senior in photo- and lens-based design at BYU. He submitted visual media about his experience backpacking through the Italian Dolomites with professor Paul Adams.
“I was not just learning about photography; I was living it, surrounded by mentors and peers who elevated the experience. I learned that learning can be difficult, but it often brings incredible results.”
View Cooper’s full submission here!