ANC Student Snapshot - May 2020 - Tatum Tornkvist

May 2020 ANC Student Snapshot recipient, Tatum Tornkvist

𝗔𝗡𝗖 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗡𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧
𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗡𝗞𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗧, 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆

Arkansas Northeastern College is proud to announce Tatum Tornkvist of Caraway as the final Student Snapshot Recipient of the year. Tornkvist was nominated by Art Instructor Holt Brasher.

“I chose Tatum for my student spotlight nominee as he is an exemplary student with a willingness to learn and a wonderful work ethic. Tatum has been in my art classes for two semesters now, all the while making high grades and staying diligent on his work. He has faced hardships in his personal life and yet he has stayed grounded and determined to make the best grades he can and make some wonderful art as well,” said Brasher.

Tornkvist plans to major in art because he enjoys it and sees it as an avenue where he can express himself. “My major is Art, because personally I really enjoy it as a form, and it has really helped me get through the hardest parts in my life.”

Brasher touts the effort that Tornkvist puts into his work, but also how he deals with others.” I am proud of Tatum's consistency, his commitment to his work, and how he treats his classmates. Tatum offers critiques in class. The whole time he is enthusiastic and genuinely enthralled with other students’ artworks. He is a positive force that is willing to help others and share tools as are needed. I'm happy to have him in my classes and proud to call him my student,” said Brasher adding that he looks forward to seeing Tornvkist become a successful, full-time artist.

Tornvkist, who graduated from Riverside High School before coming to ANC, enjoys a variety of things outside of the classroom. In addition to his art, he plays the ukulele and loves playing video games. He cites low cost and the personal feel of a small school as reasons for choosing ANC.

“I chose ANC, because it's a good place to start your higher education, your tuition is more affordable, it is a smaller campus and it's close to home. I also had relatives that have attended ANC in the past and they've had nothing but positive things to say about it,” added Tornvkist.

It is no surprise that Tornvkist loves his art classes. “My favorite classes are Printmaking and Foundations. The classes are really fun to be a part of, and not only that, but really informative about the art field. Also, Holt is a fun person to be around.” 

His experience at ANC has been made better by developing a wonderful relationship with Brasher who cares about the success of his students and who notices those who work hard.

“Tatum is deserving of this recognition due to his resilience, determination, and commitment to his work and his art, as well as his treatment of fellow students. I commend him for his work,” said Brasher. 
 
For his part, Tornvkist seems to have blossomed under Brasher and gained confidence through Brasher’s reassurance. That kind of encouragement is not lost on Tornvkist, who has advice for high school students when considering college, “Sometimes the transition is better when you continue to go into a small campus where the teachers are able to get to know you.”

ANC Student Snapshot - May 2020 - Danaja Bird

Arkansas Northeastern College May 2020 Student Snapshot recipient, Danaja Bird

𝗔𝗡𝗖 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗡𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧
𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗝𝗔 𝗕𝗜𝗥𝗗

Arkansas Northeastern College is happy to announce Danaja Bird as one of its Student Snapshot recipients for the month of May. Former Assistant Professor in Education/Coordinator of ANC’s Education Program Ryan Perkins, who was recently named Dean of Arts and Sciences beginning in July, nominated Bird.

“Danaja Bird is an exceptional student. I had her in intro to teaching last semester and her placement teacher really liked her. She is so kind and sweet, and has such a positive outlook on things,” said Perkins of the education major.

According to Perkins, Bird will make an excellent teacher especially given that she has always had a desire to teach.

“I’m majoring in Early Childhood Education. Being a teacher is something that I’ve always wanted to do ever since I was a little kid. Being around children has always been such a joy for me. It’s also amazing to watch children learn, so why not pick a career where I can do just that?” added Bird.

Coming from a large family may have contributed to her career goals. She was only eight when she moved with her family from Missouri to Arkansas, and while it was an adjustment, she began to thrive. “I was raised by my two beautiful mothers, and I have six siblings. I’m the second youngest out of all of us. I have a really artistic mind so I like to draw, dance, make crafts, and cook,” added Bird.

With plans to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, that artistic ability should serve her well in her career goals. While she likes the hands-on approach in honing her artistic skills, she has been able to expand upon her interest in the arts since attending ANC.

“My favorite class right now is Art Appreciation. I love learning about the history and meaning behind each artwork. Plus, Mr. Brasher is a fun and interesting instructor.”

This is not surprising to Perkins who saw her intelligence and love of learning despite her quiet demeanor. “She is quiet and crazy intelligent, crazy in a good way, and very reserved, so she flies under the radar day in and day out. However, she is exactly the type of student I need others to see,” said Perkins who noted her excellent grades and studious nature.

Bird feels that ANC was a good choice for her because it is close to home and she feels comfortable that she is being well-prepared for the next step of transferring to a university. She also noted the affordable tuition that ANC offers as a deciding factor in decision.

She also offers some words of encouragement to those considering attending college. “My advice for students deciding where to attend college is to follow your heart. Don’t let anyone decide where you should or shouldn’t go. This is your future, your career, your decision.”