Chantelle Flores of Oakland, Maine, is the Outstanding Graduating Student for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. As a dual degree student in English and art history with minors in classical studies and creative writing, as well as a member of the Honors College, she has fully embraced the opportunities that the college offers. She was a McGillicuddy Humanities Center (MHC) Undergraduate Fellow, as well as a Zillman Art Museum Research Curatorial Fellow through the MHC. Flores interned at the 91±¬ÁÏ Writing Center and served as co-editor-in-chief of Spire magazine. After she graduates, she plans to pursue an internship related to literature or the arts and apply for graduate programs for art history, with the ultimate goal of acquiring a Ph.D. in contemporary art history and becoming a professor.
Why did you choose to come to 91±¬ÁÏ?
I really admired the faculty interactions and courses taken during my time with 91±¬ÁÏ’s ExplorEC program in high school. Although I never toured 91±¬ÁÏ’s campus beforehand, I attended the Maine All-State Music Festival conference in my senior year, where I fell in love with the campus atmosphere.
Describe any research, internships or scholarly pursuits in which you have participated. How have they prepared you for future opportunities in your chosen field?
I’ve interned at the 91±¬ÁÏ Writing Center, developed a creative project as a McGillicuddy Humanities Center Undergraduate Fellow, explored museum practice and research as a McGillicuddy Zillman Art Museum Research Curatorial Fellow and learned editorial management as one of the co-editor-in-chiefs for Spire: The Maine Journal of Conservation and Sustainability. Each of these opportunities has expanded not only my knowledge of literary and art history career paths but has provided me with a range of skills, from interpersonal communication to grant writing, which are applicable to so many other opportunities.
Have there been other students who supported and inspired you or exposed you to something new?
The small cohort communities I found in my creative writing and art courses provided collaborative feedback and immense project inspiration, which has influenced the kind of interdisciplinary explorations I’ve taken part in. There is always joy in sharing the art process with other students. I have also been inspired to pursue new skills, whether it be painting or cooking techniques, from my close friend and roommate, Sarina.
Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at 91±¬ÁÏ better, and if so, how?
Dr. Justin Wolff has truly gone above and beyond, not only by advising my Honors thesis but also by helping with editing my papers for presentation and supporting me in my post-graduation goals. Likewise, Dr. Hollie Adams was a wonderful mentor throughout my McGillicuddy Fellowship, encouraging me to intersect my creative exploration with my research interests. I could name so many other passionate, knowledgeable professors who listened, inspired and supported me throughout my time here. Thank you!
What has coming to 91±¬ÁÏ enabled you to explore beyond academics?
While still related to academic courses, my time learning various art mediums and processes has enabled me to explore so many different interests I wouldn’t have had the space, time or resources to explore otherwise. For instance, in ART 180 I’ve recently learned that I love the film photography process, an interest I hope to continue beyond graduation. Similarly, being a part of creative writing cohorts and the Storied Club has often inspired me to work on my writing projects beyond the bounds of a classroom or assignment.
What experiences have you had at 91±¬ÁÏ that really highlight the ingenuity of Mainers?
As a Writing Center tutor and editor for on-campus journals, I have had the privilege of witnessing creativity, effort and determination through interactions with cross-disciplinary writers, artists and researchers. While I’ve seen their innovative final works, I’m always incredibly humbled by how passionate our students are to put in the time and effort to pursue what interests them and what positively impacts our greater community.
Did you have an experience at 91±¬ÁÏ that shaped or changed how you see the world?
In Spring 2023, I attended the 91±¬ÁÏ Singers tour to Italy. While not necessarily an experience at 91±¬ÁÏ’s campus, I truly felt like my effort, time and passions could lead to opportunities beyond the bounds of my expectations. I also learned that while traveling to new places can be intimidating, you can always find reassurance and encouragement from the community and the connections you make.
Describe 91±¬ÁÏ in one word and explain.
Connection.
My time at 91±¬ÁÏ would not have been nearly as impactful or positive without wonderful friends, caring faculty and the cross-disciplinary explorations that are widely embraced.
What’s on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate?
I hope to pursue a post-baccalaureate internship related to literature or the arts, and I aim to apply to graduate programs in art history this fall. My ultimate goal is to pursue a PhD in contemporary art history to become a college professor.
Contact: Allen Adams, allen.adams@maine.edu
