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Aniya Jennings

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

I am working towards my bachelor's degree in Jewelry and Metal Smithing. My ultimate goal is to establish a renowned and inclusive fashion brand specializing in custom and made-to-order jewelry.

Education

University of Akron Main Campus

Associate's degree program
2023 - 2027
  • Majors:
    • Fine and Studio Arts

Design Lab Early College High School

High School
2020 - 2023

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Fine and Studio Arts
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      • Apparel & Fashion
    • Dream career goals:

      Entrepeneur in Fashion Industry

    • Student Assistant

      Jean Hower Taber Student Union
      2023 – Present3 years

    Arts

    • Myers School of Art

      Jewelry
      2023 – Present

    Future Interests

    Entrepreneurship

    WCEJ Thornton Foundation Music & Art Scholarship
    Winner
    For many lifetimes, art has always been used as a way to unify the world. It opens the world to different perspectives and allows others deeper understanding one another and how each of our life experiences could be so different yet, join us together in relatability. Through sculpture and jewelry, I have the opportunity to contribute something meaningful to the world. While I know its probable that one persons' work isn't enough to solve global issues, it can still make a positive impact on others and introduce them to different ways of thinking, feeling, and expressing themselves in a way that helps showcase their originality. Sculpture allows me to create physical forms that communicate my emotions and ideas and portray my life experiences. Sculpture helps me form a story that I wasn't always able to relay through words. I often make work that inspires its viewers to pause and reflect the possible point of views or intention behind each piece. No matter how personal a work of art may be, interpretation will always be a varying subject to those who come across it. It holds the potential to move the viewer on a deeper and personal level. Jewelry on the other hand, offers a glimpse of a more personal connection between the work and I. Jewelry is typically something that becomes apart of a persons daily life, so its often tied to memories and aspects of identity. Through jewelry, I can create works that allows the wearer to display important aspects of their individuality and identity to make the jewelry more than just decoration. Even if my work does not change the world on a grand scale, it can still change individual lives. Sometimes making one person feel understood and represented is enough. Small moments of community and connection can affect many communities in ways we may never fully see. By creating unconventional, thoughtful, and personal pieces, I can inspire others to embrace their own uniqueness. Inspiring authenticity can have a broader impact on the world, creating work that sparks connection and encourages self-expression to enhance the value of individuality to make a more genuine world.