Reluctant freshman had change of heart

By Jamie Eiland

Begrudgingly, high school senior Anna Craft applied to Anderson University at the request of her father. Wanting to leave her hometown of Anderson, South Carolina, Craft dreamed of attending a larger school, such as Boston College, Clemson, or Coastal Carolina, and had applied to AU only as a “backup plan.”

After receiving acceptance letters to multiple universities, her decision to attend AU both shocked everyone she knew and changed her life forever.

“My parents were very pleased with my decision to stay close to home,” the senior communication major said. “Although I still do love to travel, I think Anderson’s community and being close to my family has helped me become the person I am today. I may travel more after graduation, but I am pleased with the decision I made to attend Anderson University.”

Craft said that once she began her college career, she fell in love with AU.

“My favorite part of college has been meeting new people. Anderson just gives so much opportunity to its students,

like the AU Abroad program, internships, and lasting friendships,” Craft said.

Although Craft began as a graphic design major, she said she began to find her passion in communication and changed her major to that discipline with a concentration in digital media.

She said the focus of the major is on writing, editing, web development and creating digital content. She said she loves all the professors and is grateful for their help in classes and career building.

Craft is currently working as a media lab assistant, where she facilitates and monitors student use of the College of Arts and Sciences’ video and photography equipment.

“I found the position through my video professor, Gorman Woodfin,” Craft said. “I was initially interested in the position because my video classes quickly became my favorites. I found that I love creating and editing videos, so I love being around the equipment and learning more about the instruments through my job.”

She said she found all her professors in the College of Arts of Sciences to be personable and helpful.

“If I have a problem in a class or I don’t understand something, I just go to my professors and vent. It is like one big family, and I want my job one day to mimic that feeling,” Craft said.

Craft said she is looking for employment in marketing or digital communications in Greenville or Clemson after graduation.

As she moves on into this next season of life, she said she is grateful for the family AU and the College of Arts and Sciences has created during her time in college. She said she hopes to carry those community values with her to the workplace and apply what she has learned from her journey.

“When choosing Anderson, I just eventually realized that I wanted my name to be known by my professors. I didn’t want to just be a number to the university, and I felt like Anderson’s close-knit community provided that.” Craft said. “I have loved every moment of my experience with the school and the College of Arts and Sciences. I am going to miss my professors, classmates, and supportive community.”