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Actor, Author, Coach & Speaker Debra Wanger Announces “The Resilient Actor” Audiobook & Workbook/Planner

Debra Wanger – The Resilient Actor – Photo Credit – Ken Jacques

(SAN DIEGO, September 23, 2019) – Actor, Author, Coach and Public Speaker, Debra Wanger is an often-sought-after professional actor, well known in the San Diego region. She published her debut book The Resilient Actor: How to Kick Ass In the Business Without It Kicking Your Ass in 2017 and is thrilled to announce the upcoming The Resilient Actor Audiobook and The Resilient Actor Workbook & Planner: How to Kick Ass in the Business Without It Kicking Your Ass.

“I’ve worked with Hollywood stars and actors currently working on Broadway. I have been able to utilize the secrets of their behind-the-scenes success along with my skills as a wellness coach and my own personal experience.  I’ve worked mostly in live regional theatre, but also some television, film, and radio. When I left my BFA program and started working professionally, I had to learn the hard way all the life and balance skills they didn’t teach at the conservatory.  There was a lot of focus on being a triple threat, on performance skills, but nothing about how to survive the challenging life of being an actor. I fought depression, loneliness, weight gain, difficulty navigating periods of unemployment, all of it. Like most actors, I had to learn how to get the rest & recovery I needed, how to master my mindset to work with me – not against me, and how to take care of myself like a performing athlete.  I had to learn all these life skills beyond my BFA.”      – Debra Wanger                                                 

 ABOUT THE RESILIENT ACTOR:

From The Resilient Actor: How to Kick Ass In the Business Without It Kicking Your Ass

Acting can be a crazy profession, full of uncertainty, insecurity, and unpredictability. While there are many books about technique, little has been written about how to pursue the dream without compromising your health and sanity. Pulling from her decades of experience as an actor, talent manager, and lifestyle coach, Debra Wanger filled this void in 2016 with a must-read survival guide for the acting professional.

Debra offers a positive, practical, playful, holistic approach to the art and business of acting that marries mind, body, spirit, and craft. In this essential handbook, which serves as a personal coach in a book, she covers all the bases–from exercise and nutrition to time management and setting goals to staying motivated from audition through performance. Her valuable, tried-and-true insights, gained from client successes, will enable the performing artist to balance and bolster a challenging creative career with a healthy, productive personal life.

At last there’s a clear path through the madness. The Resilient Actor will lead you to the top of your game, increase your professional staying power, and help you achieve equilibrium in all aspects of your life.

ABOUT THE RESILIENT ACTOR’S WORKBOOK AND PLANNER:

Discover some of the secrets from Broadway & Hollywood to supercharge your career and balance your life.  Debra Wanger knows how difficult it can be to pursue your dream of acting without compromising your health or your sanity. She drew wisdom from decades of working as an actor, talent manager, and wellness coach to write The Resilient Actor and give emerging and experienced actors a holistic approach to their profession that marries mind, body, spirit, and craft. Sustaining a healthy and satisfying career requires more than just talent- go beyond the skills you learned in your BFA program.

The Resilient Actor’s Workbook and Planner is filled with quick & easy exercises designed to help you plot the direction for your career from the start and avoid the pitfalls that many actors face. You’ll walk through the steps to figure out what kind of actor you want to be and the lifestyle you want to have. You’ll set goals and develop habits for your career and use the specially-designed included actors’ planner to create a step-by-step action and accountability plan for achieving them. The Resilient Actor’s Workbook and Planner will unlock longevity in your career by showing you how to find happiness and health in an industry that challenges both.

Debra Wanger – Photo Credit – Ken Jacques

BIO – DEBRA WANGER

Debra studied acting at the nationally acclaimed Piven Theatre Workshop with such talents as John Cusack, Joan Cusack, and Jeremy Piven. Her vocal training began at the Northwestern University vocal department while still attending high school. She declined an opera scholarship to Oberlin Conservatory in order to study musical theatre at University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM.) She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Tufts University and received a Master of Fine Arts in musical theatre from San Diego State University, where she graduated Phi Kappa Phi as a Marion Ross Scholar.

Debra is currently in rehearsals as “Liz”-  the younger version of Queen Elizabeth in Handbagged at Moxie Theatre which runs October 19th through November 17th. She has performed in regional theatres and cabaret clubs across the country, most frequently in Los Angeles, San Diego, Boston, and South Florida. In Professionally Speaking at the Off-Broadway, The Miami Herald hailed her “a comic spark plug.”   Her role in Triumph of Love won a KPBS-TV Patté award. Her one-woman show My Nights With George, Kurt & Cole, (co-written and directed by comic genius, Phil Johnson) was featured at various venues throughout Southern California and won Best New Play and Best Actress at the 2003 San Diego Actors Festival, and the San Diego Playbill Billie Award for Best Actress in a musical.

She was just featured as The Angel in Cygnet Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of Angels in America, as well as A Little Night Music, On the 20th Century, Spring Awakening, My Fair Lady, Evita, Sweeney Todd and Dogfight on the Cygnet stage.  At San Diego Musical Theatre has been featured in Hairspray, Billy Elliot, Footloose, Sound of Music, La Cage Aux Folles, and White Christmas.  Other San Diego theatre highlights include: God of Vengeance at La Jolla Playhouse, Hamlet (Gertrude) at Intrepid; Titanic & Sunset Blvd. at Moonlight; Permanent Collection at Mo’olelo; Full Monty (Vicki) at New Village Arts; Sleeping Beauty at North Coast Rep; Anything Goes! (Reno), Oliver! (Nancy) at Lyric Opera San Diego; Carousel and Sound of Music at Lawrence Welk.  Her CD, Driving My Own Heart is also available on Amazon and iTunes.

BOOK REVIEWS:

“This book is fantastic. I’m a professional actor and also teach acting, and will recommend it to all my students. It’s a topic not discussed enough! Resilience is one of the most important qualities for any working actor–if not THE most important quality. Highly recommended!”

-Amy Griffin

“The Resilient Actor by Debra Wanger is a valuable and refreshing resource for anyone in the acting profession who wants to elevate their career while attaining balance in their life. Wanger delivers a motivating, witty, and practical workbook that is bound to bring about positive and healthy change on the road to success.”

-C.K.

“I found The Resilient Actor to be very helpful to me as a musician even though the book was written for actors. It was a great reminder of how to be proactive instead of waiting for the phone to ring and how to keep active always working on your craft. It was a good reminder that even successful creative people never let up on getting their name and face out there and true artists know that their profession is always a work in progress. The book really gave me good solid tips on how to stay healthy mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually; especially when you are in between work projects. I would highly recommend this book to anyone in the business or that is thinking about getting in the business to get a reality check for the persistence needed as well as the care and feeding of the artist in you. Loved it and will continue to use it as a reference!”

-Marc Breithaupt

BOOK INFORMATION:

The Resilient Actor: How to Kick Ass In the Business (Without It Kicking Your Ass)

ISBN paperback: 978-1-61961-830-5   ISBN eBook: 978-1-61961-831-2

Audiobook: The Resilient Actor: How to Kick Ass In the Business (Without It Kicking Your Ass)

https://www.audible.com/pd/B07ZTPBWMH?qid=1572559504&sr=1-1&pf_rd_p=e81b7c27-6880-467a-b5a7-13cef5d729fe&pf_rd_r=VZ7R3H

ISBN: pending.

Upcoming: The Resilient Actor’s Workbook: How to Kick Ass In the Business (Without It Kicking Your Ass) ISBN: pending.

Debra is available to speak to groups about The Resilient Actor.

Debra Wanger’s Website:   http://debrawanger.com/

Q & A with Debra Wanger and SJF Communications


Like, Follow and Interact with Debra on Social Media:

Facebook: @resilientactor  https://www.facebook.com/resilientactor/

Twitter: @debrawanger  https://twitter.com/debrawanger

Instagram: @debradiva  https://www.instagram.com/debradiva/

For more information or to book Debra for interviews, speaking engagements or coaching Contact: 

Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications 408-398-5940 sjfcommunications@gmail.com 

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Meet Devon Hadsell – the ‘Kind’ Mean Girl on Broadway

By

Susan J. Farese

SJF Communications

 

Devon Hadsell as Caitlyn Caussin in ‘Mean Girls’ Photo Courtesy of Devon Hadsell

We are thrilled to share this interview with equity Broadway performer Devon Hadsell,  who plays Caitlyn Caussin in the ensemble of the Broadway mega hit – “Mean Girls“! Devon is also a principal role understudy (Gretchen, Mrs. Heron/Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George). She made her principal debut as Gretchen on July 24th.

I have known Devon since 2015 when she performed as Velma (and I was Director of PR/Marketing) in the regional professional production of West Side Story with San Diego Musical Theatre .

The Broadway production of Mean Girls was created by the team of Tina Fey (Book), Jeff Richmond (Music) and Nell Benjamin, (Lyrics), based on the 2004 Mean Girls film, starring Lindsay Lohan.

Female Ensemble – ‘Mean Girls’ – Courtesy Photo – Devon Hadsell

And now…enjoy our interview with Devon Hadsell

SJF: Thanks so much for this interview Devon! I know how busy you’ve been with the ‘Mean Girls‘ whirlwind of multiple nominations, awards, enduring the hectic schedule of eight performances a week, and then some!  Let’s begin with you telling us about where you’re from, etc.

DH: I was born in Santa Barbara and moved to Napa when I was 5. I’m the oldest of 3 and have a younger sister and brother.

SJF: When did you first get interested in performing?

DH: My mom said I was singing before I could talk and dancing before I could walk. She put me in my first musical when I was 5 years old. I played Gretel in The Sound of Music at our community kids theatre which was called Broadway Bound Kids!

SJF: Why did you choose performing as a career?

DH: Since I was a kid, I’ve loved being on stage. There’s nothing quite like performing in front of an audience. My mom put me in dancing, singing, and acting lessons starting when I was 5 years old and I never wanted to stop. Nowadays, I do it because I love inspiring people.

SJF: Anything to mention about your college program at Cal State Fullerton ? Positives, challenges?

Devon Hadsell as Kira in ‘Xanadu’ at CSU Fullerton
Devon Hadsell as Tribe Member in ‘Hair’ at CSU Fullerton
Devon Hadsell as Understudy/Ensemble in ‘Marilyn : A New Musical’ at CSU Fullerton

DH: I’m so glad I went to college for performing and that I found Cal State Fullerton. I grew in ways I never would have been able to if it wasn’t for their Musical Theatre BFA program. Because of the showcase that the seniors got to do in New York, I found my amazing bi-coastal agent and got a taste of the city before actually moving here! The biggest challenge was managing classes, shows, rehearsals, AND homework all at once, but because I had to do all that at CSUF, I can manage any schedule thrown my way now!

SJF: What do you think your strengths are as a performer? What are you developing/strengthening?

DH: I think my biggest strengths as a performer are that I’m versatile, I’m great to work with, and I’m a fast learner. I’m constantly improving my technique and ability in all fields of performing as well as building up the proper stamina for getting through 8 shows a week for at least the next year!

SJF: Would you like to obtain Master’s degree in the future?

DH: I think a Master’s degree is something I would definitely be open to because I see myself teaching at the college level one day.

SF: Besides your Broadway debut in Mean Girls, Any National Tours? Highs and Lows of touring?

DH: Highs and Lows: I was in the national tour of The Little Mermaid a couple years ago and I absolutely LOVED it! It’s actually what got me my Equity card and gave me enough money to move to New York! What was hard was always packing and unpacking your suitcase after a week or two, but I really enjoyed visiting so many different cities around the U.S.

SJF: Explain the ‘Mean Girls’ Story in a Nutshell…

DH: Cady Heron is a homeschooled student who moves from Africa with her parents (who are biologists) to a public high school in Chicago, Illinois. She befriends the “Plastics”, the three popular, “mean girls” of the school, and quickly finds herself becoming one of them. In the end, she realizes that it’s okay not to like someone, but that we should always be kind and treat people with dignity.

Devon Hadsell ‘Mean Girls’ Courtesy Photo – Devon Hadsell

SJF: Tell us about your interview process- when/where, how competitive it was, how many callbacks? Was Tina Fey present?

Devon Hadsell Recording for “Mean Girls’
Devon Hadsell Backstage at ‘Mean Girls’
Devon Hadsell as Caitlyn Caussin in ‘Mean Girls’

DH: I went to 5 callbacks for this role. At the first audition, there were over 400 girls who attended. For the callbacks, we did a dance combination and eventually had to sing. At the fifth and final callback, they had narrowed it down to 20 girls, and Tina Fey was present. We had to do the dance combo three at a time and then come in and sing and read sides for all the creatives by ourselves. It was the craziest and most amazing experience!

SJF: I can just imagine the stress and tension with the audition and then those multiple callbacks! Wow!

SJF: Tell us about your ‘Mean Girls’ role(s), Understudying? Etc.

DH: I play Caitlyn Caussin, a high school girl in the ensemble. I also get to understudy Gretchen AND all of the roles played by the Broadway star, Kerry Butler, which are Cady’s mom, Regina’s mom, and Ms. Norbury! I actually made my Broadway principal debut as Gretchen on July 24th of this year and it was AMAZING!!! It was so incredible to get to perform in a lead role on a Broadway stage and to know that the producers and members of the company believed in me too. My family also happened to be in town so they got to see me perform in the role as well! It was one of the best experiences of my life!

Devon Hadsell as Caitlyn Caussin in ‘Mean Girls’

SJF: That is so amazing! So thrilled that you made your Broadway principal role debut!

Devon Hadsell as Gretchen in ‘Mean Girls’
Devon Hadsell as Gretchen in ‘Mean Girls’
Devon Hadsell as Gretchen in ‘Mean Girls’
Devon Hadsell as Gretchen in ‘Mean Girls’
Devon Hadsell as Gretchen in ‘Mean Girls’
Devon Hadsell as Gretchen in ‘Mean Girls’

All photos courtesy of Devon Hadsell

SJF: Any advice for BA, BFA, etc. students and others?

DH: Broadway is hard and the work doesn’t stop once you get there. You have to realize that there will be pros and cons just like any other job. You also have to figure out ways to nurture your passion of performing because there are a lot of hard things you have to deal with in this business. Never give up, always push forward with your goals in mind, and never stop training.

SJF: How has it been adjusting to living in NY- roommate(s)? Safety, etc.

DH: Oh my goodness. I am NOT a fan of New York! Haha. Even with a Broadway contract, I miss California every day… It’s a VERY different way of living and it was a hard adjustment at first. When I first moved to NY, I was living deep in Brooklyn and it took me at least an hour to get into Manhattan for auditions, but it was cheap and I had my own room and a lovely roommate. Now that I’m on Broadway, I was able to move to a studio just outside the city along the water that’s only a 20 minute commute. When you move to New York, you have to get used to a different way of living. You have to deal with public transportation, insanely high prices for everything, people being stressed and in a rush most of the time, everything being dirty, and being cramped in small spaces for a lot of your day. This city is not very glamorous unless you have a lot of money haha.

SJF: Ah! But I love going to NY to see shows when I visit my family in NJ! Despite the humidity, crowds etc.!

SJF: Any pre-show rituals? Post show events?

DH: I always have a pre-show Starbucks next to me as I do my makeup. I also have a little space backstage where I always do my warm-ups. After the show, a lot of us go to a restaurant/bar across the street that just opened up called Haswell Green!

SJF: Do you have (or have you had) fears? Doubts?

DH: Yes! Even once you get to Broadway, you have fears and doubts. EVERYONE is talented so you have to continue to believe that you ALSO have something special to bring to the table with your talent.

SJF: Well said Devon! What Motivates you?

Devon Hadsell

DH: I am very motivated by the fact that my performance has the ability to inspire others. Whether it makes people think about their lives, inspires them to live out their own dream, motivates them to want to change the world, or encourages them to connect with people, I think it’s a gift to have that ability.

SJF: That’s so astute! Hopefully I’ll get to see you perform on Broadway. I’m definitely inspired by your recent success!

SJF: Do you have any spare time hobbies, interests?

DH: I do! I love walks along the water, finding a new coffee shop, seeing other Broadway shows, and playing with puppies and kittens!

SJF: Cool! The last part about the puppies and kittens really brought the ‘AW” out in me!

SJF: Any particular role models in your life?

DH: I have many teachers who have been role models throughout my entire life. They have inspired me with their passion for performing and their love of their art whether it was acting, dancing, or singing. I am fortunate enough to still be in contact with most of them through Facebook and still ask for their advice when I need some guidance.

SJF: What was it like the first time with an audience for ‘Mean Girls’?

DH: It was UNREAL! My adrenaline was so high and everyone in the show was so excited! Our energy was unmatched! It was maybe even a little too heightened haha. It was a blast though. This show is so fun to share with family and friends.

SJF: Spill the beans about Tina!

DH: She’s extremely sweet! And surprisingly, she’s very quiet and reserved unlike her TV personalities. She’s so smart and kind and has such a wonderful and loving dynamic with her family.

SJF: Tell us about your Website…

DH: It’s all updated with current photos and my resume as well as a couple of videos of me singing and dancing!

SJF: Who are your Idols?

DH: Some of my idols are Michelle Obama, Rachel McAdams, Jennifer Lawrence, Jimmy Fallon, and definitely Tina Fey!

SJF: Top values in life?

DH: My top value in life is kindness. It always makes the world a better place when you can act out of love and kindness than out of fear, hate, or jealousy. It takes a strong person to be kind, but I’ve found it’s always worth the effort.

SJF: Dream Role (besides the one you have now)!

DH: I’d actually love to play the lead in Mean Girls, Cady Heron, one day. I’d also love to play Christine in Phantom of the Opera and Clara in Light in the Piazza.

Devon Hadsell

SJF: If you had to do it all over again…

DH: I honestly wouldn’t do anything different except to make sure I made a little more effort to stay in contact with friends and family. It’s so easy to get caught up in career stuff and forget about the things that really matter.

SJF: What 3 things don’t we know about you?

DH: 1) I am a cancer survivor! When I was 3 1/2 I was diagnosed with Wilm’s Tumor which is a child’s form of kidney cancer. They removed the tumor along with my right kidney and now I am deemed cancer free! 2) I am extremely organized and tidy and I weirdly think cleaning is fun. 3) I’d love to get into TV/film one day!

SJF: I am glad I asked that question. I would have never known about your surviving cancer at such a young age. Thanks for sharing that. As for the tidyness…interesting tidbit! Regarding TV/film, I have no doubt that you will pursue and be offered those creative endeavors!

SJF: Any difficult decisions throughout your life?

DH: The most difficult decision I ever made was to move to New York. I had no idea what I was doing, but just that I felt like I needed to do it. Needless to say, I am VERY glad I made that leap.

SJF: Thank you so very much Devon, it was such a pleasure to be back in touch and am so excited to hear all about Mean Girls and what’s in store for you in your future!

Devon Hadsell’s Website

Social Media for Devon: Follow @devonhadsell on Instagram and on Facebook

More Fun: Videos about ‘Mean Girls’:

Video: Journey to Broadway

Video: First Look: Mean Girls on Broadway

Video: I’d Rather be Me

Episode 1: Too Grool for School: Backstage at MEAN GIRLS with Erika Henningsen

 

Thanks for stopping by!

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Contact SJF Communications for your PR/Marketing/Writing/

Social Media/Photography, or Coaching Needs!

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Westwind Brass – Summer Brass Workshop

 

Photo: Courtesy of Westwind Brass Left to right: Dr. Eric Starr, Bryan Smith, Elizabeth Howard, Barry Toombs, John Wilds, Karl Soukup

 

Westwind Brass Announces Summer Brass Workshop

At SDSU School of Music & Dance

June 25-29, 2018

Free Concert June 30th at 1:00 pm

The Westwind Brass, San Diego’s premier professional brass ensemble, and an Ensemble-in-Residence at the San Diego State University (SDSU) School of Music and Dance, announces their exciting interactive 2018 Summer Brass Workshop at SDSU, June 25- 29, 2018, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m..  This fun-filled week culminates in a free afternoon concert with the participant ensembles, on Saturday, June 30 at 1:00 p.m. at the School of Music and Dance.

The musicians of  The Westwind Brass Ensemble are Elizabeth Howard, John Wilds and Karl Soukup (trumpets), Barry Toombs (horn), Eric Starr (trombone) and Bryan Smith (tuba).

“Each year, this week provides a cross-generational environment where we all have a chance to explore and develop skills in communication, collaboration, and creativity; and to engender a larger sense of community.”- Westwind Brass Executive Director: Barry Toombs (French Horn)

“The participants, young and old, receive an opportunity to work with some of the finest brass musicians in southern California.  It is fun, informative, and relative to the music in their daily lives.  What’s more, they have a chance to play in what will be, I believe, the greatest brass ensemble of their lives!”– Westwind Brass Director Educational and Outreach Programs: Bryan Smith

Photo Courtesy of Westwind Brass

Activities will include: Master Classes, Sectional Coaching, Ensemble Playing, Individual and Group Performances. Private lessons will be made available during the mornings for an additional fee.

In addition to the more traditional brass instrument training and ensemble experiences, this workshop will feature mini-seminars on such topics as sustainable practice routines; learning and performing solos; making use of technology in your music; and an interactive introduction to jazz and improvisation.

Westwind Brass Summer Workshop Schedule

Price Information for Summer Workshop:  Students/Military: $150; Adults: $175.

Register Online at www.westwindbrass.org or call 619-665-9125  (Credit Card or PayPal accepted).

Registration Form and more info

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07efa2w3ugfcc291b8&llr=c6bkk5mab

Photo: Courtesy of Westwind Brass

Location:

San Diego State University School of Music and Dance,

5500 Campanile Dr., San Diego, CA 92182

http://music.sdsu.edu/index.php/about/map

For More Information: Phone: 619-665-9125 or email: info@westwindbrass.org.

Or visit: Westwind Brass

For Media Inquiries: SJF Communications; 408-398-5940 sjfcommunications@gmail.com.

Like Westwind Brass on Facebook

Ken Herman, San Diego Story: Westwind Brass Delivers Smart Jazz Survey on the Berkeley”

The Westwind Brass exists to broaden and enrich the musical legacy of local, national and international audiences through performance and educational services featuring brass instruments and music. Westwind Brass musicians perform in various configurations of featuring the unique timbre of brass instruments and performing the brass repertoire at a high artistic level. Westwind Brass is a 501(c) (3) Public Benefit Corporation. For more information, visit Guidestar.org.

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SDSU School of Music and Dance Announces Factory Seconds Brass Trio Residency & Performance, May 1, 2018

 

Factory Seconds Brass Trio Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni Left to right: Jesse McCormick (Horn), Richard Stout, (Trombone) & Jack Sutte (Trumpet),

The San Diego State University School of Music and Dance is thrilled to announce a visit and performance by the Factory Seconds Brass Trio on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at the SDSU Smith Recital Hall. This free, one day residency features instrumental and chamber music masterclasses, culminating in a formal concert with select SDSU students.

Established in 2013, the Factory Seconds Brass Trio members include Jack Sutte (Trumpet), Jesse McCormick (Horn), and Richard Stout, (Trombone). Each member occupies the Second Chair position in their respective section with The Cleveland Orchestra, and all are faculty members at Baldwin Wallace Conservatory.

All events with the Factory Seconds Brass Trio on May 1st are free and open to the public, thanks to the Student Success Fee at San Diego State.

The schedule for the May 1st event  includes:

2pm – Trumpet, Horn and Trombone Masterclasses

4:30pm – Chamber Music Masterclass and Open Rehearsal

7pm – Concert in Smith Recital Hall

Dr. Eric Starr, Lecturer, Brass Chamber Music and Performing Arts Internship Coordinator, states “Factory Seconds members are truly world class musicians.  This is an incredible opportunity for our students to learn from, and perform with some of the foremost brass players in the world today”.

Quote from Richard Stout, Factory Seconds Brass Trio: “We are delighted to be reconnecting with old friends and making new ones; that this concert will include a chance to perform with SDSU students makes it a special event we are looking forward to.” -Richard Stout

Quote from SDSU Trumpet Student Lindsay Ross: “Many of our studio faculty members also perform in the San Diego Symphony, and other ensembles in southern California.  In addition to having these perspectives, it will be a great opportunity to have other perspectives from other professional symphony orchestra musicians and studio professors.” – Lindsay Ross

Directions and Parking

For more information, contact SDSU School of Music and Dance at 619-594-6031.

The mission of San Diego State University’s School of Music and Dance is to provide the highest quality education for performers, choreographers, educators, researchers, and those who may be in fields related to music and dance. In addition, the School of Music and Dance is committed to provide the general student, our future audience, with the deepest understanding and appreciation of music and dance. The School of Music and Dance serves a varied intellectual and ethnic student body in a culturally rich environment.

Through specialized faculty/student contact, the use of technology, an international programmatic focus, and our relationship with community, regional and national organizations, the School provides career development opportunities, enhances critical thinking abilities, and nurtures new generations of artists,choreographers, teachers, scholars and other professionals. Ultimately, the School of Music and Dance serves as a dedicated resource for excellence in performance, choreography, teaching, research, and creative activity.

 

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Susan J. Farese, Honored to be a Mentor in the SDSU Aztec Mentor Program

Sharing Guidance and Wisdom as a Mentor

by

Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN,  SJF Communications

I am pleased to be a Mentor for my 2nd year in  San Diego State University‘s ‘Aztec Mentor Program‘ (AMP). This year I have two Professional Studies and Fine Arts (PSFA) Communications students for both semesters. Last year I mentored one Senior (Communications) and one Junior (Public Health) student during the Fall, 2016 semester and three graduating senior mentees (Communications, Health Communications and Finance/Entrepreneurship) for the Spring, 2017  semester.  The Communications student was my mentee for the entire year.

Here are two links from recent feature articles by Erik Good, about my experiences in the SDSU Aztec Mentor Program:   http://newscenter.sdsu.edu/sdsu_newscenter/news_story.aspx?sid=76775 and https://amp.sdsu.edu/pages/2962?src=tab

I believe in mentoring as well as being mentored!

Time has certainly flown since I was introduced to my own first ‘mentor’. I distinctly remember the time (after working about a year or so) as a newly graduated Ensign in the Navy Nurse Corps in 1978 in San Diego. Needless to say…I was stressed out with what we now call ‘burnout’ (which was not even a term used then) in my very first job after graduating college! As a staff/charge nurse on the open bay male general medicine floor, I endured grueling rotating shifts and dealt with serious illnesses and on several occasions deaths of active duty, dependent and/or retired males at my young age. I suppose I had a certain look of ‘being overwhelmed’ one day. Upon rounds to the unit, my supervisor said to me “By the end of the day, I want to know how much leave (vacation) you’re taking and where you want to work when you return”. I stared at her in disbelief for a few seconds, thought about it, planned that leave and afterwards transferred to Cardiothoracic Surgery Step Down unit. That job switch and my Supervisor’s insight, caring and seriously ‘looking out for me’ changed my professional life. I was then able to navigate my career by being in control. Plus, I gained respect for having a Mentor and have learned immensely from many of them over the years!

Flash forward to 38 years later! That Mentor ultimately inspired me to take control of my professional career as a nurse, actor, author, writer, consultant & entrepreneur. I have also had several Mentors in my life since then!

My diversified career has been quite interesting and evolving over the past ‘almost’ 40 years. Besides clinical, management/administrative, education/staff development roles in Nursing during time as a Military Nurse (U.S. Navy – 3 years and Army Nurse Corps-9 years, attaining the rank of Major), I also worked in medical research. My masters degree is in adult primary health which prepared me as a Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist. As an entrepreneur I have provided public speaking, continuing education, legal nurse consulting, public relations, marketing, acting and coaching.

During Fall, 2016, as a parent of an SDSU Freshman, I received an email from the Office of New Student and Parent Programs, Career Services and the Office of Alumni Engagement Career Services, inquiring if I would be interested in being a Mentor in the AMP. I quickly made the decision to embark on this journey (completed my AMP profile which asked for education, career positions and so on) and  have enjoyed my time in this mutually fulfilling program.  Since then I was interviewed by Diane Marin (SDSU Alumni and Career Development and Administrator of AMP),  and Eric Good, (Public Affairs Communication Specialist, SDSU) with article links above.  I have been fortunate to be connected to our daughter’s campus in such a unique way, plus was able to give back – and hopefully enrich and guide the students towards success in their futures, as students and as they enter into the working world.

How does it all work?

First of all, each student that selects me as their Mentor presents different personalities, majors, goals and challenges. I am a proponent of meeting in person on campus for our sessions, usually an hour long, several times a month.  We review resumes and Linked In profiles. We discuss the importance of networking in their prospective fields. I prep them on the common sense and procedure of attending career fairs. We research possible graduate degree programs. We explore employment options with job searches and discuss negotiating salaries, raises etc. much more during the semester(s). I also provide emotional support and guidance for them throughout the semester and especially during their final “stressful” Spring semester nearing  graduation (and they prevail)!

It is thoroughly enriching for me as well. My experience in Nursing, PR/Marketing/ Communications and the Arts enabled me to feel confident as a role model for them and their enthusiasm, diligence and commitment persisted!

I wish them all well!

Here are some more articles about the Aztec Mentorship Program:

http://newscenter.sdsu.edu/sdsu_newscenter/news_story.aspx?sid=76246

https://go.sdsu.edu/student_affairs/mentoring.aspx

http://www.sdsualumni.org/s/997/rd16/interior.aspx?sid=997&gid=1&pgid=3077

A photo with my two Mentees from this past Fall, 2017 Semester

Left to right:
From Fall Semester, 2017: Alexa (Mentee), Susan (Mentor), and Delaney (Mentee)

 

Some photos and testimonials from last year’s Mentees:

 

Left to Right: Susan with Mentee (now a graduate) from Spring, 2017: Kaitlin; Major: Health Communication. Photo credit: Erik Good

“Getting involved my last semester at SDSU was great because my mentor, Susan, prepared me to stay on top of job searches, reviewed my resume, and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and attend events that Career Services had put together,”  – Kaitlin Woods

Testimonial for SJF Communications via San Diego State University (SDSU) Health Communications Student, Kaitlin Woods

Left to right: Susan with with Mentee (now 2017 SDSU graduate and now pursuing graduate degree) Alexandra; Major: Communications. Photo credit: Erik Good

“Susan was my mentor throughout my Fall 2016 semester at San Diego State University. Having Susan mentor me was by far one of the best decisions I’ve made. She has propelled me to reach new levels of my potential and widen my understanding about the communications field. Susan is a wonderful asset to any student, individual or agency and I could not recommend her wisdom enough. I am blessed with the opportunity to know her and have her as my mentor”.- Alexandra Talaro

Testimonial for SJF Communications via San Diego State University (SDSU) Communications Student Alexandra Talaro

 

Left to right: with Spring, 2017 Mentee (now 2017 SDSU graduate) James; Major: Finance with Minor: Entrepreneurship with Susan. Courtesy Photo.

“The Aztec Mentorship Program has been an enlightening process for me. Not only has it allowed me to reach out to various alumni in different industries I am interested in, but has created opportunity to foster an invaluable mentorship.

Overall, my best experience was with Susan Farese, a local entrepreneur with many experiences, particularly in the entertainment industry. I learned a few lessons after being matched as a mentee with Susan but lessons are still being learned as we still stay in touch. Resume development, entrepreneurship tips, and networking opportunities have been the focus of the mentorship. Susan helped me develop a technique of developing the perfect resume based upon which jobs I am searching for rather than sending out a general resume out to all jobs. As an aspiring entrepreneur, I learned from Susan’s experiences and mistakes in running her own PR firm. She spoke to me about my different entrepreneurial opportunities and gave insight to possible issues I may run into. Even after the program ended, Susan recently helped me get my first gig doing lighting and sound production for a local play!

Honestly the best part about my experience was the specific attention given to me about how I can best further myself. After a few sessions, Susan understood what I really needed to learn to get the best out of the program and that only happens when mentors are dedicated to extending real life knowledge and experience to mentees.” – James Ranon

Testimonial for SJF Communications via San Diego State University (SDSU) Finance/Entrepreneurship Student

Are you a Mentor?

Do you have a story about your favorite mentor?

Do you need a Mentor?

 

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