Life’s journeys often take unexpected paths, and Marlaina’s is no exception. After high school, she attended an art institute to pursue her passion for pottery. Yet something was missing.
Marlaina realized her unhappiness stemmed from feeling disconnected from the people and environment around her, and that she needed more than a strong education.
“I wanted to feel supported, known, and genuinely cared about by my professors,” she said. “That’s a big thing to ask from a college, but I believed it was possible at Principia.”
After sensing that Principia's professors truly invest in their student – not just academically, but personally and beyond graduation – Marlaina made the decision to transfer, even though Principia does not offer a pottery program.
She continued working in pottery – at a local art studio and in a small studio in her parents’ home – until she asked to bring her pottery equipment to campus. With a resounding yes, her professors helped her find an unused space to set up her wheel and kiln.
"Because of that personalized support, I was able to complete my senior project in ceramics. It showed me that even though the program didn’t exist yet, the people there were willing to invest in me and help me make it happen,” said Marlaina.
Beyond the classroom, Marlaina was involved in track, the social events team, and the board for Howard. While she found those experiences meaningful, she said studying abroad and the trips organized by the art department genuinely changed her perspective.
Most influenced by a trip to New York City, Marlaina saw artists building careers in different ways.
“It saw that success in art isn’t one specific path. It’s something you can shape in a way that fits you,” she said. “Looking back now – through teaching pottery, selling my work, and building my business – I can confidently say I chose the right path.
“My education gave me a strong foundation, but the communication skills and relationships I built with my professors at Principia helped me the most,” she said.
Must-Take Courses
Any psychology course; Watercolors; Photography; Color Studies; Study of Feminism
Dream Job
Owning a large and successful pottery studio – complete with members, visiting artists, classes, and gallery space – fully functioning with 15-20 employees.
