Sarah Schwepker has always had a creative side, but she didn’t realize the scope of her talent until recently. When Sarah enrolled at Wake Tech, she didn’t have a clear idea of which career path she might take. In an art class, she caught the attention of associate professor Kelly Murray: “She wasn’t just going through the motions – I could tell she had a true interest and passion for the arts.” Murray encouraged Sarah to consider Wake Tech’s brand new Associate in Fine Arts degree program.

Sarah found herself loving painting and sculpting, and Murray says Sarah rose to the top: becoming a leader who set the bar high for other students. Sarah admits she amazed even herself! “I didn’t realize I had this talent,” she says, “and I have Wake Tech instructors to thank for that. All the instructors here really care about you – no matter what you’re working on, there are always people to help you.”

In December 2014, Sarah became the very first graduate of Wake Tech’s AFA program. She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, and she isn’t wasting any time getting her career off the ground. She has already started showing her work at local art galleries and is well on her way to becoming a professional artist. “I tell everyone about Wake Tech’s program,” says Sarah. “I never knew I could do this!”