Tess Ogden

Tell us about you and your experience at Parkside.  

I am a current Freshman working towards a B.A. in Theatre, with Acting and Musical Theatre Concentrations here at UW-Parkside. For organizations, I am an officer of the Drama Club and I participate in CRU as well. Storytelling is my passion in life, and I want nothing more than to use every form of art to share beautiful stories, particularly ones that show the beauty of Creation and the multifaceted nature of God. I believe that Theatre is the most beautiful expression of art because it encompasses music, writing, acting, physical art, design, and more all in one, moving form. There is something unique in theatre, as we are in direct relationship with each member of the audience; it is a communal thing, and in a performance, I am able to bring people of all different backgrounds, ideologies, cultures, and situations together for one great display of humanity in all it's beauty, danger, tragedy, passion, and humor. I am primarily a performer, but I also design, create, write, and compose on my own -- I have even been a composer and music director already in my first two semesters here, as well as an actor. 

I never thought I would be able to come to college. All my life, with my economic situation, I accepted that college was a wonderful dream that others were able to live. Studying theatre at college seemed particularly out of reach, as theatre, being in the arts, doesn't tend to offer high monetary reward. I thought I would just be going in to unbeatable debt for a career that could never pay it off, so I closed myself off from it. Through a fortuitous circumstance, I was told about Parkside and persuaded into a meeting with one of the Theatre Professors, Brian J. Gill. After hearing about the incredible program that seemed utterly perfect for me, I felt the deepest conviction that I needed to come here. I didn't think I could make it work, but I kept looking into it. After the invaluable gifts of scholarships and grants from the most amazing donors and programs, I was able to realize this mind-blowing fact: I would be able to go to college! 

Not only that, but the Theatre Program here is unlike any I've ever seen. The Company model allows for all of us theatre students to work in every part of Theatre, growing closer and closer as our own little Theatre family. Our Theatre Professors are the most kind, encouraging, available, knowledgeable, and experienced leaders I could ask for. The Program itself is set up to give each student the tools they need and the connections with current industry occupations and professionals to be successful right out of college -- I have never seen a program with so many opportunities to become connected with the industry. Parkside has truly blessed me and is setting me up for the success I never thought possible. I could rave and rave about it all day, but in the end, I just want to say it is the most wonderful thing that could happen to me. 

What impact has your scholarship had on you?

My scholarship has opened the door to being able to go to college -- something I never thought would be possible. It has given me the opportunity to attend this specific program, which is the most incredible blessing I could imagine. The beautiful souls I've met, the valuable knowledge and experience I've acquired, the professional connections I've gained; all of that is possible because of the scholarship.

What is a specific goal that felt "out of reach" last year but feels achievable today because of the scholarship you received?

Going to college felt completely out of reach, but is now achievable because of the scholarship I was blessed with. Because of this, I just want to say the greatest thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I am so truly grateful for the scholarships and grants I have received; they have changed my life.

Thank you to the donors who make these scholarships possible through the UW-Parkside Foundation. Your support helps our students focus on their studies and reach their full potential. To learn more about how you can make a difference, visit uwp.edu/giving.