Zizi Colardo

Tell us about you and your experience at Parkside.  

I've only been at Parkside for half a year but even with my limited time here, I can say it has been pleasant. I like the enthusiasm of my professors as they explain the foundations and practice of art and design. I major in graphic design so creativity is a language I can understand. Without professors that also understand the value of my language, I feel that there is a disconnect from my education and my future. However, I have not had that experience here. My professors are passionate and the resources to practice and broaden our skills as designers are bountiful. Here, I get to see my works beyond the screen, and beyond a simple letter size print. I get to practice making risographs and create books with individual, authentic writing about art topics that interest me. With the latter, I truly see that this school doesn’t just prepare us for our professional careers but also builds on our initial interests to create a healthy, genuine devotion to our occupations.

What impact has your scholarship had on you?

My scholarship has brought two positive impacts on me. One, it has made me feel more at ease to give my full commitment to my learning; and two, it puts less of a burden on my family. My parents have been nothing but supportive towards my goals to complete college since I started. They were never able to start college and one of them couldn’t finish school. So, they understood that it wasn’t easy to get there and didn’t put pressure on me to have a certain career or be the absolute best of the best. They’re happy knowing that I want to pursue college. I’m really thankful for that. With that said, I still want to go above their expectations. I want to show them that their efforts to raise me, to feed me, to educate me, and support my hobbies will not go in vain. This scholarship is just one of the ways I can show my gratitude and independence to my parents. 

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

I was starting to get concerned about building a substantial portfolio by the time I graduated. I was proud of the work I created in school and work so far but I felt as if it wasn’t enough. I wanted to do more beyond classes and what I did during my time as a student-employee in my prior college. But what got in the way of that was my feelings of personal responsibility. I wanted to be more financially independent for my parents’ sake. I didn’t have to concern myself according to my father, but my parents are the type of people that will be selfless to help others. I greatly admire them for that but I worry they may carry too much. That and within me, I feel that I need to prove my worth. Today, I believe I can continue my path to prove my worth with much less worry.

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.