Tyler Gedman studied art at CCAC South Campus, and graduated in 2022. Tyler is continuing his education in the fall, but in the meantime, is substitute teaching and painting his way through life.

How did you choose your major? What motivated you to choose that field/profession?
I choose Art as my major, because I’ve been drawing since I was 5 years old. My passion only grew from attending CCAC.

What did you enjoy about attending CCAC? Any memorable moment to share?
The most memorable thing for me about CCAC was working with such great professors, especially my ceramics professor, Scott Cornish. He really instilled in me what it meant to be an artist. He also instilled in me that art was in fact an honorable profession. I don’t think I ever fully realized it before I met him.

How involved were you at CCAC? Did you study abroad? Did you have internships or Co-Ops? Clinicals and/or practicums? Were you a part of any clubs, sports, or extracurriculars?  
I served as President of the Art Club for a couple semesters. It was a great experience getting to fundraise and do art sales. The money we raised was supposed to fund a trip. Unfortunately, Covid happened, so that money actually went to inviting some professional local artists for a virtual artist workshop—which was pretty great, if you ask me.

Did any of these experiences lead you into realizing your passions for work and career? 
Absolutely. First of all, my Associate Degree in Art enabled me to be a substitute teacher.  This opportunity was such a gift and provided me with teaching experience. When I’m not teaching, I’m painting, so all those classes I took have helped me to hone my craft and become a better artist.

What skills did you gain that you could take into a workplace?
Definitely problem solving skills. I think a lot of people think that taking an art class will only be beneficial to them if they were majoring in art. This is simply untrue. The skills I gained from classes like 3D design have been used often in my daily life.

What are you hoping to do next? What would you like to do professionally?
I’m continuing my education to get my Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree. I would like to eventually be a professional artist. This may take some time, so in the meantime I’d like to teach.

How do you manage stress (most especially during these uncertain times)?
I make art, I go for walks, I talk to friends, I try to learn something new, I surround myself with the things I love. I try to avoid stressful situations but they happen; when they do, I endure and move on. If it’s something beyond my control, I get help. I also try to remember that the bad things that have happened to me in life were usually unanticipated, and that the things that I’ve worried about usually never came to pass.

What do you want prospective college students to know—what advice do you have for them? 
To take your time and enjoy every moment. One of the biggest benefits about attending CCAC is that you don’t have to be sure of your career path right away. In fact, very few of us are. And remember that you don’t always need just one dream.

Who inspires you and why? Do you have any mentors or people of influence in your life?
This is a hard question, especially as an artist. I’m inspired by so many people. In fact, sometimes I think of myself as an amalgamation of many people who’ve touched my life. My parents, my family, teachers, professors, other artists, and the children I teach… the list goes on and on. I’d share my Professor Scott Cornish’s name here again because he’s a big one. Even after graduation he continues to be a mentor and advocate for his students.

Anything else you’d like for us to know?
Thanks for what you do.

Find Tyler on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylergedman/

Read more stories, and why community college is so important, on #CommunityCollegeBecause:

Stasia Lopez is the Global Education Editor for Wandering Educators and is Director of Student Life and Engagement at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), as well as an Instructor for a class on "The Job Search" at CCAC. She graduated with her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Western Michigan University in 2013 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Robert Morris University. Stasia is passionate about international education, travel, college to career topics and loves working on a college campus. She’s lived in four different U.S. states (Florida, Michigan, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania) and also studied and lived abroad in Rome, Italy. Stasia lives in the Pittsburgh area with her husband, Fernando, precious daughter, Maya, and playful kitty-cat Zorro.