“The arts and my artistic vision have always affected my decisions in everything, I tend to be drawn towards a beautiful place with a rich history, a place that can inspire me; and that is what I was looking for in a university. [...] I wanted a place that was inspirational, and had a variety of programs where I could express myself.” : Emily Sarvis- Hill

Emily Sarvis-Hill was first uprooted upon moving to the small town of Helena, Alabama during the second grade. In the new environment friends were a must. Seeing this, her mom signed her up for a summer art class - not knowing that her daughter would find her creative niche. Sarvis-Hill found something more in her art than just pieces of paper and an oil pastels. She found her passion and began recognizing her talent after peeking at a near girl’s painting in that summer art class. Of that moment, Sarvis-Hill remembers thinking “Mine is way better.”

Her strongest inspiration comes from her art teacher that summer, Mrs. Alice. “She was the first person to tell me I had it, and let me grow.” Coming full circle, Sarvis-Hill helps her elementary school art teacher teach the same summer art class that she once took so many years ago.

Due of the positive impression and support of her elementary school art teacher left, Sarvis-Hill has been honored with many awards because of her talents. She has had artwork displayed every year at the Shelby County Art show (since her seventh grade year). Sarvis-Hill is also a recipient of the Jennifer Rogers Memorial Scholarship.

When searching for the perfect college experience, Sarvis-Hill focused on finding a university that would offer the facilities and resources to continue with her artistic visions. When stumbling upon the University of Alabama, Sarvis-Hill said the campus had that “feel” that she was looking for and expecting when continuing her education.

Sarvis-Hill began her collegiate career as freshman on campus this fall. Her chosen path includes a major in advertising and a minor in studio art with an emphasis on graphic design and digital media. Sarvis-Hill had not always planned on pursuing her artistic career beyond high school. However, after getting involved her high school's literary magazine, she realized that she could never give up something she loved so dearly.

When attending Bama Bound, the freshman orientation on campus, she realized that the level of college academics compared to high school academics would differ greatly. Sarvis-Hill is most excited about taking college classes—hoping for a challenge. She was most anxious about going from a school of approximately 1,500 students to a school of more than 28,000 students. Such a large university can be daunting to new students, but Sarvis-Hill says that she will overcome her anxiety as she sees endless possibilities to having the chance of meeting such a large, diverse group of people.

“My artistic ability is something that I plan to improve on while at Alabama; it inspires everything I do, and makes my outlook on life differ from everyone else’s," said Sarvis-Hill. "It makes me unique."

Classroom success is but a tip of the iceberg for Sarvis-Hill. She has high hopes of her future at the University of Alabama. Primarily, she hopes to inspire her fellow freshman students to continue pursuing their passion as they move on to bigger and better things at the University. "I draw inspiration from everything, and everyone I meet influences me," said Sarvis- Hill. "Deciding to use my art in a career (as of right now) is the best decision I have made so far; I know it will make me more than happy.”

by Georgia Nolen