F&M Stories

Heading for the Bright Lights

As a first-year at F&M, Samantha Correa ’24 knew she liked working with cameras, writing stories and performing. F&M helped connect her creativity to meaningful experiences.

“F&M’s liberal arts curriculum allowed me to be part of many things during my time there,” she said. “My friends and professors at F&M helped me pursue the arts seriously and with all my heart.”

Now, Correa is pursuing a master's degree in radio, television, and digital communication at Boston University.

“I’ve been on film and music projects, television distribution and production internships, and more,” she said. “I’m gearing up for moving to Los Angeles for the last semester of my master’s program…I am venturing into new creative endeavors that I don’t believe I would’ve had the courage to pursue without my time at F&M.”

Correa is a member of F&M’s Class of 2024. Within six months after graduation, 92% of the Class of 2024 were either employed or furthering their education. This is higher than the national average, which is typically in the mid-80% range.

Samantha Correa ’24

Samantha Correa ’24

Major: History

Pursuing: Master’s in television production, management and writing at Boston University

What did the first six months after graduating from F&M look like?

The first six months after graduating from F&M were a bit chaotic! I was accepted to my master’s degree program in television production, management and writing at Boston University during rehearsal for graduation. I was freaking out! At first, I was utterly overwhelmed and intimidated by the responsibilities that lay ahead of me — living in a bigger city, self-financing; networking — you name it. But F&M prepared me well. In fact, there’s a rich F&M alumni community in Boston; they have been my “bestest” buds while traversing my professional and artistic aspirations! I’ve been on film and music projects, television distribution and production internships, and more — all alongside my F&M community. Now, I’m gearing up for moving to Los Angeles for the last semester of my master’s program and establishing a film network in the area.

How did your F&M experience prepare you for where you are now?

F&M’s liberal arts curriculum allowed me to be part of many things during my time there (shoutout to Kappa Delta, Rumspringas, Green Room Theatre, Theater and Dance, F&M Players, Sweet Ophelia, POSSE and Rowing Crew). F&M and its small student body taught me to be friendly, stay curious and stay kind. During my time in Boston, I have met creatives who are dynamically talented in music, film, journalism and more. Because F&M faculty and students encouraged me to explore numerous endeavors, it is much easier to connect with young professionals in my day-to-day life. 

How does your current path compare to what you envisioned in your first year at F&M?

When I was 18, I knew I liked working with cameras, writing stories and performing. But I was unsure where to start. My friends and professors at F&M helped me pursue the arts seriously and with all my heart. My current path is better than I anticipated. I’m surrounded by good company, and am venturing into new creative endeavors that I don’t believe I would’ve had the courage to pursue without my time at F&M. 

Looking back on your college search, why did you choose F&M?

I chose F&M because I accidentally fell in love with it. When I applied to the POSSE Scholarship as a junior in high school, I had my sights set on other schools. I was “artsy fartsy” and thought I needed to be somewhere with those vibes. Then I researched F&M and admired its distinct approach to a liberal arts curriculum. Also, the pretty pictures were a plus! That kind of made me a fangirl before I even got into POSSE. Some people say they got to grow up while in college; I’d say I got a real chance to have a childhood with best friends, traditions, nature and memories. I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything in the world.

“I am venturing into new creative endeavors that I don’t believe I would’ve had the courage to pursue without my time at F&M.”

— Samantha Correa ’24

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