At F&M, Skylar Zachian ’25 found an environment where she could deeply explore creative writing without closing doors to other opportunities. “I felt a sense of community and shared academic passion,” she said. 

During her time on campus, Zachian honed her craft as a writer while exploring new subjects, adding a second major in film and media arts and a minor in theatre. “I loved F&M’s focus on academic exploration and knew that I would have room to explore new interests along with writing,” Zachian said. 

Photo Credit: Deb Grove

Skylar Zachian '25

Major: Double major in English (creative writing) and film and media arts

Minor: Theatre

Certificate: Arts for social change

Home: Villanova, Pa.

Activities at F&M: The College Reporter, Kappa Delta sorority, Dance Team, First-Year Advising Mentor Program, Harwood Leadership Seminar, Alumni Leaders of Tomorrow, Boys & Girls Club Volunteer

Why did you choose to attend F&M?

Four years ago, I logged on to a virtual admitted students event where Associate Professor of English Erik Anderson, who has since become my academic adviser, taught a simple creative writing lesson. I remember thinking I could have stayed on that Zoom meeting for hours.

I felt a sense of community and shared academic passion that day that I had not felt anywhere else. I could truly picture myself as an F&M student, studying English on the College’s unique creative writing track and engaging with distinguished authors at The Philadelphia Alumni Writers House.

I also loved F&M’s focus on academic exploration and knew that I would have room to explore new interests along with writing. In fact, it is because of the school’s liberal arts approach that I discovered my passion for film and decided to major in it as well.

What is something that you did for fun at F&M?

Outside the classroom, I pursued many creative outlets for fun. A few highlights include taking voice lessons in the Music Department and attending the Philadelphia Film Festival with fellow junior and senior film students. I also loved performing at football games as a member of the Dance Team, and I look forward to expanding my dance experience by performing in a hip-hop piece in this year’s Spring Dance Showcase.

What did you enjoy most about your time at the College?

The immersive classes that expanded my worldview and provided me with exposure to new and exciting realms. I enjoyed everything from exploring caves in Lancaster County in a geology course to visiting an Ecology of Fashion exhibit in Philadelphia for costume design class. In a course titled “What Work Is,” I benefited from the opportunity to do a deep dive into a career of my choosing and learn about other occupations through presentations by fellow classmates.

I was even able to spend a summer in F&M’s Advanced Studies in England program. I learned about United Kingdom film conventions while touring London’s top filming locations, and analyzed Jane Austen’s novels while living in her birthplace. The structure of these courses, which went beyond traditional classroom learning, greatly enhanced my college experience.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I plan to work in the entertainment industry in New York City.

What brief advice would you give to incoming students in F&M’s Class of 2029?

Be reflective, be compassionate, and pursue opportunities that bring you joy. The rest will follow.

“The immersive classes expanded my worldview and provided me with exposure to new and exciting realms.”

— Skylar Zachian '25

Skylar Zachian '25 completed an internship with Young Hollywood, a multimedia entertainment company in Los Angeles. She plans to work in the entertainment industry in New York City after graduation.

Zachian spent a summer in F&M’s Advanced Studies in England program. "I learned about United Kingdom film conventions while touring London’s top filming locations, and analyzed Jane Austen’s novels while living in her birthplace," she said.

"I also loved performing at football games as a member of the Dance Team," Zachian said. "I look forward to expanding my dance experience by performing in a hip-hop piece in this year’s Spring Dance Showcase."

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