In his early years of college at the University of Missouri – Colombia, Brett’s courses consisted of mostly biology, chemistry, and sociology. He enjoyed learning about biology and sociology, but the chemistry, which was required as a biology major, began draining his motivation. During his second year, he needed an additional course that led him to taking a drawing class. Going into this class, he was extremely nervous of repeating his high school art class experience - that he would be an outsider in terms of his skills and experience. This was not the case. He encountered his first inspirational art instructor who thought Brett’s work was admirable and actively helped him improve his skills. This, along with his increasing lack of interest in continuing with chemistry courses, motivated him to change his major and continue learning more about art.
After transferring to the University of Missouri – Kansas City, Brett was greeted by the friendliest and most encouraging group of fellow art students and teachers. There, he learned more than he ever imagined, especially how to express himself in ways that he could never before. He learned and practiced new mediums, some of which he had never even heard of. The most memorable moment of his education was during his junior portfolio review. Brett presented ten of his favorite artworks to three members of the art department staff. Two of them gave him a low discouraging score along with comments that made him feel like he didn’t belong. The third however, saw the potential in his artwork and became the most influential and motivating teacher throughout his final semesters. Brett continued his education and was awarded 1st place in the UMKC Student Art Exhibition at the end of his senior year. The biggest life lesson that he has learned along his art education is - not everyone will appreciate the work that you present, but the ones that do, even if it’s just one, have the potential to make the biggest impacts in your life.
