Reagan Adams isn’t waiting until she is an upper-division student to make her mark at UC Santa Cruz. Already a member of Dean Celine Parreñas Shimizu’s Leadership Board, Adams’ is using her passion for art and teaching to get involved on campus.
Born and raised in Anaheim, Calif., with her dog who’s breed she describes as “white and crusty,” Adams found a passion for art and history at a young age. After taking some courses focused on education in high school she decided she wanted to pursue a career in teaching.
She chose the History of Art and Visual Culture (HAVC) and Education double major at UC Santa Cruz for the uniqueness of HAVC and its broader perspective on art forms and styles compared to other art history programs.
A goal of Adams was also to attend a public university in California so she could continue to contribute to that system. “If I do become a teacher,” says Adams. “I want to be able to serve the public education system, especially because that’s where I’m from and that was my experience growing up.”
Outside of academics, Adams recently participated in Random with a Purpose, the annual student-run dance showcase, where she was both a choreographer and dancer. She has been dancing and participating in theater since she was four years old and her parents offered her dance lessons. “I tried soccer for a little bit, and I was the kid who picked flowers in the field and was jumping in mud when we were supposed to be playing the game.”
Adams is also a member of Rainbow Theater, a multicultural arts collective on campus focused on diversity in theater and arts education. “I’m super pumped to see what happens with Rainbow Theater this year,” she says.
As a member of the Dean’s Student Leadership Board Adams focuses on social media management. She scored the job after applications went out last summer. She already had some experience from managing social media for various clubs.
When she’s not busy on campus, Adams is working on her role as an ArtsBridge Scholar. This scholarship program is designed for students interested in arts education, providing them pathways to building a career. Once a week Adams teaches theater to kids at the Starlight Elementary School in Watsonville.
“I feel like I’m able to engage with different projects from all over the place,” says Adams. “I’m super grateful for all of the different opportunities I’ve been able to have.”