Hear from Our Students
For 15 years, F.I.R.S.T. Institute has prepared students for careers in the digital media industry. We’ve helped countless people begin their paths toward becoming artists, technicians, and creative professionals! We asked our current students and alumni to speak about their thoughts on the programs, and life after graduation. Here’s what some of our community had to say:
“It was really hands-on, but it didn’t feel like work. It felt like something fun, that I could do every day and wouldn’t get bored. I don’t think I would have this opportunity and this job, if it hadn’t been for Career Week [at F.I.R.S.T.] It’s an awesome feeling. It makes me feel extremely lucky to be getting paid to do something I love.” – Andrea Sanjuro, Recording Arts & Show Production Valedictorian
“I liked how there was always help around. If you need something, there’s someone there to help you. F.I.R.S.T. has made me so confident, it taught me that I need to step up for myself. F.I.R.S.T. Institute was the best experience of my life! I’m so glad I went here and no other place.” – Angela Danforth, Graphic Design & Web Development Valedictorian
“The fact that it was only for creatives, and I was going to be surrounded by people who loved doing creative things… It was focused. I wanted to learn the Adobe programs, and how to code, and how to get the things in my head onto a screen or website, and that’s what I was learning. I loved being able to nerd out with my teachers about design, because there’s so few people who care about those things, and the people who care are teaching it here.” – Jessi Tobin, Graphic Design & Web Development Valedictorian
“As soon as I walked in, I felt a sense of community and family here. They helped give me a fuller perspective of what I could do in the audio world. Going to F.I.R.S.T. is one of the best decisions that you can make, because for me, it was such an important stepping stone for the direction I went in my career.” – Jia Manning, Recording Arts & Show Production Graduate
“Without F.I.R.S.T. Institute’s education, I wouldn’t know any of the software, any of the mics, I wouldn’t know how to mix audio to the radio quality that people listen to. Without the background of this school, a lot of my businesses would have failed. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, because it validated what I really love.” – Louis Gonzalez, Recording Arts & Show Production Graduate
“The flexible scheduling made it possible for me to pursue my dream and get an education that I’ve always wanted. I learned that I didn’t really know half of what I thought I knew. They equipped me with skills and knowledge and opened my eyes to the many opportunities that come in this industry that I never even thought about. I feel like now, I have a foundation… anything I get into, I have a good starting point to build on. And that’s because of F.I.R.S.T. Institute.” – Robert Cannon, Recording Arts & Show Production Valedictorian
“School is so important. Getting hands-on knowledge and being around professionals on a day-to-day basis shows you not only the knowledge aspect but how to conduct yourself, and that’s invaluable. F.I.R.S.T. helped me prepare for all the things I’m doing by giving me a template for success, structure, and understanding that to be the best, you have to surround yourself with the best. What you put into this school is what you will get out… so come hungry, come ready, they’re going to feed you.” – Stephen Knight, Digital Filmmaking & Video Production Student
“What I like most about F.I.R.S.T. Institute is that you get all the tools that you need to push yourself and make what you want to make. It gives you the chance to decide what you hone in on, and gives you a well-rounded experience.” – Wes Hall, Digital Filmmaking & Video Production Graduate
“The thing that attracted me to F.I.R.S.T. was the affordable tuition. The fact that they teach you a four-year program in a year was phenomenal.” – Nicholas Cain, Digital Filmmaking & Video Production Graduate
“There’s a lot of good people here. It’s something you can’t find anywhere else. It’s a very home-y environment, a very professional environment. I felt really at-home and comfortable.” – Nathan Passafume, Recording Arts & Show Production Graduate
“They prepared us to be professional and mature. They got us ready for the real-world and the industry we were going to be working in. They taught us how to stand out in the workforce and acquire the job we always dreamed of.” – Joseph Wing, Recording Arts & Show Production Graduate
We’re incredibly proud of our students and all that they’ve gone on to accomplish! View more testimonials from our graduates.
If you are considering coming to F.I.R.S.T. Institute, check out some of our programs. If you’re ready to become part of the F.I.R.S.T. family, navigate to the top of the page, and hit “Apply!”
