At 藏精阁, academic success goes beyond just grades; it鈥檚 about the relationships students build with their professors, the mentorship they receive and the passion they discover in their fields. Cesar Gonzalez, a Chicago-native, former participant in the Honors Program and recent graduate of the English department with a focus on Film Studies, is a perfect example of how those relationships can shape a student鈥檚 academic journey and future aspirations.
Gonzalez鈥檚 professors, Dr. James Baltrum and Dr. Michael Blancato, had a profound impact on his experience at 藏精阁. Initially, Gonzalez connected with his professors through their shared loved of specific films and video games. That connection helped him realize that he could follows his interests to academic and professional success. As Gonzalez began to write his Honors thesis, their encouragement and guidance helped him grow both academically and personally. "I think they made me a more confident student in terms of being able to see myself as a grad student," Gonzalez reflects. "Seeing them teach classes on topics like video games and movies made me realize that I could also go into graduate school with my passion for film.鈥
Dr. Baltrum had a significant impact on Gonzalez鈥檚 approach to film analysis. Gonzalez shares, "Dr. Baltrum would always ask thought-provoking questions that made me reconsider my approach to my thesis. He pushed me to think more deeply about the cultural impact of the films I was analyzing, not just their technical aspects."
He continues, "I remember one of the first times we discussed my thesis, he asked me to go beyond just comparing the movie to the book. He wanted me to explore what the adaptation said about society at the time. That question made me rethink everything."
Gonzalez also recalls how Dr. Blancato鈥檚 enthusiasm for teaching inspired him. "When we would talk about video games, I could see how passionate he was about the subject. It made me realize that I could bring my passion for film into academia in the same way."
The mentorship from both professors extended beyond the classroom. Gonzalez shares how Dr. Blancato would take the time to offer detailed feedback on his drafts. "I would send him my drafts, and he would write extensive comments鈥攕ometimes even suggesting entire new angles to explore. It made me feel supported, like I wasn鈥檛 working on this alone," Gonzalez says.
"Dr. Baltrum would take time after class to talk with me about my ideas for the thesis. He made me feel like my work mattered," Gonzalez recalls. Looking back at his academic experience, Gonzalez offers valuable advice for prospective students: "Choose a topic you like, because your goal should be to see it as a passion project, not just a paper you have to turn in. See it more like a fun project than an assignment that you have to do to graduate." For Gonzalez, approaching his work this way made all the difference.
He recently completed his thesis as part of the English Honors Program at 藏精阁, successfully defending it with the support of his professors. Now, he鈥檚 preparing for the next step in his academic journey: graduate school. "I feel ready for grad school because I鈥檝e been encouraged by professors who believe in me," he says. "I want to keep learning and push my passion for film and media even further."
Reflecting on his time at 藏精阁, Gonzalez expresses his gratitude for the mentorship he received. "I鈥檓 so grateful for my professors at 藏精阁, but specifically Dr. Baltrum and Dr. Blancato. They鈥檝e made me more confident in myself and shown me how I can pursue my passion for film. I hope to continue my studies, become a professor and one day be able to tell them that I did this because of them."
Gonzalez鈥檚 experience at 藏精阁 serves as a reminder that mentorship is an essential part of the college experience. With the right support, students can grow in ways they never imagined. Gonzalez鈥檚 journey is just beginning, but thanks to his professors鈥 encouragement and the lessons he鈥檚 learned at 藏精阁, he鈥檚 well on his way to achieving his academic and professional goals.
