“I feel like I should be the inspiration within myself to push myself forward because I don’t want to rely on someone else to accomplish my goals. “
This is Jasmine Stovall’s mantra. The New York native is currently a sophomore at George Washington University studying Fine Arts and Portuguese. However, many are unaware of her love of ceramics. Stovall has been practicing ceramic making since she was in high school when she first discovered her hidden talent in the art during a required introductory class at her boarding high school.
“I just love it. It’s the best way to express myself. Sometimes I can’t find the words. I just love putting all of my frustrations and everything into clay.”
Aside from discovering her future career, Stovall’s experiences while attending a boarding school helped to shape how she conducts her life today.
“Growing up in this environment where people from all over the world are around you and having to learn about life through these people instead of your parents was different. I matured very early on. I had to deal with living on my own when I was fourteen. It was scary, but I got through it.”
However, Stovall has also dabbled in many other forms of art including ballet, jazz, and African dance and participated in ballroom dancing competitively while she was in middle school. Upon entering high school, she also learned how to ice skate as a hobby.
At GWU, Stovall now performs with the Voice Gospel Choir, is the director of community service for the Black Students Union, acts as a photographer for various student organizations at GWU, and was in the Women’s Leadership Program during freshman year.
After Stovall graduates from GWU, she hopes to attend art school in Europe, preferably in Ireland, and in the future she would love to work as a photojournalist for National Geographic.