Meet Arely Rivas
Student Spotlight
Meet Arely Rivas: a 19-year-old fine arts major from Griffin, GA.
Rivas chose to attend Gordon State College because she found the small, personable size of Gordon appealing and the ease of navigating the campus felt safe and comforting. She also had her older sister, a current Highlander, to help her navigate campus life.
Rivas was initially interested in becoming a veterinarian until she found her place as a fine arts major. Her favorite classes at Gordon have been drawing, 2-D design, and 3-D design. These classes helped shape her creativity and inspired her to pursue architecture in graduate school.
One highlight of Rivas’ journey at Gordon was participating in the spring art showcase where she was able to sell many of her works. Her fondest memories at Gordon have been spending time with her friends and hanging out in Highlander Hall. She enjoys working in study groups and prioritizing her mental and physical health by taking time to rest and relax to help avoid stress.
When away from campus, Rivas loves spending time with her family, playing with her pet cat, and indulging in her hobbies which include drawing, video gaming, and learning to play the keyboard. In her spare time, she loves to try different art and dance challenges. She also enjoys going to a variety of theme parks and waterparks.
“Gordon makes you feel valued, appreciated, and accepted,” said Rivas. “It feels like home. You feel comfortable. You feel safe. When you go there, you are with your friends. You have a good time, and at the same time, you are going through challenges.”