In this regular feature, we hear from women academics and professionals about their lives, their faith, and the way it all intersects. Pull up a chair and join us as we chat with art professor Roxana Carolina Corradino.
Welcome, Roxana! Tell us about yourself.
Name: Roxana Carolina Corradino
Current position: Adjunct Professor (Art and Art History Dept.); CARTA Dual Enrollment Coordinator
Current location: Miami, Florida
Schools attended: Florida International University, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
A few favorite things: I live in Miami so we don't have seasons, but I would say anytime it's NOT 99.9 degrees outside. I am currently reading Diana Gabaldon's Outlander and I am hoping it becomes one of my new favorites. I enjoy cooking, fiber work, and making all sort of things anything from beeswax candles to homemade bone broth. I have a five-year-old son so a lot of my new hobbies are interwoven with his — for example, he is learning to play the violin and so I am. He loves superheroes so now I am reading comics again. I also spend a lot of time with my furry children Betsy the Beagle and Calixto the cat. One hobby I would like to pick up again in the near future is travel. I was a big travel buff and foodie before my four-legged and two-legged babies came into my life and I would like to pick up where I left off — so Asia, Africa, and Antarctica are waiting!
What was the hardest part of grad school and what kept you sane?
I went to art school in Chicago, so adapting to the midwestern winters was the hardest part of grad school. Grad school was a pleasurable experience as I was able to explore, make mistakes, play, and experiment with old and new ideas. It was a blessing to spend several years of my life deep into the creative process just making stuff and talking about art and innovative concepts.
What do you love most about your job right now?
I am blessed that I currently work from home! I currently teach an online class while serving as liaison between the school of communication, theatre, music and the arts and the dual enrollment program. I do wake up very early in order to have my quiet time to study God's word, prayer, exercise, eat breakfast, and tend to my pets. I might do some light housework even check email before my son wakes up for school. If I have a meeting on campus I do dress up but most days I’m in my gym clothes.
My son is at school from 8:15 to 11:45, so my time is limited. I stay very focused on what I am doing to get it done before picking him up. I return home check email, work on projects, make calls. After afternoon activities, my son and his dad go to the park, while I shower, make dinner and follow-up on any email or job related items I need to finish before the day is done. I enjoy working at home. I can get a lot more done because I am not as distracted as if I were working on campus and it allows me to spend time with my son.
How does your faith inform the way you think about or do your work?
I am reminded daily to stay humble and compassionate. When I think I have conquered what true faith is, I am challenged. So, I am constantly working on it, reminding myself to trust, reminding myself to abide and dwell in Him.
