Beyond The Nest is a feature that reaches out to WYWLA  graduates and interviews them to 

provide insights about their college or professional experiences.

This month we spotlight Madison Brown!

What year did you graduate from WYWLA?

I graduated from WYWLA in 2022.

How long were you at WYWLA?

I was at WYWLA for 4 years.

Why did you choose WYWLA? What were some things you had in mind to get out of WYWLA? Did you? Who were your biggest influences at WYWLA?

I originally came to WYWLA because my older sibling went to WYMLA, and it was easier for my family. After being at WYWLA for a while, I later was proud of my decision because it made my transition to college smoother. When leaving WYWLA I was able to get 95% of my general  education requirements completed which gave me the time in college to focus on getting my degree which is a Bachelor of Fine Arts in choreography and performance. My biggest influences at WYWLA were Mrs. Barnes, Mrs. Sanders, and Mrs. Greene Flowers. After I left the main campus and went to SAU all of these women took me under their wing and I’m extremely grateful for that. Before my senior year, I went through a drastic life change with the loss of a family member and they were always there for me to talk about random things including life, friends, and my future.

 What are some of the biggest lessons you learned at WYWLA?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that the moment in life that you are in is temporary- meaning if you are going through a hard time whether that be in school or your personal life, you won’t be stuck in that moment forever. 

What were you involved in during your high school years? What staff members championed you while at WYWLA?  How?

I was involved in Junior Civitan and the Step Team. Step Team was my favorite because I was already involved in it outside of school, so to be able to do it in school was very exciting for me. Dr. Terry championed me because she was the teacher who made the Step Team happen at WYWLA. She also allowed me to teach some of the step routines I learned outside of school and we performed them for the school. Doing that allowed me to be in a leadership role which is what WYWLA is all about.

Approximately how many college credits did you earn through our partnership with St. Augustine’s University?

I earned approximately 46 college credits through the partnership with St. Augustine’s University.

Why did you choose your major? What are your future plans with this major?

I’ve always been a dancer and it's something I love, so I decided to attend UNCG and get my Bachelors in Fine Arts in Performance and Choreography.

What advice would you offer to our 6th grade OWLS, 9th grade OWLS, and our senior OWLS?

To the 6th graders, I would say to just be socially aware and talk to your teachers and advocate for yourselves. Adults admire it when a student can come up to them and ask for help, clarification, or an extension. You might not always get that extension but it will help you with advocating for yourself in the future.

To the 9th graders, do your work on time and take pride in your grade point average. I can honestly say I didn’t have the best GPA after my freshman year and it forced me to work extra hard the rest of my three years in high school.

To the seniors, take in all of the experiences in college. Go out, have fun, and meet lots of new people but also put your academics at the top of your list of important things.

What do you do in your spare time?  What are you involved with now at your university and/or community?

In my spare time, I like to go to the dance studios at my campus gym and create art that I can use in the future. I am also a Peer Guide at my school, which is a student that serves as a point person for new incoming students to dialogue with regarding questions specific to their major and/or their experience within the College of Visual and Performing Arts. These students are selected to share their skills, knowledge, experience, and perspective to foster the personal growth and success of their peers. 

What colleges did you apply to/get accepted? Why did you choose your university?

I also applied and got accepted to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Surprisingly I chose my university in 8th grade because of its amazing dance program. I’ve been looking forward to attending UNCG for years and I do not regret my decision.

How did WYWLA  prepare you for college? How is college preparing you for your profession?

WYWLA prepared me for being in a college classroom and creating relationships and connections with my professors. College is preparing me to be professional with my craft. More recently, working with a diverse group of people is so valuable.

What is your impression of life at your university? Who forms part of your support system while in college?

Many professors allow me the space to go to their offices and talk about how I'm doing in class and how I can improve. They give me a sense of community that I think every young adult needs. My Coordinator for Residence Life, who is the head of the Resident Advisers in my apartment, is also a great support system for me.  She has been a great adult female who I have gone to to talk about my personal life with.

Any immediate future plans?  Short-term career plans/goals?

When the new semester starts, I’ll be choreographing a piece for my school's showcase called “Movers and Makers” and will continue to do that each semester to build my understanding of choreography. Within three months of my graduation, I want to move states so that I can be where the “action” is and hopefully eventually get signed to an agency.