My name is Yasmin Plascencia, and I am a recent graduate with a Bachelor's of Applied Arts in Media Arts, focusing on Audio Production.
I truly believe it was fate that led me to this path, something I stumbled upon without even knowing it was an option. When I first arrived at Wichita State, I was undecided about my major. In high school, I had worked hard to prepare for a career in the medical field through my school's BioMed program. However, as my senior year progressed and college approached, I realized the medical field wasn’t where my heart lay.
While I have always wanted to help people, becoming a doctor or nurse just didn't resonate with me. My true passion has always been music; I've taken refuge in it since I was a little girl. Looking back, I recognize that deep down, I always dreamed of being a singer or some kind of artist. Yet, I never voiced that ambition when people asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" It remained a secret dream, quietly enduring over the years.
Upon acceptance into Wichita State, I sought the guidance of my first-year advisor regarding the music-related majors and courses WSU offered. Until then, my knowledge was limited to music education and performance. After discussing my interests with her, she encouraged me to explore media arts. That’s when I discovered Audio Production. By the second semester of my freshman year, I had officially declared my major in Media Arts with an emphasis on Audio Production.
Now that I've graduated, I'm eagerly looking forward to spending quality time with family and friends before I move later this fall. I’m also excited to finally work on my own music.
For the next four months, I will be in Wichita, working through the school and freelancing. I’ve been accepted into Abbey Road Institute's Advanced Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering program, a one-year intensive course in London that begins in late September.
While I am understandably nervous about moving to a different country, excitement definitely outweighs those nerves! Having studied abroad in a country with a completely different language, the transition to the UK feels much more manageable since I will at least know the language. Plus, I have friends currently living in the UK, and the prospect of reconnecting with them fills me with joy.
I can’t wait to explore the museums and music theaters in London, as well as the beautiful UK countryside. I have a few definite must-sees on my list, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and, of course, the iconic Abbey Road crossing.
I had been exploring internships and graduate programs outside of Kansas and the US, with Abbey Road Institute topping my list. After speaking with the program representatives and learning about the experiences of other students, I felt confident that Abbey Road was the perfect place to enhance my current skills while pushing the boundaries of my knowledge. The historical and cultural significance of Abbey Road and London in the music industry made me set my sights high. I initially wondered if my application would even be reviewed, but I’ve always lived by the motto, "Why not?" It’s essential to take risks, as you only miss the opportunities you don’t pursue.
My advice to students considering my major is to embrace every opportunity that comes your way, and perhaps most importantly, get involved! WSU has an incredible faculty, staff, and community. Join AES and work in the studios. Assist with sessions whenever you can. I truly believe that my active involvement and eagerness to learn have been the biggest contributors to my current success in the field.
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