Kathryn “Katie” Staples went to see the movie “Toy Story” when she was a youngster living in Franklin. That’s when she knew she wanted to work on animated features in some capacity.
“East Tennessee State University is the only school where I applied because of the outstanding digital media program,” Staples says. “After visiting the campus, I knew ETSU was where I wanted to be. The scenery is gorgeous and everyone you meet is welcoming and friendly. The size of my major department was a big draw, as well. It is small enough that I know my fellow students and professors very well.”
As for her career plans, Staples says, “I love everything Disney, and that led me in the direction of animation. After my first year at ETSU, I went to Orlando for a semester to the Disney College Program to explore the field a little further.”
During her time in Orlando, Staples had the “the most fun job of my life.” She was a pirate in the Pirate’s League. “I had to dress like a pirate, talk like a pirate and act like a pirate,” she notes. “Spending eight hours a day painting the faces of guests so they could be pirates, too, may not sound exciting, but it was.”
When Staples returned to ETSU, she continued her studies with a clearer focus on where she wants to go in the future. “I hope to return to work for the Walt Disney Company or Pixar after graduation,” she said, “perhaps starting with one of their internships.”
Staples has sometimes become so involved in her digital media projects that she has stayed in the lab until 4 a.m., but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have time for other activities. She is a member of the Buctainment board and is in charge of weekend events. She says, “Our mission is to give students fun entertainment throughout the semester so they have a chance to meet other students and have a more enjoyable college experience.”
Staples has big plans to follow up the fall semester’s fun-filled weekends with even better events in the spring. She says, “We will have another Bucstock in April, with a dozen or so local bands and local vendors. We have tried paintball, and that may return. Also, we are working on a film festival with student-produced entries.”
Staples hopes all students will participate in the many events she is helping to plan. And no one should say “no” to a pirate.
Orginal story can be found here.