Sabina's Spotlight

Interview done by J. Tiffany Robinson, VP of Publicity of AWC

At the age of 21, Sabina Ontiveros is getting her sweet taste of success. As a senior at Florida International University, she has already set herself apart from the rest and has claimed her spot on the top of the creativity ladder. Sabina is a college senior majoring in Advertising and will be graduating with a minor in English. Recently, Sabina has been awarded an award for her efforts creating discussions about Professor Berman's book, Street-smart Advertising. She has also made it to the semi-finalist round for the Hallmark intership opportunity. As we delve into the mind of Sabina Ontiveros, we learn that she is far from the average college student --- she has an extraordinary force of creative energy. We congratulate her and wish her the best of luck!

J: Heritage/ Nationality?

Sabina: I'm an American of Mexican descent

J: How does it feel to have so much honors given to you all at once?

Sabina: To be honest, it's really overwhelming. It's a lot of emotions at once! I couldn't believe that I won the Creativity Scholarship, and the fact that I'm a semifinalist for the Hallmark summer internship is very surreal. I feel very fortunate to have such honors bestowed upon me. I am very thankful. It's really exciting!

J: In what ways are these two awards similar and/ or different?

Sabina: Both of these awards called for creativity and a passion for writing. They were similiar in the fact that I had to showcase my talents and my creativity, as well as my love of writing. However, they were different in that the Hallmark application called for more critical and analytical thinking while the Creativity Scholarship was more open to whatever the applicant wanted to put down.

J: How important is creativity to you?

Sabina: It's deeply important to me. Creativity is what fuels my life. It is integral. There isn't a day that goes by where I am not inspired or get a new idea. If there was no creativity in the world, it would be nothing short of a wasteland. I would not be able to thrive if creativity was nonexistent. I don't think anyone could.

J: How did you go by generating sales for Professor Berman's book?

Sabina: To be honest, I had heard about Professor Berman's book last year but I wasn't aware of what it completely entailed until I took her class this Spring 2008 semester. I do highly recommend it to anyone that is interested in media or in the advertising field.

J: What is your favorite college course at the moment (Spring 2008)?

Sabina: That's a tough question! I have to say that I'm really enjoying all of my courses, most especially Electronic Art and Advanced Print Concepts and Radio and TV Concepts. These courses stimulate my creativity, and one thing that I love is learning new things. I have learned a lot in Professor Berman's class, and I'm grateful for it. Electronic Art is a great class because I'm able to improve my skills in Photoshop as well as experiment with different art styles and make new ones. I'm having a great semester this year.

J: Do you have any heroes and major influences?

Sabina:I admire strong women and people who are extremely creative. Definitely Lucy Lawless of Xena: Warrior Princess and the creators behind the video game Final Fantasy IV. I also admire Gwen Stefani because she's a great singer, fashion designer, and was absolutely amazing in No Doubt. I have her and the band to thank for my musical influences.

J: What's next for you?

Sabina: Definitely graduating from FIU and getting a job in a creative field. I'd also really love to get started on some personal projects, including an online comic and writing fiction novels. There's also a bunch of new video games coming out that I'd love to play in my free time!

J: What are your future career goals?

Sabina: I'd love to work at a company that ultilizes my imagination and creativity, as well as write fantasy novels and work on my art

J: Any words of advice for individuals who are struggling with their creativity?

Sabina: Don't try to force yourself! It's easier to let creativity come to you rather than search for it. For me, music is a big factor in aiding my creativity. I'd also suggest reading fiction and nonfiction books, sampling different kinds of music, and meeting new people. Get out and experience new things. Travel. You'll be amazed at how quickly you can be inspired when you surround yourself with new experiences!

J: Any favorite Quote/ Words you live by?

Sabina: I'll answer both! A quote by Tad Danielewski: "Communication is not just words; communication is architecture. Because of course it is quite obvious that a house which would be built without the sense, without that desire for communication, would not look the way your house looks today." The words that I live by are: "Monotony is a monstrosity."

J: Something weird about you people may not know?
Sabina: I once dressed up as a wizard for Halloween when I was 8. I had a beard, a crystal ball and robes. I'm also obsessed with chocolate milk and European metal.

J: Let's play a bit of WORD ASSOCIATION...life?

Sabina: Experience

J: scholarship?

Sabina: Amazing

J: opportunity?
Sabina: Boundless

J: Sabina?
Sabina: Unique