Graduation is the opening of a new chapter in the lives of many individuals. However, it can be a terrifying feat, especially in the competitive job market.
One graduating senior who was able to find a job in her field of study is Emily Kochanski, a recent Saint Leo graduate, who obtained a bachelor’s degree in English with a specialization in Theatre. Kochanski is currently working full time for the Pasco News Publications, which is a news organization that covers local events and stories in the Dade City, San Antonio and Zephyrhills areas.
She was working for the organization during her last semester and into the summer, and she was hired full-time. She started to look for jobs before graduation, and she advised freshman students to do the same.
“Some helpful advice for freshman would be this: don’t wait until after graduating to hunt for a job. I landed the job that I’m currently working while I was still in school and it was a big load off of my mind to have it waiting for me when I left,” said Kochanski.
She also gave advice for seniors as well and focused on the importance of maintaining a balance during their final year.
“Don’t freak out! Your senior year will not be as tough as you think it is. Yes, buckle down and study hard, but don’t forget to enjoy it,” said Kochanski. “Be sure to live all of those college experiences before you walk out those doors and keep making new memories will all of your friends, especially the ones you may not see again anytime soon.”
Her advice for seniors is connected to the what she experienced during her senior year. Kochanski was a commuter, and during her senior year she juggled her campus news editor position at The Lions’ Pride newspaper, her internship at the Pasco County Publications and her school responsibilities, all while trying to maintain a social life.
“I wish that I had spent more time with friends while in school. Even though I still live pretty close to the campus, it’s so hard to get back to visit those I left behind while juggling work and other obligations.”
Although she was busy with many responsibilities, especially during her last year, she is grateful for what she was able to do and to learn. She commented on how she evolved during her time at working at the newspaper.
“My time as an editor on The Lions’ Pride Newspaper really helped to better my writing and overall journalism skills. I don’t think I’d have the job I do today without that experience.”
During her tenure at Saint Leo University, Kochanski also performed in numerous theatrical performances on campus. She still acts and has performed in numerous plays since graduation.
“I was in a production of “Annie” right after graduation and went directly into “Calendar Girls” right after,” said Kochanski. “I am also planning to audition for the upcoming national tour of “Hamilton” as well.”
She also rates ‘Calendar Girls’ as her most interesting experience since graduation because of a revealing part of the play.
“I’d say the most interesting experience has been my current role in a Tampa production of the play ‘Calendar Girls.’ I have to perform naked in a room full of complete strangers,” said Kochanski.
She mentions that her experiences at Saint Leo prepared her for the theater industry.
“My time performing plays in the Black Box Theatre, as well as all of my theatre classes with Dr. Corts, really helped to broaden my talent and teach me things that I didn’t even know about myself. The Saint Leo theatre helped me grow emotionally and gave me a new found confidence that I implement into the performances that I do today,” she said.
Her acting performances at Saint Leo and in Tampa are helping her further her acting career, which she desires to do full time in the future. However, an acting career wasn’t her original plan when she graduated from high school. In fact, before she came to Saint Leo University to major in English, she studied nursing at Pasco Hernando State College. She chose nursing as a profession because of financial security; however, she decided to change paths when she realized it wasn’t her passion.
“I realized about halfway through the nursing program that it wasn’t truly what I wanted to do. I began considering the medical profession in high school because I thought working in that field would give me all the financial security that I would ever need,” said Kochanski. “But well into my studies, I realized that while a nursing career would bring me financial stability, it wouldn’t bring me happiness. It just wasn’t what I wanted to do.”
Therefore, instead of nursing, she wanted to pursue an acting career; however, when she told her parents, they were surprised.
“My parents almost fainted when I told them I was giving it up for acting. Theatre was the thing I’d loved since I was a little girl. When I realized that that love wasn’t going away, I just knew that it’s what I had to do with my life,” she added.
Kochanski, (far right), played various roles in “Annie.” She played Perkins in “FDR’s Cabinet”, as shown in the cabinet scene, and she played Sophie in the Hooverville number.
Kochanski provided advice for students considering switching majors like she did. She also suggests how students can follow their passion but also have some security after graduation.
“For those thinking of changing their major, I’d say take the risk. If you have second-guessed the major you’ve initially chosen even for a moment, then it’s probably not the one for you. You have to do what you love and what you’re passionate about,” said Kochanski. “But it’s always okay and smart, to have a safety net. Consider double majoring or taking on a minor in another career you’d enjoy to keep yourself afloat while pursuing your dream job. Journalism is my safety net. Acting is my first love and ultimate goal, but journalism is another job that I greatly enjoy and will help pay the bills while I attempt to get my big break.”
Although Kochanski’s ultimate career goal is acting, she is not sure exactly where she would go to advance her career.
“My future career goals are constantly changing as I learn of new opportunities in new places. I originally intended to move to Georgia, where the film industry is currently booming, and get a job working for a magazine or newspaper while trying to break into acting. But lately, I’ve been contemplating beginning with stage theater in New York and pursuing a job with Entertainment Weekly magazine.”
In order for Kochanski to advance her acting career, she mentions that she has to take a leap and venture out to different states. She lived in Florida her entire life and was raised in Dade City since the age of three, and she regrets not venturing out more to other states.
“I also wish that I’d taken a trip after graduation. I want to move out of Florida so badly and it often gets a little overwhelming and scary just thinking about how to make that kind of leap. I think a trip to New York or California, or some other dream location, would have allowed me to have a little fun and relaxation while also looking into job prospects that would aid in the process of leaving home,” said Kochanski.
Kochanski was able to land a role as Cora in “Calendar Girls” as indicated in the casting announcement.
Kochanski’s acting career has been influenced by her previous experiences. She mentioned working as a reporter helped her develop valuable skills and how she appreciates what she learned and what is currently being exposed to.
“I’ll say this though, working as a reporter has really made an impact in my theatre world as well. Not only has it improved my writing and interpersonal skills, but it has introduced me to many interesting contacts and situations that have brought me to work in theatre. You never know just who you will meet when you get to write a story. You never know who or what has been living in your town right under your nose, practically waiting for you to find it,” said Kochanski.
No matter how big her dreams are, Kochanski is grateful for her experiences and how these experiences have made her who she is and helped to enhance her skills for what she is doing now and what she is planning to do with her future.
