Alumna of the Month - October 2022: Jenna Dooling '14
When did you start at Viz?
I started at Viz in the seventh grade. I feel very fortunate that my parents let me choose where I wanted to go to high school. We went to a few different high school nights, but Viz always stood out amongst the rest. I was drawn to Viz’s small class sizes and performing arts opportunities. My parents came to love Viz so much that my mom now works there!
Where did you go to college after Viz, and why did you choose that school?
I went to Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, and graduated in 2018 with a BFA in Theatre Performance and a Minor in Music Business. Belmont's theatre department allowed me to focus on training as an actor while also giving me the space to intern in the entertainment industry in Nashville and spend a semester in Los Angeles. I chose Belmont because of its vast networking opportunities as well as its Christian values which reminded me of Viz.
What is one of your favorite Viz traditions or experiences, and why?
I always really enjoyed the Christmas and Spring concerts. I also loved Field Day. I know you asked for one but Viz has some really fun events!
This month's virtue is Sincerity. Can you reflect on what you learned about this virtue at Viz and how that impacts how you embody this virtue in your daily life as an adult?
The second I walked into Viz, I realized that it was full of honest, genuine, and sincere women. I've found that by being vulnerable and honest to who I am, I can inspire others to do the same and attract other sincere friends. Viz gave me the foundation I needed to realize that I would rather stay true to who I am than blend into a crowd, something that's helped me not only in my personal life but my professional life as well.
Are there any significant skills that you learned that you can attribute to your time at Viz?
There are truly too many to list. Time management, how to work effectively in small groups, and communication come to mind off the bat. Viz really instilled a confidence in me that I feel a lot of girls struggle to find in their high school years.
What is something you are most proud of?
I was incredibly honored to be asked to be Alumna of the Month, that's for sure! I would say I'm really proud of the work that I do on America's Got Talent. Even being on our show can change the course of someone's career, and it's very rewarding to play even a small part in that.
What is something you hope to accomplish in the future?
Professionally, I'd love to open my own production company someday. In the meantime, I want to continue showcasing meaningful, personal stories on television in a world where there is a lot of fluff and filler. Personally, this year I want to volunteer more. I'd also love to get a dog.
If you could share one piece of advice with Viz students, what would it be?
As St. Francis de Sales said, "Be who you are and be that well." And while I didn't say that, I certainly try to live like it. Confidence goes a long way!
Visitation Academy is an independent, private Catholic school offering a coeducational Montessori preschool and Kindergarten program, the area's only all-girl elementary program for Grades 1-5, and an all-girl middle school and all-girl high school.
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