STUDENT INTERVIEWS WITH THE CLASS OF 2021
The Burbank Arts & Education Foundation is proud to highlight students in the CLASS OF 2021 who have been part of the robust STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) programs in the Burbank Unified School District classrooms. We hope you enjoy reading about their experiences and getting to know them as we celebrate an important milestone in their lives: high school graduation.
Today, we present to you Jillian Flynn, who attends John Burroughs High School and participates in their Choir program. Jillian plans to attend UC Berkeley in the fall, where she will be in the Arts and Humanities division of their College of Letters and Sciences with a possible major through the HAAS School of Business.
“There have been so many moments in my life where I have been too afraid to try something and I’m filled with regret that I didn’t at least give it a shot. Consequently, I preach the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring every opportunity presented to you.”
My name is Jillian Flynn, I am 18 years old and I currently attend John Burroughs High School.
Which artistic medium(s) do you most like to use to express yourself?
I have been involved in Burbank‘s wonderful choral programs beginning at Luther Burbank Middle School and continued through John Burroughs High School. I have been singing and dancing ever since I was a toddler and the performing arts never fail to create a safe place for me to artistically express myself!
Describe your first experience with the arts while in the Burbank Unified Schools?
My first experience with the arts was the Edison Elementary “Variety Show” in fifth grade. I performed a medley of songs with my friends and sang the hit song from the time, Can’t Hold Us by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. I was comfortable with performing for a couch full of adoring family members, but this was my first experience singing in front of a live audience and I remember feeling so nervous. I discovered that nothing could compare to the joy and excitement I felt while singing on stage.
What art experience in the schools are you most proud of and how did it impact you?
After participating in the John Burroughs High School advanced show choirs, Powerhouse and Sound Sensations, for the past four years, one experience that I am most proud of is having the honor of leading the Vocal Music Association as this school year's VMA President.
This year has been extremely challenging on many levels, so I have made it my number one goal to support every individual in the VMA and provide a sense of comfort as we navigate our way through this new performing and learning environment. Inclusivity has become my foremost intention for the program and I aspire to motivate my team members so they know that they always have someone in their corner.
What advice do you have for younger students?
If I could give advice to a younger student, I would always encourage them to never let fear suppress their goals and to reach out to other people. When it comes to meeting new friends, having a good relationship with a teacher or staff member, or even joining a random dance party in the middle of the quad for no particular reason, I always say, “What is there to lose?!”
There have been so many moments in my life where I have been too afraid to try something and I’m filled with regret that I didn’t at least give it a shot. Consequently, I preach the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring every opportunity presented to you.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned during the pivotal, history-making pandemic?
I’ve learned how crucial it is to be there for one another. Although we have all been isolated for such a long time, there are always resources and special ways to connect with the people that we cherish most in our lives.
The pandemic took an overwhelming toll on my mental health and I realize that there are so many of us that are facing the same tribulations. Although I haven’t been at school in person for most of my Senior year, I have found so many ways to keep in touch with my friends and family who have felt disconnected and uninspired due to Covid-19.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Do you expect the arts and/or sciences to continue to play a role in your life and if so, how?
In 10 years, I see myself beginning to grow my family and having a successful career that enables me to work in the music industry. I would love to be a part of the voiceover/session singing world, along with participating in a cappella groups in the future. I will continue to utilize the skills that I have acquired during my years in the BUSD schools and embrace new opportunities in the evolving music industry.
Performance Links:
https://youtu.be/_kjjTPRPb4A
https://youtu.be/PAk8XYJWVfo
https://youtu.be/aVvjFTNWcYI
https://fb.watch/47--QC6Yy4/
https://youtu.be/o4AVaX8qa00
JOIN US to celebrate the REMARKABLE, RESILIENT, and REVOLUTIONARY Class of 2021. Donate today to support their legacy for future students.