Alumni Spotlight - Chelsea Thompson, Class of 2013

Chelsea Thompson Alumni Spotlight 1When did you attend Lamphere? What year did you graduate? What schools did you attend?
Simonds Elementary School, John Page Middle School, Lamphere High School. I graduated in 2013. 

Where do you live now? (City, State): Toledo, OH





Chelsea Thompson Alumni Spotlight 2Tell us about what you've been doing since graduation:
I am currently in my final semester at the University of Toledo and will graduate this May with my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in New Media Design Practices and a minor in Art History. I played soccer for UT during 2013-14 until I left the team to pursue my BFA (scheduling conflicts did not me to play soccer and do this degree program) and was accepted into the program in Spring 2015. From 
April 10–May 3 my work will be featured in the 2017 BFA Thesis Exhibition at the Center for the Visual Arts along with the work of the other graduating BFA students.




Chelsea Thompson Alumni Spotlight 3In February 2016 I began working as an intern in the Graphic Design Department at the Toledo Museum of Art, which lasted through July 2016. In August I was hired as the Graphic Design Assistant and am currently working in this position as I finish my degree. Working at the TMA has given me excellent experience both graphic design and museum work. I have been able to create various materials such as billboards, web banners, brochures, posters, gallery materials, logos, and Snapchat geofilters to name a few. I am currently working on my first design for an upcoming exhibition at the TMA. It has been very valuable learning the inner workings of a world-class museum like the TMA and the experience is something that will help me wherever the future takes me. I also do a bit of free-lance graphic design work on the side when time allows.

Chelsea Thompson Alumni Spotlight 4I have also been lucky have had my art displayed on billboards in Toledo for the University of Toledo Digital Billboard Exhibition in 2016 and 2017, and this past year I designed the winning holiday card design for UT's President Saber's Holiday Card Competition.







Chelsea Thompson Alumni Spotlight 5Tell us about your family and/or hobbies:
My parents are Todd and Debby Thompson, and my mom works at Lamphere's Learning Ladder program. My brother is Bill Davis whom attended Simonds, Page, and Lamphere as well (he graduated in 2003). In my spare time I enjoy traveling, particularly to northern Michigan, and spending time with my boyfriend, friends, and family. Once I graduate from UT I hope to have more opportunities to travel around the U.S. and would love to visit the national parks.




How did your years at Lamphere affect your life?
My time at Lamphere provided me with my best friends for which I will always be thankful. I have utmost respect for the teachers I had at Lamphere as they helped to teach me the importance hard work, dedication, and determination. I of course have to thank my art teachers Mrs. Gower and Mrs. Lohmeier for all they taught me, for showing me the importance of the arts in education, and encouraging my creativity.

Chelsea Thompson Alumni Spotlight 6If you had a message for current Lamphere students what would it be?
Put your studies first. If you can earn a scholarship which will pay for a large portion of your tuition it will take a huge burden off of your shoulders. AP classes are also an excellent choice. If you can earn college credits while you are still in high school it can help set you ahead in your degree program. Also, if you don't know what you want to do straight out of high school that's perfectly okay! I went into my freshman year of college set on becoming a physical therapist and quickly realized that wasn't the right choice for me as I didn't enjoy it at all. Work toward a degree that will give you a job you really enjoy, not what you think others expect you to do or what will earn you the most money. This will make a big difference as you can wake up each day excited about what you get to do.