Q&A — Theatre grad helps college hopefuls

link Eric Norwood Jr.: Portales News-Tribune

Briana Pilon instructs her theatre students Wednesday at Eastern New Mexico University.

PNT Staff Writer

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Briana Pilon, 23, is an Upward Bound instructor at Eastern New Mexico University. Upward Bound is a program designed to help underprivileged students enroll and graduate from college. It is a federally funded program that has been at ENMU since 1966.

Pilon is a Los Alamos native and graduated from ENMU in May 2012 with a degree in theatrical design.

What goals do you have for your career?

To become a lighting or sound designer for a theatrical theatre company.

What is your job at Upward Bound?

Theatre instructor.

Who inspires you?

Ben Burtt, the sound designer for Pixar. He also worked on the Star Wars and Indiana Jones films. His techniques of working with sound and manipulating it are revolutionary.

What is the best part about working for Upward Bound?

Spreading my passion for theatre and seeing these students learn to love it like I did.

Where is your dream vacation spot?

Camping in the mountains on a cool fall day.

What is your favorite summer activity?

Bike riding.

How many slices of pizza can you eat in one sitting?

Two.

What is your favorite college memory?

The day I graduated and got my degree. All my hard work had finally paid off.