I completed my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting in 2014 from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. My career is not in the arts, but has been in software tech and now healthcare. The latter suits me far better because I am much more inclined to the human experience, in both body and soul, rather than machines or technology, though I greatly appreciated my experience in technical support. It got me very accustomed to dealing with the information systems necessary in the modern world, I just never wanted to be a software expert if I could help it.
I find so much fulfillment in helping people. I worked at a mental health organization for a few months before taking classes to apply to nursing school. I recently became certified as a Phlebotomy Technician, so my experience in customer service and art is a great foundation on which I can build my phlebotomy skills because it requires the utmost care and managing of emotions in the room. I used to do some meticulous sewing where I had to get the stitches just right, and phlebotomy provides a similar fulfillment, but with far higher stakes, which motivates me to do it well because it’s very easy for me to place myself in the shoes of the patient and thinking of how I would want to be treated. I used to be very nervous around needles, I couldn’t even watch them in a movie nor on myself when I went to get blood drawn. I have no issues now, and I’m willing to let students try venipuncture or capillary stick on me for practice.
My ultimate goal in life is to learn, grow, and be creative, while also loving, giving back, and being part of something larger than myself while still maintaining independence and autonomy. While also making enough money to survive in this world. That always seemed to be the problem with the arts, I never saw a steady income, but I also ran from the idea of making a steady income in art. I just could never visualize it occurring in a way that would preserve my passion for it. But is it passion? It’s maybe just something I need to do. But I also like to be around people all day, not shut up by myself in a studio just making art. There’s got to be a balance. I can be a busy body, I am happy when kept busy. But everyone can burn out, like I did in my tech support job after only a few years, despite decent paid time off. Maybe balance is possible, it just requires plenty of effort and creativity.
I can be reached at rebeccacannart@gmail.com
