Name: Sean Sova
Class Year: 2022
Title: Performing Arts Teacher
Organization: Cheverus High School
1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?
As the Performing Arts Teacher I instruct students in classes such as Theater and Public Speaking, and I direct the shows after school, including an annual musical and one-act play.
2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?
When I was applying to JVC, Cheverus was one of my potential placements, but I ended up being placed down in Nashville. I had always thought of a career in education, but working in that field during my JV year really solidified that this was the career path I wanted to go down. As my year of service was ending, I knew I wanted to go back to New England and I saw that Cheverus was hiring for their Admissions department. I had done a lot of work in Admissions at Holy Cross, so I ended up applying and getting the job. Within my first year working there, I was asked to take over the afterschool Drama program, which I happily accepted. As a Theater major, I always thought about a career in the arts, but never thought about combining arts and education until this opportunity was presented to me. Eventually, I made the choice to leave my position in Admissions, but thankfully I was able to stay on part-time and still direct after school, which I did for two years, while working during the school day as an Ed Tech at a local elementary school. Starting this fall, I will be back full time at Cheverus as their Performing Arts teacher, as they are offering theater classes for the first time!
3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?
At Holy Cross I was involved with Gateways Orientation, Admissions (Tour Guide and Senior Admissions Fellow), Department of Theatre, Alternate College Theatre, and Spring Break Immersion Program.
4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?
I double majored in Theatre and Architectural Studies. I knew post-grad that I wanted to do a year with JVC and then after that I thought I would go into a career in arts administration. My JV year inspired me and showed me that a career in education is where I could thrive, and I am so grateful to have a career now where I can use both my interests in the arts and education, where I can inspire new students and help them unlock self-discovery through the lens of theater.
5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?
When applying to Holy Cross, cura personalis really stood out to me. I wanted to go to a school where people would know me as me, not just as a number. Throughout my time there, I am so grateful for all the connections I made and to the faculty and staff members that got to know me. Working as an educator at a Jesuit school myself now, I try to bring cura personalis into everything I do as well. Not only do I want to teach my students, but I want to inspire them and be a person they can come to for all things.
6. What advice do you have for students on campus today?
It is totally okay to have multiple interests and not know what you want to do! When I entered Holy Cross, I thought I was going to be a math major and I did not plan on doing any theater. I thought I had a plan, but instead I decided to take classes that sparked my interest, rather than leading necessarily towards a career goal. It can be so scary to feel like you’re the only person without a plan, but more people are in that boat than you even recognize. A Holy Cross degree and the connections that you make are truly a stepping stone to help unlock more doors in your future, even if they may not be the doors you expected to open. If you told 18 year me that I would be doing these things now, I would never believe it, but my time at Holy Cross helped lay the foundation for it all.