Heart Set on Art: Meet Student Sophia Vukovich
Originally from Vienna, Austria, Sophia Vukovich is an Art History major at JCU. Her passion for art brought her from Vienna to Florence and Rome.
Tell us about your background.
I consider myself very lucky to have grown up in Vienna. Before moving to Italy, I had never lived anywhere else and, therefore, I was not exposed to many other cultures. Although I appreciate Vienna’s beauty and perks, I wished to move abroad after graduating from high school to broaden my cultural horizon. Growing up in Vienna was a privilege for me because I was exposed to art in its original context early on, permitting me to experience Central European culture firsthand.
What made you decide to come to JCU to study art history?
Honestly, JCU was not my immediate choice. I started out studying law in Austria, where my dissatisfaction quickly led me to quit. Before moving to Rome, I found myself in Florence taking a short course, where one of my professors informed me about the American universities in Rome. It was my utter wish to stay in Italy after my short course, so I applied to JCU and another university in Rome. After I visited JCU, I was hooked and never looked back; its positive environment, resources, and close-knit student community made the decision easy for me.
How has studying at JCU expanded your view of art history?
My father is an art historian and artist, therefore I had already been somewhat involved in the field. Never would I have imagined, however, that I was about to embark on an intellectual journey this complex, rich, and elaborate. I was curious about the academic offerings that the University would provide, and I can confidently say that JCU exceeded my expectations. The Art History program is, in my opinion, the strongest one at the University with excellent professors who offer a great variety of courses. The exposure to Roman art combined with incredible resources, lecturers, and a strong sense of community within the Art History department leads to a truly complete experience.
What is a class and/or professor that has had an impact on you and why?
Professor Sarah Linford teaches modern and contemporary art, and I have taken a course with her every semester. My appreciation and awe for Professor Linford is shared by most of the art history student body. She is an empathetic, intellectual “turbo machine,” balancing students’ needs and questions while delivering an excellent course experience. Both professor and mentor, Linford is one of the most knowledgeable and kind people I have ever met.
I would like to also mention the outstanding art history professors Inge Hansen and Nicole C. Paxton. They enrich the department with their efforts, expertise, and care for the students.
What are your plans for the future?
A question we all fear. In all honesty, I am very excited about the future and what it holds, though I cannot give a definitive answer as to what my plan is. My path has been accompanied by uncertainties and lots of changes over the years. For this reason, I would like to embrace that I simply do not know where the route will take me. I am willing to work hard and cover my fields of interest as broadly as possible over the next two years. After that, I see myself either pursuing graduate school, starting to work, traveling the world, or all the above, I will be carried by the wave as we say in German.
What would you say to a prospective student considering studying art history at JCU?
If you wish to live a life as you see it in the movies, something you have dreamed of, do it. Rome and JCU are unusual places, for sure, but if you are looking to be surrounded by like-minded dreamers who seek to break out of their shells and find their true selves, then you will be in the right place I may be biased from a spoiled art history point of view, but I can say that both the city and the school are places of positivity, warmth, and beauty. Come see for yourself!
