Mark Cole, visiting ceramics artist, introduced himself to a studio filled with students using a narrative approach. Born on July 4 in Detroit, Cole, the youngest of three boys, realized his passion for fishing and art at a young age. “Nature has been something that has fascinated me for years,” Cole said.

Stacey Lannert, ex-convict, said she does not want people to feel sorry for her. Lannert gave an inspirational speech at IU Southeast on March 6 informing students of the sexual abuse she experienced during her childhood, which led her to shooting and killing her father. Lannert said one in four women is a victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse.

Peruvian musician Diego Val, who is on a week-long college tour in March, made his first stop at IU Southeast on March 1. Diego is a full-time musician and picked up his first guitar at the age of 14. “My grandmother bought me my first guitar, and I still have it,” Val said.

Andrew Smith, English freshman, has an interest in Japanese culture and fashion. With an ethnicity of half-black and half-Korean, Smith’s obsession with Japanese culture began at a young age. Smith said the Internet exposed him to media, which he should not have been exposed to, at a young age.