Name: Bethmari Márquez Barreto
Major: Performing Arts
Hometown: Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
Graduation date: Spring 2021
What are you involved with here at ISU and beyond?
I have been involved with the APEX scholarship, the Puerto Rican Cultural Association, Iowa State Insect Zoo, Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc., among others organizations. As of now, I am heavily involved with ISU Theatre as assistant director and actor.
What pieces are you working on right now?
First off, I directing for the Ten Minute Play Festival that will happen during finals week. In addition, I am participating as an actor and assistant director in Anon(ymous). Last but not least, I will assistant direct a student produced show called the “Food Monologues” next semester. This is all without counting my side projects and investigations I am organizing for future presentations that will occur next semester.
What is your favorite thing about your experiences at Iowa State?
This university gives you room to fall and fail, and stand up on your feet back again. College is not easy, but the resources, the support system and the guidance I have received have made such a huge difference and impact in my life. Another thing about my experiences here has been the opportunity to have my ideas heard and addressed in order to help make them real. Last but not least, the connections and friendships that I have built among this journey have helped me find not only a support system, but also a great networking field where we support each other’s work and keep an eye out for any opportunity we can have and share as a whole.
Why did you chose the Dept. of Music and Theatre at ISU?
I chose this department because it gave me a warmth feeling ever since I walked through their doors. I didn’t even know half of the people that were involved in this department and when I stepped in this whole new world; people were just genuinely nice and willing to help. At the beginning, it felt to unreal to have all of these people actually care for you because I have never experienced this with any other department before, but once you know it is real, this department becomes your home away from home.
What are your interests beyond music and theatre?
My many interests beyond music and theatre include my education and love for entomology (the study of bugs), the culinary arts, the knowledge of different languages and cultures, and being an advocate for social, economic, and political injustices and inequalities.
What are your plans after graduation?
Hypothetically, I want to pursue an MFA on the east coast of the nation and a PhD on the west coast. However, I have no clue what will actually happen after graduation nor do I have a plan set in stone, but what I do know is I want to keep working in this field and keep making the change we need to see so wherever I will end up, I know I will be working the extra mile (or trying to!).
Any words of wisdom for prospective students?
College life is a rollercoaster of emotions. It is an amazing experience, full of life and color but the reality is that besides being a great time, it is also extremely hard. There will be some times where everything is going okay, but then there will be some times where you feel like you do not belong where you are. Your feelings are completely valid, and it is completely okay if you do not know what to do, nor what you want. It is also okay if you are stumbling and having a hard time figuring out how to manage the college life. However, what it is not okay is to drown in your own cup of water: be willing to ask for help or willing to receive help when needed. You are not alone, and the experiences you will live throughout these couple of years are shared by the majority of the students that surround you. Yes it is extremely hard, but it isn’t impossible, and this family will always be there for the good times and the not so good ones.