Student Spotlights
Fagaye Seck—Senior
Why did you choose this major?
I chose to major in Digital Media Studies (DMST) because it perfectly bridged my two passions: technology and art. Initially, I planned to pursue computer science, but my background in the arts made me hesitant to let go of taking art courses so abruptly. When I discovered DMST, it felt like the ideal solution: a program that allowed me to explore coding and technology while continuing to study film, photography, and digital art.
What sealed the deal was the flexibility to tailor my path. I could take computer science courses (eventually leading to a CS minor) while also immersing myself in visual storytelling and creative design. DMST didn’t force me to choose between logic and creativity; instead, it showed me how they could complement each other. For me, this major isn’t just a compromise, it was the best of both worlds.
What’s your capstone project?
My capstone project is expanding and improving the community partner site of ResistanceMapping.com. My group has spent the last two semesters conducting user testing exploring the already existing site as well as planning how we’d upgrade the site to meet the needs of the Resistance Mapping team.
Why is community engagement important to you?
Community engagement is important to me because I believe our humanity is rooted in how we connect with others. In college-centered engagement, I’ve observed that students often enter neighborhoods as temporary residents; taking from the community without recognizing the value of building relationships with those who call it home long-term. This dynamic can foster disconnect or even hostility, obscuring the beauty and richness of our spaces for just a few years.
To me, meaningful engagement is the remedy. By actively listening, collaborating, and sharing our diverse backgrounds and stories, we can co-create futures that are not only equitable but also vibrant; built on mutual respect and collective effort.
What is your proudest accomplishment while at the UofR?
Not one individual thing but I think creating several things with new mediums or mediums that I was not the most confident in. I was proud of producing a majority watercolor piece after not using the medium in a while. I was also really proud of
What do you like to do when not in school?
I like to explore. I’m from New York city where often our only option for hanging out or fun is going out to eat, but I like figuring out new things to do that can involve trying new food spots but hopefully more than that. I also love creating!
A Rochester must?
International Food Market or the Farmers Market… I love them they’re amazing and have great prices, there’s halal meat at the IFM, and the farmers market has the widest coolest range of produce/fruit. They both make for a fun weekend trip.
Feast/meal of the times? Details, please!
uhmmmm… the times maybe not but I am obsessed with thiou ginar which is a Senegalese chicken tomato stew with veggies like sweet potatoes and potatoes. I love it. I'd even eat it for important events if I had to. But something maybe more mainstream is boba sooo many options and it's the perfect pick me up. Boba is also a great way to catch up and have a casual hang with friends at any time of the day.
An inspiring book/movie/show? We are really curious as to why!
It’s hard to pick just one, but two standouts for me are Crazy Rich Asians and Nevertheless.
Crazy Rich Asians captivated me with its breathtaking cinematography. Every frame felt like a work of art. Nick’s family estate, the opulent wedding at the end, and the sheer grandeur of it all left me in awe. Beyond the visuals, the movie made me dream big, as if even achieving a fraction of that beauty and success would be worth striving for.
On the other hand, Nevertheless resonated with me deeply because of how it portrayed Nabi and her friends’ relationships with their art. The show beautifully captures the different ways artists connect with their craft: the passion, the struggles, and the self-discovery that comes with pursuing creativity. As a college student, seeing the challenges and joys of balancing art and life felt incredibly relatable. Both the Korean original and the Japanese remake have such a dreamy, romanticized aesthetic that makes the artist’s life feel magical yet authentic.
Fun fact or quote
“If you see beauty in something, don’t wait for others to agree” - Sherihan Gamal
Ask me about…
Ask me about fashion. fashion history, clothing stores, where to get secondhand clothing online, and how to find a specific fashion item or its name.