By The Keystone Newspaper By Melissa Stockmal
KU sophomore Cameron Peterson transferred to KU in Spring 2024. He is an Animated Arts major and a Cinema, Television, and Media Production minor, and is working towards his dream job at Pixar Animation Studios.
Photo Credit: Melissa Stockmal
He also has his own website.
When asked what advice he would give to new students, he said that involvement is key: “Join clubs. Be part of the campus community, and connect to the traditions here. It will set you up for success.”
Peterson is part of the Animated Arts Club, which he enjoys because he is “surrounded by a group of people who have the same interests,” and he thinks it’s a “good environment to be in when you want to connect with people.”
He believes that hard work and determination is a huge factor in his success. He says, “When something is more difficult, I want it more and I want to succeed.”
Peterson also spoke about how a student transferring from another school can adapt to life at KU.
“[It’s a] hard change, and going from one place to another isn’t easy,” Petterson said. “So it’s beneficial to get your foot in the door.”
He added that there are a lot of people at KU who are in “the same shoes,” so “no question is stupid. Ask away, there are plenty of resources to help the transition.”
Peterson said that Briana Zdradzinski, the Coordinator for Student Success and Transfer Engagement, is a great person to talk to with any issues. Students can set up an appointment with her through Starfish.
Peterson’s love for art began when he was young. He started with one drawing, and his “love for art and animation took off from there.”
He expressed his love for reading about art as well. He showcased his collection of art books and stated, “It sounds like I’m doing a lot, but I just love school and learning.”
During his high school years, Peterson was in the National Art Society, where he managed about 300 people on top of his schoolwork.
“I learned a lot about myself during this time,” he said. “Overcoming my introverted ways really set me up for everything else to come.”
Peterson said that his biggest inspiration is his sister, Samantha, who he didn’t have a strong relationship with until quarantine in 2020. He said that her constant support gave him a reason to “live up to the cause” and be his “best self.”
He moved around a lot as a kid, but settled in Easton, Pennsylvania, where he graduated high school. When asked about his hometown, he said, “The most important thing to know is how diverse it was. Both with people and the experiences they brought.”
“Easton is special,” Peterson continued, “and it’s as simple as that.”
When asked about what he thought that people think of him, he said, “I don’t think that people think anything unless they know me.”
“When people actually get to know me, they see the drive that I have,” Peterson added. “They see that I want something greater than just school.”