March 2024

March 2024
Etheard Joseph

(MSEd, Business Education, ’18)

Q & A:

1. What was your favorite class, who was your favorite professor, or what is your fondest memory of Hofstra?
   A few of my fondest memories of being at Hofstra were the amazing collaborations with like-minded students and the teacher-led class discussions. The professors are so knowledgeable in their fields, and they have a lot of insight into best practices.
2. In one word, how would you describe Hofstra?
   Endless
3. What was your first job after graduating from Hofstra, and what was the most valuable thing you learned there?
   My first job after attending Hofstra was teaching in a hospitality and tourism business program at a high school in Queens, NY.
   
   In three years, the program was to be approved by New York state as a CTE program.
   
   In addition to being an artist, I have been very fortunate to have business management and video production skills. I was able to infuse all these experiences into the program to give the students a real-life education, and that became the cornerstone of the program. The other teachers and I worked very hard and were able to get the program approved by the state of New York, which was a major success for all of us.
   
   In that position, I learned that experiences are priceless; we do not know when we will need to recall them. And second, I learned that teamwork is paramount.
4. What is your field of specialty, and how did you come to work in the industry?
   Creativity is my specialty. I am a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and entrepreneur. I still have my first sketchbook and journal from when I was probably 10 years old. At this moment, besides my personal artwork, I am currently working on two creative projects. One is the discarded fishing line art project. Using items found during beach cleanup, such as fishing lines, fishing nets, and ropes, I create large art installations. The goal is to use art as a vehicle to have a positive dialogue on ways we can better take care of the environment.
   
   The other is the ArtISts Connecting South Florida documentary series. It is a mini-documentary video series highlighting other creative people in South Florida; there are currently 24 completed episodes.
   
   Some of these projects have allowed me to use my creativity to help the environment and other people and move art forward.
5. What is the single most rewarding/exciting experience in your career thus far?
   Creating art. I love art, and I believe art has the power to connect us in a very positive and meaningful way. All the work is very exciting for me. Each project, in some way, builds on my experiences, yet I am also reinventing myself. This is just an amazing feeling.
6. What was a major obstacle you were able to overcome to perform your job?
   One recent obstacle I had to overcome was strategizing the discarded fishing line project.
   
   I started contacting local organizations in Palm Beach County, FL, to explain my vision and why I thought this project was so important. In addition to the materials I collect during beach cleanups, the organizations also provide me with material they find.
   
   I am very thankful to say that at this time, I have collaborated with a few environmental agencies, and the list is growing. Now I am in the process of selling merchandise such as sun shirts and hats to fund the project.
7. Where do you find inspiration for your work?
   My environment, people, and the whole world fascinate me. I'm very thankful that I possess the gift of creativity, which allows me to create and contribute.
8. Who was the person who most influenced you, and how?
   My family has been very instrumental in who I am today. They have always supported me and stood by me, and that is a great feeling.
9. What advice would you give Hofstra students?
   Hofstra has an endless amount of resources and amazing people who want you to succeed; do not be afraid to ask for help.
   Lastly! Don’t forget to be kind to yourself. You owe it to yourself.