Cochise Newsroom

Student Testimonial: Alexander Raley

 

Fine Arts student, Alexander Raley, has been discovering new passions through his degree program at Cochise College.  

 

In August 2022, Raley decided to enroll at Cochise College after his parents recommended it to him. Raley is pursuing an associate degree and a certificate in Fine Arts. He decided to be a Fine Arts major after taking a ceramics class. “At first, I was very iffy on taking that class, but then I just got really into it. It’s a very good class,” he said.  

 

Along with finding a college path he likes, he has also discovered new interests. Raley said, “A lot of my hobbies have been introduced to me [through] the degree [program].” Some of those interests are painting, drawing, cooking, and ceramics. He said that he likes to keep himself busy by learning new things and taking on creative projects.  

 

According to Virginia Thompson, one of Raley’s ceramics instructors, he is thoughtful and quiet, with a unique perspective. “Something I’ve always enjoyed about him is how he thinks outside the box,” said Thompson. “Sometimes students are worried that something is the right or wrong way [to do something], and they don’t realize there can be all kinds of ways. Alexander has always come up with some really creative uses of tools and equipment.”  

 

Raley’s dedication to his craft has improved his skills and even benefited those around him. Thompson said there are times when she will advise ceramics students to work with Raley on the topics of color theory and color picking. Thompson said, “He has a real knack for that, which I think is partly natural skill . . . and partly practice.” Raley is always willing to offer advice and help out his classmates.  

 

According to Raley, both the staff and students at the college are friendly and welcoming. The art department was mentioned specifically, with special acknowledgment of Virginia Thompson and Dale Miller.  

 

Another reason Raley appreciates the art department is for the valuable life lessons he has learned there. “I’ve learned to have a lot of patience,” he said. “And that applies not only to art, but to every part of your life.” He said when a problem comes up while making an art piece, he now knows to take a break, then come back later to look at the problem from a new perspective.  

 

Something Raley would like to share with new Cochise College students is this: “Do your work but also go with the flow. Don’t push yourself too hard—focus on having a good balance.”  

About the author: This article was written by Sofia Snyder, a Liberal Arts student majoring in journalism. She currently serves as a Marketing and Communications intern at Cochise College and is set to graduate in December 2025.