Meet Jacques-Jean Tiziou
Home: Washington D.C.Major: Fine Arts, Photography
JJ started his academic career as a biochemistry major. After volunteering to take photographs for the Daily Pennsylvanian, Penn's daily student-run newspaper, he not only eventually became senior photo editor but also found his passion and will graduate this year as a fine arts major.
What made you choose the College?
"I was definitely looking for a city that is similar to DC, which is where I'm
from. I came here and something clicked and it seemed right…that was that."
What did you think you would major in before arriving at Penn?
"Biochemistry! I was always interested in biochemistry but couldn't combine it
successfully with my interest in working with people. I am the classic case of
the kid who finds himself in college. I went from biochemistry to being a
biology major. Then, I was a biology and fine arts double major, and eventually
just a fine arts major. My sophomore year—when I started shooting for the
Daily Pennsylvanian (Penn's daily student-run newspaper)—everything
sort of clicked. I should have come in with an open mind, realizing that I
didn't know what I wanted to do."
What do you like most about being a student at Penn?
"There's not one specific thing. It's all the people, all the resources and the
city combined. Everything comes together to form something pretty incredible."
What was your favorite class at Penn and why?
"One was an independent study, which I took with the photo editor of the
Daily Pennsylvanian. It was responsible for changing my outlook on how
far I could take photography…in terms of a career. Another was Legal
Studies 101, Introduction to Law and Legal Processes. Education 566, Cross
Cultural Awareness, which was the training course for P.A.C.E. (Programs for
Awareness in Cultural Education), was also one of my favorites. I ended up doing
a workshop on homophobia at an exclucisve all girls' school in the suburbs as a
result of the course, which was very successful."
How have you pursued your studies outside the classroom?
"I was senior photo editor of the Daily Pennsylvanian for the 2000 year.
Getting involved with the Daily Pennsylvanian really broadened my
horizons. What I really like about the journalism side of photography is that it
has really opened doors to sides of Penn and Philadelphia that I never would
have paid attention to otherwise. Getting to work with Phil Nichols, my faculty
master at Stouffer College House for nearly four years, and going to Senegal as
his interpreter was also a highlight. With a little initiative, you can do
amazing things at Penn."
What is so great about Philadelphia?
"All the resources of a big city with that smalltown feel. Philadelphia
definitely has its own culture—its own feel. People are great. I can't
nail down one specific thing. For me, it's perfect."
What advice would you give to incoming students?
"Even if you think you know exactly what it is you want to major in—step
back and come at it with an open mind. Explore all of your options. Actively
pursue all of the advising resources—formal or peer, both are equally
valid. There are so many people who have so many connections. They are more than
willing to share but you have to be wiling to go out and ask."
