Lying Fallow

What were you doing March 12, 2020? That was the final day of high school for most of Savannah Georgia's high school seniors, including those at Savannah Arts Academy.

Today we speak with DeVon Moore. I thought it fitting that DeVon would be my first episode because he was my first yes when I approached him with the project.DeVon was a film major at Savannah Arts Academy and graduated in December of 2023 with a degree in film from Georgia State University. DeVon is a committed student of the craft of storytelling, and he is not afraid to chase his dreams. I have no doubt you will see his name in the movie credits in the not-too-distant future. You can find his work and the film about the Savannah Arts Academy motorcade graduation at www.devonthedirector.comBe sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today I speak with Lucia Hoyt-Torres, who was a communications major at Savannah Arts Academy. She headed to Kennesaw State University in the fall of 2020 to study entrepreneurship. She plans to graduate in 2025. Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today I speak with Simon Lough. Simon was a chorus major at the Savannah Arts Academy. And after a challenging start, he has found his path. He is currently studying acting at the Savannah College of Art and Design and plans to graduate in 2026. Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

This interview is a bit different because I'm interviewing my son Grayson. I'm not going to lie, this was a challenge. I guess it's hard to be completely transparent when you're speaking to your own mom.Grayson was a theater major at Savannah Arts Academy. He spent a year at home working before he finally started college six hours away at Appalachian State in Boone, North Carolina.He graduated in May of 2024 with degree in Building Sciences and Construction Management. But 2020 is the gift that keeps on giving. Unable to complete the required internships for graduation early in their college careers, he and his building sciences classmates at App State had to finish an internship this past summer before they received their actual diplomas. He is officially done with college as of this August, and yes, he is back home with me and Savannah interviewing for jobs. He plans to spend some time in Europe and move to a large city up north to enjoy life with the changing seasons.As you'll hear, Grayson has a knack for letting life roll off his back and is always focused on moving forward. Thank you to Jalin Graham, who composed the music for the podcast.Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today's interview is with Carson Love. To connect the dots, Carson is Sydney's college roommate and they have been friends since high school.Carson was a visual arts major at Savannah Arts Academy. She graduated from the University of Georgia in December 2023 with a degree in wildlife science and will graduate in December 2024 with a master's in forestry resources.She plans to move back to Savannah until she finds a job. Carson is an explorer and lover of nature and I personally find her fearless. Thank you to Jalin Graham, who composed the music for the podcast.Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today I speak with Jordan Thompson. Jordan is one of the few seniors I interviewed who did not graduate from Savannah Arts Academy. In fact, she's a graduate of St. Vincent's Academy. College was never in Jordan's vision for her future. Born in Russia and raised by hotelier parents, she is most at home in the Caribbean Islands. Today, Jordan is a yachtie. Depending on the season, you can find her anywhere from the shores of Maine to any Caribbean island –living a lifestyle, most people wish they had the guts to do.Thank you to Jalin Graham, who composed the music for the podcast.Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today, we speak with Jalin Graham, who was an orchestra major and violist at Savannah Arts Academy. He forged ahead in the fall of 2020 and attended Columbus State University. This past May 2024, he graduated with a degree in music performance. He was kind enough to compose the music for this podcast. He has plans to attend Juilliard and build a career in music.Jalin composed the music for the podcast. You can find his work at www.jalinalexander.com. Give him a listen. It might change your life. Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today I speak with Gabriel Drabek. Gabe was a visual arts major at Savannah Arts Academy and after spending a year at home, he headed to Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia. He graduated in May 2024 with a bachelor in fine arts. Gabe is a talented painter and artist, so keep a look out for his website coming this fall.Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.donavonbruning.com or on Instagram @donavonbruning.

Today, I speak with Joseph Black. Joseph was a communications major at Savannah Arts Academy. He headed to Georgia State University in the fall of 2020, but made his way home after the first year. And as you'll hear, Joseph is trying different paths in life to find the one that fits him best.Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today, I spoke with Dalton Poppell. Dalton was a theater major at Savannah Arts Academy. He headed to the University of Georgia in the fall of 2020 and graduated in May of 2024 with a degree in computer science.Dalton is currently employed in his field and is back home in Savannah living with Katelyn. Thank you to Jalin Graham, who composed the music for the podcast.Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today I speak with Katelyn King. Katelyn was a theater major at Savannah Arts Academy. She attended the University of Georgia in the fall of 2020 and graduated in December 2023 with a degree in English and a minor in creative writing.You'll hear her mention Dalton, whom she has been dating since her senior year of high school. She's employed as a paralegal and plans to pursue her passion as a writer. She currently lives with Dalton in Savannah.She currently lives with Dalton in Savannah.Thank you to Jalin Graham, who composed the music for the podcast.Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today I speak with Meghan Donovan. Meghan was a dance major at Savannah Arts Academy. She attended the University of Georgia in the fall of 2020 and graduated in May 2024 with a degree in environmental economics and management.She completed an internship this summer in her field and was hired in August. Meghan has been dating Sam, who she mentions often, since high school. She currently lives in Nashville with Sam.Thank you to Jalin Graham, who composed the music for the podcast.Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today I speak to Sam Donnelly. Sam was a chorus major at Savannah Arts Academy. He went off to the University of Georgia in the fall of 2020 and graduated this past May 2024 with a degree in finance.He is currently living in Nashville with Megan, making his way in the business side of the music industry. Thank you to Jalin Graham, who composed the music for the podcast.Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today I speak with Cyrun Winsor. Cyrun was a theater major at Savannah Arts Academy. He spent the first few years after school in the service industry.Today, he is studying acting at the Savannah College of Art and Design and plans to follow his path to New York City.Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.donnavonbruening.com or on Instagram @donnavonbruening.

Today I speak with Tiana Ruden. Tiana was an orchestra major at Savannah Arts Academy. She headed to Princeton in the fall of 2020 and graduated in May 2024, from the School of International and Public Affairs.Thank you to Jalin Graham, who composed the music for the podcast.Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today I speak with Ellie Gigis. Ellie was a communications major at Savannah Arts Academy. She headed to Auburn University in the fall of 2020 and graduated in May 2024 with a degree in speech, language, and hearing sciences. She has returned to Savannah to the campus of Georgia Southern. She has returned to Savannah and the campus of Georgia Southern this past August to pursue a master's degree in speech pathology.Thank you to Jalin Graham, who composed the music for the podcast.Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

RJ Hatch was a communications major at Savannah Arts Academy. He started at Georgia Southern University's Savannah Campus and soon left. He is now an electrician and will be joining the US Coast Guard in May, 2025.

Today I speak with Bhavana Andra. Bhavana was a communications major at Savannah Arts Academy. She stayed home and attended Georgia Southern Savannah campus that first year.Eventually she transferred to the University of Georgia her junior year and plans to graduate this December 2024 with a degree in computer science. Welcome to Laying Fallow.Thank you to Jalin Graham, who composed the music for the podcast.Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today's interview is with Io Ermoli. Io was a dance major at Savannah Arts Academy and attended Florida State University in the fall of 2020. She graduated with a degree in dance and choreography in May 2024 and move to the bright lights of New York City to pursue her dream of choreography.Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening Music composed by Jalin Alexander

Today, I speak with Gavin Hepner. Gavin attended Glenbard West High School in the suburbs of Chicago. After losing the last of his senior year, he headed to Waco, Texas to play baseball at a junior college with dreams of playing for a D1 school. Today, he is a senior at the University of Georgia and will graduate in May of 2025 with a degree in sports.Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to ⁠www.DonnaVonBruening.com⁠ or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today I speak with Tirzah Daniel. Tirzah was a piano major at Savannah Arts Academy. In the fall of 2020, she started at Savannah State University, but today you'll find her as a midshipman at The United States Naval Academy. If she has her way, she will enjoy a career as a Navy Jag.Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today, I speak with Eddie Ramsey. Eddie graduated from Benedictine Military Academy in Savannah, Georgia. In the fall of 2020, he headed to the University of Georgia and graduated this past May 2024 with a biology degree. Today, he is a medical assistant as he prepares to pursue a career in Medicine.Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to ⁠⁠www.DonnaVonBruening.com⁠⁠ or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today I speak with Sydnie Roberds. Sydnie was an orchestra major at Savannah Arts Academy. She received a full ride to the University of Idaho as a national merit scholar. She graduated from the University of Idaho this past May 2024 and remains in Boise to pursue a career as a veterinarian.Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to ⁠www.DonnaVonBruening.com⁠ or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today's interview is with Lily Allen. Lily was a communications major at Savannah Arts Academy and began Georgia Tech in the fall of 2020.She will graduate with a degree in environmental engineering and continue at Georgia Tech for a master's in civil engineering. One day, she plans to create sustainable cement materials to help save the environment.Thank you to Jalin Graham, who composed the music for the podcast.Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to www.DonnaVonBruening.com or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today I speak with Molly Goodge. Full disclosure, Molly is my niece. She graduated from Chardon High School in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. After a year at home and going to community college, she is pursuing a degree in biology at my alma mater, The Ohio State University. She will graduate in May of 2025 and will pursue a career in medicine.Be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes, and to learn more and see the portraits from both 2020 and 2024, head to ⁠www.DonnaVonBruening.com⁠ or on Instagram @DonnaVonBruening 

Today I spoke with Caitlin McNulty. Caitlin graduated from Mahomet-Seymor High school in May of 2020. She attended St. Louis University and graduated in May 2024. She currently resides in Chicago, Illinois and works in Human Resources .