"The College is convenient for service members who often face unpredictable work schedules and deployments and allows them to earn credits for their military training."  — Bryan Salazar, BA degree program student

Bryan Salazar
Valerie
[charcoal on canson paper]

"Bryan is truly humble and simply sees his artwork as a passion and something he enjoys. It is an honor to work with him and his fellow military and veteran students who defend our country."  — Patti Hunt, associate director of Military and Veteran Education at Thomas Edison State College

The Proof is in the Portfolio

Bryan Salazar Found a Useful Proving Ground in Portfolio Assessment

As a 17-year member of the U.S. Coast Guard and an accomplished visual artist, Salazar found higher education to be his latest proving ground.

He wouldn't want it any other way.

Salazar, who is currently fulfilling his BA degree in art requirements through the College's Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) portfolio development process, feels the process is an effective way for artists to validate their college-level learning for college credit.

"Visual artists essentially document their expertise every time they publicly exhibit their work and often have examples close at hand to include in their digital portfolios," noted Salazar. "This makes us good candidates for credit through portfolio assessments and makes it easier for the College's PLA subject matter expert to evaluate our work. The process works especially well for accomplished artists who may not have taken formal studio courses."

Salazar successfully earned 15 credits toward his degree program through portfolio assessments. He plans on fulfilling the remaining requirements by completing a TESC Capstone course and taking a College Level Examination Program® (CLEP) exam.

"I am very pleased with the PLA process and its role in getting me closer to earning my degree," he said.

In his military career, Salazar is a senior chief avionics electrical technician currently serving as a leading chief petty officer in Quality Assurance at the U.S. Coast Guard's Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Ala.

Salazar said that he has been in the process of earning his degree on and off for 24 years and was already aware of the College’s reputation for military friendliness. He became even more familiar with its programs while working as an Education Services officer.

"In my role in assisting fellow Coast Guard members to further their education and make the most of their tuition assistance benefits, I became very familiar with the way TESC works," he said. "The College is convenient for service members who often face unpredictable work schedules and deployments and allows them to earn credits for their military training."

Salazar can relate to the demands of work schedules, responsibilities and relocation. Like many, he enrolled in college courses shortly after high school. When daughter Kaytlin was born, he opted to join the U.S. Coast Guard for the job security and benefits that it offered his growing family. Since then, he has been stationed in almost every corner of the U.S., including San Diego, Calif.; Astoria, Ore.; Elizabeth City, N.C. and Clearwater, Fla.

"A few years later, my son, Cameron, was born. Between work, relocation and family commitments, I had little free time to commit to my education," he said. "Without the support of my wife, Amy, I would not have been able to endure my mounting responsibilities," noted Salazar. "Now that my children are teenagers and I have a more predictable schedule, I am able to take the time to earn my degree."

Salazar will be eligible for retirement from the U.S. Coast Guard in a few more years, after which he hopes to work as a professional artist. He said that having a college degree will be important as he makes his transition to civilian life.

"I have worked with Bryan for about three years in putting together an academic plan and watched him successfully complete courses," said Patti Hunt, associate director of Military and Veteran Education at the College. "I have also had the opportunity to view his work firsthand. Bryan is truly humble and simply sees his artwork as a passion and something he enjoys. It is an honor to work with him and his fellow military and veteran students who defend our country."

Salazar's artistic output concentrates on drawing, using either charcoal or graphite on paper. He specializes in portraits but said that he also enjoys figure and animal drawing as well as still life.

"I enjoy working with charcoal because I like to use a lot of contrast in my work and charcoal can provide a full range of values. I am currently working on a series of charcoal portraits that will be featured in an art show at the Mobile Arts Council in March 2016," he said. "I recently started oil painting, which is a new challenge for me because it allows me to explore the use of color in my work. I am excited by the new possibilities that painting provides."

In his already colorful career, Salazar has flown post-hurricane rescue missions and provided air support during Super Bowl XL and presidential inaugurations. He also played an extra in the 2006 movie, The Guardian, and has enjoyed serving as color guard captain for military, city and federal government, and local community events. To view Salazar’s artwork online, visit http://bryansalazar.deviantart.com.

Think portfolio assessment might work for you? Knowledge acquired on the job, in-service training, volunteer service, cultural or artistic pursuits, hobbies, community or religious activities, adult education, noncredit courses, study abroad and military training are among the most common means of earning credit for students completing portfolio assessments.


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