Stephanie Galli was raised in Las Vegas, Nevada constantly surrounded by the animals on her family’s ranch. Growing up she embraced this proximity of animals, and it made perfect sense when she began studying veterinary medicine in her freshman year of college. But after close to a decade in the veterinary field, Galli felt burnt out and depleted by her profession. It was her return to art that has reignited her passion, and led her down the path she is on now.
Building The Fundamentals
Born in California and raised on a ranch in Nevada, Galli grew up surrounded by two things: animals and art. Galli’s grandfather worked for years with charcoal and pastel oils, and her father worked in upholstery for 18 years, primarily constructing horse saddles. When exploring hobbies of her own around the third grade, art felt right at home.
Galli picked up her artistic skills quickly. While in sixth grade she began working with graphite pencil and practicing grid scaling, and by freshman year of high school she enrolled in advanced fine art classes. She would primarily work in pencil as she loved the control and fine detail it allowed, and she continued to take inspiration from the world around her, drawing the animals she knew so well.
Family Expectations and Self-Doubt
She continued to hone her craft through high school, and would at times help her father in sketching out his upholstery projects. It was her father who first suggested she look into art school following her high school graduation. Despite her hesitations, Galli began looking into pursuing a degree in game art, but was uncertain about her future. 
As Galli was considering her next steps, she encountered a turning point she never expected. Galli’s journey was interrupted by the sudden and heartbreaking loss of her father – the very person who always encouraged her artistic pursuits. “That was a moment I lost art completely” says Galli, “Since my art skills came from my dad’s side, I felt like I lost a part of me. I not only lost my father but I lost my passion.” Galli’s artistic pursuits came to a halt almost completely. “I didn’t draw consistently for almost 12 years.”
Recognizing Misalignment
Following this transformative chapter, Galli made the difficult decision to return to school to study veterinary medicine. After her freshman year she began working full-time as a veterinary assistant, a job she would continue to pursue for close to a decade. Near the end of her work in the field, Galli transitioned to an emergency clinic, where the intense pace and emotional weight marked a pivotal moment for her.
Mental Health and the Creative Pull
Despite her love of working with animals, the demands of the emergency clinic soon became overwhelming, taking a toll on her both mentally and emotionally. She described one particularly difficult weekend in which they lost a patient. “I felt I could have done more. I spent my hour-long drive home crying, and when I got home I found myself grabbing a small canvas and slapping paint on it. I didn’t even use a paint brush, I just used my hands.”
By the time she was finished she felt the massive release of her emotions. “Drawing allows me to take my thoughts and get them out on paper and put them away. It helps me come to terms with events and say ‘Yes I embrace it, yes that has happened to me. Let it go.’” Soon after, she had a dream of her father in which he was guiding her back to her pencil and her paper. She immediately woke up and began researching what artistic field would be best suited for her.
Exploring What’s Possible at RMCAD
Galli said to herself, “Why should I listen to other people’s experiences instead of experiencing it myself and making my own judgments?”. She began to research remote programs that she could complete while working full-time. She found the RMCAD Interior Design program and began the interview process.
Making the Switch
Within her first interview, Galli’s
advisor helped her explore the basics of Interior Design and what could be expected through the major. Within her second interview, she began her portfolio review in which her advisor told her she would be making a mistake if she decided not to pursue this degree. Galli promised herself she would give it a semester – she could always change her mind if it didn’t feel right.
Early Wins and Measurable Outcomes
Her classes began with Intro to Interior Design. “That was the best first class I’ve ever experienced.” Galli was getting a deluge of positive feedback from professors, classmates, and friends, and around week 5 the professor had used one of her projects as an example to share with the class. Galli was dumbfounded and immensely flattered, and at that point she knew she had to continue with her degree.
The next semester, she chose to draw her home for an assignment in her observational drawing class. “It wasn’t until that drawing that I stopped. I remember I was drawing the details in the trees in the background and I broke down crying. I got very emotional because I realized that the path I am going with my art is the right one.”
Advice for Students Considering a Switch
Galli shared how grateful she is for her time in veterinary medicine but can recognize that it wasn’t the right path for her. “Even though I’m happy with my experience in vet tech, and I’m happy I did that, it wasn’t my true passion.” She reflects on how stepping away from a familiar career was both challenging and empowering, giving her the clarity to pursue what truly excites her. Galli says, “I’m 33 and I’m in my first year of college. If I can do it, then you can do it.” Her journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to follow your passions, embrace new beginnings, and trust that every experience – whether it feels right or not – can guide you closer to the path meant for you.
Redefine Your Future at RMCAD
Changing your path can feel daunting, but it’s also an opportunity to rediscover what inspires you. It’s never too late to realign your goals and pursue the creative future you’ve always wanted. At RMCAD, our faculty and advisors are here to support your transition and help you thrive in your new field of study. Our admissions representatives can help with any questions you may have, whether you’re looking to transfer schools or majors, or apply as a new student. Explore our in-person and online degrees today to help you rediscover your passion.
