Every Student Has a Story: Jayden Wojcik '27

If the theory is true that the left side of the brain directs logical thinking and the right side powers creativity, Jayden Wojcik '27 (above, second from right in gold) has each hemisphere running at top capacity. Both he and Siena are reaping the benefits.

Wojcik is a computer science major preparing for a career in software development, but Saints may know him best for his exceptional work both onstage and backstage. He got involved in theatre shortly after arriving on campus, then added theatre/performance track as a second major during his sophomore year.

He was involved with performance at Bethlehem Central High School (Delmar, N.Y.), but the theatre bug really bit when he got to campus in the fall of 2023.

"I just fell in love with all of it," said Wojcik.

Whether he's under the lights as Sir Toby Belch in Shakespeare's comedy Twelfth Night or as Nicely-Nicely Johnson in the American musical Guys & Dolls, his presence and charisma making for memorable turns on stage. His musical comedy chops recently earned him an award at the Region 1 American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) hosted by Siena in January. The ACTF Phoenix Award is given to "an emerging student-creator whose work brings bold, innovative perspectives to our shared histories to the stage."

He gave attendees at the closing night reception a send-off to remember by performing the anthem "I Am What I Am" from La Cage aux Folles.

Theatre doesn't happen with just actors, though, so Wojcik has also served as an assistant stage manager and taken on other tech roles to more fully learn what goes into a stage production and support his fellow creative arts students.

So, back to computer science, which seems like a complete 180 from the footlights. Wojcik, however, has a different take:

"A lot of computer science people have a profound appreciation for theatre, so there's definitely respect and mutual understanding there," he explained. "I consider my classmates as my peers and co-workers, and my theatre friends as my people."

Wojcik said theatre - or any of the creative arts - develops presentation skills, memorization, and confidence, as well as the ability to pick up concepts quickly and understand the whole of an operation. This is a huge plus with job interviews, business presentations, and strategic planning.

Wojcik, who is also involved with the Siena Beverage Institute and the Chamber Singers, said he sees his future computer science career as "a fulfilling day job that I can enjoy," and continued involvement in theatre as "a good creative outlet."

Vocation and avocation, right-side and left-side, yin and yang, all combining to illustrate the best of a liberal arts education. At Siena - it's all about becoming a well-rounded individual, your best self, and using your gifts to make the world a better place.

His bond with the University extends to working with Admissions as a tour guide and campus ambassador, teaching prospective students and their families about the value of a liberal arts education and helping them see the Siena campus as a true home where each Saint can achieve his or her best.

"I felt welcomed here from day one, and my hope is that other students will find their niche and have a similar positive experience."