Graduate emphasizes importance of “showing up”

Vienna Spezza fell in love with public speaking at the age of five when she did a presentation on nutrition at the Napa County Library. 

She hasn’t stopped since then, overcoming a learning difference that slowed her ability to read until later in elementary school. Since then, she graduated in May with an AA in Theater Arts and a 4.0 GPA, won a Regent’s Scholarship to the University of California at Davis and was a valedictory speaker at commencement.

For Vienna, it’s all about showing up.

“May you feel proud of what you have accomplished,” she told graduates. “For showing up for your younger self, who dreamed of being where you are today. And for showing up for your future self, who has so much more to accomplish.”

Vienna’s introduction to NVC was in middle school when she was cast in Matilda the Musical. At age 15, she began taking NVC classes through the dual enrollment program and advocated for it during a public Q&A session.

Since her initial production at NVC, Vienna has been involved in seven more productions. “Being involved with the performing arts department was so much more than just getting to act and perform,” she said. “Being a part of the community was the best part.”

Although she lives roughly an hour away in Lake County, Vienna formed connections and took advantage of opportunities at the NVC Performing Arts Center and the main part of campus.

“Without exaggeration, NVC has been a critical aspect of not just my education, but in the

creation of who I am today,” she said. “I will forever be grateful for the people at NVC and beyond who have made this experience possible.”