“Welcome to the biz, kid.” She slaps my back, and the lights in the house go low. A spotlight appears on stage in front of the screen. “You got all the heart you need. Never stop bleeding for your art, no matter what anyone else says. You’re gonna do great.”

She clears her throat, straightens out her retro sapphire-blue blazer with protruding shoulder pads, and walks out on the stage to a wave of applause. Once she steps up to the microphone, the noise from the audience dies down.

“This semester has been a highlight of my career, not just as a distinguished visiting professor for the animation program, but because”—she mumbles a number nobody can hear, and the crowd laughs—“years ago, I graduated from this program when it was in its infancy. We didn’t even have a wing, let alone an entire beautiful building and an incredible roster of dedicated faculty. So to be asked back is an honor. Last night was our senior showcase, but tonight I get the privilege to preview our freshman talent.”

As she talks, I spot Xavier. Then Rae with Mom, Taylor, and Dad. No sign of Dad’s girlfriend, though, which is totally fine since I barely know her anyway, and I’m not upset about it.

“Every single one of these students was paired with two rising-star juniors. They worked their asses off for what you’re about to see, and all I have to say is that Mickey Mouse better hold on to his ears because these kids are coming for his job. At the end of the showcase, there will be a mocktail hour during which you will have the opportunity to cast your vote for your favorite short of the evening, which will be announced at the end of our event, along with the winner of the mentorship. So please stick around and mingle and tell these incredible artists just how much you love their work!”

One by one, she briefly introduces my classmates. Chloe and Sofía are standing beside me now, and if they move, I’ll probably keel over.

Every single one of these shorts is incredible. Mind-blowing. One is told from the point of view of an 8-bit video game character from the 1980s, and it’s all traditionally hand-drawn but looks three-dimensional. Another looks like a damn Jackson Pollock painting, where paint splatters are personified, and, thematically, it’s about not staying inside the lines and being different. But my favorite is done in the style of traditional comic book art. It’s very Warholian, and it features a Wonder Woman–like character who saves the world from a sentient chicken nugget with a blond toupee who I think is supposed to represent a certain ex-president. It’s hilarious, if a tad nonsensical.