While we always appreciate Pamela Grubbs-Lowery ’17’s hard work welcoming transfer and nontraditional students to BSC, her after-work hobbies might be just as cool.

The BSC admission counselor dresses up as different movie, literary, and comic book characters for cosplay conventions and renaissance festivals throughout the year. Hela, the Marvel character and recent “Thor: Ragnarok” villainess, is her current favorite look.

“I love any reason to dress up,” she says, which she’s loved since she was a kid. “Whenever my siblings and I finished classes, we dressed up and played in the woods behind our house, usually as knights who’d sword fight, or as pioneers who’d go hunting for acorns.”

In high school and especially as a student at BSC, Grubbs-Lowery realized how widespread cosplay conventions were and got more involved over time. She was immediately drawn to the tight community and inclusivity she saw. The events allow her to express her interest in comics, movies, and all things medieval.

The creativity Grubbs-Lowery puts into each costume design also emerges in her crochet work. She’s been crocheting for 18 years, first teaching herself from library books and with help from her dad. While she’s participated in craft shows, crochet is mostly a hobby that keeps her hands busy and results in fun and meaningful gifts.

Like her costumes, her crocheted pieces require the same attention to detail. Grubbs-Lowery makes shawls, blankets, hats, or other projects, often with her nieces and nephews in mind. But within the intricate detailing of her hobbies and the time poured into each piece, they provide a relaxing, fun escape.

“It’s a way to wind down after school or work, the way some people watch sporting events or go to the beach a few times a year,” Grubbs-Lowery says. “Conventions and festivals are my beach.”

About BSC Transfer Admission

BSC admitted a record number of transfer students in fall 2019, and the College has signed 10 articulation agreements with community colleges in the region. Articulation agreements outline the course requirements for degrees and how credits will transfer, making the process more transparent. Once a transfer and homeschooled student herself, Pamela Grubbs-Lowery supports transfer and nontraditional students as they navigate the process of admission and transition to a four-year institution.

This story was published in the Fall/Winter 2019 issue of ’Southern, BSC’s alumni magazine.

If you have ideas for our next issue of ’Southern, please email [email protected]. We always welcome stories about outstanding people from the BSC community.