Finding Direction

James Stiso ’26 didn’t arrive at Elmhurst University with a clear vision of his future career—but he discovered one by trying things, taking risks and leaning into opportunities.

A digital media major with a minor in digital marketing communication, Stiso grew up just 15 minutes east of campus in Westchester, Illinois, in a close-knit, faith-centered family. The son of a Polish immigrant mother and an American father with Italian roots, he had an upbringing that blended cultures, traditions and perspectives. Much of his large extended family lived nearby, giving him a deep appreciation for family connection.

Stiso first learned about Elmhurst from his former teacher and family friend, the late Victor Zitzer ’88, who encouraged him to consider the University. After Tim Ahlberg from the Office of Admission gave him a campus tour and urged him to apply for scholarships, Stiso felt he had found a place where he could thrive.

Accustomed to the small class sizes and personal approach to education he experienced while attending Catholic grade and high schools, Stiso was drawn to Elmhurst because it offered a similarly supportive and collaborative community. “I visited a couple other campuses, but something felt different here. It was the only place that stood out,” he says.

A New Role

Like many students, Stiso’s educational path wasn’t linear. As a child, he dreamed of becoming an artist, spending hours drawing. While that passion faded in high school, the creative instinct never left, it simply evolved. However, when he started college, he was undecided on a major. It wasn’t until he took an introductory digital media course during his freshman year at Elmhurst that everything clicked. Assigned to create three short films with different groups of classmates, Stiso initially struggled. But on the third project, something shifted.

“I found myself in the directing role,” he says. “And I really enjoyed it, from thinking about camera placement to envisioning the final product. It felt like a door opened to something I didn’t even know existed.”

That moment changed everything. As he continued taking digital media classes, what had begun as uncertainty soon became clarity—that program was where he belonged. “It got to a point when I thought, ‘I don’t think I can see myself doing anything other than digital media,’ and I’ve just gone all in since then,” he says. “I’m glad I made the choice; I love the program and what I do.”

Learning by Doing

Elmhurst’s emphasis on experiential learning has given Stiso the space to explore his newfound passion for visual storytelling. Through hands-on projects, collaborative coursework and the mentorship of faculty like Kristyn Jo Benedyk and John Klein, he has developed both technical skills and creative confidence.

Along the way, Stiso has built meaningful connections, which have led to opportunities beyond the classroom. For example, Klein recently invited him to be a production assistant on a feature film being shot in downtown Chicago. “I have fostered those amazing relationships with my mentors because of how the school functions and the community-based nature of it,” he says. “That’s invaluable to me.”

Stiso also has been able to apply his knowledge in a professional setting without leaving campus. As a student worker in the Office of Marketing and Communications, he produces video content for the University’s social media channels. He also stays engaged in the digital media department, frequently checking out equipment and working on independent projects, which include a documentary inspired by his family’s cultural roots.

Reflecting on the contrast between his upbringing and that of his cousins, Stiso set out to explore his heritage. After traveling with his brother to their mother’s hometown in southwestern Poland, he created a short documentary for the 2025 Elmhurst University Film Festival, earning both best documentary and audience choice honors. He plans to expand the project into a multi-part series. “That experience showed me how powerful storytelling can be,” he says. “It connected me to my past in a way I hadn’t experienced before.”

At this year’s film festival, Stiso won multiple awards for his short film “A Man Needs His Rest,” including for directing and editing. He also was presented with the Bluejay Award for Excellence in Filmmaking, which is given to one graduating senior who has “demonstrated a unique ability to effectively work in various roles in the vast field of filmmaking.”

Growth Mindset

In addition to the impact of relevant, hands-on learning, Stiso’s Elmhurst journey also has been shaped by his adaptability. After his high school closed unexpectedly just prior to the start of his senior year, he had to transfer to a new school—an experience that taught him resilience and the value of putting himself out there. At Elmhurst, that mindset helped him quickly build friendships.

From relaxing on the mall with friends to attending events like the Presidents’ Ball, Stiso has embraced the full college experience, both when he was a commuter student and during his senior year, when he decided to try out on-campus living. He is also active in the Bluejay Catholic organization and continues to expand his creative and professional network.

Through it all, one lesson stands out: “Just try things,” he says. “Even if you mess up and make mistakes, you will learn from that. I’m constantly learning, and it’s because I’ve been taught to just try things out and see where it goes. And that’s empowering, because you end up figuring out how much you’re capable of.”

Future Vision

Looking ahead, Stiso plans to pursue a career in digital marketing as a videographer while continuing filmmaking on the side. His experiences at Elmhurst have prepared him with not only technical skills, but also the confidence to problem-solve, pivot and exercise his creativity.

He’s already thinking about the future in another way, too. “One day, I’d love to give back to the school,” he says. “The digital media program is growing so fast. It would be amazing to come back and support it.”

At Elmhurst, Stiso discovered more than a major—he found direction, purpose and a community that turned curiosity into a career path.

Go Far. Do Well. Visit elmhurst.edu/Admission to take the first step toward your future.