Rosemary Ace Rosas is a senior Psychological Science major, minoring in Digital Media Arts and Production at JCU. Originally from Mexico, she has lived all over the U.S. before ending up in Rome. From film sets and TikTok stardom to being a Resident Assistant, Rosemary shares her experiences at JCU and her plans for the future.
Tell us a little bit about your background.
I am a trans woman originally born in Monterrey, Mexico. I moved to the United States when I was very young. I lived in both College Station, Texas, and Chicago, Illinois. I started living on my own at 18 and eventually built a bed in the back of my car at 20. When the pandemic hit, I drove across the country before settling in the Pacific Northwest. Traveling made me excited to see more of the world.
What brought you to Rome and John Cabot University?
I needed a fresh start. I was going to community college near Seattle, Washington. I was very into the poet Dante Alighieri and spoke a romance language already so figured I’d check out Italy on a whim. I saw John Cabot had my major and I decided to apply. I didn’t expect to get in or to get a scholarship, and the next thing I knew I was on a flight to Rome. This decision changed my life in all the best ways possible.
Why did you choose to major in Psychological Science and minor in Digital Media Arts and Production? What inspired you to combine these two fields?
When I was younger, I was a part of the film industry. I worked on films with fellow students, did stunt work, and went to Second City, a comedy, improv, and acting school in Chicago. I worked on two Hollywood films as an actress, so I wanted to use that creative part of my brain and continue working in films. However, when Covid shut down the film industry, I took a step back and tried a lot of different jobs, ranging from car salesman to bilingual counselor for immigrant youth. I realized I wanted to spend my life helping people rather than trying to sell them something. I found an amazing balance with the majors and minors offered here at JCU and took the opportunity to have a fulfilling education.
How did you get your start in acting and content creation?
I started content creation very young. I was about 13 when I downloaded Vine and got a few thousand followers. I continued making comedy and cosplay content and became a professional cosplayer. I was at a convention when I was picked out by Law Tarello, a teacher at Second City. He stepped in as a mentor and helped me break into the film industry. This gave me the opportunity to join Paonessa Talent Agency, which landed me two Hollywood films. When the 2023 Writers’ strike happened, I moved to Rome and immediately found filmmakers here to work with. I was able to work with So Fare Films and act in their film Body Stories (2025). I continued making content through all these years and now I am close to a million followers on TikTok. While I still make comedy content, I have started to make videos about sociology and psychology, specifically about the LGBTQ+ community. I am able to take what I learn here at John Cabot and share it with my online community in a more accessible way.
What’s been your favorite memory at JCU so far? Is there a professor or class that made an impression on you?
My favorite memory was a Dia De Los Muertos event I hosted as an RA my first year. I didn’t really know any other Mexican students, so I was fully prepared to celebrate by myself. However, I was given an opportunity to throw a big event with a Mexican folk dance group that happened to be in Rome. I even got residents to send photos of their loved ones who had passed and made a large ofrenda (offering). Over 100 residents showed up and it became a beautiful night where everyone got to partake in my favorite part of Mexican culture.
Class-wise, I will never forget my first semester. I joined what I thought was a regular ethics class, but I was surprised to find out it specialized in the ethics of love. I learned so much and it shaped how I view all my past, present, and future relationships. Professor Tom Bailey was an absolutely amazing teacher for me.
What advice would you give to someone considering moving to Rome for university?
It doesn’t matter if you are here for 5 weeks, 3 months, or 4 years. Rome is the Eternal City, which means it is a place outside of time. Your time here will be a little section of forever, and you will never forget the experiences you have here. Cherish every bus ride, every class, every coffee with friends, and embrace this forever you have here. It may also feel like it’s been forever since you’ve been home. So, call your family and friends, and send them photos or little messages letting them know you’re thinking of them and love them. If you take the opportunity, you will grow more than you ever thought possible here in Rome.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to do a master’s program, ideally in Spain. I want to continue forward with Psychology and expand the field by either researching effects of technology on developmental brains, social media trauma, or LGBTQ+ studies. There is so much of the field that is expanding, and I can’t wait to add my voice to it. As for my personal life, I hope to keep learning. My goal in life is to meet as many people as possible so I can best understand what the similarities and differences are between cultures.
