Academic Experiences
Meaningful events that occurred within, or because, of school.
COMMUNITY
Art Club and Book Club
The Art Club presented me with projects commissioned by school faculty and the community, completed in collaboration with a diverse group of artists. There was an interesting clash of styles and passions.
I had the pleasure to design the cover for the Club's annual Halloween Coloring Book for Trunk or Treat.
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The Book Club introduced me to students interested in literature and taught me to include deadlines outside of homework. The weekly debates over a common subject put to test my skills as an active listener.
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Being a member of both clubs created a sense of belonging while enjoying my favorite hobbies. I pushed myself to get involved in the community, and my only regret is not doing it sooner.
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PROJECTS
Study Abroad and Global Scholars
I joined a faculty-led study abroad program to London and Paris inspired by Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities. I had an immersive learning experience focused on literature and the arts and was able to visit artifacts that I had studied in the classroom.
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Joining the school's Global Scholars of Distinction expanded my views as a citizen of the world. I reflected on my travels and cultural experiences and shared them with like-minded individuals in the program. I was frequently informed of interesting events occurring nearby, like The Tamburitzans' performance, which I attended and volunteered to help at.
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Travel and cultural awareness are very important to me as an art student. These activities have shaped my creative process and approach to diversity.
PROFESSION
Library Work-Study
Working and studying in the same establishment was more helpful than I anticipated. I met amazing staff and faculty members that advised me on how to transition to university and gave me insights on their classes. I learned about student benefits, resources, and school events, which I passed along to aid my peers.
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I spent two semesters shelving by Library of Congress call numbers, managing checkouts and discharges, helping the librarians with multiple student events, and other duties. I also had the opportunity to use my artistic skills, since I often designed promotional flyers, bookmarks, and infographics for the library.
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This became the first job where I felt at home. The school provided me with a nurishing environment as a student and a worker.
Personal Experiences
Meaningful events that occurred from personal interest and self-improvement.
COMMUNITY
Focused groups and Collaborations
I looked beyond the school's clubs and classes to make more acquaintances in my field. I joined online servers for artists where we would share resources, provide help with our projects, host drawing sessions together, and get to know one another. I trust these people with many artistic choices and second opinions, and it is endearing to see how we can grow together. Some of them have become more important to me than people I see every day.
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My presence in social media led to collaborations with other artists in the platform. This was a great opportunity to have a themed prompt, meet other artists, and promote one another. It became very enjoyable for followers and creators alike.
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I am a firm believer in the power of focused communities. My motivation and development as an artist skyrocketed when I discovered online art groups, and I am still an active member of a few servers.
PROJECTS
Fan Zines and Commissions
I was a contributor on four fan-made magazines. Some of them were paid, and others for charity organizations. This was an early exposure to the pipeline of delivering a finished product alongside a group of talented artists and writers. Seeing everyone's hard work being published and shipped to other fans was very fulfilling, and made me realize I wished to follow a profession with a similar environment.
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After joining social media platforms I was commissioned often. Most of my clients were writers looking to bring their characters to life, so I frequently did concept sheets and full scene illustrations. Two or three of said commissioners became frequents, and I had the pleasure to realize I could earn money doing what I liked.
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I grew more confident on my skills and purpose. These projects were a test of my potential under someone else's vision.
PROFESSION
Art Internship
I started working as an intern for Unscrolled, a game under development meant for kids to develop their decision-making skills and moral values. My exposure to it was overwhelming, but I quickly adapted. I was constantly managing my time between school projects, my work in the library, and the deadlines for the internship, so I followed a strict schedule.
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I worked alongside professionals in the field as well as other college students. I taught myself how to use Substance Painter, an industry-standard software, and textured most characters for the game. I had projects one after the other, so I devised ways to be more efficient in the program. All finished products had to be reviewed and accepted, so I had to be open for criticism and potential edits.
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This opportunity was the introduction I needed to my preferred line of work. I am thankful for gaining professional experience for a meaningful cause.