Describe a “day in the life” for you during the summer program
I attended Skidmore Pre-college program this summer and I was a student in the studio art class. My first class of the day was painting and it began at 9:30 am. Each day in painting class was different and a new challenge that I was eager and excited to attack. We were exposed to many different painting genres. We would explore the campus grounds and paint nature, paint still life’s (inanimate objects) or painted nude models which was intriguing. Going to artist talks and visiting the Skidmore Art gallery was also incorporated in our art classes. Class ended at 12:30 pm and I had an hour for lunch. The cafeteria at Skidmore has a wide variety of food and provided different options every day.
My next class was drawing which began at 1:30 pm. My drawing class took a different approach every day. In the first two classes we didn’t even pick up a pencil, instead we built a structure out of objects in the class and had to use torn paper to represent them. We also did still life drawings in different mediums, drew models and even made clay heads. The classes ended at 5:25 pm and although the class was 5 hours long it felt like we never had enough time. I took a short break after class and I usually went to dinner around 6:00 pm. After dinner I would head back to the studio and work until 11:00 pm curfew, where I would always be in the company of all of my class mates. Finally back in my dorms I chatted with my friends or played games in the study rooms until our last curfew at 1:00 am in which we had to be inside our own rooms. On the weekends we had the choice to go on trips that program provided like six flags and bowling, or you could take the public transportation to explore outside the campus like the downtown Skidmore area, the mall or Walmart.
Describe the most memorable moment from the summer program
Honestly, I can’t pick just one memorable moment, there were few. The final gallery showcase, just the overall experience of being independent and the college experience, and being totally immersed in art.
Describe one challenge you faced during your time at the summer program and how you overcame that challenge.
One challenge I had was improving my work to a higher standard. My teachers would always say I could do better and push me to my limits. So I was always forced to dig deeper and not get discourage in my work.
Describe how attending Girls Prep helped prepare you for your success at the summer program
Girls prep has taught me discipline to finish deadlines and go beyond and above with my work. Being on time to school was an integral part of Girls Prep , and I was able to incorporate that in my college classes. I was also able to meet different students from not only New York but from different states and countries. I was able to make lifelong friendships and connection because Girls prep taught me the importance of sisterhood.
Share one piece of advice with someone attending the program next year to help them on their journey
One piece of advice I have for future scholars going to a program is, don’t be afraid to ask for help from teachers, RA’s, or even other students. Make sure to plan time for not only homework and studying but for breaks. Also choose a course you can be dedicated to!