This past weekend I moved into my apartment in Manhattan, starting a new chapter in my life. Now, I have said far too many goodbyes to far too many incredible people and I'm already worn out from missing them. The folks I met in Pittsburgh were some of the best, and I only hope that the ones I meet in New York are half as wonderful. But it's time to take the next leap.
I begin working towards my MFA tomorrow.
I begin working towards my MFA tomorrow.
Years of pouring myself into this medium have begun to pay off. Because tomorrow, I begin working towards my MFA at my dream school.
Back in December, graduate school was a far off dream. I was doubtful of if I could get in, as I still sometimes think like that freshman girl who shot exclusively on automatic settings. But I toured with my friend Michelle, and I decided to apply to my top two schools: School of Visual Arts and Parsons. They were both my reach schools, a big no no according to my professor, but I knew that I wasn't going to spend my time or money on a school that I wasn't absolutely in love with. (When I eventually got in to both, my mom rejected the idea of me going to both schools.. Alas.)
My interview for Parsons was terrible. We had a miscommunication about times, so I was seemingly fifteen minutes late, and my internet dropped out during the Skype call. I dropped my computer, spilled my coffee, and talked about visual work that I didn't even submit to them.. All of the caffeine and adrenaline was pumping through me so I didn't feel like I had a coherent thought or steady bone in my body. (Plus when they called, 'X Gon Give It To Ya' was playing in that background to pump me up, and that song is riddled with swear words..) I was certain that they walked out of the interview in a fit of laughter at my expense.
(And I am aware that this does not paint me in the best of light. But I'm writing about the journey, and that's rarely free from problems. It's almost always filled with moments like these, moments that are incredibly imperfect. But that's what make the good good.)
But Parsons picked me. They did, even through that crazy interview. And tomorrow, I show up and we get to start making art together. How freaking cool is that?
I know I'm one of the younger ones in the program and that this level of enthusiasm will make me seem like a baby encountering apple sauce for the first time, but I'm not going to apologize for being excited. I'm thrilled to have gotten this opportunity and to be able to pursue my dreams in New York and at Parsons. And I can't wait to start. I feel like a kid the night before Christmas, but I'm just a 22 year old on the eve of her last first day. From here on out, it's 27 months straight through, non stop.
So let's do this.
They wanted a picture for the student ID. I don't know if I take myself too seriously or not seriously enough...