August 01, 2023 What surprised you the most about the Pre-College Summer Session? I was surprised at how much work we were able to accomplish. I never knew that I could animate or draw this quickly when given this much time. Usually it takes me a week or two to finish a regular drawing, and even longer for a fully colored animation. I was also surprised at how quickly I made friends, as I’ve never considered myself a social person. What aspect of the program has had the biggest impact on you? It has to be the people and the experience as a whole. It feels really nice to know that there are other people out there who I can relate to and be myself around. I’m still thinking about the friends I’ve made and all the experiences we’ve had throughout our time at MCAD. I will never forget them. Also I’m more motivated to make art now. I want to draw more, I want to create more. I want to further myself along my art journey. I no longer feel limited to the possibilities of what I can do. How has your artistic practice changed from being a part of the program? I would say I feel a lot looser. Especially if I’m just sketching, I realize now that small details don’t matter as much as the overall composition or gesture. I feel like drawing more often, and I don’t find observational drawing as boring anymore. What was your favorite experience, outside of the classroom? The off campus field trips. They showed a side of the city that I’d never seen before. It was so different from what I was used to seeing back in my small hometown in North Dakota. I loved learning about classical art in the art museums and looking at all the amazing exhibits as well. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about coming to Pre-College Summer Session? Be open to critique, respectful, and confident. It can be daunting going to a place like this surrounded by people you don’t know and not knowing how you measure up to others. But what I realized was that we’re all in the same boat. We’re here to learn and get better. Don’t compare yourself to others, rather learn and be inspired from them. Try your best and work hard, and I’m sure you’ll do just fine.