Maryland Institute College of Art Top Questions

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to do what would make me happy. Unfortunately, I allowed outside influences to sway what I really wanted. I think back and I allowed others to have to much say on where I went to school, what field of study to go into and sadly stayed local due to a boyfriend at that time. Going back in time, I would not only tell myself this but many of the young ladies I went to school with would be encouraged to do the same. I look around at my friends now and we are not where we hoped to be in our lives. We love our children and spouse however career wise not so much. I would also tell myself to be more involved in activities outside of school. Helping someone in need of a wheel chair ramp was much more satisfing than I could have ever imagined. As young adults we let those moments slip by.

Apply for scholerships erly, work hard.

My greatest advice is to take a step back and breathe. You may not have the exprience as many other of the students (going to an art school previously, tutors, lessons, etc.) but you do exceptionally well. I over-worked myself and the stress levels rose as I felt I woudln't be good enough, or I wouldn't get accepted. Sometimes, it is needed to just sit back and relax, the journey is not as hard as you thought it woudl be. You overcome your obstacles, as you are known for doing. I woudl also push myself to look for more school funding. WHat little I could find did not cover much of the cost of my school. With a little more push, maybe I could have saved myself the stress and gotten a little more funding available.

Learn and maintain good study habits. Do not procrastinate. Associate with like minded positive people. Stick to all goals and follow through. When appropriate learn to relax and treat oneself Prepare to take tests by studying not at the last possible times Make sure your well rested and alert. Find school support systems ,peers, teachers,etc.

Kate, do not call home every other day. Go to aikido, spend extra time double checking things, and speak up when your roommates get out of control. You can do this, but it's going to be very, very hard.

I pull a chair up next to a girl who keeps her head buried in a sketchbook to ignore the fact that she's losing confidence in herself. I remember the days when I practially lived here and right now she does the same. She takes lunch in this room everyday and waits fifteen minutes for her friends, few as they are, to make it through the lunch line. She sits in silence and she watches the room that made her who she is, with its towering piles of paper and lumber, all manner of pencil and paintbrush to create with. She knows this is what she is, can feel it in her blood. The passion scares her because no high schooler should know what they want out of the rest of their life. But she does. I put a hand on her shoulder and draw her into a hug. "Don't be scared out of what will make you happy by the price tag connected to it. There are people out there who understand you and you owe it to yourself to find them. Be passionate and unafraid." And she is.

I had no idea what an art school was like because I grew up in a college town with a huge "football" university. I did not really pay much attention to how good my art was compared to my peers, I did not study art history, and I definitely did not work hard on my portfolio, which I sincerely regret. If I had known what the environment of MICA was before I had even began my senior year, I would have put so much more time and effort into every painting, drawing, sculpture, etc that I created so that I could be a better artist and a better thinker. When I came to MICA, I felt so overwhelmed and helpless because I did not know what almost every other student had already learned and was practicing. Also, I have lived alone off campus, though my apartment is only three blocks from MICA, and I wish I had been able to at least have my first semester, if not year, on campus so I could better learn about the environment and be a little more social. But I became acquainted and more involved in the second semester here.

As a college freshman, if I were to offer words of transitional advice to my previous high school-senior self, I would say: "Sophia, you made the right choice. Deferring your college admission by one year was the best way you could have ever helped yourself." High school was hard for me because I lacked one key element that most kids my age were missing: responsibility. During that year off, I educated myself in a way that proved to be more valuable than an ordinary education. I received a minuscule taste of the "real world" by working three different jobs. Each required all of my energy and complete dedication. By embracing responsibility, my own personal virtue concerning work ethic emerged. From this I learned hard work does eventually pay off. Responsibility is the utmost important foundation quality to develop because without responsibility you can't do anything valuable. From this, I did something valuable. I made Dean's List my freshman year because I am a responsible, hard working art student. I have a dream to be somebody great in this world and it's my job to protect it no matter what.

Knowing what I do now about college life, I would advise myself not to be so nervous about making the transition and being so far away from home.

College will be a huge step into getting your dream job. I know you are excited and scared at the same time, because your are gonna the be the first in your family to go to college. It's okay to have these feeling because everyone has these feelings when you are headed to college for the first time. Believe in yourself that you can be successful, and don't forget that you want to set a good example for your younger brother. College will be different from high school. You will have to study more. Trust me that studying for your classes pays off. You will make alot of new friends while you are in college, but don't forget that studies come first. Make a dailey schedule to balance your time. Your road to becoming a high school guidance counselor is just begining. Make your goal to get a bachelors degree in psychology, then go higher then that and go get a masterss degree in psychology You will face many challenges when your become a college student, but I know you can overcome these challenges. Good luck and don't what motivates you to graduate from college.