Massachusetts College of Art and Design Top Questions

The advice I would give myself about college life would be to pursue a college education. I would advise myself to begin my college education at a local community college while working a part-time job in order to keep from going into debt with student loans. I would also advice planning out the educational path to make sure the transfer to a 4 year university. I 'd advise myself to contact the 4 year institution that I was planning to transfer to and make sure the classes transfered. Most importantly I'd advise myself to pursue my dream of becoming an educator, which requires a college education, as soon as possible and not letting anything distract me from that dream.

Everything you learn in college builds on what you learned in high school. Although this touches on the information you learned in high school, the study skills and habits are even more important than the knowledge gained. Please continue to be a hard worker in high school and challenge yourself to work to your full potential. There is a tendency in seniors to slack off during the end of senior year, which must be ignored completely. End of senior year is the homestretch and should be sprinted hard. College is harder than high school and being prepared is the best way to confront the upcoming challenges. The other huge part of college is being involved. The level of involvement in high school tends to reflect the motivation to get involved in college. This is your future and you can control it based on your effort and actions.

If I could go back in time, there are plenty of things I would tell myself. I would have yelled at myself for not looking into colleges early enough or talking to enough people already attending college. If i focused more time on my research I would've had a more straight and narrow education path. As a transfer, I wish I had interrogated students at the schools I wanted to attend instead of just listening to what the tour guides say, because the kids walking around are the most reliable sources for what that school is like. Several friends in college asked me to stay a weekend at their school to see what its like, that I really regret not doing. The most important thing I'd tell myself is to go with your gut feeling, no with the prestige of the college or what everyone else says about that particular college. If you visit a campus and like it just because of the prestige, but don't particularly feel a connection with it, forget about it. The main thing is if when you step on that campus, do you get good vibes and can you picture yourself there.

Throughout a mere one semester, I have learned to fuel my own fires of creative growth in the visual arts through the writing and reading of poetry and literature. Learning this correlation between the written and visual arts has shown me how to push myself into new growth instead of an outside source of motivation. This has, in turn, formed a deep sense of gratitude within me towards those other exterior forms of motivation. I am frequently awakened to many new ideas and concepts, as well as the ability to step outside of the bias the ego casts on my own perception. I have been truly learning to "'step into someone else's shoes" and I do not believe a could have learned a more true sense of this in any other place than Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

I learned how to be a creative and forward thinking citizen, how to be resourceful and take on challenges. I made lasting friends both in students and faculty.

Through my college experience thus far, I have learned how to be on my own, manage my time, and my money. This past fall I moved into my dorm and for the first time I was on my own and making my own decisions. I had to learn how to manage my work at an acceptable pace to get good work passed in on time, and I have also had to learn to manage my money due to the cost of food and school suplies. I have learned to determine the difference between what I want to what I need. It has been a life changing experience and has certainly allowed me to take a firm step into the real world. During my time at MassArt I have also began to explore myself as an artist. I have leared about the discipline it takes to become a better artist. One must have the passion and work ethic to become the best they can be. I have tried to take every chance that has come my way to become what I strive to be.

Although I am only a sophomore, I have already been integrated into a major that I feel will lead me toward a profession that will be both something I love and something that will make a difference. Massart provides exposure and resources to other artists and designs that is helping me to learn and eventually succeed in the "real world". My classes have helped me to grow as an artist and understand how to become even better. Without this school, I would lack experience, connections, and a chance to interact creatively with other designers. I have gained confidence in myself and my art, knowing now that only my financial limitations can hold me back from anything.

The college experience continues to be for me an amazing one. The opporunity has been one for me that i never thought I would be able to experience. Coming from a low income family, I knew that this would be almost impossible. With financial aide this has become a more reasonable dream, but still I do not seem to be able to financially afford my studies even after I graduate. It is very valuable to me to attend so I can give back to my community what it has given to me by being able to attend college. Currently, I am enrolled in the Paralegal Studies in the Associates degree of applied science at Kaplan University in Maine. I know I can take this knowledge when I am done and further my education as a Lawyer, but financing this journey is a journey in itself. It will give me a btter sense of self worth and validation to aid those in need in my community as a Paralegal.

My college experience has rewarded me in many ways. I have become an artist that has matured i. My first semester was a little tough but as I got to know the new school, I felt more comfortable. Letting go of the fear of not fitting in or not being good enough did not last very long. I found myself working with new materials and creating art I felt great about. The encouragement I not only received from teachers but from other students. I had this new family of artist that at any time I can contact and continue to get there input on whatever I am doing. I value my education so highly and I am thankful for the educators who have opened my eyes to all aspects of art. Their structure and teaching skills were tough and positive. I was able to take an idea and run with it. The fear of letting go and allowing myself to experience an artist mind while I was at school and now working in my studio is what I received from my college experience.

In the beginning I wasn't sure if a fine arts college was for me but I have discovered that this is exactly the type of place I need to be in. The city may not have grown on me just yet but the work load is rigorous which is what has pushed me to become a better artisit. The progress I have made is amazing and have realized that I'm a tougher cookie than I thought. I've pushed through all of it and have gained so much in return. All the professors here are all serious and know what they are doing. Again, I'm iffy about Boston but not at all insecure about the education I am recieving.