Santa Fe University of Art and Design Top Questions

I would say don't take any guff from anyone. If there is something you want to learn, you search until you find it. Don't let yourself get swayed off by half ass teachers. Don't be afraid to make mistakes because they are all apart of growing up. Practice makes perfect, and it's a process so ease into it; don't force your way through because you'll only end up hurting yourself in the end. Do NOT put off until tomorrow what can be done today! Discipline is of the utmost importance and laziness is unnecessary and will only lead to trouble. The time to grow up is now. It's time to break out of your shell and make connections, because relationships with people are important and there is always something to be learned. Knowledge is everywhere, you just have to open your eyes. Don't be afraid of the world, embrace it and make it your own.

First off, I would say apply for more scholarships. There are so many out there that I didn't know existed, or that were easy to apply for. Doing this probably would have saved me a ton of money. Second, pack half of the clothes that you think you're going to want to wear. Towards the middle of the semester, you're just trying to make it to class on time. So you throw on the first thing you grab. And no one cares what you wear. Most people tend to wear pjs. Third, just relax. College is not a huge deal. It's important, but it will be okay. Have fun, take pictures, and just relax.

If I could go back in time and give myself advice for college I would first slap myself and tell me to get it together. So in saying that i would go up to mysef and saysomething like this. Keisha, you need to get your act together. College is something special and unfortunatly you can't pay for it out of your own pocket or moms pocket. So what you need to do is apply for scholarships like crazy because there are thousands probably even millions of seniors this year who are going to be applying for the same scholarships as you and it wont be easy getting a late start. However, you do get into the college of your dreams and you make a lot of great friends. You'll love living on campus and staying up late to finish priojects with friends. But hate having to wake up in under eight hours of sleep to go to class. You will want to run home to mom but, you can't it's time to grow up. So start now that way its a little bit easier when the time comes.

Be true to yourself, know what you are doing and be true about it. Be strong, it's going to get tougher quickly. I know you know it's coming but you can't prepare yourself for it. You think you can but you truly cannot. You forsee yourself getting broken and you know it's coming and you think you are ready. You aren't. Imagining the truest pain doesn't even compare to having it wash over you completely and engulf your entire reality. Just keep your head high, and walk tough. It is a hard world when you know your mother is dying; it is harder when it happens.

I have learned a new independence and self reliance. I am 1500 miles from home and have had to manage my own finances and handle my own issues for the first time. It has been a trying time but also a very rewarding time. I have met many people and made many contacts in the field I have chosen which I believe will take me far when I am done with college. My teachers, for the most part are awesome and have encouraged me as a person and as a student. They have helped me tremendously in auditions and in my classes. I have also learned that it is not always someone else's fault but usually my own if I fail to perform as expected. The first semester was rough but I have learned a great deal and know that the upcoming semester and the rest of my college career will go much smoother. I have a greater respect for the performing arts and realize the talent, dedication and hard work it takes to make it. I have also realized that I want to work with the directing and production as well as performing aspects of Theater and film.

The best advice I could give to myself in preparation for college would be to say have courage; don't let the mean voices in your head prevent you from getting exactly what you need and want from your school, your peers, or yourself. It is easy to slip through the cracks and fall into the core of the earth where you are unseen and easily forgotten but you have to keep up with the best of them and you can! Don't be your own worst enemy, don't stand in the way of yourself. You are magnificent and capable of anything so long as you let yourself explore and find the ways to do it. School is fun and it is a transition into the realm of adulthood; treat it like so. Exercise responsibility; practice assertiveness; learn how larger systems of people and organizations work; define who you are and what you want; and most of all, don't be afraid.

I would tell myself that it's ok to be who am and not who others think I should be or what I should do in terms of career path.

If I could go back in time and speak to myself as a senior, I would have told myself to work harder in school and create a stronger portfolio. The pre-college programs I attended at The Kansas City Art Institute and The School of the Museuem of Fine Arts (Boston) were both very helpful and I would not change those descisions for the world as they have helped me become a better artist and more focused college student.

Knowing what degree you want to pursue is the most helpful in finding the right school. Sometimes, though, the right place will present itself. That's what happened with the school I plan to transfer to. Take into account what the surrounding area is like, the size of the school, what the biggest majors are [gives an idea of what kind of people are there], and ALWAYS visit. 3,000 kids could mean a campus with way too much room, or one that is way too cramped. Most importantly, go with the place that feels right in your heart. Try to imagine attending classes, walking around, hanging out, etc. Don't EVER let cost get in your way. There is a ton of free money out there!

When you take the tour talk to a student ambassadour or guidance counselor without your parents at least once. Ask them all the questions you wouldn't want to ask infront of your parents (what's the party scene like, do they have a gay straight alliance, etc etc). Sit in on a class, get an idea for class sizes, how available the teachers are, what kinds of clubs they have, and the resource centers they have for students. Is the library up to date, can you as a first year student rent out equipment in your department, are internships available, do they have study groups and tutours? Find out from students how easy the financial aid and registrar offices are to navigate. Once you're at college, even if you feel a bit out of place at first STICK WITH IT, if you give up rite away and transfer out chances are you're only going to run into the same problem when you get to your new school. Try new things, meet new people, take classes in things your interested in, join clubs, don't be afraid to see the on campus therapist if you need help adjusting.