Brooks Institute Top Questions

What I would go back in time and tell my high school self about college life and making the transition is to save as much money as possible. To appreciate your high school teachers; for college professors could care less about you truning in a paper. Be ready to choose between paying for lunch or gas in your car. College is not a party this will determine who you'll be in the next decade lay a strong foundation.

I would tell myself to do as much research as possible. Even if the school I'm looking at seems pointless its worth looking into to determine what you don't want in a school. This would have been a great assistance to me. I would have been able to instantly begin working on a dregree I could get a job with right out of school. Since I didn't do this research, I had spent my first year trying to decide what I wanted to do and my second year trying to figure out how to begin doing it. This was much more difficult to do in college with a job since I didn't have nearly as much time as I had had in high school. Overall I think that that would have been my best advice to give myself.

My immediate reaction is to advise my past self to apply directly to Brooks , however I know that this advice would be remiss. My initial path led from high school directly to a Liberal Arts college. I learned a great deal and enjoyed my studies, but I could not seem to find my niche. After two years, unsure of which major to declare, I elected to take a leave of absence until I was certain of my career path. While I initially intended for this to be a short break, I needed longer than I anticipated to find my direction. Six years later, I embark once again upon the path to higher education. This time with determination in my mind and certainty in my heart which I have never felt before. I know I am where I need to be. Although it is tempting to inform my past self of this eventuality, I know it would do no good. The experiences I have had along the way have led me here, and without them my 'past-self' would be lost. My advice instead would be: Stay true to yourself and follow your passion, you will find yourself where you belong.

I was always a good student, but I never found a job that fascinated me enough to go to college and pursue. I always loved film and writing, but I was always told that it was an unrealistic dream. I finally decided to go for it, and even though the school I attend is very expensive, I am happy I am attending it. I have finally met like-minded people that also have this love for film and even though they are from different countries and cultures; we all have a lot in common. It is like a family here and it has given me the confidence to not only finish school, but to really excel at my film career.

Though I have only really taken the basic required classes so far, I have learned that it is not always easy reaching your goals and making those dreams come true. But it will be worth it. I have received many opportunities that I would not otherwise have gotten and made lasting friendships. I know that because of the foundational lessons I have received thus far, I will have a solid basis for all of my future endeavors. I am called to do great things, big things. I want to make a difference in the world I live in today, to make life better for those I meet and for the generations of people that I will never have the opportunity to know. I am excited to be off on this brand new adventure and look forward to what lies ahead!

I haven't gotten anything out of it yet. I am enrolled, but I will be beginning classes in July. I will however expect to gain a sound education, knowledge, experience, independence, a more opened mind, a few polaroids, photography/people/editing skills, and a few long termed friends.

A quote by Greg Anderson perfectly sums up what I have attained from my college experience thus far: "Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.? My life seems to be a series of goals and completions and I tend to disregard what happens in-between. I have learned that the time in-between making and achieving is called "life." If I do not focus on my journey, each season will pass and I will forget to appreciate every moment I have been blessed with. Genuine appreciation gives a joy that is unique in itself. So, why has my "college experience" has been so valuable? I have found a new appreciation for every moment in my life and in turn received an extraordinary joy, which I will never take for granted. Thank you for your consideration, Alyssa Johnson

i can accomplish more here in this private school more than i would be able to in a community college or university.

no idea

My college experience has allowed me to see that which is current in the visual world. What new and exciting technical achievements are being utilized today, in real time? It?s been extremely valuable to understand that technology has gone forward, and image making has become more demanding keeping up with the times. This new way of capturing life affects every genre that is visually dependent in the world, in every type of field of expertise. Being able to meet the visual communication need, requires the education to interpret these needs and translate these needs in the specialties that are now much more that the average person perceives as ?photography?. It is for this reason, it has been valuable and actually, invaluable, attending college in order to be prepared for state of the art technical prowess available in an openly creative environment.

I am following my dreams atending the school I had wished to go to 14 years ago. It has been challenging letting go of my old life in the construction world (the money I once made) and hummbling myself after the market of my work field crashed. The adventure of Brooks has been chalenging, yet rewarding. Being homless my first session at school allowed me to see life from a new perspective. My talents and passion for filmmaking and education are above and beyond what I ever exspected. Follow your heart and you will be fine.

I have had the chance to be a part of two schools; Arizona State University as well as Brooks Institute of photography and the change from schools has been amazing. I would tell myself to do what I wanted to do and follow my heart, my parents were really hard on me in the beginning and forced me to make a rash decision and not go with my own gut and what I truly wanted. It is my life and I should do what makes me happy even if it takes sacrifice. Great succes can only be measured by what you had to give up in order to get it.

Follow your dreams and never sell yourself short. If someone tells you that you can't do it, don't let it stop you. You have alot more talent then you give yourself credit for. And, you won't know unless you try. So shoot for the stars and you will succeed.

If I were to go back in time I would tell myself that education is a journey not a race. I would tell myself to go and travel with friends before making a commitment to go to college. You don't have to rush off to school and commitment yourself to something you're not ready for. I would tell myself to go and see how the world around me works and try to figure out what my place in it could be. I would also tell myself to remember how the big the world is and what an incredible diservice it would be to not educate myself to the best my money could afford. Being educated will always assure that no one else writes your future for you. Also, don't leave for college until you have undergone some type of change that leaves you a little happier with you are and at least until you can cook without the use microwave.

Focus! That is all I would say. Looking back all I can think about is how much harder I could have worked. I feel like My youth and inexperience in balancing multiple projects kept me from getting all that I could have gotten done completed. If I would have just focused a bit more and really worked on developing a bigger and better photography portfolio then I feel my search for a job today might not be as challenging. The work you put into your schooling will directly correspond with how hard you have to work or how successful you will be once you have graduated. So in one word..... FOCUS.