Columbus College of Art and Design Top Questions

If I was to go back in time and give myself advice about what I could expect in the future, I probably would advise myself to do the best in my academic studies and maintain as high of a G.P.A as I could. I think that most scholarships are awarded to those who stride for excellence in their studies, personal and professional life. I also believe that your G.P.A. is a reflection of how well you performed in school and how serious you were about your education. As a teacher, I stress this to my students.

In high school, I had the mistaken belief that it was my God given right for my opinions to be heard. I've learned since that this is not exactly true. The only true right I have as an individual is the right to learn from others around me. That being said, if I could go back in time to advise my younger, stubborn, and much noisier self in but one small way, I would tell myself to "sit down, shut up, and pay attention. After all, learning is free.

I didn't do very well academically in high school. I wasn't passionate about what I was learning, I didn't have many friends, and I was depressed because of this. I didn't really feel like I belonged anywhere, life was bleak at the time. When senior year was approaching it's end, I didn't feel any joy because I knew my education wasn't over and I doubted going to college was going to improve my standings. That is, until I finally got there. I was suddenly impassioned by my peers. I made friends and instead of looking down every day, I started looking forward. I felt like I found myself. If I could talk that kid just once, I would tell him about how bright his future is. I would tell him, there is hope. Life won't always be so dark and dismal. I would tell him to keep his head up, work hard, and to never under any circumstances, give up on yourself.

Being cool does not matter, no body cares who you hung out with in High Schoo or what you did at the party last weekend. Prioitize your work, get help from your teachers and students, and get it done. Draw more, paint more, learn more, expand your mind now, you'll thank me later.

When I was a senior I was terrified, about the unknown, the anticipation, whether or not I'll even be able to pull through and afford the school of my dreams. Even up to a point where I was anticipating just getting to the school, I was nervous and afraid of what to expect; being an adult is a HUGE transition, and being afraid is perfectly fine, there's no reason not to be afraid in a situation like transitioning into adulthood. I would tell myself it's okay that you're afraid, but just know that all that worry will be for something, you worked hard to get here, you didn't take the easy way out, you chose this path and you worked for it and wanted it more than anybody, don't sweat it. There are AMAZING artists here, but you are an amazing artist as well and you're already at the top of your game with your classes and even your social life; you will NOT regret taking the more challenging route to achieving what you have dreamed of your entire life; but do not take advantage of the opportunity you've been given.

Do not go to college looking for a relationship. If you happen to end up in one, stay focused on your studies, let them be your top priority, and expect the same commitment from the one you are dating. Don't party you career away, just because you are free to do whatever you choose, since you are out of your parents site. Make good choices that will benefit your future and not destroy it or make it more diffcult to reach the goal you have set before you. Finally, get a tutor if you are struggling in any class. Don't try to wing it on your own

The biggest advice that I would give to myself would be to keep on track with what is really important. In high school especially, there are many distractions such as friends, sports, jobs, and other none school related activities. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself that college is coming and that I need to be ready because this world will not wait on me. Currently I do not know if I will go to college becasue of money. I have been accepted and I have recieved some money from school, but as of right now I owe $20,000. I cannot get a loan becasue my parents do not have the best credit, so I have to personally find a way to make up for the money that I do not have. If I could go back in time I would let myself know that scholarships are important and that I must be aware of all of the financial oppurtunities that come up during the school year. I never thought that I would have to deal with the problem of not being financially ready for college, now I wish that I was more prepared.

Now that I am approaching my senior year at CCAD, I think about this pretty often. First, I would tell myself to be ready for one of the most exciting, difficult, and often scary adventures of your life. This is where you are going to discover a big part of who you really are. Prepare for the sleepless nights and assignments that may sometimes seem a little irrelevant, especially in the first two foundation years. It's OK to cry. Feel it all, but stick with it. I would warn myself that you will want to drop out more times than you can count, but keep on going because it gets better. Keep playing your guitar and writing music, along with school it is who you are. Don't be resentful that you will have to work 2 jobs and babysit, smile and be thankful to have that part time income. Managing your money is just as important as managing your time, so always plan ahead. Your two internships will also be invaluable with knowledge, so soak it all in. Finally, I would tell myself that the education that I will leave with is ultimately up to me.

If I were to go back in time and give my younger self a word of advice about college I'd tell him to take more chances. The college he's going to is not one for slackers, he has to know this, its tough out there for a young artist and he has to understand that things are not going to be easy for him. He needs to focus his discipline and get it though his thick skull that sticking to what you know isn't going to work out. Broadening his horizons and exploring the world will strengthen his creativity and better prepare him for the challenge ahead. He'll be facing sleepless nights, heartache, overwhelming frustration, and brutal critiques. Its tough out there, many people will tell him to turn back and join the rest of society but he needs to take this path of hurtles. But he shouldn't avoid them. Instead he should welcome the obstacles CCAD throws at him because they will shape him into the professional videographer he one day hopes to become.

If I could go back in time to offer my younger self advice, I would start by saying the following; "Don't take life to seriously." As a senior in high school, I found myself drowning in AP courses, thus piling me with hours of homework on top of everything I had to do as the editor of the 2012-2013 yearbook. I would tell myself to take those foundation art classes that I snarked my freshman year, because they will be needed in the very near future. I would assure myself that I won't end up in the field that I thought I would be for the last three years of my life. Instead of working my way to becoming a curtator in a musuem, I would be creating great things that would one day be hung within it's halls. I would promise myself that I'd quickly make new friendships that are sure to last a lifetime. Lastly I would put all my worries at ease by saying that no matter how scared I was at the time, it'll all work out and that I am currently having the time of my life!