Another reason I became interested in ADA was because of their belief in taking the time to think, explore, and evolve as an artist. Lately I've been struggling with my identity as an 'artist' (though a big help has been a visit from Margaret Lobenstine at SLC, author of "The Renaissance Soul"). I was intrigued by a representative from ADA during her visit to SLC last year: she talked about the importance of taking time to be active - to be artistic - rather than just thinking about it. The atmosphere that she spoke of reminded me of my summer camp as a kid, YPI, as well as the educational philosophy at Sarah Lawrence. You'd think that by now, after attending these arts programs, I would know what it means to 'be an artist'. Instead (and not to sound negative - to the contrary), they given me more doubts and questions. Most importantly, these places have given me curiosity.
I chose to study abroad for a year because of my doubts, questions, and curiosity. I don't think one semester would be enough for me. As I wrote in one of my application essays for study abroad, Sarah Lawrence has encouraged me to be an independent, curious individual, so it is only natural to want to leave the school behind for a year and then to return for my senior year. It won't be time wasted. I know SLC will be there when I come home. On another note, I've never been to Italy, France, Spain, or the UK, so I can't wait to go to places I've never been.
I look forward to exploring Italy and noticing the small, simple, beautiful things there. Of course I want to visit the great tourist attractions, but I also want to enjoy living there as I would in any place I call home.
Things to do:
- Buy carry-on luggage
- Fix camera
- Get nice pens and drawing tools
- Haircut and manicure (I spent my summer painting sets - it's legit)
- Finish current book and buy new ones
- Eat at my favorite local restaurant
- Finish learning a song on the piano
- Make a list of things to pack... before I figure out how I'm going to pack
