Susan has applied to attend School of Visual Arts Summer Pre-College: Interior Design this summer and is raising funds for her program fees. Can you help?
Susan
Susan
Interest:
Fine Arts
School:
Achievement First University Prep
Location:
Successfully funded on June 15th, 2014!
Fully funded!
$2,300 raised
$0 to go
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Susan
Susan's Story

My passion is photography. What's most exciting about photography is that I am able to see the world from a different point of view from others. This is something amazing and talented because, I can't just go with the flow, I like to stand out and let the world know there is something about me that separates me from you. And I like to express this difference through photography. With photography, I am able to look at everyday things like the sky, for example, and make it look more fascinating than a person would think. When taking photographs, there is this joy that I have in me that every flash of the camera makes me excited. I am so passionate about photography I can't explain the joy, the rush I get. I feel more than happy because I am doing what I love and everyone gets this feeling when they do something they are passionate about.

I want to attend this program because I want to understand deeper concepts of photography that I don't have knowledge of. In addition if am able to attend this program it is more likely I will be able to have a more successful photography life in the future.

Michael
A Note from Michael Birk, Susan's Teacher

Susan has had some formal experience with visual arts, however, she has not been able to pursue her interests at a level requested for a college portfolio submission. She has expressed a serious interest in the arts and has expressed interest in pursuing a career in the arts. If the creative spirit is so prevalent in the work that Susan does currently, then a formalized, expertly run extracurricular program seems the natural way to foster that spirit. Additionally, Susan has spent the majority of her academic career in schools that emphasize left brain thinking. This program seems like a natural avenue for Susan to explore other talents she possesses. Susan has not been afforded the same opportunities in life that those in affluent communities have. Yet she has pursued her artistic passions while excelling academically. When I began teaching Susan, she performed in the bottom quartile of her class (not from lack of hard work either). By the time she left our school, she ranked in the top ten percent of all students in our school. Susan works so incredibly hard in every aspect of her life. I could not think of a student more deserving of this incredible opportunity.

Campaign Activity
Susan
Susan posted an update
August 21
Wonderful time at School of Visual Arts!

I studied digital photography at the School of Visual Arts (SVA). One key skill I learned in my class was how to take a photograph where the main focus is frame, composition, and lighting. In addition, I learned that it is okay to explore using your camera at different angles. 

In digital photography class, we were able to work in the light room to edit photographs. It was something new to me because I have never edited any of my photographs before. Isaac, my teacher, showed me new ways to experiment with lighting and color on the computer. 

Attending SVA influenced my plans for the future because I got a chance to feel like a college student. I now have an idea of what college will actually be like when I go. My longing to become a professional photographer has become more exciting due to this experience.

I would highly recommend this program to a friend, and in fact, I already have. I would recommend it because the teachers are wonderful and give lots of support to all scholars. In addition, I received one-on-one feedback, which helped a lot! Lastly, students are able to explore NYC and capture the wonderful landscapes and people.

To students who attend this program in the future, I would say: don't be afraid to be part of the conversations and invest in every moment because it is a wonderful opportunity. Also, express your style and character because it’s interesting to see the different perspectives of other students.



Susan
Susan posted an update
June 20
Ready for my photography program this summer!

I am most excited about getting to explore the landscapes of New York City and capturing photos of wonderful scenery. While I attend this photography program some goals I have are to obtain as much knowledge as I can to be prepared for the real world experience. A challenge that I might face is being anti-social at first when meeting new people from all over the world. But I plan to overcome this fear by speaking up and letting my voice be heard to classmates because it will be a life changing experience for me.

Susan
Susan posted an update
June 15
Thank you

Thanks to your wonderful generosity and giving hearts, I am able to attend the School of Visual Arts this summer to study digital photography. Without your support I would not be able to attend such a fantastic program to improve and learn new photography skills. You have helped me out tremendously to become a better photographer. Thank you.

Success! Michael Birk helped Susan raise $2,300
June 15
Anonymous donated $199
June 15
Anonymous donated $300
June 13
Anonymous donated $1,571
June 11
Jason Foral donated $230
May 19
Michael
Michael Birk started this campaign
May 16
Susan
Susan was accepted into Wishbone!
February 4