To whom this may concern

My name is Gina and I am a sophomore at Syracuse University. I am majoring in illustration and minoring in psychology. Currently my home is in Jericho, New York (which is located in Long Island) but plan to live in NYC after I graduate. Many ask me why I chose to come to Syracuse and my answer has always been because there are many opportunities to experiment and experience here. Though college pressures us to get good grades and pursue a high-end money making job, college is really about making mistakes and trying new things. I've been here for barely two years but I've already tried many things that I never would have. I was fortunate enough to get opportunities to try competitive ballroom dances, attend Juice Jam events, cheer from the floor seats of basketball and football games, dance at concerts and many more. I think it's very important that art students expose themselves to a city-like campus filled with different people with different majors.
How I decided to be an illustration major is actually kind of funny. Exactly a year ago, I hated illustration or just the concept of illustrating. I was infused by the stereotype that all illustrators are old fashioned children's book artists with no avant-garde set of mind. On March 7th last year (yes, I remember the date because it is my birthday), all the Visual Art majors had to go to a forum where all the majors and professors were introduced before students made final declarations of their majors. I was BLOWN away by what the illustration professors had prepared for us. There were so many things that I didn't know about illustration. Because the University exposed me to different options, I was able to wisely chose what fit for me. I love illustration and I don't regret picking it as my major. I also enjoy studying psychology and the way people think in a deeper perspective. I feel like art and the science of behavior go hand in hand because in order to create something, one must know different aspects of the world.


Anyway, I can rant on and on about art but I'll restrain myself and get to the point. As a human being in a competitive and changing society, I ENCOURAGE YOU to let go of everything you know and make yourself vulnerable in an environment with many opportunities and choices. I think Syracuse University really advocates these ideas.

Take a chance and try something new today.


-g