A Leap Back Into School

Over ten years ago, I stepped away from teaching and took a sabbatical to become a full-time art student. After teaching first grade for more than a decade, I was beginning to feel burned out.

Teaching printmaking to elementary students.

I packed up my classroom, stacked all the chairs, and headed off to pursue a BFA in Illustration at ArtCenter College of Design.

Packing up my first-grade classroom before returning to school.

Before making that decision, I had taken a printmaking class through ArtCenter Extension with Eric Mark Sandberg. I enjoyed it so much that I began to imagine what it would be like to return to school full-time. Eventually, I decided to take the leap. Going back to school was one of the happiest periods of my life. After working for ten years, I genuinely loved being a student again. I loved going to class, doing homework, and spending every day making, creating, practicing, and learning. It felt like heaven.

At ArtCenter, I learned how to draw academically and developed skills that I had always wanted to learn. More importantly, I discovered that I have always had my own unique way of seeing the world.

I met some of the most inspiring teachers of my life, and their encouragement helped shape the artist I am today. If I had to do it all over again, I would make the same decision without hesitation.

I also applied for scholarships every term. Many of the installations and projects I created would not have been possible without my dad's help.

My dad helping with one of my scholarship installations.

He spent countless hours assisting me, and those memories remain some of my favorites from school.

One of the unexpected gifts of being a student was the opportunity to travel. I visited Berlin with a group of students and even participated in a voguing class. I also had the opportunity to travel to London with an amazing group of illustrators.

Student trip to London.

These experiences expanded my understanding of art, culture, and community.

What began as a one-year sabbatical eventually turned into three years. I graduated with a BFA in Illustration in December 2017.

Graduation day with my parents, December 2017.

After graduation, I was awarded an Entrepreneurship Term, which allowed me to explore the development of a 3D-printing curriculum for elementary schools. At the same time, I taught art part-time at Gabriella Charter Schools, allowing me to stay connected to the classroom while pursuing new creative directions.

I sometimes miss teaching children full-time. There is something special about helping young students discover their creativity. Today, in my role at ArtCenter,

I am still able to teach, mentor, and support others, just in a different capacity.

Teaching and mentoring at ArtCenter today.

Looking back, I'm grateful for the winding path that brought me here. What started as a sabbatical became a life-changing journey that continues to shape who I am as an artist, educator, and lifelong learner.