Posts tagged student leadership

Written by:  O’seremi Odu, Sequential Art

As a SCAD student ambassador, I think students should take a break to gain new experiences.  However, eLearning summer quarter classes are a great option as well.

In Summer 2011, going into my senior year, I had an opportunity to share the craft of art to high school and middle school students.  I love talking about art! Moreover, sharing the craft with young adolescence with growing ambitions is just as inspiring to me as I am to them.  As a student ambassador, I share my passion with prospective students and the newly enrolled students during SCAD Days and Transfer Student Panels. This time was different.  I am around these students for, at least, 10 hours a day!

Most of the high school students participating in SCAD Summer Seminars were already familiar with the computer software.  They knew Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and even portfolio websites such as Blogspot.  Most participants had extraordinary talent and tenacity for their age.  Many of the students were eager to engage in very transparent conversations with the camp counselors.  It was as if we were mentors and role models who have an impression on the rest of their lives for that one week.  I had a conversation with one young lady on the steps of Spring House, which is a SCAD Atlanta residence hall.  She really was hesitant about presenting her work for the Closing Exhibition.  I explained to her the importance of presenting artwork for exhibition and the importance of making sure work was presented professionally and appropriately.  We had the most sincere conversation on those steps.  She said, “I didn’t mean to be rude.  I’m going to work on it.” I was elated and at a loss for words.   As she ran to go finish the project, I thought to myself of important my position as a Summer Programs Assistant was.   Forty-minutes later, she completed her work not to please me, but for her own integrity.

What impressed me about the elementary and middle school campers in the Art Smarts were their personal inspirations.  I was a Summer Programs Assistant in the comic book class.  As an icebreaker, each child was asked who their favorite characters from any story were. I was expecting Pokemon, Spongebob, Squidward, Jack Sparrow, or Harry Potter.  Instead, the kids said Calvin and Hobbes, Sam Gamgee (Frodo’s best friend in Lord of the Rings), and Sherlock Holmes!  It reaffirmed my hope that children are entertained by books not only for its fantastical elements, but also for its wit, humor, and nobility.

Did you know SCAD offers Summer Programs for all ages! For more information about SCAD Summer Programs, please visit www.scad.edu/summer.