Introductions

I graduated from a 6th through 12th grade visual and performing arts high school, where I was, of course, an art major. My school was located in an "inner-city" area, and yet was quite a unique place to its own. Although my city had four other high schools which suffered from varying degrees of apathy, disrespect for authority, violence, and other such issues, my school only have 500 students, and was a fairly close-knit environment.
Though the numbers influenced the higher achievements and decreased discipline problems there, I also believe that the focus on the arts--rather visual, dance, vocal, band, orchestral, or drama--deeply effected the way students approached their education. The same things seemed to occur, on a smaller scale, within the school itself. This leads me to believe that cultivating the students' talents will give them a sense of individuality, direction, and motivation in their education.

As an art major, I was a nerd even within the "uncool" school to attend. It was one of the smallest majors at the school, and some of the students went out of their way to be accepted by other majors' cliques. I was definitely not one of the "cool kids", but still well known and liked as an individual. The reputation I acquired helped me to focus on my own goals.
Academically, to be honest, I hated all the subjects except art (and parts of English). I was focused, but limited in what I could do outside of my area of expertise.

My biggest fear related to working with high school students is the students' apathy, or an unwillingness to take art seriously, but I am most excited about inspiring those students who, perhaps, have no area of interest. I'm not sure exactly what I will learned (or I would have studied it already...), but I intend to keep my eyes open for all things.