It's simply amazing how one's life can change in a matter of minutes. Coming out of middle school, I cannot deny, I wasn't the brightest crayon in the crayon box. I wasn't like the color gray, dull and boring, yet I wasn't macaroni and cheese orange, outgoing and different. As I opened the manila colored envelope I received in my previous school, St. Ann's school in Dongan Hills, my heart thumped louder than the tin man's could in the Wizard Of Oz. Notice the irony. Being a laid-back student with no aspiration to try my best, opening this letter would have been nothing out of the ordinary; probably a rejection letter with a million, “I'm sorry, you have not been accepted” lines in the first paragraph. Fortunately, for me, this time was different. “Congratulations, you have been accepted into CSI High School for International Studies.” With mouth wide open, I knew my life was about to change in a majority of ways. Not only was I going to ditch the snobby girls that flocked the hallways of terror, I knew that somehow my karma had been reversed, and that I was about to ride the biggest roller coaster I ever could.
I remember walking into the doors at the old CSIHSIS campus and seeing Mrs. Horowitz's heels and saying to myself, “Who is this fashionista persona working at my school? Maybe she wants to be a fashion designer too!” Well hey Marissa, that's your principal. And no, I don't think she's standing outside your school to be a fashion designer.
However, this reminiscence of my first year is not why I am writing this right now. In fact, I'm posting here to describe two of the many opportunities in which my school has helped me to achieve.
Linked with the College of Staten Island, our school is able to provide grants to their students, helping them to receive college credit for their chosen path. My chosen paths are fine arts, and fashion design, and in my junior year, I was able to take an Intro to Painting course at the College of Staten Island. Here, I was able to broaden my painting talents, and open my eyes to a new form of painting- oil. Feeling the smooth lining of a new brush, then smelling the oils being sucked into the coarse bristles never felt so real. This is one of the many opportunities I will never forget doing, and I know that if I am the next Van Gogh, that our school is definitely going in the credits.
Secondly, I was able to take an Intro to Sculpture class. This class, much different then the painting course, has helped me to redefine the meaning of sculpture. Never had I used plaster before, and carving was something eye- opening. Moreover, my ending piece could have passed for a Isamu Noguchi. Hey- it's okay to dream! However, my sculpture did come out very well, and now sits in the College of Staten Island Gallery. In total, for both of these courses, I have received four college credits. Starting January 2010, I will be taking the Intermediate Painting course, for which I will receive three credits.
Our school provides their kids with so many opportunities. So take full advantage of them. If you love something, don't let anyone stop you. It doesn't hurt to take a class that will benefit your future- remember that.
by Marissa Mule, Class of 2010
I remember walking into the doors at the old CSIHSIS campus and seeing Mrs. Horowitz's heels and saying to myself, “Who is this fashionista persona working at my school? Maybe she wants to be a fashion designer too!” Well hey Marissa, that's your principal. And no, I don't think she's standing outside your school to be a fashion designer.
However, this reminiscence of my first year is not why I am writing this right now. In fact, I'm posting here to describe two of the many opportunities in which my school has helped me to achieve.
Linked with the College of Staten Island, our school is able to provide grants to their students, helping them to receive college credit for their chosen path. My chosen paths are fine arts, and fashion design, and in my junior year, I was able to take an Intro to Painting course at the College of Staten Island. Here, I was able to broaden my painting talents, and open my eyes to a new form of painting- oil. Feeling the smooth lining of a new brush, then smelling the oils being sucked into the coarse bristles never felt so real. This is one of the many opportunities I will never forget doing, and I know that if I am the next Van Gogh, that our school is definitely going in the credits.
Secondly, I was able to take an Intro to Sculpture class. This class, much different then the painting course, has helped me to redefine the meaning of sculpture. Never had I used plaster before, and carving was something eye- opening. Moreover, my ending piece could have passed for a Isamu Noguchi. Hey- it's okay to dream! However, my sculpture did come out very well, and now sits in the College of Staten Island Gallery. In total, for both of these courses, I have received four college credits. Starting January 2010, I will be taking the Intermediate Painting course, for which I will receive three credits.
Our school provides their kids with so many opportunities. So take full advantage of them. If you love something, don't let anyone stop you. It doesn't hurt to take a class that will benefit your future- remember that.
by Marissa Mule, Class of 2010
4 comments:
Thanks for sharing your reflections and your experience with our school community. It is so evident that through your college experience and through your experiences in Advanced Placement Studio Art and other art courses at our school, you have grown as an artist. I am so excited for you and can't wait to hear the results of you college applications. You have truly found your passion and pursued it. Keep on following your dreams!
Susan Sullivan (CSI Liaison to the high school and leadership team member)
I was really excited to read your comments and will share them at the college. I hope other students will continue to have such positive CSI college experiences while still in the CSI High School. I am also impressed with your writing skills which seem to be in competition for excellence with your artistic skills. I'll be anxious to hear where you will be continuing to develop your writing and artistic talents and skills.
Good luck.
Susan Sullivan
Congratulations to Marissa on her acceptance to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). Marissa is the first CSIHSIS student accepted to an art school. Congratulations and thanks also to our outstanding art teacher, Ms. Clara Gagliardi for her constant support and encouragement and for her excellent teaching!!!!
It is my pleasure to congratulate Marissa for pursuing her passion, which certainly helped her to be accepted into FIT's Fine Arts program. We wish her the best of luck and look forward to owning one of her paintings!!!!
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