I love the topic I’m doing - it’s called “Abraham Walkowitz and the Advent of Modernism.” I actually started it last year, and my faculty advisor has really helped me get it in shape.

HOW DID I GET HERE?
I went to school for a while in England. When I moved back to Rochester I started looking around for a college that satisfied some very specific interests.

To be honest, I had never heard of Purchase College, but I was looking for a place that was close to New York, but still secluded and safe. Though I wanted to be close to New York, the city still freaked me out a bit.

As soon as my dad and I drove onto the campus, I had a feeling this was the place for me. There was so much art everywhere. I know some people don’t love the architecture here, at least not initially. But I liked it right away.

AN ARTISTIC COMMUNITY
I love being part of a community that includes painters and designers, dancers, musicians, and theater and film students. We have three conservatories here and really good school of fine art and design. I’m not in one of the conservatories, I’m a liberal arts student. But we’re all creative here.

It sounds kind of cliché, but my whole worldview has changed since I came here. It’s changed dramatically. There are all kinds of students here. All kinds. It can be a little shocking at first, especially for those of us who grew up in a suburb someplace. I’ve learned a lot about diversity. And I’ve grown to love, I mean really love, New York.

A CHANCE TO GET INVOLVED
I got connected by getting involved in a lot of clubs. I’m very political. Not every student here is, but it’s not all that unusual. At Purchase College I’ve had a chance to do more than just “talk politics.” Here I’ve had the chance to practice politics. In fact I was just involved in writing a federal grant.

SEEING THINGS DIFFERENTLY
I used to see art as separate from life, now I see art in everyday life. Do you know what I mean? My professors, the people I’m going to school with, just this place in general, have really opened my mind. The combination of being exposed to so much, being supported by such great teachers, and at the same time being challenged with some pretty hard work has really helped me grow.

Next year I’m moving to New York. I can’t wait to see what happens after that.