Nico Santamorena ’19
Currently enrolled in MA program in Art Therapy at NYU
Nico’s Purchase experience in their own words:
Studying anthropology helped me diversify perspective, approach things from a place of intersectionality, and consider cultural relativity within my work. My professors encouraged my creativity and helped me channel my desire to work collaboratively with others. In undergrad I learned that I have a special interest in the mental wellness of marginalized populations. Getting to do my senior project with LGBTQ+ practitioners of witchcraft taught me so many things, but most importantly it taught me the power of community as a means of healing.
The principles and tools I gained through my studies have been invaluable to the social justice and advocacy work I’ve undertaken. I had the pleasure of working with a non-profit as part of their diversity commission and youth creative director. I used my anthropology skills to do outreach, conduct interviews, and approach situations with sensitivity. After graduating I became a peer mental health counselor for LGBTQ+ youth as well as a mental health educator with both the Mental Health Association and The National Alliance on Mental Illness.
With encouragement from Professor Kim, I decided to pursue a Masters in Art Therapy and will be attending NYU this fall (starting Fall 2022). In September I will be doing fieldwork in a clinical setting working with children with various disabilities. Anthropology has allowed me to use my skills as an artist and my desire to understand others in deep and meaningful ways.
I was, in part, inspired to major in anthropology due to the passion of my professors. Seeing their dedication was a driving force in the decision to change my major. I started my college career in art and design, but something about anthropology motivated me. Majoring in anthropology made me a better artist because I learned to approach the creative process with different questions. Through that process I found that I could help others feel seen and supported. I am so grateful to the anthropology department for supporting me and encouraging me to grow.