Age: 17

Hometown: Berkeley

Grade/Class: Senior

Major/Focus: CW

1) How did you find and/or select Idyllwild Arts Academy?

I first attended the summer program Poetry Workshop when I was 11, and continued until I was 14 after being accepted into the Academy. I knew about IAA through my sister, who had attended the summer Theatre Program and loved it.

2) Was Idyllwild Arts your first boarding school experience? If not, please indicate previous boarding school(s).

IAA was my first boarding school.

3) Were you open to attending Idyllwild Arts from the start? Were you hesitant, or did you outright resist the idea?

I actually applied and was accepted during the summer without telling my parents; I had to convince them to let me attend.

4) How has that attitude since changed, if at all? If so, was there a moment when you “got it” and can you describe that in narrative form?

There are times when IAA can be really difficult. Students work so much, have so much responsibility, and have a lot of people to whom they are held accountable, but through all of that, I felt there was an understanding that the Academy was so important, so beneficial, and so valuable that I couldn’t ever really give it up.

5) What do you now most enjoy about Idyllwild Arts?

The community of artists, teachers, and friends I have here have helped develop me into a stronger writer and a better person. I love that my teachers know me personally, that I can sit and talk with my department chair or English teacher on any given basis, and that I feel entirely connected to my school.

6) What does Idyllwild Arts provide academically/artistically that a non-boarding school could not?

The opportunity to be constantly involved in your work could not be held anywhere else. When you’re living in an artistic environment, you have no choice but to be held by it. Recitals in the evening, art events during the day, and a continual discussion about classes, theories, and art could not be achieved in a “regular” school. I don’t just attend IAA; I breathe it.

7) How have you fared academically at Idyllwild Arts?

The academic classes have engaging, intelligent, and dedicated teachers. Though the educational system is pretty typical with 45-minute periods (though soon to be changed), I feel like teachers push for a deeper understanding of their subjects, and the work relating to art.

8) Classes currently taking and any extracurricular activities:

Honors Gov. and Econ.

Honors English

Comparative Religion

Epic Novel

Photography (Adv)

Shakespeare Studies

Exploratory Writing

Senior Survey

Screenwriting

Aesthetics and the Nature of Beauty

9) Describe the faculty, in general, and how they compare to faculty at non-boarding schools.

As above, the faculty are interested not only in developing young artists, but also developing young people. Most of the faculty is extremely devoted to making this a true artist atmosphere

10) Where/How does Idyllwild Arts excel?

The fact that IAA offers college-level courses in art, and a close-knit staff that works with the individual student is extremely rare in any school in the country. The courses are relevant, well-taught, and interesting and offer myriad opportunities for both artistic and personal growth.

11) What inspired your interest in your art? (dance, film, theatre, music, writing, art, etc.)

I have always written, always read. There wasn’t a single inspiration, except growing up with a mother who is an artist and who raised me to be creative.

12) What have you learned from your passion/interest in (dance, art, movies,) etc.?   

I say that almost all of my personal “epiphanies” appear in my work in one form another. I learn most about myself.

13) What projects/performances/exhibitions have you been involved?

Aside from the readings that occur three times a year, I also participated in the IAA Gala with writing and photography and have been published in Teen Ink several times. This winter, I was a Level One Award Winner in the NFAA contest.

14) What is life like in the dorm?

The presence of sensitive, interesting and generally hilarious dorm parents make the living situation really laid-back and fun.

15) How has living within a diverse community changed/affected you? (i.e. students from around the world and the US)

I really feel like I have gained a better perspective regarding communication. Many of my close friends grew up speaking another language, and I can really see how learning new ways to express myself has affected my interactions with people.

16) How has Idyllwild Arts prepared you for your future?

I’m not sure yet; I assume its prepared me well.

17) What are your plans after graduating from Idyllwild Arts? (College? Conservatory? Career?)