Dreyfoos means so much to me. This school has offered me an experience I know few people have the opportunity to get and I'm so thankful. I've met so many incredible, inspiring friends and teachers, people I want to stay in touch with for the rest of my life.

Mr. Armetta introduced me to new ways of thinking and creating work, approaches I still use in my work every time.

Mr. Fehre, although I didn't have him as a teacher, I had the opportunity to vibe with him for a day at the convention center, sharing a booth to represent Dreyfoos. I value that day so much, thank you for showing me Robert Henri's "The Art Spirit", I reference that book all the time.

Mrs. Glosmanova, your figure drawing class was so influential on me, I'm thankful for it so much.

Ms. Jahn, one of the sweetest teachers but also isn't afraid to say what she needs to.

Mrs. Allione, although she is no longer at Dreyfoos, she had such a great impact on me as an artist. I adored her harsh critique and introduction to new materials.

Ms. Van Reeth, I'm not the best student, I know that, but I love your love for art history, and I learned of many artists I relate to, people I wouldn't know about if it weren't for that class.

To my close friends, Laura, Michael, Jade, and Auguste, you all already know how much I love and care for you but I have to solidify this on this site so you all never forget. I can't wait to dorm with you in college, Laura, I'm so excited for our time together. Michael, I love when you show me new work and ask what I think. Jade, you're so unique and I love your approach to absolutely everything, you're so special. And Auguste, one day we will be in Italy, it has to happen and it will.

I was an average student, I got my assignments done and turned in, sometimes late but I did my work. My attention was primarily directed towards my art assignments. Which I feel is fine, you want to do well in academics but honestly, if you’re serious about working towards having a career as an artist, focus on that. Art schools generally care more about your portfolio than your grades but don’t completely neglect academics. The end goal doesn’t have to be art school either, I’m planning to go because of a large scholarship but I would never ever go if it meant being in a large amount of debt. As an artist, you have to be smart with money and time management, I’m still learning.

Get a job. I’ve been working at a restaurant for over a year now, would I rather be working on my artwork? Yes, yes, yes. However, I’m not a pro, I can’t make enough money with just my art. Learn to manage time to some extent and value it, every moment. You have a lot of time. There are a few reasons I encourage getting a job and wish I would have gotten one sooner: interactions with coworkers and customers can develop you as a person, you learn how to navigate uncomfortable situations, and most of all, you have to deal with being stuck in your head at times. This is the hardest part, the times alone you have with yourself, I started my job self centered and prone to anger, it took a while to realize how much energy it takes to operate that way and how much more I get from talking to my coworkers. Asking about how they are, wondering where they will end up. A job like this is temporary, but surprisingly it has taught me things about myself and how to be a better person and artist, you have to be open to being taught. Plus, you get paid. Save your money, you don’t need to be spending it unless it’s on books, art supplies, or the occasional self-indulgent purchase. It’s a well worth it experience. (Hopefully, the covid issue has been resolved…)

Try to be physically and mentally present at all times, focus on yourself and keep people who truly care for you close by your side. I hope that being at Dreyfoos has made your love for art grow, you are so lucky to be at this school. Too many students take this for granted. I wasn’t here for my freshman year, I was at a school that didn’t nurture my love for art and alternative ways of thinking, it wasn’t accepting of who I was at all and didn’t allow me to be the artist I wanted to be. That distressing period of time caused me to fall in love with Dreyfoos and everything it had to offer and it is a place I will never ever forget. I hope to come back for the alumni panels, I owe a lot to this school.

• A. Van Roekel