Senior year is different for everyone. For me, I was pretty lackadaisical when it came to my last year in high school, including towards those “milestones” like prom and senior activities. However, looking back at my senior year, I would consider it one of the most important school years of my life. People came and went, I went here and there, I watched this and that. I learned a lot about myself during this year through the many good and not so wonderful experiences I encountered.

The greatest thing I did during the summer of and during my senior show was hosting two shows at Post Modern, a local skate shop, with two great, passionate people, Emilia and Karon. Not only did I obtain some idea of curating a show under my belt, but I also met so many people and created new relationships with local artists. It was also really rewarding to create that environment for local artists to display their work and for visitors to have a good time.

Another really wonderful thing that comes to the top of my head when I think about senior year is going on the New York trip. Not only did I visit some super cool art schools, I also spent time in a place very special to me with some really awesome people.

As senior year went on, I knew that going to a big arts college or any university wasn’t in my agenda, I set my focus on the things that made me feel good. For me, it was really important to set this time aside and do the things I really enjoyed, like going to the beach, watching tons of films, and practicing different art mediums. I took my camera with me whenever I went to the beach. I got really into film during my senior year and became really influenced by cinematography and stories. I began creating mixed media collages using a variety of mediums, like photography and printmaking. You have the ability to learn so much more outside of academics and it feels really good to learn about the things you are passionate about. It was important for myself to understand that everyone’s path is different when it comes to going to plans after high school and that my only focus was on myself. Long story short, I’m going to Palm Beach State for now, making art, and it’s cool with me!

In the end, you will have so many things to look back on, whether it being in school, out of school, or with your friends. Everything is what you make out of it. Have an open mind and take it easy.

Yours truly,

Rachel Fleischman