Cheerleader and Coach; the professor that could do both by Angela

Cheerleader and Coach; the professor that could do both by Angela - March 2023 Scholarship Essay

This semester, as a part of my degree plan, I was required to take a figure drawing class. At first, I was extremely excited for it and couldn’t wait to start, however, as the class went on the more my self-confidence began to drop. Almost everyone in that room, with the expectation of 3 people including me, had been taking art classes since they were 16 years old, maybe even sooner, and while I knew this information, it was still hard for me to sit through critiques as I felt like the weakest link in the class. Honestly, if it wasn’t for my professor, I probably would’ve dropped that class long ago, as sad as it sounds, I can count on one hand how many teachers believed in me and my art professor is one of them. Many professors focus on your negatives, they let you know everything you’re doing wrong and if you’re lucky they tell you how to fix it. At very rare times they applaud you and on the rarest occasions they might even say they are proud of you. I was lucky to find a professor that’s not just my cheerleader but also my coach. While still giving me critiques and teaching me how to fix and improve my drawings he also applauded my hard work and even pointed out my greatest strengths, even if I didn’t realize them at the time.
I have been a perfectionist my whole life, in fact I ended up choosing a major, fashion design, that focuses on ensuring everything you showcase or create is nothing but perfect. Figure drawing was the opposite, you focused on getting your foundation down first before you go in and add the little details. This professor knew that anytime I would get stuck or I felt like I wasn’t achieving my full potential he would have me take a visual break, step back for a few minutes maybe even close my eyes. When I was ready I would go back up to my drawing and see all my corrections. In more ways than one his teachings taught me about myself, everything that I do doesn’t need to strive for perfection, in fact some of the simplest and messiest of things can come out looking absolutely beautiful. Through his teachings I was able to realize that I am capable of growing and improving but rather I get caught up in my minor mistakes that I talk myself out of the potential I am capable of. This professor has also taught me that I don’t have to be the best in the room, in fact even the most experienced of professionals still struggle from time to time and need advice. He taught me that it was okay to get stuck and have off days as we are human not robots. The biggest thing he taught me however, is to believe in myself more, I don’t need to come in with years of experience or knowledge, but rather with the attitude of “I can do this” and if I get stuck I can always ask for help along the way. My viewpoint has changed from starting this class, while I am still excited to expand my knowledge and learn more techniques, I am more excited to discover the skills I never realized I had.