Here it is, the graduation post! I am now sitting on my bed, back at home in New Hampshire. I officially left my cute little apartment today and moved back. I definitely had mixed feelings when I left.
As you know, Friday I graduated from Hallmark. It was a great ceremony. The teachers, guest speakers and student speakers all did an amazing job. It is hard to believe that the 10 months are over and we are moving onto the next journey in life. I learned SO much during my time at Hallmark. I never knew I could learn so much information about photography and the industry in so little time. My work has grown immensely and I also feel as though I’ve grown as a person. A lot has happened this year, and I’ve learned so much about myself and the people I’ve gotten to know. I met so many great people and photographers this year, it was such an amazing experience. Getting to know people from all over the country as well as the world is so cool, and seeing all their different points of views and creativity is something I would have never gotten anywhere else. As cheesy as it sounds, I feel like it was truly fate that I went to this school. Everything seemed to happen perfectly and I couldn’t have asked for a better year. From NYC trips, to Old Deerfield, to spending all my money on props and traveling back and forth to NH to get shoots done, it was all so much fun, even the bad times were ok because they were learning experiences. I made some great friends this year too and will miss them a lot. I remember being so nervous about switching schools and thinking I wasn’t good enough and that I wouldn’t be able to make friends. I feel like I grew up a lot and have gained more confidence in myself and my work. It’s a good feeling.
Again, I could have never, ever done this with out the help and support from my friends and family. The day I told them about Hallmark, they immediately agreed to check it out and see what it was all about. They each came with me on separate occasions to tour the school and go with me to my interview. They helped (and are still helping) with my student loans. They have dropped what ever they were doing if I needed help and were always there when I needed to talk to them. They bought me a car ( I didn’t even ask), camera, lights, apartment supplies, food. How could I ever ask for better parents? I can’t because I have the best. :) I am so extremely grateful.
Hallmark was one of the best decisions I’ve made and I will miss it a lot. I’m so so soooo lucky. Here are links to some of my classmate’s websites. These people really influenced me with their photography and what’s even better is they are really awesome people in general. I strongly suggest you take a look at their work!
