I'm intimidates or... this is graduate work?

If you are new and come to Goddard,  don't be intimidated by the caliber of artists at Goddard. There are indeed some professionals in our midst. Also, don't go to a Goddard graduate presentation and think, "This is graduate work?" said with distaste.

 I have met more than one person at Goddard who has come to Goddard as a highly accomplished artist in one area and then decides to push themselves in another area. Some even use the term "reinventing themselves".  Many won't even talk about what they used to do.  

In fact, in my case I had to do something different, they would not let me do what I was already doing.  What you see in these graduation presentation, may be the difficult areas where a lot of individuals had  to push past their comfort level.  It might have been a personal healing journey, unexpected, but still a part of their study.  And by the time that person has gone through 5 semesters and 6 residencies with you, or longer, you have watched the personal growth, you celebrate with their trials, difficulties and reinventing! 

You give a standing ovation, not for a perfect performance, or the best artwork. You celebrate the individual you have come to love who has gone the extra distance, who has challenged themselves and completed this journey with all of the difficulties and surprises that come as you are on it. 

And in light of the fact that our graduation ceremony takes place on Super Bowl Sunday, I'll say that no matter how ungraceful the play might have been, you stand up and scream. Their were no fumbles in this play and this is definitely a touch down!