What was a highlight of living and studying in New York City?

Being around new and experimental film and video making, working with other students and accomplished image-makers alike. Oh, and delicious pizza.

Was there a teacher or course that was essential for you?

Mary Pateirno, Amy Taubin, Ed Bowes, Lucas Blalock

What was your favorite piece of advice that a teacher or student shared with you?

"Make it crazier."

What advice do you have for next year's students going through your program?

Seriously, the creative time before the thesis year is the most important summer of your life — if you want it to be. Take advantage of it.

For this year's SVA Alumni Scholarship Awards, a record 74 students were chosen from a pool of over 212 applicants and were granted scholarships worth more than $60,000 for projects as varied as design products, animation, painting and photography. For more information about the Alumni Scholarship Awards and to see a complete list of this year's recipients, click here.

For more information about SVA's MFA Photography, Video and Related Media program, click here.

Features

"That creative time before thesis year is the most important summer of your life"