Hidden within the core of Savannah, Georgia, SCAD, or The Savannah College of Art and Design, seems to blend in with the surroundings. I could only differentiate between regular buildings and SCAD buildings through signs and turn by turn directions. Each building refurbished for the school withheld its initial integrity, even old churches or shops. But, inside, modern design elements captivate those who enter.

The staggering “welcome center” building held up to its title, welcoming my family and me with vibrant colors, paintings, and sculptures. A woman at the front desk recognized our astonishment as the reactions of outsiders. So, she promptly directed us to the admissions tour. Following her directions, my family and I walked up the stairs. In a daze, we grabbed onto the railing and stumbled along the way. We pretended as though the sight of green stairs and precious works of art did not phase us.  Oh, no big deal, completely casual. We see this sort of thing on a daily basis.

Adorned sideways to the stair walls, chairs seemed to evade the laws of gravity. I felt as though I could stroll up to the chairs and take a seat. My daydreams lifted me up in a gravity-free state of inspiration. I almost expected Hagrid to jump out of the paintings and say, “Yer an artist Stephanie!”

Stephanie Reckling

The room that held the admission tour sucked in my family and I like iron to a magnet. Upon entrance, the surface below our feet changed. Our feet now rested among blades of turf. To go along with this outdoorsy vibe, rows and rows of lawn chairs sat in front of a large screen, playing the introduction to SCAD videos. A large tree stood in the center of the aisle, between several rows of lawn chairs. Not a real tree, a sculpture of a tree. From dangling tree strands, students attach cards with their dreams written on them. Then they pull down on the strand, which lights up a light bulb. This act represents students turning their dreams into reality.  I so desperately wished to hang up a card of my own among the numerous cards written by now successful legends.

After introducing ourselves to a few people wearing fashionable garments, we sat on white lawn chairs before a giant screen. Although I had already watched many of the videos playing on the screen, the videos felt entirely different while present in a SCAD building. Never before had I felt so inspired, welcomed, and at home in a school. I felt like I belonged here with every cell in my body. My sister and I bit the inside of our cheeks to keep from crying over the presentation.

Following the presentation, admission officers split prospective students into groups, dependent upon their future major. Each individualized tour offered students helpful information for their major of choice. My tour experience went similarly to my reaction to the green staircase and dream tree. I found the tour sites astonishing and irresistible. I could not deny my yearning to attend this school.

At SCAD I felt like I could open up about my passions. I hear all too often that an art career will guarantee the “starving artist” title. But, I felt assured at SCAD that this stereotype lacks accuracy.  In fact, in 2015, 98 percent of SCAD alumni obtained careers and about 86 percent obtained a career in a creative field. There are many career options involving creativity and artistic skill. So, to any artists out there, I encourage you to look into SCAD, it may be a great fit for you.