I remember one year ago getting ready to start a whole new direction in my life. I remember being scared to leave the security of my job and the paycheck that came with it. I remember wondering how long I would feel like, “the new kid in school." I remember my husband, my family and my friends all rooting for me, believing in me.
One year ago I sat in Industry Sewing class with Ms. Jackson and wondered if I would ever get the hang of the industrial sewing machine. The first time I pushed the practice paper through the machine, it zipped so fast before I could even think about sewing a straight line. I was so freaked out! I laugh now of course, because before you know it, with practice, your foot knows better. You develop the subtlety, the instinct. I learned so much in that class, thank you Ms. Jackson! You always made the time to answer all of my questions to make sure you knew, that I knew what I was doing.
One year ago I sat in Ms. Cottingham’s class, Color & Design Theory and instantly felt so fortunate to have her as my teacher. Every class she would have mixture of lecture, demonstration and (my favorite part) her own stories to share. I really cherished those stories because her life experiences are so rich and she spoke with unfettered honesty, and frankness. My eyes would always well up with tears during one of stories and I felt so grateful for her and what she was giving me. It often reinforced my own thoughts and feelings about how being back in school was the right decision for me. Each assignment stretched me not just with my painting skills but certainly, with my life skills. Thank you Ms. Cottingham.
One year ago I sat in Effective Speaking with Mr. Surdo and had anxiety running through my bones. To say that I loathed public speaking would be an understatement. I hated it, feared it. Oh man, was I so freaked out to do that very first speech. We weren’t even getting graded on it and I was terrified. I practiced and practiced, made note cards, called my parents to go over my speech idea with them. I remember once I got up in front of the class, a little voice inside of me said, Go for it! And I did. I survived of course, as does anyone with public speaking. The only thing to fear is fear itself right? Mr. Surdo really helped put that into perspective for me and truly encouraged us to find our own voice up there. The most feared class I had ended up being so instrumental not only in all of my future classes at FIDM but also in helping me socially in my personal life. I am so grateful for that. Thank you Mr. Surdo, your genuine enthusiasm and encouragement made such an impression on me.
One year ago I sat in Survey of Western Art I with Mrs. Shurtliff completely unaware of what would unfold before me. I cannot stress how amazing that class was. Art has always been a part of my life, thanks to my parents, but this class opened Art for me in ways I never thought about before. What a difference to be taught by someone who truly has a passion for art and can relate that passion in such an interesting way. The tests were hard and there were many stacks of flashcards to help get me through, but it was worth it. I retained so much information that when I went to the Getty Villa in Malibu with Duane he was joking that I should be a docent there. Once we stepped on the property I was compelled to share all that I had learned and found myself laughing and “lecturing” throughout my impromptu tour. I love that memory. Thank you Mrs. Shurtliff for teaching art history with such fervor, it was inspiring to sit through your lectures.
And now…? Another year has begun hungry for new memories, new lectures, new sewing success/failure, and whatever else FIDM and life throw my way. Happy New Year to all and to the new students I can only hope you have such an incredible beginning as I had to your chosen path.
-Adelle
And these earrings… 
Stay warm and cozy.