Elizabeth Vitek

My name is Elizabeth Vitek and I am from Potsdam, NY.  While St. Lawrence was a perfect fit for me academically speaking, I was not exposed to the challenges of living and learning in a foreign place.  Although I chose to study off campus in the same state, living in New York City was the most incredible culture shock.  St. Lawrence housed us at the 92^nd Street Y located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, which was a five -minute walk from some of the most renowned museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

One of the biggest reasons I chose to study in New York is because of the amazing resources for the art world.  The main classroom component for students on the Fine Arts track is the Arts Management course, which takes place at the Arts and Business Council in midtown.  We would learn the ins and outs of different business occupations within the broad spectrum of the arts.  The following day our class took fieldtrips that would show us different parts of the city for example, the New York Stock Exchange, the J. P. Morgan Library, and the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens.

Aside from the three courses, each student participated in an internship for three days a week throughout the entire semester.  It was not easy adjusting to the lifestyle of going into work three days a week, being a student the last two, and learning how to navigate the city.  Although it was exhausting at times, I have never felt more independent and accomplished while being a full time college student.  Since returning back to campus I have been enjoying my senior year, however I have caught "the New York bug" and plan on returning as soon as possible!