Cultural Identity & Intercultural Communication: New York

The New York Arts Program, consists of a very small community of 22 students all in various artistic fields. Because of that, there is no one here who isn't in a similar program to mine, however, there are many exploring different artistic fields. I interviewed my roommate Tori, a film student, to get her outlook on the program. She feels as though the program allows for everyone in it to be very connected and supported, and although we're often in parallel fields, there is somehow no competition between individuals. She said specifically, "instead of using our energy to compete, we instead use it to further our passions by working, creating, and collaborating with each other." When reflecting on the relationship between the community and the program, she doesn't think that the program has much of an impact on the city community itself, since it is so small, however she does feel that New York has a great impact on the students in the program, specifically that it "encourages us to be young and passionate about our art", thus, in this case, the "town"  heavily influences the "gown".

In this sense, Allegheny and Meadville have a contrasting relationship to the one that NYAP has with New York, since Allegheny is a central feature of Meadville holding lots of impact on the outside community. In conclusion, Tori was adamant about saying that New York is the perfect place for those who are passionate about what they are doing; "it will give you many opportunities that otherwise wouldn't be available to you, however you must be willing to work for it and be open to learning new things."  I completely agree.


My next interviewee, from the community and not directly associated with the program, is my internship supervisor, singer/songwriter Carol Lipnik. She, like many people in the community, had never heard about the New York Arts Program until she was approached regarding my potential internship.  However, since learning about it, she sees it as a great opportunity for both students and  those needing interns who are driven and passionate about the arts. Carol is an avid performer, and I can speak from experience that her performances are beyond inspiring. She always says that she tries to "bring the audience into her performance so they are not only part of it, but they are important to its success."  This is what she thinks NYAP gives students access to, a priceless opportunity to be drawn into a world where you could be passionate, learn, and succeed.

And Carol is nothing short of passionate.

Both Tori and Carol spoke with a lot of love for the opportunities being given, neither being indirect nor nondescriptively blunt. In New York, I've found that, like my conversations with Carol and Tori, if you show that you are respectful, curious, and kind, you will undoubtedly have a worthwhile conversation, no matter what the context. Because I am exploring my passions, these are not hard qualities for me to have, since I feel them all the time being immersed in such creativity. I believe that in New York the best way to find yourself and follow your passion is to stand out, rather than trying to fit in.