|
C.W. Post's Class of 2000 Salutatorian
Uses the Healing Attributes of Art to Help Others
Allison Swalboski - Salutatorian for the Class of 2000 at
the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University - has always turned
to her love of art to deal with life's difficulties. "It
was excruciatingly lonely being a 'transient military brat,'
never knowing where you were going next or how long your friends
would be around," said Swalboski describing what it was
like growing up. "While I appreciated being able to experience
so many different cultures, people and places, I never felt like
I fully belonged. Art helped me deal with those feelings."
After determining that New York was where she needed to be
- since it is "the art world capital" - Swalboski enrolled
in the art therapy program at C.W. Post and became an active
participant in the campus community, making it the home she felt
she had never had. She has been an Orientation Sponsor and Coordinator,
a Resident Assistant, an Admissions Representative for open houses,
and a volunteer with the Student Health and Counseling Center.
On Sunday, May 14 Swalboski, who ranks second among a class
of 681 undergraduates, will graduate with a Bachelor of Science
degree in art therapy at the 42nd annual commencement exercises
at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University in Brookville,
New York.
"It is here at C.W. Post that I learned about perseverance
and the effort it takes to create a life based in the arts, and
here that I truly found my spirit as an artist," said Swalboski.
In addition to cultivating her artistic abilities in music,
photography, sculpture, drawing and painting at C.W. Post, Swalboski
has been a member of the Post Dance Company. She has received
the Post Pride Award, is a member of Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society
and has completed internships at Sara's Center and the Art and
Drama Therapy Institute in Washington DC.
Although Swalboski has been faced with many challenges in
her young life, she doesn't regret a moment. "I am very
fortunate and grateful for every experience I've had, positive
and negative. They've helped me become who I am and will enable
me to help others," she said.
Upon graduation, Swalboski plans to stay on Long Island.
She currently resides in Brookville, NY. She is a native of Mentor,
Minnesota and a 1996 graduate of Cooperas Cove High School, Texas.
|
