WCAAD Two Students with Same Name Admitted by Top-tier Universities

Congratulations to our two students both named Laura Zhang for earning acceptance to top universities in 2023

​One will attend her dream school SAIC--School of the Art Institute of Chicago majoring in Fine Art with a $64,000 scholarship.

​Additional College Accepted:
Otis College of Art and Design- Presidential Scholarship 72,000
Art Center College of Design

​From the when she first arrived, Laura has demonstrated adaptability, and a proactive approach.   Laura wants to be able to attend art college because the creative and demanding surroundings and thrive in a culture that will test the boundaries of the creative process.  Laura has really tested the waters exploring many kinds of mediums and paths for an impactful artwork. She has everything from installation art to UX projects, graphic design, life drawing, yet she is very focused and interested in challenging norms.  

In my observation she is willing to fight her way in and proof her worth rather than things being given to her. She is never satisfied and want to make a provocative assembly of projects that can create a sense of critical thinking with viewers in mind. Further, Laura is a great listener and sympathetic discerning students’ concerns and a reflection on art and humanities with constructive criticism of society. I find her to always be independent and able to solve problems on her own. She is idealistic, and is able to realize her concepts into sophisticated artworks. I really count on Laura to set the bar for other students as she always stands above the rest in creating work that is personal and exploring ways to challenge herself as well as her presentations. ​

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Laura’s activities include USC Hospital Volunteering Book Buddies (reading to children), Bargain Box (volunteering at a thrift store), Destination Imagination (improv and fine art categories) won top 9 globally in fine art category, mock trial Speech and Debate and also Constitution Team.
 
I believe Laura will be a source of inspiration for others and she really cares about equality and representation. Her work has been informed by portrayals of gender, inspired by Laura Mulvey’s essays and artist and documenter and influencer. Foe Laura discourse in her work is number one motivator rather than medium. I feel Laura has gained a maturity level and is ready for further studies I recommender with no reservations.

​The other Laura Zhang will attend USC majoring in Art/Theatre Technology.
 
Additional Colleges Accepted:
SAIC (School of the Art Institute of Chicago)- scholarship $72,000
RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) - scholarship $72,000
Emerson College - scholarship $80,000
NYU -Shanghai

​Laura has been a student at our academy for about a year where she created impressive theatrical works. Coming from another program that closed its doors she was seeking another school with a very particular major. The former director of that program had recommended to seek me out and she eventually found our program. Since then, I can attest to Laura’s openness to be mentored by our academy and that she found community here with her peers. Her talent is really envisioning a scene and settings that captivate an audience. She has mastered her life drawing and technical skills and fine-tuned ways to communicate her ideas in a way that reflects her identity.  She has experimented and used her time to really pursue Art and Design with focus and that focus grew as I watched her mature as an artist.  

​When Laura begins a project, she is very determined to accomplish any task using her life experience and influence. I always enjoyed our discussion on new projects and getting to know her aesthetics tastes and ultimately, her. 

​Outside class, Laura is part of the yearbook team as a writing editor in Chief and club organizer. She has helped with design layouts and leading the production of yearbook. She was president of the Art Society where she led workshops and critiques hosting peer reviews. Laura has also used Adobe Software: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro DSLR Photography. She is partaking in Future Business Leaders of America as President leading FBLA chapter of 100+ members by organizing monthly meetings projects and competitions events at local, state, and national levels. At Community Forums for club members, she has met with local community leaders such as City Council Member Stan Liu and Senator Josh Newman. 

​Theatre Production- Laura has been a production tech and stagecraft member designing costume and props for school plays and musical. This was very influential on the way she approached her work and process.  She was involved with Disney United States Frozen production assisted with running all production through managing backstage light, lights, and sound tech as well and her high school stagecraft. She was part of swim team. Care Mission preparing hot meals for distribution and helping with living essentials for the homeless Baked and packed cookies over the period of Covid-19 for distribution. Laura was also awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award - Gold (2020, 2021, 2022) Chinese Traditional/Folk Dance (2013-2022) Member Professionally learned cultural dances such as fan dancing, Dai dance, Mongolian dance, Miao dance, etc. Lastly, she performed and won awards at multiple competitions and shows such as Showstopper and Taoli Cup .

(By Omar Gallegos, Vice Principal and Director of Education of West California Academy of Art and Design)