Fenn (left) with mom Maria (right)

In New York City, moving from eighth grade into high school requires a process that can sometimes mimic the college application process.

Students have the ability to apply to 12 schools in the city, each with their own set of required application materials. 

One of our eighth graders Fenn, along with his mother Maria, was kind enough to share their experience going through the high school application process. In total, Fenn applied to eight schools. He was accepted into four. 

Ultimately, Fenn made the decision to go to Art & Design. He and his mother met the Vice Principal at a school fair shortly before the application deadline.

“His words were, ‘we don’t want artists here, someone like a Picasso,’”Maria said. “‘We want someone who’s willing to learn and we’re going to teach them how to draw.’ That was a big factor in deciding on that school.” 

But Fenn has a passion for art and experience in that realm. 

“During quarantine, I would run a YouTube channel where I made these animations, and I racked up a community,” Fenn said. “It was very fun because I got to meet people who animate and paint and it’s a lot of fun.” 

The application process for Art & Design required Fenn to include eight pieces of work for a portfolio. 

“I had to make a portfolio for film and for art,” Fenn said. “All the art I had to do got done in about 12 hours so I was very burnt out afterwards.” 

This was in addition to also fulfilling the necessary requirements for the other 7 schools where he applied.

“It was just straight working and working,” Fenn said. “I had to challenge myself to complete all those still lifes and silhouettes and stuff like that.” 

That wasn’t all though.

“You had to create this video explaining everything,” Maria said. “We were doing this the day it was due at like 11:59pm.”

But submitting the work was a process in and of itself. 

“We were crying,” Maria said. “We were screaming it’s not uploading, it’s not uploading. We were freaking out.” 

Fortunately, it all worked out and Fenn will be able to go to a high school where he can continue to pursue his passion for art. 

Despite the high stress, “it was all worth it,” Maria said.