This spring, the Office of Alumni Engagement is sharing the stories of graduating students as they both look back on their time at Pratt and look ahead toward the future. See their first-year and last-year photos and read about what they’ll remember, what they’ll miss, where they’re headed, and what advice they have for other Pratt students.
Feyishayo Aluko | BFA Writing ’24
What was your most memorable experience at Pratt?
A critique I had in my sophomore year. I felt like after two years of trying to figure things out, I finally found my voice as a writer and what I was passionate about.
Looking back at this photo, what would you tell your younger self?
Breathe easy, we made the right choice. Life as an artist will not be as scary as it seems.
Finish this sentence: “The one thing I will miss most about Pratt is…”
The campus and the writing community. The way both allowed me to grow into my own and gave me the space to just create.
What advice would you give to new Pratt students?
Try everything! Every class that seems interesting, every new skill. Do as much as you can.
Where are you headed after graduation?
I’m staying in NYC 🙂
Ishika Aggarwal | BArch ’24
What was your most memorable experience at Pratt?
Getting the opportunity to plan and lead community service events around and in Pratt.
Looking back at this photo, what would you tell your younger self?
Get out of your room more often, and it’s okay to eat by yourself in the cafeteria!
Finish this sentence: “The one thing I will miss most about Pratt is…”
Fun projects and spending time with my friends on the lawn.
What advice would you give to new Pratt students?
Make amazing memories while you’re here.
Where are you headed after graduation?
Staying in New York and exploring the city more.
Ryan Nelsen | BFA Communications Design ’24
What was your most memorable experience at Pratt?
My most memorable experience at Pratt was my first trip to the Society of Illustrators in Manhattan. My junior illustration class taught by Tim O’Brien went to see the Original Art Showcase, featuring some of the best children’s book illustrators from all around the world. There was so much remarkable art. I remember telling myself that I would take a few pictures of my favorite work, but by the time we left I must have taken a photo of every single piece that was there. It was stunning, and I remember at that very moment knowing that being an illustrator was exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Looking back at this photo, what would you tell your younger self?
Take your time and spend it well, with your classmates, teammates, friends, and family. The grind is worth it and pays off in the end. Push through the hard moments with a smile. And have fun. Lots of fun. A happy mind makes happy work.
Finish this sentence: “The one thing I will miss most about Pratt is…”
The professors. The Communications Design department has remarkable staff that have given me an invaluable education. They are all so important to me and have succeeded at cultivating a strong and constructive working environment. Each professor I’ve had has incredible knowledge and prowess and has pushed my work to the next level. I am forever grateful for the time I was lucky enough to spend with them.
What advice would you give to new Pratt students?
Be present and go for it! There is so much to learn about at Pratt. Try things out and be okay with failure. It is all a part of the process. And HAVE FUN!
Where are you headed after graduation?
I will be working as a children’s book author and illustrator at The Bright Agency!
Medhaswi Paturu | MS Information Experience Design ‘ 24
What was your most memorable experience at Pratt?
Living in Paris for a month while learning art and design history with a group of Pratt students from various departments!
Looking back at this photo, what would you tell your younger self?
Take that step! There are no wrong decisions, just new adventures, as long as you let yourself be open to different perspectives.
Finish this sentence: “The one thing I will miss most about Pratt is…”
Having the space to be experimental and constantly inspired, and the Sculpture Park during spring.
What advice would you give to new Pratt students?
Don’t get too caught up with the hustle and remember to have fun through it all!
Where are you headed after graduation?
Hopefully, to a career that brings people together to cherish joyful experiences.
Christina Sancho-Spore | BFA Film ’24
What was your most memorable experience at Pratt?
Travel trips with the cross country and track & field teams to compete at conferences across the country in California, Virginia, and Maryland! I’ll always cherish the memories of watching bad movies in hotel rooms and taking fun side quests around town while enjoying the scenery of a different state during competition.
Looking back at this photo, what would you tell your younger self?
Life is going to take a lot of different forms for you in the next few years. You’re going to experience new highs and deep lows, but at the end of the day, it’ll all be okay. Cherish those you love and make time for friends and family whenever you can. It’s okay to lean on your friends every once and a while and explore the world around you (yes, the Covid lockdown will end!). It’s okay to be scared, but it’s also okay to take risks because now is the time you’ll have your biggest safety net.
Finish this sentence: “The one thing I will miss most about Pratt is…”
The community and camaraderie built with classmates. Pratt’s student body is one of the most accepting around, and finding people to create with and befriend has been such a rewarding experience.
What advice would you give to new Pratt students?
Use all of the resources you have access to now before you graduate! There’s so many cool rooms and supplies that Pratt lets you check out for free that you might never get to mess with again. It’s also a great way to learn hands-on with different types of equipment and software.
Where are you headed after graduation?
My plan is to stay in the city for a little while and jump into the film scene. After that, it’s all one big mystery adventure!
Maseo Velasquez | BID ’24
What was your most memorable experience at Pratt?
Staying up late in the studio for the first time sophomore year with the people who would become some of my closest friends.
Looking back at this photo, what would you tell your younger self?
Have more faith in your skill and perspective.
Finish this sentence: “The one thing I will miss most about Pratt is…”
Access to an inspiring environment filled with passionate and creative peers.
What advice would you give to new Pratt students?
Explore every opportunity that comes your way, socially and in school.
Where are you headed after graduation?
Designing more stuff! And turning my thesis VR design project into a kickstarter.
Lauren Lee | BFA Communications Design ’24
What was your most memorable experience at Pratt?
Probably my first semester because I was so excited to move to New York. I loved going out with my new friends and exploring the city. I remember being really excited to be on a rooftop for the first time. I had a lot of new experiences my first year.
Looking back at this photo, what would you tell your younger self?
Don’t feel pressure to go out all the time—be sure to take care of yourself.
Finish this sentence: “The one thing I will miss most about Pratt is…”
Running into my friends at school. Even if I hang out with my friends regularly, there was something more exciting about randomly running into them in the studios and impromptu working together, or seeing each other in the cafeteria and sharing a meal.
What advice would you give to new Pratt students?
Having a big friend group isn’t the most important thing! They are fun, but I think it’s more important to stick with people who care about you and who you enjoy rather than pressuring yourself to have a group just for the sake of it. Don’t force anything, but be open to new things and you’ll find your people.
Where are you headed after graduation?
I plan to stay in New York and pursue art direction/design and branding.
The 2024 Graduating Student Photo Series is a project of Pratt Institutional Advancement/Alumni Engagement. Follow this year’s graduates on their journey to becoming alumni as they celebrate on social media with the hashtags #PrattGrad24 and #PrattAlumni.