How Did Jill End Up In Sarasota?

Truth be told, I have never been the smartest person. I got average grades in high school. I remember other kids taking their SAT's and applying to various colleges. I didn't know what I wanted to do, bombed my SAT's and ended up going to community college.

I did however know that I loved design and anything artistic. I was always painting, collaging, doing photography, sketching and crafting. What could I do with art and make a living at it?

In the 2 years of community college, I took an Interior Design course and from then on, I knew I wanted to pursue it.

I started applying to art schools, mostly in Maryland where I lived. There was one school I applied to that was totally rogue...Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. One of my best friends from Maryland was dating a guy long distance who lived in Sarasota. My friend told me, "I always drive by this art school called Ringling. You should check it out!". So, I did, applied and off I moved. A totally random chain of events to live in Maryland all my life then set off to sunny Sarasota, Florida. I was so ready for a change and super excited!

Getting back to the first sentence. I have never been the smartest person, well book smart that is. That may be true but one thing that has never let me down are my instincts. Trusting my instincts and believing in myself enough to follow them has served me time and time again throughout my entire life.

Following my instincts led me to Sarasota and the chain of events that followed have been amazing.