"As an all-women college in New Rochelle we are not limited by our location. The College has made me aware of all the resources that surround us, and we are within a half hour of all the great galleries in Manhattan. New Rochelle is a wonderful place to prepare to be an artist, and the best part is that it is my hometown!" Jaclyn Vincent Studio Art School of Arts & Sciences The College of New Rochelle

Where are you from, Jaclyn?

I was born and raised in New Rochelle, down the street from The College of New Rochelle.

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Tell us something about your family?

I was raised within a deaf family. My two sisters and my parents are deaf. I also have an aunt and her two children, all of whom are deaf. I describe myself as hard-of-hearing. American Sign Language is our native language. My older sister Jeanette is a high school English teacher at Maryland School for the Deaf, and my younger sister Terri is currently a student at Gallaudet University majoring in Communication Arts.

What is your major?

Studio Art. I’m getting my B.A. in Fine Arts.

Why did you decide then to attend The College of New Rochelle?

Well, I was first a student at Gallaudet University, which is a school for the deaf in Washington, D.C., and I was majoring in studio art and psychology. My original career goal was to become an art therapist. After nearly four years attending that university, I was not prepared to set out in the real world. I didn’t feel I was ready. 

With some research, I learned that CNR-my next door neighbor!--had a program in art education, art therapy, and visual arts along with the bachelor of fine arts degree altogether.

What do you plan on doing after you graduate?

I've applied to the College of New Rochelle for their Masters of Science
degree in Art Therapy. Thanks to CNR, I feel ready to plunge into this
specialized field.

Who are some of your favorite professors?
 
In studio art, Professor Maxwell, has been a big influence on my art. He encouraged all of his students to think about our life, and to see our art as deeply as we can. He sets a good example for all of us. He is an artist, professor, and a gallery owner in Peekskill.

I have an understanding of what it takes to live life. I have to follow his motto, which is: “To foster creativity is to generate risks.”

In life, and in the art world, artists have to be able to create their rationale in art, to justify their existence through their art.

Here at CNR, the art department has prepared me through showcases, seminars, and portfolios. These are important tools all artists need to survive as an artist.

What has surprised you the most about CNR?

As an all-women college in New Rochelle we are not limited by our location. The College has made me aware of all the resources that surround us, and we are within a half hour of all the great galleries in Manhattan. New Rochelle is a wonderful place to prepare to be an artist, and the best part is that it is my hometown!

I understand that you were second-runner up for Miss Deaf America  for 2004-2005.

That’s right. I am Miss Deaf New York now and my reign is until the fall of 2005. I am also second-runner up for Miss Deaf America until 2005. But is more to do with what our goals are than beauty.

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And what are your goals after graduation?

Art. When I go to sleep I dream about art, and like many artists, painters, performers, writers, art teachers, deaf, hearing, different cultures, I work alone. But we really need to come together. Anthropologist, Margaret Mead once wrote: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, that is all there ever has been.” We need to pay attention to this group and have a new focus on our arts community. We need a Deaf Arts Center and that is what I would like to work towards achieving. This center could be a place where Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Sign Language people could come together and work together. That’s my real dream.

To find out if  CNR is the right choice for you, please contact:

School of Arts & Sciences
Office of Admission
The College of New Rochelle
29 Castle Place
New Rochelle, NY 10805
914-654-5334  
 email: admission@cnr.edu