By Laryn Kuchta
I can see all of lower Manhattan from the walkway outside the New York Arts Program (NYAP) dorms. The Statue of Liberty hovers in the distance, large enough to be recognizable but small enough that I still want a closer look. I’m on the edge of Brooklyn Heights, about to take the bus to my internship, but I find it hard to move my feet from where I’m standing.
The New York Arts Program allows students studying any form of art to work in a related internship while taking one class tailored to their specialty. The internship and class add up to three K credits, . My cohort was the last to be part of the 10-week program, an exception NYAP made for Kalamazoo College students and our unique — if not inconvenient — schedule. As of the next NYAP program, Kalamazoo College is switching to a 15-week semester in accordance with all other NYAP students, which is equivalent to two trimesters: either Fall + Winter or Winter + Spring.
I’m the only student in my group to be studying journalism, but I never feel isolated. In fact, being around so many diverse artists my age — photographers, comic artists, ceramic artists, musicians — gives me a deeper understanding of different art forms, and one I may never have gained otherwise.
My internship supervisor is the publisher of two local newspapers: one based in Manhattan’s East Village, and the other based in Red Hook in Brooklyn. One of the articles I’m working on for this month’s Red Hook paper contains an interview with political comedian Nish Kumar, who’s come from the UK to Brooklyn’s Bell House for a stand-up show. My internship supervisor assigns me to some articles, but I’m also encouraged to pitch my own ideas. I reached out to Kumar’s agent a month ago, but she just got back to me, and the interview is scheduled for tomorrow. Life moves fast in New York.
One of my favorite things about NYC is how it allows so much access to whatever your artistic passion might be. With my long-held interest in political comedy, I was thrilled to get free last-minute tickets for live tapings of late-night shows and chat briefly with John Oliver; Stephen Colbert; and K alum Jordan Klepper (who still has fond memories of Trowbridge and studying abroad in London)! More importantly, though, being in the city allows me to set up coffee chats and make stronger connections with those who work in the industries I want to pursue.
I take the bus to and from my internship, but it’s the subway I love most. It seemed exciting (if daunting) back when I arrived, but it’s quickly become second nature. The masses of travelers have gone from overflowing to flowing like water. Apps like Citymapper make it easy to track which trains I’m taking and when they’ll arrive. The spotty cell service has me reading during my commute, and it’s a bonus that the Brooklyn Public Library is just a ten-minute walk from the NYAP dorms.
My interview with Kumar ends up being one of the scariest and most rewarding experiences I’ve had as a college student. New York allows me to take so many chances, giving me room to be proud of those that work out while building up a callus for those that don’t.
Kumar’s show was at the end of the month, so drafts for the newspaper are due tomorrow. I hole up in a coffee shop with a bagel and mocha and get to writing. Tonight, I might try a restaurant with new NYAP friends, venture out by myself to a free stand-up show, or just take a break from the noise of the city in my dorm. In the city that never sleeps, I’m starting to feel like I don’t need to, either.
If you’ll be applying to the NYAP, I’d recommend looking for internships yourself. NYAP staff help find positions, but sometimes promise opportunities they can’t provide. Plus, you’ll get great networking experience. In the meantime, here are some of my favorite finds from my time studying away:
Restaurant: Jin Mei Dumpling (bring cash!)
Museums: Poster Museum, Met Cloisters
Events: Adult Spelling Bee @ Book Club Bar, Ladies Stand Up! (Men Sit Down) Open Mic @ Peoples Improv Theater
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