Design

One of my most significant moments happened when i got accepted to study in the US for my bachelors degree. The fact of me living independently and on my own really made me who i amtoday.

My greatest fear is the unknown future. I believe that i am facing it right now, and even though its been hard, things are starting to look up.

Closing my school for the second time was a big shock to me and my family, I never felt hopeless through my life as much as I felt when i heard the news. I transferred from the Art Institute of Colorado Denver to the Art Institute of Seattle after the cessation of the Art Institute in Denver, and now for the second time my school has closed. I came all the way from Saudi Arabia to get a better education and unfortunately my dreams are starting to feel harder and harder to reach, especially for me as a Saudi woman coming all the way to the United States and leaving everything behind is not an easy thing. BUT, i have come to realize that i have to deal with it and work my way up again like i did the first time, for the third time.

I don’t feel like I would edit anything from my life, because I believe that everything happens for a reason and you learn and grow from it. You have to experience life with its ups and downs, and I’m fine with that.

In terms of my mentioned conflict I’m facing at the moment, Im thriving to get there, but the moment I hold my diploma is the moment i will feel the most joyful.

Personal Reflection

Research

Closing down The Art Institute wasn’t easy on anyone. It was a shock to my system. Intense stress followed and it feels as if I’m in a dream. A twilight zone that I’m eagerly waiting to get out of.

“ What happened to the students of The Art Institute isn’t easy on anyone. It’s a shock to their system. It can result in a variety of reactions feeling numb or disconnected from reality being one of them. Some may describe it as a ”twilight zone” a state between reality and fantasy. Having a positive support system right now is vital. With their resilience, creative problem solving and positive coping mechanisms they’ll get through it. I’m hopeful. Good luck to all of you, you’re much more capable than you think. “

Muneera Alassaf, Assistant Clinical Psychologist

The Art Institute of Seattle Student

Student name: Mortda

What dose the art institute of Seattle mean to you ?

It’s the reason of destroying my future and watching it collapse in front of me, and wasting 4 years of my life.

When did they announce that The Art Institute of Seattle will close. How did you react?

It’s been the hardest month for me since I moved to the US.

After they closed the Art Institute of Seattle, what did you feel?

Actually, all I was thinking of is how can I get my documents and the diploma and get back to my home right away.

Describe your situation now?

I am currently very depressed and have trust issues, especially here in the United States, and I would recommend anyone who wants to complete his study that does not come to the US.

The Art Institute of Seattle Student

Student name: Sarah Fuad Alquraish

What dose the art institute of Seattle mean to you ?

It meant a lot to me before. It used to feel home but it doesn’t mean anything to me now

When did they announce that The Art Institute of Seattle will close. How did you react? I don’t exactly remember when, but they only gave us two days notices. I got a little bit happy because I knew that god made a better plan for me, but I got depressed for a few days

After they closed the Art Institute of Seattle, what did you feel?

I felt lost! Didn’t know where to go or what to do

Describe your situation now? Everything is going well now! I found a new school and I’m still healthy and alive.

Research

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dissociation-and-dissociative-disorders

https://www.anxietycentre.com/anxiety/symptoms/depersonalization.shtml

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003211.htm

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/art-institute-students-scramble-for-transcripts-answers-after-seattle- school-announces-it-will-close/

https://www.thestranger.com/slog/2019/02/26/39310140/art-institute-of-seattle-is-facing-closure-leaving-some- students-scrambling

https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/students-loot-art-institute-of-seattle-classrooms-as-school-suddenly-shuts- down/928844678

https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/art-institute-of-seattle-to-close-on-friday/928172120