Derek Chan

It feels like a lot has already happened in grad school, yet the first day of class is still a few days away.  This past week, the inaugural class of the MFA in Interaction Design at the School of Visual Arts met for a variety of activities and events, mostly put together by the department to get everyone together for the first time.  On Monday, the department orientation kicked off a night of introductions, welcomes, and mingling between the incoming students and faculty.

Doodling on the studio's whiteboard walls.

On Wednesday night, several members of the class as well as some faculty were treated to an outstanding cooking tutorial led by Top Chef, Nikki Cascone from 24 Prince.  Finally, Thursday night was SVA’s graduate students reception – a two hour event where grad students from all departments get to meet and greet over food and an open bar.  All in all, this was one hell of a week with SVA and I haven’t even cracked open a course textbook yet!

Stephanie and I at the grad students reception.

I can honestly say I’m really pumped for the next two years.  From the day I submitted my application to the program, I’ve been excited about having the opportunity to learn from the group of respected designers who have been invited to teach in the program.  But after getting to know half my classmates over the summer and meeting the rest of them this past week, I think I’m even more excited to have the opportunity to not only work with everyone, but to learn from them as well.  I guess it also helps that everyone in the class is pretty awesome. :)

Most of the gang.