Kailey Goodnuff, Fine Arts student

In the fall of 2009, Kailey Goodnuff had her whole future in front of her and a dream to move forward with a career in the arts. Having just graduated from the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Performing Arts, Goodnuff was set on pursuing a college degree in Center City, Philadelphia. When an illness forced her to return home to Easton and revise her plan, she decided to create a new path for herself instead of lamenting about lost opportunity.

Goodnuff used art as a coping mechanism while she was forced to the sidelines, and also took this time to talk to an advisor at NCC. As a result of her fortitude, she's the active president of the Art Student Association and one of the college's aspiring Fine Arts students.

"Most people would have given up, but I never considered that," Goodnuff reflects. "My artwork was a way for me to stay happy and also to get better. I was determined to forge ahead."
From an early age, Goodnuff has displayed both passion and skill for art. She excelled in everything from basic drawing and sketching, to designing. When she transferred to charter school, Goodnuff began working with new materials and experimenting with different mediums. She hopes to someday work on children's books or in illustration.

The Fine Arts curriculum at NCC has provided her with many opportunities to explore potential career paths, from drawing and painting to art history. The abundance of choices, she says, is what makes her experiences here worth the time and dedication she's put into the program.

"That's what it's all about. I like that there's a balance between the drawing and painting, and observation," Goodnuff says of her courses. "Our final projects will utilize all (art) techniques. I'm more into being able to experiment, and being able to do that has made my skills stronger."

Goodnuff credits her professors, including Bruce Wall, for giving her advice and providing her with encouragement. As president of the Art Student Association, she's made lasting friendships and has been able to work with other inspiring students with the same sense of drive and determination.

"We've really turned the program around," Goodnuff says of the student-formed group. "We've planned multiple art shows, benefit dinners, and events that combine art and music. I think there's a lot of good in being involved. Ever since I came here and into this program, I've decided that I'm going to stick to this one thing and do some good with it. I want to try to make things happen."