National Park College (NPC) graduate Melissa Krafft has been selected to attend the
distinguished Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Krafft has been a student at NPC since the fall of 2015, after an approximate
17-year break from education. She began her journey undecided on her degree but settled
on computer programming. She completed her Associates of Applied Science in Computer
Information Systems as well as a technical certificate in web design in the spring
of 2017.
After graduation, Krafft realized that programming was not what she wanted to pursue
but enjoyed the design aspect of web design. She re-enrolled to work on an Associate
of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences in Digital Art and Design.
“After enrolling, I quickly realized this degree required many hands on art classes.
I remember on the first day of Drawing I class I told Professor Lana Taliaferro that
I could not even draw a stick person,” says Krafft. Krafft says she was never a doodler
and had never taken an art class. “Terrified explains my emotions before each art
class, but each professor’s faith and confidence in me began to spill over into my
own self-belief.”
“It is pretty common for students who enjoy designing digitally to be apprehensive
about their ability to render and create using traditional methods. Melissa did many
assignments two and three times, always taking suggestions, criticism and peer feedback
to heart. As she became more comfortable with the traditional tools of art making,
she became interested in what could be said using these tools and methods. In my last
class with Melissa, 3D Design, she made several very personal pieces that showed an
excellent ability to research, plan, and think critically about how certain materials
can represent who she is based on her life experiences. Melissa is strong and determined
and I have been fortunate to be a small part of her journey here at National Park,”
stated Taliaferro.
Krafft graduated with her second associate degree from NPC in the fall of 2018. She
was accepted into SCAD in August 2018. SCAD is ranked in the top 25 colleges in the
nation for design and has a 99 percent graduation to work ratio. She plans to study
graphic design and visual experience with a minor in marketing for mobile and interactive
environments. Krafft’s plans are to continue her work at NPC as a web editor and developer
while she completes her bachelor’s degree at SCAD and hopes to work with nonprofits
in the future. During her time on campus, Krafft spent many hours volunteering her
time to local charities as well as being active on campus. She held positions as vice
president of scholarship and president in Phi Theta Kappa, the honors society for
two-year colleges. She was also the president of the Cultural Diversity Awareness
Club and is a student representative for the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
at NPC.
Nannette Crane-Post, faculty member in the Communications/Arts Division and advisor
in Phi Theta Kappa, had Melissa in three consecutive classes and worked with her in
Phi Theta Kappa. “Melissa was an excellent student in my classes. She is a perfectionist.
She is not satisfied with mediocre work and holds herself to high standards. If she
doesn’t know how to do something, she will do what it takes to find out how to do
it. In addition, Melissa is always willing to provide service to the community, such
as serving lunch at the Jackson House and working with her church to collect food
for the food bank and families in need. Melissa has many endearing characteristics,
but most so is her humility matched with a steely determination,” said Crane-Post.
When asked about her experiences on campus Krafft stated, “My time at NPC has not
only afforded me an education but has taught me what it means to have people that
believe in me. Here I have found mentors, friends and family. Though I am moving on,
I know that without hesitation my professors here are willing to still help me with
questions, assignments and my sometimes self-doubt. They will continue to guide me
and uplift me, even though their ‘job’ is technically over. The instructors and staff
at NPC want their students to succeed, we are not just a number being pushed through
the system. We are their stories and their successes and failures, so they nurture
and counsel well after they are required to do so.”
“Never let where you are define where you will go. You are not stuck. I was 36 years
old when I re-entered the college world. In three years’ time, I have obtained two
associate degrees, a technical certificate, self-respect, self-worth and an education.
If you are not where you want to be, make a decision, muster up your courage, gather
up your determination and don’t let anything stop you,” Krafft added.
