Ruby Stockton’s Post

Last week, I graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design Summa Cum Laude with my BA in Advertising and Branding from the School of Business Innovation. My time at SCAD was memorable, teaching, immersive, and incredibly fulfilling. Transferring to SCAD was the best decision I could have made, and I feel so grateful to the university for providing so many wonderful opportunities; from brand presentations to resources to in-class visits to SCADpro, there are limitless ways in which you can expand how you think creatively. During my time, I completed eight SCADpro projects with Deloitte, LHH, UBS, and philosophy. I was also lucky enough to spend two quarters at SCAD Lacoste, studying in a medieval village in France that buzzed with creativity and excitement. I worked on the social media for SCAD Study Abroad in Lacoste, as well as for the Graphic Design Department. I also worked as a Student Ambassador for the Admissions Department, speaking to prospective students about how SCAD will impact their college experience and beyond. Through these nine quarters, 185 credits, and 450 hours of classes, I learned way more than the lecture content and what was written in the book. (Although those are absolutely crucial as well). But, I learned through doing and by seeing. Whether that be research, design, or professor’s real-world work examples, there was unlimited material to learn from. I was curious, excited, and always willing to try. So, what did I take away? Besides the Advertising stuff, of course. 1. Everyone you meet has something to teach you, whether it be a skill, or even something about yourself 2. Give credit where credit is due 3. “Let’s go back to the brief” and “What is the thread that ties all of this together?” — Erin Buchanan 4. Stay informed. READ! (Books, and the news.) 5. Be kind to everyone 6. “Be a voracious consumer of culture high and low” — Erin Flaherty 7. Nobody feels 100% satisfied with any work they create 8. One B in “Humor in Great Literature” won’t kill you, but it will give you one of your best friends 9. Take every opportunity you can get, even if it means going to new countries by yourself 10. Never stop being curious.
 My SCAD experience wasn’t easy, it wasn’t perfect, nor was it always fun. But, SCAD taught me more than I could ever ask for. It unlocked new potential, forced me to realize new capabilities, develop professional skills, and most importantly, helped me grow. Thank you to everyone at SCAD who was there supporting me along my journey.