Meet Student Ambassador Julya Nichols

Julya Nichols is often one of the first people you’ll meet when you come to PCA&D for a tour. Julya, a senior photography major from Parkesburg, PA, is one of PCA&D’s Student Ambassadors, a team of students who help in the Admissions Department and share their College experiences to visitors to PCA&D.

When Nichols was searching for college, an alumnus, Chalkley Matlack, shared his experience at PCA&D with her by presenting the PCA&D community to her. The community and the size of the College won her over. Now, as a Student Ambassador, she loves being able to share her experience to potential students and answer questions they have about the college from a student’s perspective. “I get to see them get excited about their future and that is rewarding.”

Work by Julya Nichols

Here is some of the advice that Nichols gives when giving tours to students interested in PCA&D

What words of wisdom would you share with a prospective student?

Never hinder yourself, you need room to let yourself grow and become who you truly are. You will mess up, but that will make you grow. Just always remember you are beautiful and no one can ever change that. (As a photo major, she also says her favorite quote from Photography Chair Eric Weeks is, “Don’t forget to pray to the photo gods!”

How would you describe Lancaster and what tips would you share about the city? What surprised you the most about Lancaster and why?

Lively and artistic. This city is wonderful especially for young artists. There are many ways for people to get their names out and to thrive in a creative environment while also making connections.

While in Lancaster, don’t be shy to promote yourself. There are great places to show your work and wonderful people to meet. Take chances.

When giving a tour what is one thing you are sure to show them?

The darkrooms. Everyone is so ecstatic about the way the doors move. But I also like showing them the work that is hung in the halls that is made by our students.

Work by Julya Nichols.

Share about an experience that impacted your understanding of the creative industry.

Having classes with turn-around times makes you realize that to do art, you need to keep creating no matter what.

Which professor impacted you the most- how/why?

Many of the professors here have impacted me. The main ones would be the photography department teachers. They are always opening up opportunities to us and make sure that we are taking care of ourselves.

When were you inspired by another student?

I am always inspired by other students work constantly. Having an environment where you are surrounded by creative people, you are always inspired by what you see.

What non-classroom activity/event/whatever from your years at PCA&D will you always remember?

I will always remember the show I curated and my internships.

What surprised you the most about PCA&D?

How much knowledge you get from such small classes. Plus also how much the studio classes help with work flow.

What single tip would you tell an incoming student?

Don’t lose your passion. You all got this!

Student Ambassadors serve as representatives of the college. They work with the admissions department where they serve as guides for prospective students and their parents, art teachers, and guidance counselors. Student Ambassadors attend each PCA&D open house event, provide important insight into the creative environment afforded to students in our degree programs and create an important link to prospective students who want to be part of the PCA&D community. Learn more.