Marnie Flesche

Interior Design
Class of 2009
Hometown: Evergreen, CO

Why did you choose to attend RMCAD?

I chose to attend RMCAD because of the small community and the Interior Design department. It felt like a family when I first took a tour of the campus. Everyone was and still is very open to the students' needs. I can always count on my professors to be there for me in my classes and in life.

What has been your favorite class so far and why?

My favorite class so far has been Office Design. I not only got the opportunity to design a large-scale commercial project, but I also learned about myself as a designer. I learned that if you have a passion for something—in my case, having an impact on less fortunate people through design—you can bring that into all the work that you do. I was able to learn the issues of social justice in design and how, in the future, I can give design to people who need it the most.

Which Liberal Studies or Foundation Studies classes did you find the most surprising or useful?

Foundation classes can be intimidating when you can't draw or paint and other people can. I was very scared when I saw some students' work and knew that I was not talented in the way they were. A couple weeks into Foundation classes, I realized I had to look at myself and grow from the work of the other people around me rather than put down my own work. The biggest thing I learned is to learn from other people and their talents rather than compare yourself to them.

What did your favorite professor do to earn your respect or admiration?

My favorite professors, Nicole Nallion and Brook Yeagle, have earned my respect because they have always been there for me. They have not only supported me through hard times in my life, but have also given me the knowledge I need to succeed as a designer. Both Brook and Nicole will always be an inspiration to me because they have been more than teachers—they have been friends, school moms, and supporters through all of my ups and downs at RMCAD.

How has RMCAD prepared you for what you want to do when you graduate?

My dream when I graduate is to get my Master's in architecture and then go on to have my own non-profit business, building homes for people in third world countries—particularly in the Dominican Republic. RMCAD has given me more confidence to go after my dreams. All the skills that I have gained will definitely be helpful to my career, but the most important thing I have learned at RMCAD is to bring you into all the work you do.

How would you describe the students who attend RMCAD?

Students at RMCAD are hard working and open. During high school there are a lot of people that you feel judged by, but at RMCAD you feel more accepted. Everyone has a similar goal at RMCAD, so everyone is here to help each other. Even though there may be a lot of unique people different from you, in the end I think of the RMCAD student body as one big family—we may struggle at times, but we are all there for each other no matter what.

How has your life changed since enrolling at RMCAD?

I have been more inspired to go after my dreams and have confidence in myself. RMCAD has given me the extra motivation to work hard for what I want in life.

Was there a moment when RMCAD changed from "a school" to "my school"?

RMCAD became my school when I became more open to experiencing RMCAD. RMCAD offers a lot of opportunities for students and for the first semester I really did not take advantage of this. When I made the choice to get involved with clubs and student leadership, I began to feel at home with the school. At RMCAD you need to take advantage of everything that is offered and it will become your home. It is easy to let your time at any school just pass by, so when I made the decision to embrace RMCAD it was then that I could call it my home.

What would you want a prospective student to know about RMCAD?

Be open and you never know that the people at RMCAD will bring into your life. During my first year at RMCAD I was very judgmental of other students, but when I opened my heart to them, I received friendship and a new outlook on art in general. I have a whole new respect for people different than me because of RMCAD.