The photo above was taken in fall 2004 by Gary Vollo, when I was interning in the Visual Arts Department at LaGuardia Community College. At the time I was ambushed by Gary with a camera while carrying a manikin from the drawing studio to be placed in storage. My pure smile shown in this photograph represents my personality.

I am Charles Mak, a current student at LaGuardia Community college. This is my senior year, and I am proud to be graduating in the fall. I was born in the United States; my parents are from Hong Kong. Besides speaking English, I speak Cantonese fluently. 

I am currently majoring in Fine Arts at LaGuardia and transferring to Hunter College in fall 2005 for my Bachelors. I chose Fine Arts as my major because I always believed that art is prominent in society; we see it everywhere we go. Also, I've always been involved with art. In my early adolescence Ispent a lot of time in arts and craft activities. I also copied comic book images out of interest. In my teenage years, I finally understood that art is a form of communication. Like words in a poem, elements of art transmit messages and they differ in their effect upon the receiver.

Entering this college was a major step for me; it introduced me to a whole different environment. Studying and working among diverse students with different backgrounds has improved my interpersonal skills. It has enlightened me and changed my perspective. Each culture has different ideals and approaches in thought. To experience how others feel about issues and approach problems is important in self-development. Attending LaGuardia Community College has given me the opportunity to develop myself and work on my weaknesses.