15 Minutes with Annabel Pinkney
Interviewed by Bailey Bowers
You’re a graduating senior this year, and co-valedictorian as well. What are your plans for the future?
I plan on attending The Ohio State University to major in chemistry and minor in art history. I also plan on taking a bunch of studio art classes and foreign language classes in order to meet the requirements to attend one of the four graduate schools in the U.S. that offer an art conservation degree. Columbia University is one of those four, and I would really like to go there for grad school! After I get all my degrees, I would like to work in a museum restoring old artwork. My dream is to work in the Louvre someday!
What drew you to The Ohio State University? Do you think the transition will be hard?
I really like the fact that OSU is a huge school and in an urban environment. I have always been drawn to city life. I'm definitely ready for a change. Ohio State is a great fit for me because it has a great chemistry program, the campus is gorgeous, and it's literally two blocks from the Short North Arts District which is filled with art galleries and cool shops.
I think no matter what college I chose the transition would be difficult because I'll have trouble leaving my family, but I don't think I'll have a problem adjusting to the college lifestyle.
When you think about going to college, what are you most excited about?
I was accepted into the Arts Scholars program at OSU.This program consists of smart kids who are interested in the fine arts, but don't necessarily have to be majoring in them. They participate in fun group activities, have an annual cabaret and juried art exhibition, and take trips to New York City. I get to live in the dorms with them, and be a part of their family. I'm so excited to continue my involvement in the arts with other kids who enjoy them just as much as I do.
What got you interested in chemistry? What is it about chemistry that you enjoy most?
I like chemistry because it is both challenging and amazing. Elements make up everything we know and I think it's really cool to be able to explore and learn about the different components of our existence. I like how it involves a lot of written problems as well as labs which require more hands on activities. I also like how I can directly relate it to art through art restoration.
As you’ve mentioned, you also have a lot of artistic and musical talent. Can you tell us more about this?
Because my mom is a musician it was kind of a given that I would be involved in the music program in high school. I really love music and I have genuinely enjoyed four years in choir and band, but unlike my mother, I'm not super great at it, and I think that it's really just a hobby for me. I probably won't continue on with choir or band in college, but my love of music will never leave me.
Art is different. I love art and the creative outlet it gives me. I have been a little artist since I was two years old and I plan to keep up with my art until I'm dead. If I can make it as a freelance artist, I will totally go for it. Plus, I think I kind of owe it to my high school art teacher, Mr. Wells, to go into art since I accidentally puked on him my freshman year.
What was the first thing you ever wanted to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a cowgirl when I was really little, but then when I got into grade school I wanted to be a botanist.
Do you enjoy reading? What are some of your favorite books?
I love reading, but it's a challenge finding time to. I am a big trilogy nerd. Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and His Dark Materials series by Phillip Pullman are some of my favorites. I also love reading To Kill A Mockingbird every year right before summer starts.
If you had to pick one spot in the entire world where you feel most at ease, where would it be?
I love being with my family. No matter where we are they make me feel safe and happy. I'm also very content painting or drawing. It makes me feel very peaceful.
Thanks for talking with us, Annabel. Good luck at Ohio State.
