Graduate / "traditional foundation and style" - Applying for graduate school at SVA [7]

This the essay I wrote for my application to School of Visual Arts MFA Program
Below are their guidelines:

"Statement of purpose (250-500 words) describing the applicant's reason for pursuing graduate study"

"The immature mind hops from one thing to another; the mature mind seeks to follow through." Harry Overstreet's philosophy best defines my growth as an artist and student. At the age of eight, I spent most weekends drawing cartoons and creating toys with pieces of wood that my mother bought from the art store. My mother enrolled me in art classes and encouraged me to draw. Drawing has always given me a way to capture the world as I see it. The exposure of visual art at an early age has impacted my life until this day. I do not understand what makes me an artist, maybe it is my daily drawings, or maybe it is a natural gift.

My senior year of high school I was unsure what career I wanted to pursue, however, I knew it had to involve visual arts. I excelled in math, so upon entering college the obvious profession was architecture. It was a field trip to The Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum, with my professor Brian Guidry, where I saw a computer animation film that immediately incited my interest. The more I learned about myself, the more I realized that I have always had a passion for animation. During this moment I discovered I have taken the road less traveled and made decisions some people would not make. These experiences were required for me to learn that I need a certain level of maturity and motivation to be successful in life.

My interest in School of Visual Arts began when I saw rapper, Kanye West's music video "Heard 'em Say", animated and directed by Bill Plympton. His style of animation was unlike anything I have ever seen. It was so complex and astounding I began to explore his work which provided me with a better understanding of his creativity. My interest was aroused which inspired me to research other animators. My desire motivated me to enroll in Intro to Film, Experimental Animation, Cartooning and Photography, which enhanced my understanding of expanding animation through technique and storytelling.

With my strong traditional foundation and style I know that my talents will be an attribute to the growing field of computer art. My goal in the next five years is to graduate in May 2012 with my Masters of Fine Arts from School of Visual Arts, then immediately embark on my career as a 3D character modeler and animator. The reason that I want to enroll in the Master of Fine Arts program is to become the best computer animator that I can become. I have realized through careful research that your prestigious program will afford me the opportunity to fulfill my dream.