Hello! I’m Natalia Olko, an art education major here at Sussex County Community College. It is my third semester here; however, this is not my first college. I began my college career at County College of Morris as a nursing student. At the time, I followed the belief of my career being something that pays really well, while art can stick around as a hobby or as some quick side money. After some deep consideration and discussion with my family, I made the decision to totally change my career plans to something more art-focused, but still within the sphere of helping the people in my community.

This change was definitely difficult, but I don’t regret it at all. I feel so much happier, and I’m having more fun than I ever did as a nursing student. My favorite mediums are digital, charcoal, and graphite, but I have also been really enjoying painting and printmaking.

My goal for the future is to be a high school art teacher. I feel that high school was the most influential time of my life. It’s the time when you connect the most with teachers, where you occasionally make life-long friendships with peers, and when you really have to think deeply about what you will do in your future. There were two teachers in my high school that I felt safest around, and I aim to be that kind of teacher for my future students as well.

My oil painting, “Twisted Perception,” is the piece featured on the poster of the “Seeing the Invisible” art show here at SCCC.

Lastly, my skills even extend into logo making, such as when I created a logo for my brother’s high school marching band show, which highlights the kings and queens of music, as shown above.

Student Spotlight: Natalia Olko

SCCC’s PTK Chapter Elects New Members

Faculty Highlight: Marco Hernandez