When Julia Clarke, Level III Advertising Art & Design (AAD) student and a senior at Red Land HS first toured CPACTC, she immediately knew she wanted a learning environment that blended independence with hands-on creativity. The AAD program stood out right away. With her lifelong love of art and a desire to build real skills, AAD felt like the perfect place to grow as a designer.
That passion for practical experience is what led Julia to pursue a co‑op capstone placement. She wanted to step directly into the world of graphic design rather than wait until after graduation. Her goal is to enter the workforce right out of high school, and co‑op offered the ideal opportunity to build the kind of experience that makes that possible.
When an internship through the Commonwealth with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) opened up, Julia did not hesitate to apply. DCNR welcomed her with a supportive team and meaningful projects, and she quickly found herself grateful for the kindness and encouragement of everyone in the office.
At DCNR, Julia’s role is both creative and impactful. She takes on design‑focused projects that various departments have not had time to complete, giving her the chance to collaborate across the agency. One highlight was working with the Trails team to create a rack card for the “Trail of the Year.” Each assignment she is given allows her to work with real clients, solve real problems, and see her work make a difference.
Her favorite part of the experience is the people. She loves being able to create something valuable for her colleagues and seeing how much it helps them. The energy of the office keeps her motivated, especially on days when the workspace is full and lively. When fewer people are around, staying focused can be a challenge, but she has learned how much she thrives in a collaborative environment.
This year, Julia hopes to continue building her understanding of what it means to work with clients and navigate professional expectations. She is eager to keep growing her skills and confidence as a designer.
After graduation, Julia has an exciting adventure ahead. She plans to spend a year in Berlin participating in a dance ministry program. When she returns, she hopes to combine her passions by pursuing graphic design opportunities within the dance industry.
For students considering co‑op capstone, Julia offers heartfelt encouragement: do not let fear or self‑doubt hold you back. Co‑op is meant to be a learning experience: a stepping stone before entering the professional world. Mistakes are part of the process, and each one is an opportunity to grow. Embrace them, and appreciate the people who help you improve