krinda » Karissa Carlson

Final Project-Krinda

Krinda Artist Statement

My sister, Krinda Joy Carlson, is a very high achieving person. She seems to excel at everything she does. She has maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average throughout her undergraduate years, set school records in track and field, and, as an English major, received numerous awards and recognition for her writing. However, as her sister, I see her struggles as well as her successes, her stress as well as her joy, and her vulnerability as well as her strength.

These images document Krinda’s last month as a student and athlete for Saint Martin’s University. As class valedictorian and captain of the track and field and cross country team, her immediate smile and exuberant personality often convince people she always has everything under control. However, individuals like Krinda, who seem never to fail, are often misunderstood. I want to show the Krinda that I see, the one that is only human…the Krinda that struggles with her own exacting standards for herself, the Krinda who sometimes fears failure and always strives to do the best she can in everything she does. For, I believe it is her genuineness and integrity of character, not just her successes, that earns the respect and affection of those around her.

Graduating Summa Cum Laude, Krinda waits with fellow graduates to enter the auditorium on May 8th, 2010.

Krinda delivers her valedictorian speech to hundreds during Saint Martin's University's Commencement Ceremony on May 8th, 2010.

SMU Invite, May 1st, 2010, Krinda competes in the 1500m Run.

Krinda prepares to go on a cool down run after runnning the 1500m at the SMU Invite on May 1st, 2010.

Krinda prepares to give her senior thesis defense argument on April 30th, 2010.

Krinda works on her senior thesis essay in her room on April 14, 2010.

Krinda reads her Bible the morning before her senior thesis defense on April 30th, 2010.

Krinda worries about her senior thesis essay, April 15, 2010.

Krinda presents her "Letters of Worth" autobiography from her Spiritual Autobiography Class on April 27th, 2010.

Friends gather to play games and celebrate Krinda's graduation on May 8th, 2010.

Krinda plans to move to Hawaii with her brother in the fall, where she will pursue a massage therapy degree and begin expanding "Letters of Worth" into a full book. Thereafter, she plans to receive her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.

Krinda Graduated!

On May 8th, Saint Martin’s University held their Commencement ceremony. The day marked the official end of Krinda’s undergraduate journey.

It was exciting, stressful, and surreal all at the same time for Krinda. Grandparents, friends, and my family came from all over the state to support her.

: Krinda reviews her speech on May 8th, 2010.

I remember Krinda telling me a few weeks ago that she cried on the last day of one of her classes. She says she will actually miss school. When graduation day finally came, I could tell she had mixed emotions about leaving Saint Martin’s.

: Krinda delivers her valedictorian speech to hundreds during Saint Martin’s University’s Commencement Ceremony.

As Krinda began her valedictorian speech, she shouted out with confidence, “Just checkin’ to see if everyones awake…everybody awake out there?” The crowd roared with applause and laughter (I personally think it was because the previous speaker was quite boring and long winded).

: Krinda visits the hotel room of her family before going out to celebrate with friends and family on May 8th, 2010.

: “Catch Phrase” is the popular game at Krinda’s graduation party.

Later that night, friends gathered to celebrate with Krinda and two of her graduating friends.

Krinda and her brother, Capt. Nathan Carlson, contemplate a question raised in a game at her graduation party.

: Friends watch a video of Krinda’s graduation speech later that night.

Update: Krinda

This past week has been really busy for Krinda. She had Scholar’s Day and a presentation on Tuesday, Senior Thesis Defense on Friday, and her last season track meet on Saturday.

Krinda is awarded to the All Conference Academic Team in Track and Cross Country

Krinda presents her "Letters of Worth" autobiography from her Spiritual Autobiography Class.

While I was super proud of her, I definitely did not envy her, having to speak in front of all those people! And her senior thesis defense was pretty nerve racking, but she pulled through excellently (of course)!