Youth Insights Redux
Oct 8, 2009

Hi! I'm Diane Exavier. I participated in the Whitney's Youth Insights (YI) program when I was a senior at Bishop Ford Central Catholic High School in Brooklyn (2004-2005). I still can’t believe that it’s been more than four years, but returning to the Whitney as Assistant to Youth Programs almost seems like it was fate, destiny, or meant to be. It really is like coming back to where it all started. Art education, art expression, and art community are all things I learned about as a member of YI. And, with such a strong foundation, I was able to explore these topics even more throughout my time at Amherst College, where I studied theater and dance. So many things that I learned as a member of Youth Insights, from the "5 C's of Giving a Tour" to the importance of intergenerational conversation, have continued to influence the way I make my own art as a writer and theater-maker. Now I have the opportunity to share what I’ve learned and practiced with teens who remind me a lot of myself four years ago. It is something to get used to: becoming a role model for current YI when I was in their shoes not too long ago. But it is an opportunity I am incredibly grateful for. And I’m so glad to be back! 

By Diane Exavier