John Washburn

Being born in Cooperstown NY, to two wonderful smart parents and having an older brother Matthew of 4 years has been a tremendous advantage, Matthew is an exemplary, kind and generous person who was gifted with a gregariousness and diplomatic disposition; which has afforded a career that has allowed the opportunity to live and work all over the World, Providing his family many interesting opportunity's traveling through Europe and even touring parts of the Balkans in 1996 the year after the Yugoslavian War ended. Additionally there has also been forays to the far East to spend time in Mongolia, visiting Ulaanbaatar where he lived working as a coordinator and manager for the Peace Corp, culminating with the opportunity to trek through the Gobi Desert.

I have been very fortunate to grow up in the family and town that I did and to have a Father that came from a less than fortunate childhood and have the drive, energy, sense and intelligence to put himself through college and law school and marry a dynamic smart women who did many things not just for the family but for the community, serving in government while also being active in the League of Women Voters among many other things simultaneously raising two boys, and providing a safe compassionate home life.

I have had my own personal journey's to contend with, by the time I was 17 and finishing High School my trajectory was not so easy having to deal with a crippling anxiety disorder and other mental health issues, college at the time was just not a viable option. But many years have passed and I am interested in an education in the arts as being someone of a creative thoughtful humanist disposition.

I won an achievement award in 11th grade for an "Artistic Discovery as a participant int 23rd annual District Congressional art competition by the member of Congress Sherwood Boehlert, for a painting my art teacher submitted.

I have been a percussionist all my life but have a knack for picking up multiple instruments, at the moment violin and cello have been my focus.