During this Capstone project I was able to learn a lot about myself. I found that I can recover from rejection and work with determination despite being dissuaded. When artists didn't respond to my emails, I felt dejected. But, because of this project I have learned that rejection can actually lead you to what you really need. Like the saying, "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need." In the end, I got what I needed, and all the rejection and ghosting and scheduling issues led me to the three artists I needed for this project. I learned that I am the type of person who can bounce back and persist even if I feel like I've failed. I keep going and keep working until I have accomplished my goal, and I am very proud of myself for that. I also learned that I procrastinate a lot, and I still haven't found a solution to that problem. The best way to save myself from procrastination is to get in the zone and work until the task that needs to be done is done. I don't pick up my phone or look away from the computer until I'm done. I also learned about my adaptability. I am able to pivot if I need to and this project has led to me being very resourceful when I needed to adapt to a new situation or task. 

This adaptability especially came in handy as I was forming my project idea. Originally I wanted to do something related to interactive art or murals. When I hit a wall in the research, I am proud that I didn't just stop and give up. I continued on another path that led me to artists in Syracuse. I am so happy that I landed on this project because it led to me meeting so many amazing people and in the end I feel very accomplished. The most meaningful part of this project to me is the idea that I get to share the perspective of three very different but very passionate artists. I think it could open some people's eyes to the creative world and the arts community we have built in Syracuse. Through the interviews, these artists have helped me spread the message of "Be the change you wish to see in the world." and also their love of Syracuse. I think it can impact a lot of people if they realize that a lot of what they need is right here, and so many things can be accomplished in Syracuse that they shouldn't be afraid to try. 

Not being afraid to try is also a message I had to take to heart to start this project. I can sometimes be a perfectionist, so diving headfirst into something I didn't think I was very good at was tough for me, because I was so scared that my project wouldn't end up "perfect." Despite this, I gained more confidence as I went along. I wouldn't attribute this confidence to an increase in skills necessarily, but I would say it is likely because as I went on I realized that the project didn't need to be perfect. There would be mistakes, and mistakes are human. As I presented this project at the exhibition, I would occasionally stumble over my words, or say "like" too much. Normally after something like that, I would be mad at myself for messing up. But this class taught me that messing up is okay because everyone's doing it. It is more important to put in all your effort, to try your best, than it is to be perfect. And this project isn't perfect--far from it actually-- but it is good. And it will educate people, and I hope it will instill some confidence in others that there's so many different paths you can take to achieve your goals, as long as you work hard.