Winter Reflection

Winter quarter was by far the scariest and most daunting ten weeks of my life. Before Winter Quarter, I knew nothing about surrealism, art history, Twilight, or visual analysis. Because of this, with each new assignment and reading came a new and horrifying challenge. However, the content that we studied this quarter has been the most engaging of any class I've ever taken, and our in class discussions were always thought provoking (and in many cases, entertaining). What bolstered my success and persistence throughout this quarter was the fact that I was learning so in depth about topics I cared so much about. From learning of violent history between Black citizens and dogs, the psychoanalytic meanings behind Winnie the Pooh, the disturbing history of 'freak' shows, and how to unlearn my preconceptions of Indigenous culture, I was fully immersed in the content of every lecture and discussion; some of the stories told in lecture even spoke to me so deeply I've considered carrying them with me all the way to the Spring research paper. The passion and connection I felt to the course content motivated me to do it justice in every assignment, and I think I've grown immensely in doing so. Besides all the new educational content I have absorbed, as well as new skills and sense of voice, I have procured a newfound confidence in my abilities with regards to artwork and analysis.