Semester Reflections

Semester 2

I would say it has been a very stressful yet successful semester. Firstly, it started off rocky as I wasn’t able to register for classes a week after the semester started. This was a small setback as I couldn’t do anything for any of my classes. After I was able to register, It was a little hard to get on track as many of my classes were moving pretty fast. Nonetheless, I was able to catch up with all of my classes. 

Compared to last semester, I would say I was more focused this semester. As I was getting used to things in the fall, I got a little lost at times which put me in a hole. This semester changed my point of view and ability to handle all obstacles successfully. I was also able to receive help from my academic advisor. I am an Architecture major and I planned on double minoring in Real Estate Development and Construction Project Management. While taking classes related to real estate, I have considered taking my education further with a degree. I have thought about taking the path to get a dual degree (still thinking about it) and my advisor has helped me throughout the entire process. I am very appreciative of the help that I am receiving from my advisor as I would have been lost without her.

Throughout both semesters, I have made a handful of friends and acquaintances. This was something I was very nervous about when entering college as I don’t really speak to others unless spoken to. However, I was able to be the first to speak in which has been very successful allowing me to create strong friendships with so many people. These people have been able to help get through the semesters in general. We all helped each other out when it came down to not understanding a certain concept. I think the key to making connections with peers is simply being interested in talking to them, not talking just to talk. I believe that if you are passionate or interested in someone's well being, and they are in yours, you will have a successful relationship.

Art Scholars has been able to foster a community as well as artistic engagement in numerous ways. However, I want to highlight the workshops. This semester, everyone had to be in a workshop and I was in Urban Design. I really enjoyed this workshop as I am an architecture major and it helped strengthen my skills. This workshop overall influenced me to possibly start my own workshop for my capstone. I think that the architecture program is pretty small and it isn’t acknowledged as much so seeing this workshop and producing art for individuals to see was very inspiring to see. The workshops have also impacted my appreciation of art as a whole. Seeing the workshops such as Popular Dance and Scrapbooking altered the way I view art. Especially considering the scrapbooking workshop, I never really connected how its art and how it connects to the individuals creating it on a personal level. I think simply partaking in the program will alter the future Arts Scholars definition of art. I have taken many art based classes that revolve around the question of “What is Art” and my definition of it is still expanding to this day. 

Considering the impact of these workshops, they were a crucial part in supporting my work. As stated before, I am majoring in Architecture and this semester we started model making. This workshop really helped me with my model making skills as well as simple concepts of architecture. Incoming Arts Scholars can get the most out of their experience in the program by trying new things or expanding on what you already know. Especially since the workshops are taught by sophomores, it was great to see how they take the concepts that they have learnt and teach it.