Semester Reflections

Semester 2: Freshman Time Capsule 

Freshman year is a time for new experiences, new friendships, new subjects, and new opportunities. This time last year, I was a senior in High school, finishing out my year strong, nervous about my future, and scared that I had picked the wrong choice for college. I was scrolling through the University of Maryland, 2028 page, reaching out to strangers who shared similar interests to mine. Browsing majors, possible classes I could take, and the different clubs that fall in line with my interests of culture, media, film, music, African American studies, and politics. I was both nervous and excited about the future and could not wait to start my journey. 

On the way to College Park, with my whole life packed away and my family next to me, I was overcome with emotion. Although I was excited to meet my roommate Makayla and create new friendships, I was scared of leaving my family behind. Being very close to them, I could not imagine going to school and coming home without them in the house. At first, it took me a while to adjust. Also, at the beginning of the year, being in a new environment, I was sick quite often. My immune system could not handle College Park, and I went home often. I felt bad, missing out on meeting new people and getting used to the environment. I did well in school, loved my classes, met people, and joined clubs; however, I knew that going home every weekend was not the college experience, and I recognized it. I struggled at first getting used to it, but for next semester, I made an amendment to get out of my comfort zone.

For the 2nd semester, I decided to take a break from film after devoting the last 3 years of my life to it. Although I love film, I wanted to explore different passions and possibly study something different to see if I could see myself in a different field. I decided to use this semester and broaden different subjects. I took an introduction to medical anthropology, introduction to public policy, introduction to business, introduction to psychology, and an African-American literature and culture class to keep my love for the humanities prevalent while surrounded by broad classes. During the first two weeks, I kept reminding myself, “If I do not like it, I can always drop it and take a requirement I need,” but with the first classes, I was hooked. Public policy, being something I was always passionate about, Toby Egan’s teaching style and approach to the content had me immediately engaged and fascinated with public policy on an interdisciplinary and broad scale. My Afro-literature class, being an exploration of the stories black artists share about their experiences, environment, felt heartfelt and heartbreaking. I was in love with the subject, and African American history, culture, and art are something I am passionate about and want to do in the future, so they are not forgotten. My medical anthropology class was rich and raw, broadening my perspective and deepening my understanding of structural violence and systemic issues in health and social environments. Dr. Emilia Guevara is one of the greatest professors I have had, and for my Public Policy interview assignment, I had the opportunity to interview her on Healthcare policy, an exploration of something I am passionate about, and how structural forces, such as policy, can influence community well-being. I formed a connection with a professor through utilizing the communication skills I learned in COMM107, and the knowledge I learned in my BMGT110 on how to maintain relationships and formulate meaningful ones in environments. As a learner, I am passionate about individuals, culture, development, and how politics influence that. The Arts Scholars program especially allowed me to broaden my understanding of how Art and Politics intersect, and explore my interests in a deeper understanding of showcasing how creativity, culture, and Art can influence thinking and how individuals interact throughout history.

I became interested in music and entertainment organizations, focusing my interests in becoming a Journalist who interviews individuals, gains perspective, and insight on an individual's story, their experiences, and their development in their environment. I want to be a creator for change, and an individual who understands deeper perspectives and understandings of culture, individual well-being, and experiences. I became more involved in culture-based organizations such as Young Black Creatives, contributing to the development of their brand, which showcases creativity and innovation in the community of color. I also bettered my skills as a writer in a political publication, The Observer. I formed connections and meshed my love for entertainment and community with the Maryland Music Business Society and Student Entertainment Events. 

Through broadening my circle, formulating new connections, and broadening my understanding of my interests and how they coincide with my future plans, I found a place at home in the city of College Park. I have broadened my love for art, creation, and grown as a person. I can immerse myself in my environment and experience different things through broadening my perspective, even when it feels uncomfortable. I am excited for what is to come as a Terp and feel ready to take on anything with all that I have learned.