Semester Reflections

Semester 1

It should go without saying that my first semester of college has been an enormous adjustment. From living in a tiny dorm with a seemingly inescapable roommate to being completely self-responsible, it was really intimidating at first. But now, it's pretty manageable.  The workload of university courses has been more intense than I anticipated. While I expected a challenging academic environment, I underestimated the amount of independent learning required outside of structured class time. Classes often provide a foundation, but much of the deeper understanding comes from assignments, projects, and self-guided study. For example, the transition from high school assessments to college-level exams and research papers required significant effort. 

Before arriving, I envisioned the Arts Scholars program as primarily a structured academic opportunity to engage with the arts. However, the program exceeded my expectations by fostering a vibrant community filled with unique experiences such as in class activities and field trips. Being a part of a community of like-minded peers has been very rewarding. One of the most impactful moments this semester was the voguing guest artist session that focused on interdisciplinary approaches to art and social justice. This session challenged me to think beyond traditional mediums and consider the role of art as a tool for societal change. For example, the artist shared an artifact—a collaborative mural addressing environmental issues—that inspired me to think about how art can amplify marginalized voices. 

The sheer volume of academic, extracurricular, and personal commitments often felt overwhelming. To address this, I developed strategies such as creating a detailed weekly schedule and breaking larger tasks into smaller, manageable pieces. Stress management also became a critical focus. Practices like mindfulness, regular exercise, and seeking support from peers helped me navigate high-pressure periods. Next semester, I plan to continue these practices while letting go of unproductive habits, like procrastination, by being more intentional with my time.

Stepping into a "brave space" has been one of the most rewarding yet challenging aspects of this semester.  This class has pushed me beyond my comfort zone. These experiences taught me the value of discomfort as a catalyst for growth.  For instance, during my final project involving an unfamiliar medium, I initially felt out of my depth but gradually embraced the learning curve. This resilience has shown me that vulnerability can lead to unexpected successes and deeper self-awareness. 

I went into this semester expecting CPSA100 to be mostly busy work like some of the other Scholars programs, but I genuinely enjoyed every moment.