Semester Reflections

Semester 2

As I close out my first academic year, I’ve realized that college life has been a whirlwind of growth, surprises, challenges, and moments I’ll remember for years to come. While I entered the University of Maryland with certain expectations, this year has taught me that embracing the unknown is just as important as having a plan. For incoming students, I hope this reflection offers guidance, encouragement, and a glimpse into what the first year of college can really be like through the lens of someone who just lived it.

Building relationships with professors is something I initially found intimidating. In high school, teachers were accessible by default; in college, the responsibility to initiate those connections shifts to you. During my first year, I made it a goal to attend office hours at least once for each class. Whether it was to clarify a concept, discuss an assignment, or just say thank you, these small moments of initiative helped build rapport. Harold and Irene in particular made a lasting impression through their openness and encouragement. They didn’t just care about our projects; they cared about our growth as artists and students. From them, I learned that faculty can be more than teachers and they can become mentors. The biggest challenge in developing these connections is simply taking the first step. It’s easy to doubt whether your questions are “worth” asking or whether a professor has time for you. My advice: ask anyway. Be genuine. Reach out. It’s worth it.

Forming connections with peers was the most rewarding part of my first year. Living in the Cambridge Community and participating in Arts Scholars meant I was surrounded by people with both shared interests and different perspectives. Group projects, late-night conversations, and even casual moments in the lounge turned into meaningful friendships. These relationships became my anchor. When classes got overwhelming or personal stress crept in, my peers reminded me I wasn’t alone. We celebrated our wins together and helped each other through tough times. Still, making connections takes effort. One of the hardest things is overcoming the fear of rejection or awkwardness. My advice to future freshmen is simple: be open. Attend events, initiate conversations, and say yes to things that seem outside your comfort zone. Everyone is looking to make friends in the beginning and don’t wait for someone else to make the first move.

The Arts Scholars program does more than just offer opportunities for creative growth, it builds a true sense of community. From Craft & Chat nights to field trips and peer mentor events, the program has provided countless ways to connect and express ourselves. One standout moment was Service Day, where I met some of my closest friends. I’ve felt encouraged not only to make art but to think critically about what art can do. The TRYathlon pushed me to experiment with unfamiliar mediums, while classroom discussions helped me see artistic expression as a vehicle for social change. In the future, I hope to contribute more actively, whether by helping plan events, mentoring new students, or collaborating on creative projects. The community works because we all bring something to the table.

Before this program, I had a pretty narrow view of what “counts” as art. Over the course of the year, that definition has expanded dramatically. Art is no longer just painting or drawing; it’s protest posters, immersive experiences, sound design, community engagement, and storytelling. One of the most transformative moments was seeing a guest artist speak about using their art to address social and environmental issues. It showed me that art is not only personal, it can be political, communal, and healing. Future Arts Scholars should approach this program with curiosity. Say yes to new forms. Take risks. Let go of the idea that you have to be “good” at something for it to be meaningful.

College isn’t about having everything figured out; it’s about discovering who you are and what you care about. The Arts Scholars program gave me a space to do that, surrounded by people who inspired and supported me every step of the way. To the next class of freshmen: stay curious, be kind, and trust the process. You don’t need to have all the answers now. Just be open to learning, and growing, one experience at a time.