Semester Reflections

Semester 4

When I first started doing my TRYathlon’s, I had trouble seeking out events and attending them. Once I did, it was hard for me to write up my reflections for them as it relates to Arts Scholars. I had ideas but did not know how to fully express them. As time went on, I became more comfortable going to arts events just for fun instead of an assignment. I also began to understand more of the artistic influence surrounding the event. This was reflected in my grades for the TRYathlon. I used to receive lower grades for missing the connection to Arts Scholars. However, I received full credit on my last TRYathlon showing that I can connect the two ideas.

Through my capstone project, I learned a lot about what research looks like in the arts. At first, I undermined the amount of information needed for artistic projects. However, after being involved in the process, I understand the importance of knowing your topic fully before creating artwork. It helps you to understand the origins of your art, potential problems presented with it, and the evolution of art seen in today’s society. The vogue dance workshop was one of my favorite guest activities. It helped me have a deeper appreciation for dance. I am a dancer but vogue is a style of dance that I had never experimented with before. This workshop pushed me out of my comfort zone, which is a major topic talked about within Arts Scholars. It helped me understand the beauty of each style of dance and the significance of why it is done. Vogue was a way for people a part of the LGBTQ+ community to express themselves without judgment. I would not have been as informed about the importance of vogue and would not have fully appreciated it if it was not for this Arts Scholars workshop.

One major colloquium topic was how art can reshape the understanding of one’s (individual and societal) learned history, biases, and beliefs. I believe that my capstone project embodied this topic. It focused on hostile architecture and how something supposed to be accessible for everyone was made inaccessible for specific vulnerable populations. Concepts such as single tasking, peer feedback, and iteration helped me refine and produce my final capstone project.

Arts Scholars is the reason that I decided to continue dancing in college and try out for a team. I have been dancing since I was two years old and thought I needed a break from dance while in college. After entering Arts Scholars and doing the vogue workshop then doing the Popular Dance workshop, I realized that dance will always be a part of my life and  I do not need a break. My second semester in Arts Scholars is when I tried out for a hip hop dance team on campus. I made the team and continued dancing. Arts Scholars also taught me how to branch out from my comfort zone. Therefore, I tried out for an African dance team with no experience doing that style. I made the team and currently love it. Without Arts Scholars, I am unsure if I would still be dancing today.

Through my capstone project, I have demonstrated an ability to collaborate with those holding diverse artistic perspectives. I worked with Damaya for my capstone project. Although we have differing career backgrounds and artistic capabilities, we came together to create an amazing capstone project. Also, through my workshop this semester called the Healing Palette, I was able to draw, talk, and laugh with many different people. We all had different artistic backgrounds, majors, and interests but that is what made the workshop great. I got to hear, share, and relate to people’s ideas.

Arts Scholars has reignited my passion for the arts. I want to incorporate it into every aspect of my life by attending more arts events throughout my junior and senior years of college. I also plan to pursue my passion projects again such as playing the piano, sketching, painting, and drawing. I have also considered the possibility of looking into art therapy since I want to become a clinical psychologist. Some of the practices in art therapy may be beneficial to my future clients.