Semester Reflections

Semester 1

The skies are different here. There's less stars, and the sunsets are less vibrant. I've begun to appreciate any sort of beautiful scenery in the sky. The way that the clouds outside my dorm window can catch light in the daytime. The way stars will start to appear if I stare at the night sky for long enough. When I went home for Thanksgiving break, I was startled by how many stars there were in the sky. I wandered aimlessly on the streets, my head literally up in the stars. I couldn't believe how dark it could get, how much I missed that darkness, and how I failed to appreciate it before. Next year, I’m planning on living in The Standard, an apartment complex off campus, with my friend Ally. The skies will probably stay the same, but I’m hoping there will be less dust in the air. I’m excited to have my own room next year, as I didn’t like having to share a room much.

I’ve found my classes different, too. Bigger, with professors who are researchers and professionals instead of teachers with a passion for education. It’s almost like a summer camp, in that you put in what you get out. Which isn’t a bad thing, as it made school much less stressful. I’ve found that I have less work than in high school, with more of my work focused on reviewing notes, reading textbooks, and doing practice problems. I’ve gotten better at managing my time since high school, too, and doing work in common spaces around friends makes homework feel less like homework. I’ve also formed a connection with my statistics professor. He is such a sweet guy and genuinely cares about all his students. I’m glad those types of people exist everywhere, even in places where it’s harder to connect with professors. I sometimes feel that I prefer the smallness of the community college I attended in high school. I liked the genuine interest every student seemed to have for what they were learning at community college. Yet, I appreciate the overwhelming talent bursting within the University of Maryland. Sometimes, it’s even a little overwhelming, being around such emotionally intelligent and intellectual people. I’ve learned to try and grow and learn from others, instead of being intimidated.

As an art scholar specifically, I was expecting to learn more visual art techniques such as observational drawing. That wasn’t what I got, yet I still really enjoyed the experience of looking at everyone’s own unique art, connecting with artists, and learning new art techniques from professionals. I didn’t have much expectations for activities outside the classroom, so I was pleasantly surprised with the museum trips, tours of different art making areas on campus, and the service day - pulling invasive plants! Learning to Vogue dance was very meaningful, in particular. I found it really beautiful to connect with our feminine sides and tell stories through dance. I can continue to use this information by remembering to be confident in the rooms I walk into, and by continuing to value body movement as a form of expression.

My biggest challenge this semester was loneliness and learning to be independent. I had never been in this big of an environment before, with this many friends. I’m used to having a very small support system, with only two or three close friends. I learned that I am the only one who can better myself, yet I can still learn and gain support from others. I learned how to seek out connections with others, and ask people if they want to do something together. I learned that if I don’t do that, I won’t necessarily be happy with my day, which is okay, but it's good to know what you want.