There has been a noticeable change in my routine this week. I signed up for a new painting class, a lifestyle drawing class, which initially scared me. In addition, I only somewhat started an English class, but I'm glad I could catch up and like it so far. I enjoy all my other courses, which are unique and satisfying experiences. Nevertheless, my art class, where we have to draw "nude" models, has become the source of some understandable fear. I'm anxious about this and that my drawing abilities could be improved. Nevertheless, I'm constantly trying to get better at the arts. It's interesting how my anxiousness presents itself in different classes.
Typically, I cope with nerves by chewing gum, but the art class uniquely affects me. It opens my mind and allows me to forget about everything else rather peculiarly. Compared to the previous semester, I feel a lot better this time. Most of my professors and I get along well, which has helped to create an atmosphere where I can be more "myself" and enjoy going to school. Even though falling behind a little in my biology and art studies has caused me some frustration, it won't stop me from moving forward. Apart from education, not much has changed in my life. I maintain contact with pals from my previous semester and get together with them whenever I can. Even though I like our conversations, I hope they try to hang out more often and become more social with others. Everything else in my life has remained the same, save for this.
Last week was one of the most stressful and, for better or worse terms, insane weeks that I have ever experienced within two days. On Thursday, English was easy. However, my art class was the most stressful part of the day. I had found out that I would be drawing my first naked model that day. I was nowhere near mentally ready or prepared for that moment. I was stressing out with my friend about the situation. Then, out of nowhere, my favorite band (Twenty One Pilots) dropped a teaser trailer for their “lore” from their albums. So that calmed me down a little bit before my class. Once my class started, I could calm down, but there was a point where the model looked directly at me, and I got nervous.
Then, on Friday, my brother asked me to watch his house to ensure his pregnant dog does not get on the couch. He had told me, “She probably will not give birth today.” So it got comfortable at his house. However, then the dog makes a moaning noise. Then, within 30 minutes of the first noise. The first puppy was born. Now, during this time. I am crying and freaking out because I do not know what to do. My friends were making fun of me, my mom was sending me videos on how to help the dog, and I was all alone. Then, sooner or later, my sister and brother came to help me out, and I could relax and destress.
Week 8 and 9 Reflections
When I went into Spring Break, I was very emotional and confused about this class. I was bored and tired, but I was also excited and thrilled to come to class. I was everywhere at this point. My writing still isn’t the best for me, but I am trying to fix everything I do right now and find my way of doing things that feel comfortable and are still professional. I feel like the only changes I have had in this class would be the amount of support I have in this class. The resources and support Prof. Koning gives me are much more than any of my teachers this semester. Other than that, my Spring Break was fun. I went to Little Tokyo for the first time and finally met my friends from Ohio (I know. weird.)
Meeting them was fun; they are what you expect from Ohio “people.” They are just odd. I went golfing as expected, and it was entertaining because I hadn’t played the actual golf course in a few months, so going back on the golf course was a nice change of pace. I went to work with my dad and brother for a few days because they needed help. Then, I turned 19 on the 24th. So that was fun. My family came over, and we made birria tacos for everyone. It did rain for a long time, so everyone was a little wet, but we made the best of it.
Returning to campus was different because I felt refreshed and like a different person. I got to see my other friends again and return to a schedule that allowed me to be more productive. I just need to get into a rhythm that makes me more productive while still being attentive in class. Hopefully, these next few weeks will allow me to be the best student and person I can be.