My Third Year In University (2024-5): Reflection
Finally, my third year is complete. I'm excited, scared, motivated, and most importantly, driven. I do feel overwhelmed sometimes, but I think all the feelings I have are good, and it's taking me on the right path. I am someone who leads with emotions for sure, but I have learned so much this year on how to react to those emotions better.
This year has felt the most impactful chapter of my life in university. I had some personal complications in the fall and decided to do an academic leave for the quarter. During that time, I was considering and trying to add a Spanish minor to my studies, but due to my academic pause, I'm not able to complete on time for my graduation. Fortunately though, I'm ahead on my Design major, so the break didn't impact my academic plan.
Even with some bumps on the road, it made me realize and cement the idea of becoming an art teacher. Even though I studying design, I truly believe teaching art along a design framework could be so helpful and new!
When I say "design framing", I mean the guidelines for design. What I believe design has taught me is the structre of clear and intentional actions to any creative project. I don't ever define design having rules because art and design should have no clear definition or output. Art and design is from creativity, and creativity should never be limited by boundaries or restrictions.
Now that I have these tools, I hope to share them and change the structure of an art class in public schools. In my experience, public schools didn't have the resources to develop art classes that can flourish creativity and passion into students. Most of my classes where about art and crafts, and not about exploring the creativity that could capture students interest. I don't blame any of my teachers and schools because, these spaces are embarrassingly underfunded and the teachers are overworked.
In my Design and Social Good Class, I was able to explore further what I wanted my classroom to look like, if I where to pursue a teaching career