- What learning/ learning topic or learning process did you find yourself using throughout the semester?
-The biggest learning process for me would be visualizing. From the start of the session, we were forced to visualize and really reach deep into this rabbit hole we call our brain and make connections that we may not see at first. It was immensely difficult for me because I am usually a very straightforward person. I never dabbled with the “abstract” and yet once I started to practice this exercise, it became easier and easier.
- Where did you use it (in life, in class, in other classes)?
-At first, I visualized mainly in class or at home when completing my assignments. I would take my findings and try to gain ideas. However, once the process became a habit, I found myself visualizing on my way home, on my way to the market, or anywhere that caught my eye. Being able to visualize randomly is a skill that I cherish now because I am able to become inspired with just about anything in my surroundings.
- What learning did you make about systems or strategies (in society, in making, in research, etc.) do you want to bring into your future semesters, dig into deeper, or explore with other people?
-I really enjoyed the DAI’s. Although when doing the first couple ones, I felt like I was noticing the simplest things that shouldn’t be said out loud because it was so obvious. However, in doing so, I found the interpretations to come a lot easier and I was noticing aspects of designs and meanings that I overlooked the first time. Also, hearing others critic/observe my pieces allowed me to find meanings I never thought of and gain inspiration for my next pieces.
- What is one ah-ha that you had? What did you learn?
-The biggest ah-ha I had this year was through the final paper. As I reread my paper on my laptop 10 times before it was due, I was 100% sure there were no typos or errors. However, the next day when we were reading our papers out loud from the printed version, I was shocked and disappointed to find numerous errors. I learned that no matter how ready you think you are, there is always more to be done. It is good to take a break from whatever you are working on and come back to it later with fresh eyes.
- Select two highlights from your first year. These highlights might consist of major projects or papers. A highlight could also be a productive class debate, a journal entry, a materials experiment, an illuminating course trip, or a new skill. This is a deep look at your work. -BRIDGE 1 STUDIO- http://portfolio.newschool.edu/choc989/2018/07/16/bridge-1-visualizations/
-We had to walk through Union Square and notice a couple of things that stood out to us. Based on these noticings, we visualized our thoughts and explored our stream of consciousness in order to produce five visualizations. Each of my final products were digitally produced on photoshop and they were very abstract. Through this process of visualizing, I highlighted the problems/thoughts that never occurred to me until I sat down in the square and just observed. Although I was pleased with the outcome, next time if I had more time, I would like to dabble in animations or short films to better showcase my thought process and bring more attention to the problems I faced.
-BRIDGE 4 INTERVIEWS
-This was probably the most nerve-racking project this whole session. I am super shy and introverted so it was difficult to approach strangers for these interviews. Many times I was rejected and it was disheartening. However, the people that I actually did interview gave me insights on their lives and outlooks that it made it worthwhile. Through these interviews, I gained the skill to not just follow questions from my guideline, yet to actually carry out a conversation with a stranger. Often times, the interviewee would not answer my question and ramble off into his or her own thoughts yet I did not let that stress me out and I slowly guided them until I got all my information. These interviews helped shape my paper and I felt prepared.
- Thinking: Show your thought process. What do these two highlights represent? Why are they important to your learning? What is most successful or interesting about this work?
-As I had mentioned before in my previous answers, bridge 1 helped me with an important skill- visualization. It is important to my learning because now I am not just restricted by the sights that I see. Instead, I can create my own sights and gain inspiration and make connections with just about anything. Bridge 4 interviews not only helped me gain a better understanding on primary sources, yet it shaped my people and communication skills. Of course, I am not going to just start interviewing any random person on the street. However, I would not be opposed to doing so if it helped me in one of my future endeavors.
- If you could tell future students anything from what you learned during this year, what would it be? (Not just in this class – but overall in life about first year at college.)
-When you think you are done, just remember, there is more to be done. There is always room for improvement! Although I learned this through the critics, I fully let it sink in after the final paper process. Another insight would be to give yourself enough time. Although it is normal for students to procrastinate, I have learned that I wish I had given myself enough time to fully show my whole potential.
- Write a conclusion that looks toward future interests, questions, and courses. This is where you’re heading.
- What new questions do you want to pursue in the future?
- How might one project generate another?
- What new skills/techniques do you want to learn?
Throughout this course, I learned many valuable skills and lessons. At first, many of the readings and exercises conducted did not make sense. It was bothersome and time-consuming. However, once we reached the final phases of the course, I realized just how valuable the exercises were and how much they prepared me for the final project. I learned to make connections and to utilize every little thing we had done throughout the session. Malgo had us watch a video in our final class and one of the philosophers stated, “although you may not be harming anyone with your decision, ask yourself… are you helping anyone?” This had a profound effect on me because I realize that instead of being ignorant, I need to go out there and with the skills I have, I should be helping people in any way I can. New skills/techniques I wish to learn is how to get my work to focus on the problems of the world. I have always and still find it difficult to express and convey the full meanings I wish audiences would see and I plan to practice. I hope in the future, I see the benefit in all boring readings my future teachers may make me read and know that I can make connections with everything and that one day, this information will help me help the world.
