- What learning/ learning topic or learning process did you find yourself using throughout the semester?
I found the extreme importance of the expansion of research and the information one can gather from experience and archives beyond the internet. The entire semester was dedicated to spending time with a single object and finding the object’s role in social, economic and physical order, I was personally connected to the object and its role in my culture, so the act of researching became centered on personal aspects of my culture as Mexican American.
- Where did you use it (in life, in class, in other classes)?
My work is heavily concentrated on my identity as a Mexican American and as a female, I believe that my pride in my culture is the foundation of my work. I would also consider nostalgia as a theme, my family is very close and there are many times that we look back and reflect on memories, these personal connections are present in my work here at Parsons. I find that the more personal my work becomes, the more specific, people have a stronger connection to the ideas.
- 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 learned that every object has its role and understanding the importance of the complexity of origin and history.
- What is one ah-ha that you had? What did you learn?
I cannot recall a specific moment, but throughout my entire year at Parsons, I have grown and had the freedom to find my own work ethic and personal themes in my projects. Every project, I really try to challenge myself to take on a new, explorative medium.
- 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.
My highlight in studio is my final, bridge 4, because I was able to turn this assignment into a moment of discovery within my family history. It has caused a realization of the importance of telling stories and asking family members questions.
In seminar, the final paper has made a pivotal impact. I pushed myself to think outwardly and expand on my interest in my culture. The final paper was informative, but I was more connected with the personal identity I wanted to explore, while making educational and informed points.
- Planning: Show your preparatory steps for both highlights. What initiated these? How did you plan for the different steps? How would you prepare differently next time?
I created a mood board to polish these cultural aspects that I wanted to include in my final project.
I drew sketches and it was important to think about spacing and craft.
- Outcome: Show what was explored/ made/ written/ researched. Write a clear description of each item. Add media components (images, galleries, video, excerpts, etc.).
I had this conversation with my grandmother, which was a pivot in my ideas for my seminar final. Throughout this process, both projects were dependent on each other and braided ideas and personal connections. My grandmother mailed me physical objects from times in her life and with that I was able to construct a narrative with her words.
The embroidery t-shirt has many aspects of Mexican culture, embroidery was an activity that I learned at a young age. I did grow up in a Catholic church, so the back of the tshirt reflects my childhood and my relationship with God that developed with my mother and my grandmother. The heart is also a representation of loteria, a Mexican game my family plays together.
My final paper discusses my family’s relationship with identity and the ways fashion industries have appropriated a culture with the neglect to give credit to origin and history.
- 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.)
My first year at college has been a year of independence and learning to be alone, prior to college, I was very dependent on friends and the craving for social environments. Moving across the country has forced me to explore and be content with myself in this new environment. It has been challenging to make friends at The New School, but my time was never wasted, this year has been constructive and I have pushed myself to explore new places, new mediums and new ideas. Don’t be afraid!
- Write a conclusion that looks toward future interests, questions, and courses. This is where you’re heading.
This year I have found that as I evolve, I have become so prideful of my identity and what it means to Mexican American, almost all of my work is reflective of my personal relationships and experiences, I have been able to vulnerable through my work and unafraid to tell my story. For the rest of my college career at Parsons, I will be focusing on typography and although the majority of my work will be digital, I would love to be able to incorporate my artistic style and build a bridge between graphic design and other art forms, such as music and film. My sophomore year will be dedicated to building the tools I need to pursue an internship at CHIPS NYC and explore Paris my second semester.
