Autumn 2023 Reflection
Coming to the University of Washington from Western New York, I truly did not know what to expect. Having committed after only one visit to the state, I did not know what I was getting myself into. After all, I had never been that bold before. However, once I got on campus that changed. I found myself entirely shocked at the person I was becoming. I asked questions in 300-person lectures, I started taking the ceramics classes I always talked about, I downloaded Bumble BFF to make friends in a new city, and I thrived. Beyond my personal behavior, UW itself has been a major factor in why this first quarter has been so fulfilling. The work-hard-play-hard culture at the school is something I did not know about when I committed, yet I feel that it has been one of the most major facets of my success. Being able to attend a rigorous upper-division course on the same day that I can go to an ice cream social or sporting event has really helped me to develop a greater sense of balance while living alone for the first time.
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Additionally, this first quarter has been instrumental in helping me discover what I want to study for the remainder of my time at college. For one, Honors 100 has thoroughly taught me the many ways I can engage with UW Honors Program and inspired me to look into study abroad options for both Summer A and B terms as well as Early Fall Start. Additionally, my Honors Law 100 class pushed me to realize that legal studies is probably the academic area I most want to develop my knowledge of during my undergraduate degree process. I am hopeful to be able to take more interdisciplinary honors courses over the course of the 23-24 year that help me find new passions and possibly even help me realize that I may not find an area of study as appealing as I had previously believed.
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Overall, this first quarter has taught me a lot about myself as a student by forcing me to learn how to study—something I was never good at in high school, explore new areas of study, and learn how to function in a community of strangers. This quarter has allowed me to grow and has led me to confidently believe I am capable of whatever I choose to do over my next 4 years.
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Artifacts
Pottery
Football
Phi Alpha Delta
Ever since I was a little kid, I have been interested in art. From painting to knitting, I tried to get into everything but couldn't find my perfect fit. I decided to start this school year with ceramics classes which have truly helped me to discover that pottery is the art form I connect with most. It has also helped relieve stress and produced a number of pieces that I am very proud of.
At UW, sports have become a major part of my social scene. While I have always enjoyed watching sports on TV, the UW football culture has allowed me to grow this interest and befriend people who share it. Watching football on Saturdays has become one of my most anticipated rituals and created a necessary sense of balance in my hectic life.
Joining the UW chapter of Phi Alpha Delta (PAD), the pre-law fraternity, has been the perfect way for me to explore my interest in law. This has also allowed me to build community with other legal scholars which is something I have never had before. PAD is probably the thing I am most looking forward to continuing throughout the years as it can serve as a place where I am able to learn practical information about how to pursue a path in law while also having opportunities to engage with the local legal community.