This semester really flew by. Somehow we went from week 2 to week 12 and are 7 days away from May 1. Normally, at this point in the semester, I would be a mess. I’d be working on multiple different creative projects that require brain space for research, conceptual ideation, form making, designing, and presentation, in the form of what Visual Arts and Technology (VA&T) students here at Stevens know as “finals.”
I like to joke that I haven’t taken a single test at Stevens. It’s not entirely true – I’ve had required math and science classes that have tests, quizzes, and final exams, and of course essays and papers from other humanities courses. But in general, I don’t take tests. All my assignments are “projects,” that range from being one week to four weeks long. I rarely ever have to “study” for anything. How do I learn? Four hour long studio classes, extensive research before every project, and experimentation through my own work does the trick.
But back to my point – usually I’m completely overwhelmed at this point in the semester. VA&T folks know the struggle of having as many as five creative projects all due during the same last week of classes, because like I said, we don’t have tests or normal final exams.
About a year ago I overheard one VA&T student explain to another that things start to get easier the second semester of your Junior year, which I’m in right now. I can certainly attest to that; I’m a bit surprised at how good I feel.
Part of it I think is just knowing what to expect and understanding how I work. Creative work is unique – everyone has their own process and time management methods that affect how they get their work done. For the last two years I’ve been working at finding my creative process, and now that I think I’ve found it, things feel simpler.
I also can’t believe I’ll be graduating in a little over one year from today. Some people I’ve spoken to say that I still have a lot of time left, which I do, but in my mind it feels extremely close to the end. Only two more semesters! At this time last year I did not feel ready for it, but it’s amazing what time will do, because I definitely feel ready now.
At some point I think you just grow up. When you’re a freshman in high school you can’t even imagine the thought of being a senior, and when you’re a freshman in college you’re intimidated by the thought of graduating. Or, at least I was.
I hope whoever’s reading this sees some light at the end of the tunnel. We’re almost there! And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, know it won’t last forever. Time is a powerful thing – what may feel intimidating now will probably feel less so with time. Find comfort in that.
The Stute Editorial is an Opinion column written by the current Editor in Chief of The Stute to address and explain editorial decision making, discuss news and media issues, and develop a sense of trust and transparency between readers and members of The Stute.
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