Undergrad Pt. 2 |

Ah, 3 days left and fun fact: I just had my last critique for Design 1 (yes I put off taking first year design until now). Anywhoo, here’s my reflection on being a second year student:

I moved back on residence since we have that as an option for upper year students. I wasn’t freaked out this time, but more excited because I got to choose my friends as my room mates- unit 631 what upppp! Second year overall was like the year of tears- I’m half kidding on this one because there are some good and bad tears. I thought that by now I would have university life under control (I’m cry-laughing as I wrote that).

This was the year I really started questioning my major: Art and Art History. I felt pressured to have everything planned out and know exactly what I was going to do after school (let’s be real, I.still.don’t.have.a.clue.) so I thought: “Let’s do grad school for maybe art restoration? Ya, I’ll say that for now.” I thought that by taking chemistry and calculus and saying I was going to do this, do that, obviously meant I had my whole future figured out…right? Nahh.

I made it a goal to be more involved at school by volunteering, joining Residence Council (RC representttt) and even playing lacrosse. It kept me busy and it was a lot of fun meeting new people and friends and laughing at each other during video projects to promote our events (like YOLO So Play It Safe ). I’m glad I got involved because I met some really supportive people. Ya, you could say tensions got a little high the night before the big formal- as it would- but it all worked out in the end and it was one of the best events!

Following what I did in my first year post, here’s a playlist and this is what I’d tell my super stressed out second year self-maybe they’ll apply to you too:

It’s fine to switch your minor/major/whatever, you’re going to change your mind a lot, it happens!
Dropping a course doesn’t mean you’re a failure at life.
Cereal is a great study snack.
Don’t buy yarn in bulk. You will only finish knitting one circle scarf this year- scratch that, that’s the only one you make for your entire undergrad.
The power of dream boards is real ya’ll. Having a positive visual and your goals on crafty colour paper will do wonders when you’re stuck studying on a Friday night.
Have more movie nights with your roomies and friends, you’re going to miss it when they move off campus
Please take better care of your artwork for the future.
Your Painting II Prof was right, that was a bad painting- that’s why that critique needed to happen and good on ya’ for talking to them about it afterwards, keep doing that.
Faculty critiques are not scary, just sign up for them. Having other professors talk to you about your work is helpful not scary.
Embrace that you love art and admit to yourself you want to pursue it. Embrace the fact you will forever be asked: “But like, what are you actually gonna do with that?”
Embrace your inner dork and take pics beside your work thumbs up and all. Be happy kiddo.