... are pretty hectic for me, considering I've managed to cram all of my classes into those two days. Wednesdays are proving to be a bit tricky as well- I guess I didn't realize that if I received homework for all five classes on Tuesday, Wednesday was going to be full of completing them in time for the next day's class sessions.
Art history is what I expected; not much changes from year to year in this subject. Because it's my 8 am class I probably do a bit more zoning out than I should, but I know the material extremely well and keep up with the notes. Professor Cleary obviously loves what she teaches- she's always excited about what we're learning and that makes it a lot easier to stay awake after only a couple hours of sleep.
Holy Wars and Western Religious Toleration is yet to be what I expected... ? I'm not sure- I like the class, but somehow I had something different in mind. Not that it's a bad thing; I'm definitly learning things that are relevant to today's world. My professor (Dr. Thomas) reminds me of an optometrist; I'm not sure why. I can't even remember what any of my past optometrists looked like.
Regardless.
The class is filled with students who have taken his courses before, which tells me that he's a notable professor (at least) from a student's perspective.
My next class is english- I absolutely love it. Unlike 105, this 106 course is more concerned with analyzing pieces of literature. The professor forces each student in the class to argue for ideas that they propose- it may sound frustrating, but it helps you realize whether or not your support is strong enough to build a valid point. This class usually runs until the very end, so I have to run to the end of campus to make it to my next class.
I'm usually a bit late anyway, but the professor is understanding. This class is located in one of the oldest buildings on campus and houses graduate student's studios in addition to the large garage-type studio classroom. I often run into graduate students I've met in my other classes or who I've had as instructors. They're always willing to lend a hand in helping me to better understand a concept, find cheap art supplies, and tell me which gallery openings to attend. The class itself is awesome- the projects are a bit tricky, but I should get the hang of it soon enough. This class is scheduled to last for 2 and a half hours, but it usually only lasts for a bit less than 2.
I have a break after art class to scrub the paint off of me, change from my smock, get something to eat, and do a bit of homework I've already been assigned.
I have my last class of the day (introduction to philosophy) at 6:25. The textbook I ordered for this class has yet to arrive, so I'm a bit behind on the reading. Luckily there are slideshow-lectures during each class, so I've been able to take down good notes and understand the concepts.
When I get back to the dorms after class (usually around 8), I try to finish a bit more homework and get done whatever chores I have (laundry, dishes, facebook...). I usually wind up forgetting all about the chores (they get done.... eventually...) and go around the floor to see how everyone's day has been. Occassionally we'll go to the gym for a quick basketball game (in which I will inevitably skin my knee like an 8 year old), but the majoirty of the time we just hang out on someone's futon, watching tv and praising the beautiful weather.
Like every college student, I'm prone to procrastination, don't exactly eat as healthy as I should, and am broke as all heck (after all, even cheap art supplies aren't cheap)- but as long as I'm here at UM, it's all worth it.
Showing posts with label art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label art. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Review of Yesterday...
Yesterday, January 20th, was the beginning of the Spring semester here at the U. This meant new schedules, new classrooms to find, and new people. Add that to the excitment of the inauguration, and it was quite a busy day (definitely not what I was used to after a month of staying at home!).
My first class, Survey of Western Art I, was at 8 am. After finally waking up and getting dressed to brace the recently freakishly cold weather (Miami should never have 50 degree weather, but alas...), I headed down to the dining hall with those who were also unfortunate in having such an early start to their day. Around 7:40 I started to make my way to the Whitten Learning Center- which I had forgotten was all the way on the other side of campus. I got there with a couple of minutes to spare and found the classroom easily. After receiving the syllabus and going over some basics, we were dismissed early. With some time to spare until my next class, I headed down to the University Center (UC), which had all-day coverage of the inauguration. I joined many others on the line of couches and chairs, watching the preparation for the ceremony until it was time for my next class.
By 9:30 I was in my seat in a classroom in the Dooly Memorial Building for my Holy Wars and Western Religious Toleration class. Much like before, we went over the syllabus, which edition of what book was required, etc. and were dismissed ahead of schedule. I went back to the UC, having to leave right before the start of the ceremonies to make it to my next class on time.
After having some difficulty in finding which door non-residents of Eaton (another Residential College that also houses classrooms) were allowed to enter through, I finally made it to my English 106 class (Exiles on Mainstreet). This room was the smallest I had seen so far, and I managed to sit myself right behind a huge column. Good job, Ashley. The Prof. knew we all wanted to see the inauguration, so he promised to keep class short. Ironically enough, it was the longest class of the day. As soon as we were dismissed I bolted out of the classroom and jogged my way down to the UC.
By this time (just before noon), it was absolutely PACKED. I managed to squeeze my way into the back of the room and peeked through the shoulders of those taller than myself (so pretty much everyone). Apparently I had arrived just in time, and was able to see Aretha Franklin finish off the last of her song (nice hat, by the way). Joe Biden was then sworn in, and the room burst into cheers. We then waited.... and a song was played....and waited.... and a speech was given..... and waited.... finally, the moment had come. As the 44th president was sworn in, the emotion in the room was nearly tangible. So many had worked so hard and waited so long that it was almost hard to imagine that it was finally happening. Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America, and there wasn't a dry eye in the room. After the cheers, hugs, and attempts to dance in a cramped area, the room fell silent as President Obama began to deliver his speech. I knew that I had another class coming up soon, but I waited until the very end, and wound up being late to my next class. I knew that this is never a good habit to start, but I was witnessing a moment in history that generations after us will only be able to imagine.
I finally tore myself away from the TV screen and made my way to Illustration 102, which is definitly not your average drawing class. After going over the unusual list of materials (maybe I'll post a picture to better explain it...), I left to go back to the UC once again. There I found free food (always the best friend of a college student) and was able to watch George and Laura Bush step into their helicopter and leave the White House. It's possible that I'm sounding bitter now- my apologies if I am.
I walked back to Hecht to see how everyone else's days were going, and joined a friend on a trip to the store to buy some supplies. After that excursion and searching online for books, I racked up quite the credit card bill that I'm currently working to pay off. I took a nap and attempted to clean my room, then headed over to the dining hall for an early dinner with some of the girls from my floor.
Around 6:15 I left for my last class of the day- Intro to Philosophy. I must admit that I'm attempting to switch this class for Contemporary Moral Issues, but I decided to attend anyway just in case that doesn't happen. It wound up being the shortest class of the day- we were handed the syllabus, told to email the Prof., and were dismissed. I nearly ran back to the dorms (seeing as I was not dressed for the cold weather that had found its way to Miami after nightfall) and fell into bed. I started the homework I had been assigned for each class (mainly analyzing Obama's speech) and took yet another nap.
At 9:00 there was a mandatory floor meeting to discuss Sportsfest- quite possibly the best thing about Spring semester. We came up with a team name, tag line, and discussed who would be signing up for which events. We were also officially introduced to the two new girls on our floor- one who had simply moved from Stanford to Hecht (just in time for Sportsfest- Hecht has won 7 years in a row I believe) and one who had transfered from Miami University in Ohio.
We had a great time coming up with team names- the point is to come up the grossest, dirtiest thing possible and still get it approved. After deciding upon a name and tag line, a friend and I started some designs for the floor banner and t-shirts. I think they're coming out quite well if I do say myself. I'll post them once they're okayed by my RA.
I think I'm still a bit tired from it all, but this cold snap is keeping me alert.
My first class, Survey of Western Art I, was at 8 am. After finally waking up and getting dressed to brace the recently freakishly cold weather (Miami should never have 50 degree weather, but alas...), I headed down to the dining hall with those who were also unfortunate in having such an early start to their day. Around 7:40 I started to make my way to the Whitten Learning Center- which I had forgotten was all the way on the other side of campus. I got there with a couple of minutes to spare and found the classroom easily. After receiving the syllabus and going over some basics, we were dismissed early. With some time to spare until my next class, I headed down to the University Center (UC), which had all-day coverage of the inauguration. I joined many others on the line of couches and chairs, watching the preparation for the ceremony until it was time for my next class.
By 9:30 I was in my seat in a classroom in the Dooly Memorial Building for my Holy Wars and Western Religious Toleration class. Much like before, we went over the syllabus, which edition of what book was required, etc. and were dismissed ahead of schedule. I went back to the UC, having to leave right before the start of the ceremonies to make it to my next class on time.
After having some difficulty in finding which door non-residents of Eaton (another Residential College that also houses classrooms) were allowed to enter through, I finally made it to my English 106 class (Exiles on Mainstreet). This room was the smallest I had seen so far, and I managed to sit myself right behind a huge column. Good job, Ashley. The Prof. knew we all wanted to see the inauguration, so he promised to keep class short. Ironically enough, it was the longest class of the day. As soon as we were dismissed I bolted out of the classroom and jogged my way down to the UC.
By this time (just before noon), it was absolutely PACKED. I managed to squeeze my way into the back of the room and peeked through the shoulders of those taller than myself (so pretty much everyone). Apparently I had arrived just in time, and was able to see Aretha Franklin finish off the last of her song (nice hat, by the way). Joe Biden was then sworn in, and the room burst into cheers. We then waited.... and a song was played....and waited.... and a speech was given..... and waited.... finally, the moment had come. As the 44th president was sworn in, the emotion in the room was nearly tangible. So many had worked so hard and waited so long that it was almost hard to imagine that it was finally happening. Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America, and there wasn't a dry eye in the room. After the cheers, hugs, and attempts to dance in a cramped area, the room fell silent as President Obama began to deliver his speech. I knew that I had another class coming up soon, but I waited until the very end, and wound up being late to my next class. I knew that this is never a good habit to start, but I was witnessing a moment in history that generations after us will only be able to imagine.
I finally tore myself away from the TV screen and made my way to Illustration 102, which is definitly not your average drawing class. After going over the unusual list of materials (maybe I'll post a picture to better explain it...), I left to go back to the UC once again. There I found free food (always the best friend of a college student) and was able to watch George and Laura Bush step into their helicopter and leave the White House. It's possible that I'm sounding bitter now- my apologies if I am.
I walked back to Hecht to see how everyone else's days were going, and joined a friend on a trip to the store to buy some supplies. After that excursion and searching online for books, I racked up quite the credit card bill that I'm currently working to pay off. I took a nap and attempted to clean my room, then headed over to the dining hall for an early dinner with some of the girls from my floor.
Around 6:15 I left for my last class of the day- Intro to Philosophy. I must admit that I'm attempting to switch this class for Contemporary Moral Issues, but I decided to attend anyway just in case that doesn't happen. It wound up being the shortest class of the day- we were handed the syllabus, told to email the Prof., and were dismissed. I nearly ran back to the dorms (seeing as I was not dressed for the cold weather that had found its way to Miami after nightfall) and fell into bed. I started the homework I had been assigned for each class (mainly analyzing Obama's speech) and took yet another nap.
At 9:00 there was a mandatory floor meeting to discuss Sportsfest- quite possibly the best thing about Spring semester. We came up with a team name, tag line, and discussed who would be signing up for which events. We were also officially introduced to the two new girls on our floor- one who had simply moved from Stanford to Hecht (just in time for Sportsfest- Hecht has won 7 years in a row I believe) and one who had transfered from Miami University in Ohio.
We had a great time coming up with team names- the point is to come up the grossest, dirtiest thing possible and still get it approved. After deciding upon a name and tag line, a friend and I started some designs for the floor banner and t-shirts. I think they're coming out quite well if I do say myself. I'll post them once they're okayed by my RA.
I think I'm still a bit tired from it all, but this cold snap is keeping me alert.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
