2021 - 2022
returning to a new normal
Autumn 2021
Courses Taken: CSE 331, MUHST 210, MUSEN 300, MUSEN 325, MUSIC 203, MUSIC 206, MUSICP 321
campfire at FIUTS retreat
a campfire beneath the stars
As a member of the FIUTS student board, I went on a retreat with all the other student board members as well as a few FIUTS staff. We spent lots of time doing activities related to identity and leadership, as well as outlining our goals for the year. Although I've been in a lot of leadership positions before, this retreat really helped me figure out what kind of leader I am as well as how to interact with other types of leaders (or leadership personalities). Aside from the activities, we got to spend time in-person with each other - which felt amazing after years of the COVID-19 pandemic - and we were far away from the bustling city. It was so nice to be in nature; we had a nice campfire where we had lively discussions, and the sky was full of so many beautiful stars. I have never gone camping before or been so close to nature, and this environment was absolutely wonderous and peaceful for me.
swift movements
With encouragement from a friend and a roommate, I enrolled in the IMA's beginner karate class this quarter, and it was a lot of fun. I've wanted to do martial arts for a long time but never really got around to it, so this was finally my chance. What it really showed me is how much of a positive impact physical exercise has on my mental health. The structure and environment of practices has been very welcoming and motivating, especially since I can focus less on body image and more on perfecting my form. I've learned a lot of different skills from this class and I hope to continue being involved in it. I know this isn't necessarily an interdisciplinary activity, but I think it has helped me learn a lot about myself and my health.
campfire at FIUTS retreat
Shotokan Karate of America (SKA) logo - SKA is the governing body of the UW karate dojo
screenshot of Peer Health Educator bio on LiveWell website
educated to educate
This fall, I started an on-campus job as a Peer Health Educator with LiveWell. We learned how to present a variety of workshops focused on different areas of wellbeing, and had lots of opportunities to present to first-year interest groups across campus. Education is something that I know I enjoy, so this was a great way for me to get experience presenting to groups of students. In addition, it also taught me a lot about my own wellbeing and the areas of wellbeing that are more important to me, which has helped me reflect on changes I want to make in my life so that I can thrive. I also got to meet people who have different university experiences from me, which widened my perspective on what life in college can look like. I loved how much I learned about health and society through this job, as well as being able to share this knowledge with a wider audience.
collaborative sound
With the return to in-person instruction, I was able to finally play in an orchestra in-person again. After two years of making music recordings to try to play collaboratively from a distance, it was so relieving and fulfilling to hear an orchestra together. It was somewhat funny to see how everyone's ensemble skills had weakened throughout distance learning - we had some trouble lining up our timing and intonation at first - but we were able to overcome this quickly as we prepared for our concerts. The sound of the applause at the concert was also so fulfilling as a performing artist; it felt so rewarding to hear (in-person) how much people appreciate our work.
screenshot of UW Symphony Orchestra video recording