Autumn Classes 2022
Ceramics
ART 253
​This class has been my most rigorous and rewarding class of the autumn quarter. Being a stem major taking an art class, I started off feeling like an outsider. In addition, I was one of a few kids in the class that had no prior pottery experience. We started off the quarter throwing on the wheel and I was deeply struggling to keep up with the rest of my classmates. After talking with the professor, I decided the stick with the class and try to adopt a less perfectionistic mindset with my pottery pieces. Even though this was a challenge, it allowed me to feel more freedom with what I was creating and enjoy the class. Now, I absolutely love making pottery and plan on continuing to further my ceramic skills after the class is over. I am extremely grateful I pushed past my initial doubt and was able to adapt a more optimistic outlook in class.
Math
120
This class taught me a lot about the differences between high school and college courses. While I knew going into college classes would be a lot larger and I wouldn't be as connected to my teachers, I quickly learned the effects of this in my math class. For math, I realized I was needing to teach or reteach myself the material outside of class a lot more than I expected. For reviewing topics I couldn't quite grasp on my own, I started to rely on UW's CLUE tutoring. Being in this class taught me it is okay to ask for help and reach out for support from others. I am deeply grateful that UW has free tutors that I am able to utilize. Through this class and the CLUE tutoring resource, I can now recognize asking for help does not make you weak, instead it highlights your desire to truly learn the material.
Chemistry
Chem 120
​One thing I was most excited about when coming to college was being able to be in labs. My chemistry class this quarter was my first experience being in a lab. Picking out my lab coat and goggles made me feel like a real scientist, but also like I was playing dress up. Everyone always talks about imposter syndrome and as I started college I began to feel a similar feeling. Self-doubt filled my mind and I began to worry I wasn't "good enough" to be a stem major. However, once I was immersed in my classes, all those worries began to diminish and my self-confidence started to grow. Even though there is still a small concern in my mind about my abilities, I have taught myself to ignore or prove it wrong throughout this class. I have fully embraced the lab coat and goggles with a smile.
Honors 100
​During this class, the most challenging project for me was the four-year plan. The idea of mapping out my next chapter felt extremely daunting and overwhelming. Even though I have declared my major, actually picking out the individual classes made it feel much more real. However, once I started choosing classes, I realized the assignment was quite enjoyable. I loved being able to pick ESRM-related classes as being excited to take the class solidified my choice of major. I know that I will most likely not stick to my plan 100%, but being able to have an idea of what my next few years at UW will look like is inspiring.
