Freshman Year Reflection: Growing Over A Few Months

 

As I reflect over my past year here at Clemson, I can honestly say that college has made me grow up and take responsibility for the tasks and actions that I previously didn't have on my plate. The one class that taught me accountability was Architecture. The picture to the left is a study done of a building assigned to me. The picture to the right are models of rooms that I had to create myself. Each of these tasks proved to be more challenging than the previous, but I learned to work effectively, keep on top of other tasks, and have fun also. This past year has taught me how to be independent, self-reliant, and how to survive away from my previous 'normal' way of way. Transitioning to college was a huge change in my life, but it is one that I would not trade for anything and I am grateful for the experience.



Tillman Hall; An Iconic Structure

As I walked around campus this week, I looked at Tillman and thought about the commanding presence that it has on Clemson. Tillman Hall is a structure that is like and equation to Clemson, in my opinion. This one building can be seen from multiple points around the campus, which may lend credit to its iconic nature. For most of the people I've talked with, they easily recognize the bell tower as a familiar place and that has been the meeting spot when I've had visitors come. Even as I came here as a freshman, not knowing much about my surroundings, I knew that if I could get back to Tillman, that I was at a starting point. As a Clemson student, I think that Clemson has gained recognition because Tillman Hall is used to define the school, just as much as Death Valley, the football team, and the academic standards. Tillman Hall is the equivalent to a key on a map when a person is navigating in and around the campus of Clemson.

Change is Apart of Life

The more that I walk around Clemson; the more I see change in the school and my life as it involves Clemson. Looking out from my dorm and walking to Lee Hall, I see construction happening for the better of our education. But I can also apply this to my life here at Clemson. Just as I was graduating highschool, I had some idea about what I wanted to do and where I wanted to be as I got older, but being here as Clemson has put things into perspective. The leaders of Clemson have goals set for the school to accomplish, and new construction is a part of that vision. Likewise, being here at Clemson has helped me to prioritize the goals for my life and what I plan to accomplish in the 4 years that I am here. The road to accomplishing these goals may not be the easiest, but change is a part of hitting those marks.

Time Management is Key

The one thing that architecture has taught me is time management. Before coming to college, I always had the thought process of " I can do this in a few hours", but after taking on this major, I learned that not everything can be done in a few hours. This photo was taken about 1:00 at night a few days ago. We had a project due in architecture and as you can see, many of us were trying to finish them. As with every project, we are told that the projects are due at specific times, and that we have to put in work in they are going to be quality. I quickly learned that designating time to achieve goals not only applys to my major, but also applies to projects outside of Lee Hall.

My Meaning of Death Valley

This picture of Death Valley is one of the reasons that I came to Clemson. When I was younger, the only colleges that I heard of constantly were USC and Clemson. As I began to grow and was asked what my future plans were, I chose Clemson as my school of choice and architecture as my major. Now that I am here, I have a constant view of Death Valley because of my dorm location. A few days this past week, I though about game day and the warmer weather in comparison to what we have been experiencing. I can honestly say that Clemson's football team and Death Valley definitely shaped my future of today.

A Creative Outlet

      This picture depicting my desk in studio represents the creative outlet that other classes restrict. While I am required to do work in my architect class; there aren't restrictions to simply focusing on that one task. The professors allow us to listen to music as long as we are on task. I feel that this allows us to do our work effectively because it feeds into our creative outlets. I can speak for myself and say that I am most productive when I do listen to music. It lessens my distractions and I feel that I am putting my best foot forward. I believe that different mediums help each person focus in a different way, and music is my form of concentration.

 

My Life in Lee Hall

This photo of my work area is where I spend most of my time. Being that I'm an architecture major; I mostly live in Lee Hall. Unlike in some of the other classrooms, where the desks are close and the room is small; Lee Hall is open and everyone has breathing room. The work load does get heavy, but I don't mind it, being that a hobby of mine is drawing. Even though I was told that when I get to college, I wouldn't know very many people and I would have to get out and know people, I didn't have to go very far. My peers in Lee are the people that I'm around just about everyday. That makes the major easier by having people there that I can ask questions and joke with in my opinion. Yes, architecture is hard, but being in one building with most of my peers makes it worthwhile.

The Person Makes the Experience

Not all the spaces here at Clemson are created equal; with some being more welcoming and pleasing than others. The dorm that I stay in, Johnstone, falls into the category of being less welcoming, at least from the outside. I wasn't too happy about staying in a dorm that's worn and showing age, but I learned how to make the best of it. Although the building is old; it's not about the building. What I've gained from being placed there are friends that I might not have met and moments that couldn't have been gained from any other places. Also, in my opinion, Johnstone isn't disconnected from campus. I say this because I can walk small distances and be at my next class or crossing the street getting something to eat. While I would like to have had a better residence hall, this experience has taught me that it's not the situation that makes the person, but the person that makes the experience.