I had a wonderful time at the art gallery opening. I enjoyed the artwork and the conversations I had with my peers and professors, and I met some new people. At the beginning of the event, I felt oddly anxious about inserting myself into conversations with strangers, but as soon as I began to triangulate and find common topics to share with people I haven’t met, it became easier and easier to start those conversations. I was talking to one of my classmates and overheard Dylan Collins, the visiting artist that created some of the sculptures, talking about his work and how he interpreted it. I waited for the opportunity to introduce myself and started asking him questions about his art. It was a short-lived conversation, and I didn’t tell him much about myself other than my name before another student began talking to him. I could have told him more about myself and what I do at JU, which could have made more of an impact.
It was really interesting to hear other students’ interpretation of the art because some students had a lot to say about it and it gave me a new perspective on the art. Other student’s did not like the pieces, which was also interesting to hear them explain why they disliked it.
I began a conversation with Professor Alex Willemin, but at first I didn’t think to ask him about potential classes a non-film major could take. I later talked to him again and introduced myself in more detail and asked him about the classes. He told me about taking an intro to film course before my last semester, so I could take an upper level film course my final semester. I am glad I made that connection because now he can put a face to my name when I follow up with him about those classes.
As I was leaving the event, I was wondering why it was so hard for me to initiate conversation when I first got there. I was anxious and didn’t talk much at the beginning, but I am glad I began to actively seek out conversation because it wasn’t hard or weird. It just took some motivation and intentional thinking, and I can still improve on being more comfortable with starting those conversations. By the end of this course, I hope to be able to feel more comfortable talking to anyone at any event, because that is a vital skill in networking and communications and can lead to many opportunities in the future!
Great assessment Taylor!