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My Journey as a University Student

Table of contents, introduction, academic aspirations, adapting to university life, engagement in studies, extracurricular activities, building relationships, personal growth and challenges, contributions to the community, goals and aspirations.

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1.2 Your Academic Journey and Personal Story

Questions to Consider:

• How can your academic journey develop skills needed for college success?
• How can your personal story prepare you for applying to college?

Your Academic Journey

Now that you have a better understanding of what college can do for you, it is time to focus on how high school is preparing you for college, or better yet, how you can prepare yourself in high school to become college ready. It is clear that what you do (or don’t do) in high school can affect your ability to get into the colleges of your choice, but there is more to preparing yourself than just earning a high GPA or class rank. Your high school education can provide you with ample opportunity to help you hone your academic skills.

Take Difficult Courses

Any student who is serious about applying to college should consider taking challenging classes while in high school. Why? Because those classes can help lay a foundation of high expectations and hard work and they are often highly regarded by college admissions counselors. These classes are sometimes called Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or honors/advanced classes. If you are considering taking such courses, talk to your guidance counselor or current teachers. They may be able to offer suggestions for how to get selected (if there is an application process) and give you a realistic picture of what will be expected. There is no need to take all AP, IB, or advanced classes to prove you are ready for college, but taking a few can provide a college admissions committee evidence that you are open to challenge.

Manage Time and Tasks

If there is one skill that you can develop now that will help you throughout your college career, it is the ability to manage your time and complete tasks. If you already use a planner to track what you need to do and when it is due , then you are on the right track. You can enhance these skills by setting reminders for yourself—and not relying on teachers or parents to tell you when to complete or submit an assignment. The most important part of managing your time and tasks effectively is to build in time well before something is due to complete the work and to overestimate (at least initially) how long you need, which can provide time “buffers” that will keep you from rushing through work to finish it.

Learn to Learn

Earlier, you were introduced to the argument that the purpose of college is to become a learner. You don’t have to wait until college, though, to figure out how best to learn different subject matters. This is one reason you should consider taking challenging classes–they require that you put more time and effort in them to learn the material. And those skills will make transitioning to college much easier. How can you “learn to learn”? You may have little control over what you are learning and how you are tested, but you can control how you approach the learning. One way to learn how to learn is to space out your learning over time (as best as you can—sometimes teachers like to give you a pop quiz when you least expect it!). Reviewing a bit of material for a short amount of time over several days (as opposed to cramming it in right before a test) produces better results. Another way to learn how to learn is to monitor how well your learning strategies work. Did you do well on a test? Take some time to reflect on what you did that resulted in a good grade. Did you space out your studying? Did you look for connections in the material? Likewise, if you do poorly on a test, determine what led to the result. The more you can identify what works and doesn’t for you, the easier it is to make improvements in your learning strategies.

Demonstrate Integrity and Ownership of Learning

Being a high school student often means having a lot on your plate. It can be easy to put off homework and studying, not do it at all, or cut corners to complete the work. While you may be able to get away with some stumbles like forgetting to turn in an assignment, other behaviors, such as getting someone (including Artificial Intelligence software) to do your homework or write a paper for you can get you into trouble. Now is the time to build the skills you will need later in college. Taking full responsibility for your learning as well as demonstrating integrity in all assignments no matter how big or small are the foundation of those skills. How do you do this? For one, you acknowledge that every action or inaction will produce a result. If you put in the work to write the paper, you will earn the grade you receive. If you do not put in the work or find a way to shortcut the process by using someone else’s writing, then you have missed an opportunity to improve your writing, your thinking, and your project management skills. Plus, you may get into trouble for academic dishonesty, which could mean failing an assignment or a course, or getting a more substantial punishment, such as expulsion. The stakes only get higher when you are in college.

Keep Test Scores in Perspective

You will learn more about standardized test scores and their purpose for getting into college later in this chapter, but it is worth noting that while what you make on the ACT, SAT, or equivalent standardized test, may factor into your ability to get into and pay for the college of your dreams, it is not necessarily a reflection of who you are and what you are capable of. Definitely do all you can to raise your test scores through practicing, prepping, and doing your best on the day of the test. But do not assume that a low test score will be the end of your long-term goals or educational journey. They are just one piece of information by which an institution may evaluate your potential, but it shouldn’t be the only thing that tells who you are.

Your Personal Story

Just as important as your academic journey is your personal story. You will need to develop and reflect on both for your applications to college and scholarships. Those who read about you will want to know not only about your accomplishments, but also your challenges and how you have overcome them.

What Makes You Unique

It may seem cliché to say “There is only one you!” But there is some truth in the fact that you are unique—there is no one else like you. To that end, you may want to draw upon those unique characteristics as you begin to shape the story that you will share with college admissions staff and scholarship committees. Will you be the first in your family to go to college? Do you live on a working farm and feed the goats, cows, and horses every morning before school? Can you ride a unicycle or juggle or both? There may be both personal characteristics as well as experiences that make you stand out from others, and if there are, consider weaving these details into the tapestry of your story. Start by making a list of your characteristics—no trait is too small or typical at this point. You can eliminate items later when you start building your story, but for now, create the list and add to it as you think of new things that you are or can do.

Getting Gritty

Many college essay prompts include an opportunity to share a time in your life in which you faced adversity and overcame it. For some students, this prompt is difficult for they have either not experienced a life-changing setback or not considered themselves challenged. It is important to remember that any setback or disappointment—no matter how inconsequential it may seem to you—can be the basis for an essay that responds to such a prompt. There is no need to embellish the circumstance if it is truly not harrowing, but it is acceptable to frame the experience as something that was difficult for you. Most readers of essays are less looking for a made-for-Hollywood story and more wanting to see someone who has demonstrated tenacity, resilience, and reflection no matter how big or small the adversity is. Even if you are not required to write an essay on a time in your life in which you failed or experienced disappointment, having a story handy for interviews (for scholarships, internships, or jobs) can help you share insight into your personality and strengths in a succinct way.

Finding the Themes of Your Life

In Katharine Brooks’ (2010) book You Majored in What? 3 she shares a writing and reflecting activity called “Wandering Pathways and Butterfly Moments” that guides readers through a series of prompts to develop a list of life experiences for the purpose of discovering what career pathway may be most fruitful for them to pursue. These life experiences could be as monumental as moving to a new state and starting a new school or they can be as mundane as spending the summers fishing. The goal of the exercise is to record what you have done or what has happened to you to get a sense of a “story.” These stories are built upon the connections and themes that you see in the experiences. Here are some of the life experiences Brooks wants you to consider when you are crafting your personal story.

• What have you done during the summer or holiday breaks from school?
• What did you play when you were a young child?
• What are some of your major life experiences (e.g. family events such as births, deaths, marriages, divorces)?
• What do people say you do well or have a talent for or seek you out for?
• What do you consider your greatest achievements?
• What jobs have you had?
• What groups have you belonged to?
• What awards have you won?
• What lessons have you learned?
• What do you like to do for fun?
• What kind of “secret” talent do you have?

The goal of answering the questions is to capture as much about who you are and how you have been shaped to develop clear connections among the life elements and create themes. These themes can drive your personal story that can share on a deeper level who you are or who you are becoming.

Consider this scenario: Raphael has taken the time to write down his life experiences so he can build his personal narrative. Some of the answers to the questions above include the following:

• Raphael’s jobs: lifeguard, babysitter for his nieces and nephews, tutor, art teacher for elementary students
• Raphael’s hobbies and interests: watching old movies, volunteering at the library, creating original jewelry from natural objects
• Raphael’s awards and accolades: he won a writing contest in 11th grade, his friends come to him for advice, he has earned high grades in all of his classes
• Raphael’s major life events: parents divorced when he was 6 years old, he started a new school in junior high, his aunt passed away when he was 14 years old

From this short list, Raphael can begin to draw out themes that he can use to create a detailed picture of who he is. He has found himself in teaching roles with his jobs. He has a love for the arts as evidenced by his hobbies. He is a good communicator evidenced by his awards and accolades, and relationships are an important part of his life. Raphael can use those themes—and details from his experiences—to craft his story as someone who has demonstrated an interest in connecting with and helping others by sharing his expertise and experience.

Recognizing the themes in your life helps you to describe how you've become the person you are now, and helps you to understand who you will become.

"For me, becoming isn't about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn't end" —former First Lady Michelle Obama , Becoming (2018)

Analysis Question

In what ways is your academic journey in high school shaping your personal narrative? Describe how the following experiences are helping you “become":

• The classes that you are taking
• The activities you participate in as part of school (e.g., sports, performing arts, etc.)
• The learning that you are doing outside of school (e.g., community language class)

In what ways are your personal experiences shaping your story? Describe how the following experiences are helping you “become”:

• Major life events
• Favorite activities
• Awards and accomplishments
• Jobs or volunteer work
• 3 Brooks, K.(2010). You majored in what? Plume.

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My Journey to the University - Essay Example

• Subject: Education
• Type: Essay
• Level: Undergraduate
• Pages: 8 (2000 words)
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My Journey Through University Essay Example

This social work program allowed me to develop and grow in so many remarkable ways.  In my first phase of practicum I obtain hands on experiences. I worked with teachers and the school social worker in my first practicum which allowed me to develop a sense of how to deal with teenagers as they encounter their Identity vs. Role Confusion, developmental stage (Erikson 1902 -1994). In my second phase, I was fortunate to work with a qualified psychologist. Her mentoring was important because I had the opportunity to work in the community which is my area of emphasis. Working in the community is a rewarding experience because you get to see individuals transform from sadness to cheerfulness when their issues are solved through the various intervention methods. During practicum, I was faced with some key challenges that required intervention strategies to address them. However, I was able to achieve a sense of professionalism, and developed seeds of growth which will play an important role in guiding the lives of individuals and me in the future.

Key Challenges

Surprisingly, challenges, weakness and   presented themselves through my journey. In my third and fourth year I encounter challenges such as lack of spousal support, lack of finances, and having to deal with time management. Some of my weaknesses include low self-esteem, fear of failing and entertaining the thought of not being able to complete my degree. I imagine, for a little while, what will be the response of those who looked up to me if I failed. However, my strength was to quickly grasp the teachings and knowledge that was imparted to me through the assignments and live presentations offered by the lecturers.

Strategies Used to Solve Encountered Issues

Rational Emotive behaviour Therapy ( REBT) developed by (Ellis 1955). I use this approach to be able to manage my emotions and behavioral disturbances. The techniques I used includes

Reframing: I looked at my problem from a different perspective which change the meaning.

Encouragement: Looking at how far I was able to make it thus far through my journey.

I also used Role Play to see where I made mistake and how I can improve myself by observing what I did and did not do. Eventually I was able to focus on my short and long term goals that will help me to complete my studies one day at a time. My self-esteem heightened and   I focused mainly on how much I do and not what the world or anyone thought about me. 

In the area of lack of financial support and time management I decided to embrace the empowerment theory because of the effect it has on individual at a micro level. This process afford me to gain and increasing control over my powerlessness. Hastened (1987), stated that It is  a process through which clients obtain resources to gain greater control over their environment and to attain their aspirations”(p.479). I seek part time employment in order to cover the cost of my books, transportation and my tuition fees. Going through this process I    discovered where my true potential lies. I surprised myself because already having the issue of time management and now have to multi-task. I guess this verse concept work for me: Ephesians 3:20 : Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. 

Attaining Levels of Professionalism

The word professionalism was one of word often uses by the lecturer when student was assessed for both practicum experience and in class assessments. This is one of the skills that highlights the effectiveness of one’s career. To ensure that students practice professionalism they were graded in this area for most of the social work core courses. I had to be early for every class session, practice an acceptable dress code and respect my lecturer and colleagues even if we disagree on certain terms. Introducing these important measures in the class setting and observing the professionals work at my practicum sight permitted me to demonstrate an increased level of professionalism.

Growth and Development From Self-evaluation

Fortunately, I acquired seeds of growth through the social work programme by simply gaining the ability to understand the importance of using the Codes of Ethic that was developed by The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) 1955. This Code of Ethics enhances my practice for profession immensely. The set of values, principles, and standards directs my judgment making and became a part of my lifestyle.  

In due course, my personal growth started its transformational process where I improved emotionally, physically, socially, spiritually and intellectually. I was also privilege to learn that difficult problems can be solved by viewing them from different perspective, or we can  develop resilience or coping skills for die hard issues .

Having the ability to developing strategies that deal with issues is a significant aspect of a social worker’s life. This is the ultimate test of time for a social worker. I developed by acquiring learning to apply theories to situations that results in empowering and changing the lives of individuals. This important aspect of social work will be able to assist me in being the best professional I can be in my practice of social work. 

In conclusion, I would  like to say that as a result of my University of the Southern Caribbean journey (USC) I can now accomplish a more satisfying and meaningful life, which is highlighted in my essay. The values and principles will be apparent in my place of work and relationships as well as the world around me. This journey was an opportunity that I will never regret.

References 

Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Worker, (1955). Retrievedfronhttps://socialwork.utexas.edu/dl/files/academic-programs/other/nasw-code-of-ethics.pdf

Ellis, ( 1955), RE & CBT, Retrievedfrom://albertellis.org/rebt-cbt-therapy

McLeod, (2015). Erik Erikson | Psychosocial Stages | Simply Psychology Retrieved from://https://www.simplypsychology.org/Erik-Erikson.htm

Chapter 3 Developing a Theory of Empowerment, (nd). Retrievedfrom://mpow.org/elisheva_sadan_empowerment_chapter3.pdf • PDF file

Walter Bright, (2013). 11 Things God is able to do Retrievedfrom://https://walterbright.org/2013/06/18/11-things-god-is-able-to-    do/

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My University Paragraph Writing Example In English

Here is an example Paragraph on the topic of My University. This paragraph was written by one of the best essay writers. I hope you will find this sample the best one.

Table of Contents

Example Paragraph On My University

I go to school in Wheaton, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. We have 29,000 inhabitants in the city area and a further 125,000 in the city area. Wheaton College is located here. According to its website, “Wheaton College is a highly selective undergraduate liberal arts college that emphasizes Christian faith and practice.” However, many students do not come to Wheaten with a Christian background.

Some students are still going to college and treating it like high school. The party, drink alcohol and take drugs. On certain evenings you can often see groups of people smoking outside of the dormitories when they couldn’t smoke inside anyway (because they are not allowed to). They also don’t take their learning seriously, depending on cheating to get through high school. Some students aren’t even smart enough to do that, but still think they can pass tests with luck.

my university life, Sometimes I feel like there are too many distractions in our university, but the ability to focus is something everyone should be working on. A good education is important to get a job, but a lot of students at my university don’t care. They will be happy when they graduate with no debt and when the jobs they get are low-skilled jobs that anyone with a high school degree could get.

My University Campus Paragraph

Brimming with a lively student body and vibrant atmosphere, my university campus feels like a small city within a city. Architecturally impressive, the buildings exhibit a blend of classic and modern design. The library, our intellectual hub, is an architectural masterpiece, containing an extensive collection of books and digital resources that fuel our academic journeys.

Lush green spaces interspersed around the campus serve as perfect spots to unwind between classes or engage in impromptu study sessions under the shade of towering trees. The campus is dotted with various facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories, modern lecture halls, a well-equipped gym, and even a small-scale cinema for those much-needed breaks. Our student union building, the heartbeat of the campus, hosts diverse events, fostering a sense of camaraderie and inclusivity.

Every corner of the campus teems with life. The echo of laughter emanating from the bustling cafeteria, the intellectual debates sparking up in quiet corners, and the sound of keyboard clicks from the computer lab, all contribute to the symphony of campus life. Each department has its distinct identity, yet they harmoniously blend together, creating a dynamic learning environment.

The campus is not just an academic sanctuary but also a cultural melting pot. Students from all walks of life converge here, bringing a richness of perspectives to every interaction. Walking through the campus, one can hear snippets of conversations in a multitude of languages – a testament to the diversity that our university prides itself on.

Above all, the campus embodies the spirit of innovation and aspiration. Every day, you can see students working on groundbreaking research, participating in clubs and societies that mirror their passions, or simply engaging in meaningful conversations that push the boundaries of their thought. This sense of shared ambition, the will to learn and grow, to make a difference, is what truly characterizes my university campus.

As a student, the campus is my second home, a place I’ve grown to love and cherish. It’s where I’ve made lifelong friendships, expanded my horizons, and truly discovered myself. My university campus is more than just a place; it’s an experience, a journey I’ll always hold dear.

My University Life Paragraph

My university life in South Africa can only be described as a vibrant fusion of cultures, knowledge, and experiences that shaped me into a global citizen. An average day starts with a brisk walk across the sprawling campus, flanked by both neoclassical architecture and modern facilities. My course load is demanding yet rewarding, filled with thought-provoking lectures and spirited debates. I’m currently majoring in Computer Science, a field that challenges and intrigues me on a daily basis.

The diversity of the student body is truly remarkable, with individuals hailing from different continents, cultures, and backgrounds. This multicultural milieu encourages open-mindedness and fosters deep insights into global perspectives, helping me to grow not just as a student but as a person.

The importance of extracurriculars is not lost on us. Our student-run clubs and societies span a vast range of interests, from robotics and coding to art and music. I am an active member of the University’s Coding Club, where we work on real-world problems and develop innovative solutions.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my university life is the opportunity to give back to the community. Through various university-led initiatives, I have been able to volunteer at local schools, contributing to their academic and personal development.

However, university life isn’t without its challenges. Balancing academics, extracurriculars, and personal life can be overwhelming. And yet, facing these challenges head-on has taught me valuable lessons about resilience, time management, and the importance of mental health.

Despite the long, grueling study hours, the occasional bouts of homesickness, and the pressure of looming deadlines, my university life holds an unrivaled charm. The friendships I’ve forged, the mentorship I’ve received, the knowledge I’ve gained, and the memories I’ve created make this journey truly worthwhile. University isn’t just a phase of academic advancement—it’s a transformative chapter of life that shapes my identity, molds my character, and prepares me for the world beyond.

In conclusion, my university life is the crucible where I am constantly learning, growing, and evolving. The interplay of academics, extracurricular engagements, and personal relationships provide a rich tapestry of experiences that have been instrumental in my personal and professional development. These years have been challenging, illuminating, and ultimately rewarding, shaping me into a confident, globally aware, and well-rounded individual. My university life is more than just an educational journey; it’s a journey of self-discovery and personal growth that will leave an indelible imprint on my identity.

Essay On My University

Introduction.

As I reflect on my time at university, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the wealth of experiences and knowledge I’ve gathered. To say that my university life has been transformative would be an understatement. It has been a journey of self-discovery, filled with unique opportunities, inspiring mentors, and friendships that will last a lifetime. This essay will give you a glimpse into my unforgettable journey, the lessons learned, the challenges faced, and my personal growth during the adventurous voyage of my university life.

The Academic Rigor

My university experience has been an academic whirlwind. From the challenging coursework in the sciences to the engaging lectures in the humanities, the intellectual rigor of my university has both stretched and stimulated my mind. I’ve been fortunate to learn from professors who are not only experts in their fields but also passionate educators.

Embracing the Culture

One of the things I love most about my university is its rich cultural diversity. As a Nigerian university, we have students from across the country and around the world. This melting pot of cultures has broadened my worldview and enhanced my understanding of different perspectives.

The Power of Community

The university experience is about more than academics; it’s about being part of a community. Through various clubs, sports, and extracurricular activities, I’ve made lifelong friends and developed a strong bond with my university. This sense of community has been an invaluable part of my university life.

Looking Towards the Future

As I look toward the future, I’m grateful for the foundation my university has provided. Beyond the knowledge and skills I’ve gained, my university has taught me resilience, critical thinking, and the importance of community. I’m excited to carry these lessons with me as I move forward in my journey.

Reflecting on my university life, it’s clear that this journey has been transformative, filled with rich learning experiences, diverse cultural exposure, and a strong sense of community. The university has not only equipped me with academic knowledge, but also with essential life skills and lifelong bonds. As I step into the next phase of my life, I carry with me the confidence that my university has instilled in me, ready to face the world and make a difference. The memories I’ve made, the friends I’ve gained, and the lessons I’ve learned will forever remain an integral part of me. Indeed, my university life has been an unforgettable chapter in my life’s book.

Hello! Welcome to my Blog StudyParagraphs.co. My name is Angelina. I am a college professor. I love reading writing for kids students. This blog is full with valuable knowledge for all class students. Thank you for reading my articles.

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Home — Essay Samples — Education — College Life — Introduction to University Life: A Unique Journey

Introduction to University Life: a Unique Journey

• Categories: College Life

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Words: 631 |

Published: Mar 8, 2024

Words: 631 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Table of contents

The academic sphere: rigor and growth, the crucible of personal development, preparation for the future: career and beyond, conclusion the enduring impact of university life.

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Home Essay Examples Education Study Skills

Study Skills: My Learning Journey

• Category Education
• Subcategory Learning
• Topic Study Skills

Study Skills: My Learning Journey 

This assignment will discuss my learning journey as a mature student, as I return to higher education with an aim of registering as a nurse. I started my journey with the University Certificate course as my stepping-stone and my first module being Study Skills, which I am going to be reflecting on in this discussion. I am going to focus mainly on three topics, procrastination, time management and motivation, I chose those three topics because they are the ones I seem to have struggled with the most. I also aim to reflect on the challenges which I encountered with those topics and how I have managed to overcome them in my learning journey with the help of Study skills, which has helped me to understand the type of learner that I am and what works best for me. On this reflection discussion I have chosen to use Gibbs reflective module, because of the way it is laid out. I feel it gives the reader a clear understanding of my journey and what I could do better next time.

Description

At the beginning of my course I found myself struggling quite a lot with procrastination. According to Steel, (2007) “To procrastinate is to voluntarily delay an intended course of action despite expecting to be worse of the delay”. It was very difficult for me to bring myself to do my work, instead I would find myself on social media or making unnecessary phone calls to friends, just to delay starting my assignments. According to Tefula, (2014:8) he states that they are four Ps of procrastination: (1) Probability of pay off (2) Pursuit of pleasure (3) Prevention of pain (4) Postponement of punishment (or Payoff). Out of the four mentioned they are two which were quite significate in my journey. Probability of pay off which means, we prefer tasks in which we are likely to achieve more, compared to those we are less likely to excel Tefula, (2014:1). In my situation I lacked confidence, had low self-esteem and so much fear of failure, I never thought I would accomplish any tasks set before me. Self-esteem has been reviewed as a frame of mind towards self (Rosenberg, 1965), this has both emotional and functional elements as in all attitudes. Nevertheless, it is often believed that self-esteem is essentially based on our emotions (Alan, 2012:36). In addition, the fact that I am Dyslexia did not help in doubting myself, as l would say to myself am not good enough like the other students. I felt they picked up stuff quicker and understood straightway what was being asked off us, better than myself. Alan, 2012:46) states that, students with low self-esteem lack a straightforward, coherent and cohesive perception of who they are and have less specific opinions of what they are like relative to others. Fear of failure affects procrastination tendencies especially when combined with low performance which can prevent us from meeting our deadlines on assigned tasks Tefula, (2014:12). The second P is Postponement of punishment (or Payoff) which means, it is unchallenging to postpone work because the outcome gives satisfaction, as stated by (Tefula,2014:12). With postponement of punishment, it affected me in a way, because I would find excuses to put off the work I had before me. I would tell myself I can do it the next day, and instead will choose to do other things like go on my social media or catch up on my favourite television shows because I found that to be more fun and interesting than doing my assignments or any of my course tasks so because of all these delays and setbacks I found myself having to work under so much pressure because of time.

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This then influenced my time management, having a good sense of time management involves making sure that the task at hand is well understood with a goal in mind, whilst also considering the priorities and making use of the time that is available (Craig, 2009). As a single parent trying to run a home single-handedly was a challenge on its own, without the added pressure of university work on top of everything else, and my ability to manage time effectively was very poor at the beginning of my course. McMillian and Weyers (2012) suggest that organising of everyday activities using a diary or calendar helps a person to think diligently about their time.

As I lacked organization, prioritizing and planning in my day to day life. Despite having full days, where does the time go? Moore et al., (2010). I found myself not copying and sometimes becoming very stressed as I ended up having so much work to do and not enough time, because of poor time management. Poor time management can cause you to end up stressed, which may also affect your mental health and emotional wellbeing (Bloomsbury, 2010). I felt as if my life had changed overnight, and now I had loads of things to do but still could not manage (Forsyth, 2016) suggest that organisation and time management go hand- in- hand. My motivation was deflected, to the extent that I forgot my main and most important goal of what I wanted to achieve, becoming a registered nurse, something I have been passionate about for a very long time (Mclean, 2012:9) when we do stuff for our own purpose, pleasure and satisfaction it gives us sense of gratification throughout a task, this is when we are intrinsically motivated, however, progress in any form of study specifically needs learners to adhere to both intrinsic and extrinsic forms of motivation, working on an assignment is rewarding for intrinsic purposes but also improves academic success. It was really challenging for me without self-motivation. Motivation is what drives our actions and movements to doing something (Beck 2004). It is hard to commit to something without the drive to succeed (Moore et. al. 2010). I soon realised I had to practice self-determination, which is any attempt to influence change, behaviour, emotions and opinions (Mclean, 2012:9). Self-determination and self-motivation became my driving force.

On reflection, I feel if I had been more organised from the start, I would not have gone through the stress. Having to work under pressure with not enough time was quite frustrating for me. I felt I had let myself down and should have done better. Alternatively, I feel it made me focus and pushed me to create time and work towards completing my assignment, rather than relax.

On understanding and learning more through Study Skills, I realised my strength was motivation, because once I knew how to self-motivate, I realised I worked better and pushed myself towards my goal. “The best moments occur when a person’s mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worth-while’ (Alderman,2004:132). I motivated myself by writing down small realistic goals to be completed in a week and learned to work towards them and achieve my goal within the time scale, for example, my goal would be to write at least 500 words per week towards an assignment. My weaknesses were, procrastination and time management, I think I could have done better if I had not wasted so much precious time putting off doing my work.

Cottrell, S. (2019) suggest that lack of motivation can lead to increased levels of stress and she goes on to say it can also have an effect on student’s performance regardless of how much one enjoys the topic or how much one wants to achieve a good score. They are situations where student’s find themselves, weak and begins to question if it is even worth doing. This is also supported by Zeller, D (2018) who states that procrastination will result in unmanageable workloads as deadlines approach. In addition, he goes on to say the burden does not go away by putting off doing the task at hand, but instead the inability of doing it can induce either emotional distress or physical stress caused by sleep deprivation. Furthermore, Nayak, S.G (2018) suggests that student’s progress reflects on how well they manage their time. She expands by saying, implementing change is very crucial where time management is concerned, when good time management is applied correctly it produces increased productivity, less tension, better performance and more incentives for academic development. By comparison if not handled efficiently it may lead to outcomes such as missed deadlines and not up to standard work. She stresses that individuals who are, able to manage their time effectively tend to achieve great results with less strain and gain more personal growth. This is supported by a study carried out by (Ghiasvand et al., 2017) students who have acquired the skill of managing their time well tend to achieve better academically and they also go on to use this skill in their professional lives, the effort of this achievement is referred to as academic motivation, but there are still some nursing students who find themselves stressed and anxious because of inadequate academic motivation which can result in poor performances or quitting all together. They also carried out a study were 441 student nurses took part. This study showed that half of the students were at a moderate level of time management skill. According to this outcome, it is important to develop time management skills, this will help minimize levels of stress within students and at the same time increase academic motivation.

According to an analysis carried out by Hussain et al., (2010) shows that procrastination is common in most university students, their research suggests that procrastination influences student attainment and self-belief, which tends to lead to lack of dedication, lack of motivation, poor time management and emotional stress. In addition to this O’Callaghan et al., (2008) concluded that extreme procrastinators are more likely to suffer from academic strain and worry. Hussain et al., (2010) further suggests that procrastination has an adverse effect on student’s performance, which will result in them getting low grades and it can also induce fear of failure. They also state a few steps to help manage or mitigate procrastination: accessing adequate guidance and counselling provided by your university, taking all constructive feedback from tutors positively and using it to perform better in future, creating good ties, communicating issues and finding effective solutions.

From this experience, I have gained a broader understanding of effective time management, with help from Cottrell, S., (2019: 127) she listed 10 steps to good time management. Following these steps has had an overall impact of my learning journey, once you know how to manage your time well everything else falls in place. Another area where I have developed is Self-efficacy skills (Cottrell, S., 2019:21) suggests that effective self-control is important in further education because of the high demands in independent development and personal freedom. She listed 10 qualities which help reduce the challenges I faced earlier into my study, once I started to apply these qualities into my learning journey, I realised how effective they were and wish I had followed this from the start, it would have reduced the levels of stress and worry I subjected myself to.

Action Plan

For my future personal development, I am going to use the S.M.A.R.T GOAL: Goals help to you focus on key tasks and clarify a way forward. Having a study timetable and goals provide structure and guide you in a focused way. They focus on your personal learning and development by tracking your success. This in turn increases confidence and morale (Skills you need, 2016)

SPECIFIC: First: I intend on working on managing my mindset, I feel this will help me understand how I think, what triggers my stress, how best to deal with it and how to avoid such challenges in future. Second: I will work on developing my resilience as a student, because this is one area I really struggled with, when it came to juggling family and my studies. Cottrell, (2019:162) suggests 4 points on how resilience contributes to success:

• It gives you the ability to handle situations when they become difficult.
• It offers an understanding of how to get back up, and manage problems as they arise
• It boosts faith in yourself, even when things or situations do not appear right.
• It builds your courage to take chances, engage, and boosts your willingness to experiences new things.

Third: I want to work on improving effective time managing skills, I feel that once I gain the ability to successfully manage my time, this will help reduce workloads and working under pressure.

Fourth: I want to work on keeping myself motivated. Cottrell, (2019:113) highlights some of the signs of weak motivation, I experienced in the journey, “finding excuses not to study, not being able to settle down to study, losing interest, becoming easily distracted and giving up quickly”.

I feel that once I apply all the above, mentioned strategies it will be easier to manage procrastination.

MEASURABLE: I am going to create a quiet study area at home, organise my books and everything I need when studying. When I get an assignment, I will look at the time scale I have to complete it and add it into my planner. I will then work out from everything else I have in my planner, what I can prioritize and divide my time accordingly, I intent to study at least 2 hours, three days a week and leave weekends for family.

ACHIEVEABLE: My 2 hours of study, three days a week are very possible because, I am usually free when kids are in school and every evening when they go to bed. This will give me time to either work on any assignment or reading this will also keep me motivated.

REALISTIC: For my intended days of study, I will do meals preparation earlier than I normally would and attend to house chores as soon as kids are off to school, during holidays I will work in the evenings when they are in bed.

TIME-BOUND: My short-term goal is to achieve 6-8 hours of study time a week. My long-term goal is to increase my study time to at least between 10-13 hours a week, this I hope to achieve by the end of the year.

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Essays About Journeys: Top 5 Examples and 7 Easy Prompts

Essays about journeys require recounting the events of your travel. Discover our guide with examples and prompts to help you write your essay.

No two journeys are the same, and various factors will always be at play. It’s the reason many documents their expedition through different mediums. Writing about journeys is similar to telling a real-life story that influenced your character or perspective. 

Writing essays about journeys helps to develop your writing and observation skills as you recall and pick the highlights of your travel. Sharing your experiences can entice readers to take on a journey themselves. So, aim to inspire with this exciting essay topic.

5 Essay Examples

1. the best journey in my life by suzanne pittman, 2. road trips: everything you need for a comfortable journey by car by anonymous on gradesfixer.com, 3. the first day of my journey to adulthood by anonymous on papersowl.com, 4. life is a journey essay by anonymous on paperwritings.com, 5. long essay on train journey by prasanna, 1. reasons to go on a journey, 2. trip vs. journey, 3. how to enjoy long journeys, 4. my most memorable journey, 5. what makes a journey meaningful, 6. my dream journey, 7. a hero’s journey.

“I had to save a lot of money because I wanted very much to go on this journey with my friends. We planned our trip to take us around Europe. We were going to stop in various parts of Europe with family members and friends.”

The essay mimics Pittman’s travel itinerary during her journey in Europe. She includes all the trip details from the first to the last day and makes the readers feel as if they’re traveling with them. Pittman also offers some travel tips to help anyone who wants to visit Europe on a budget. These tips include staying with friends and relatives and taking comfortable train rides despite long distances.

“With proper planning, everything else seems effortless. You need to consider all factors when planning in order for you to enjoy a successful, stress-free adventure.”

The author believes that the primary purpose of traveling is to relax and have fun. They use the essay to teach how to plan car trips properly. Travelers must learn to budget and estimate expenses, including accommodation, gas, activities, and food. Picking a transportation means is also crucial as one needs to consider factors such as capacity, range, and utility. 

“Although things didn’t go how I planned I’m still in college bettering myself and furthering my education. Anything is possible with a good support system and positive mindset.”

The essay narrates how the author’s journey into adulthood becomes a mini-vacation in Georgia after their top university rejects their enrollment. This rejection offers the opportunity to understand many great life lessons. Despite having five other universities to choose from, the writer realizes they only provide free tuition for the first semester. Ultimately, the author receives a full scholarship to a university closer to home.

“All people have the same journey to take – their life. As well as in the other journeys, there may be some inconveniences, disappointments and joys, and a lot depends on how we plan this particular journey and what attitude we develop towards it.”

In this essay, the writer shares that the best way to go on a life journey is with the most joy and minor damage you can endure. It’s constant work to continuously improve one’s life while developing positive qualities and thinking. But in doing so, you’ll have a solid foundation to achieve what you want out of life. However, the author still reminds the readers that they should always be ready to face unexpected events and deal with them in the best way possible.

“These days, people prefer traveling via airplanes because it is time-saving. But going by plane gets boring and monotonous. Train journeys are a relief from the monotony.”

For Prasanna, whether it’s a short or extended tour, a train journey offers an exciting travel experience. She talks about the local and regional trains in India, which are often overcrowded but still used by many as they are the cheapest, safest, and fastest mode of transport in the country. She also mentions that you’ll never get hungry when riding their local trains because of the vendors who sell Indian delicacies. 

7 Prompts for Essays About Journeys 

Everyone has different motives for traveling. Some go on a journey to appreciate beautiful sceneries, while some move to attend family or work-related gatherings. Some do so to run away from problems. For this prompt, research the common reasons to travel. You can also interview people on why they go on a journey and add any personal experiences. 

It’s a trip when a person travels from one point to another without any transfers. Meanwhile, a journey is a more extended voyage that includes transfers and several trips. Compare and contrast trips and journeys to make your readers understand their similarities and differences. You can also have the advantages and disadvantages of each in your paper.

If writing an essay sounds like a lot of work, simplify it. Write a simple 5 paragraph essay instead.

The idea of having a long journey and discovering new things is exciting. However, the excitement can disappear when you’re far away from home. This is especially true for longer and farther travels. This prompt will help readers have a safer, more affordable, and more enjoyable trip by discussing the best long-distance travel tips. You can present an imaginary itinerary with estimated costs to make the essay more digestible.

Write about an unforgettable journey you’ve had through this prompt. Include the purpose of your travel, how you planned it, and if your timetable was followed. Share what you’ll improve on next time to make your journey even better; you can also talk about your companions and the activities that make the adventure worthwhile.

Journeys become meaningful when they enrich lives. It can be because of the destination, the people you are with, or the travel’s goal. Use this prompt to suggest how journeys improve us as humans. You can section your piece based on an individual’s objectives. For example, someone who wants to recharge and get away from the city will find meaning in going to a location far from technology.

Although traveling can be tiring, 43% of travelers appreciate the experience they gain. Think of journeys you desire to be in and add your reasons. Then, you can share your plan on how to make it happen. For instance, you want to tour Southeast Asia and visit countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. To make this dream journey come true, you’ll save for an entire year and work around a tight budget.

It’s normal to see the main character in a movie or novel go through a character arc before they become a true hero. Use this prompt to explain a hero’s journey and why the character must go through it. To give you an idea, Peter Parker was a shy and introverted kid who lived an everyday life before becoming Spider-Man. This makes him relatable to the audience and lets them understand his decisions in the following scenes.

For more examples, check out our guide to movies that follow the hero’s journey .

You can also talk about real-life heroes, such as doctors and firefighters. Interview someone with that profession and ask them why they decided to have their current career.

Maria Caballero is a freelance writer who has been writing since high school. She believes that to be a writer doesn't only refer to excellent syntax and semantics but also knowing how to weave words together to communicate to any reader effectively.

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My Journey As a Writer

Essay 1 revision.

Feedback to Learner

You have given some good details about your reading/writing life. Your English is very good, but you have some minor errors. Your essay gains power and focus as it goes on. The beginning is a bit disorganized, but by the end you have the wind in your sails.

To revise this essay for the portfolio at the end of the semester you will want to think about developing your paragraphs. Then you will want to correct any grammar errors. Good job.

For the revision, I decided to look at the Professor Hays comments. I added relevant information and took out unnecessary words. I looked through each and every yellow comments to respond to each comments. I corrected fragments and run-ons.

The Journey of my writing life

I honestly don’t remember what I first wrote or the first book I read but what I do remember is that I hated reading while growing up. I wasn’t a big fan of reading and my mom always forced me to read. She always promised me anything if I decide to read to her. I was a shy little girl who did not talk that much. I can recall that as I entered into my teenage years I started to read more.  High school was when I really got into reading so I read a lot of books and wrote a lot. My English teacher in high school made me enjoy reading. She made us choose the book we interested us a students. Also I have learned that I only enjoy reading books that I am not force to read. I like picking out my own books to read instead of assigned books to read because they get boring. I was very passionate about what I read and would always discuss it with people.

Writing has always created a safe space for me because it lets out my thoughts. I write to be free. I write to be heard. I write to have a voice. It takes a lot of time for me to be focused when writing. When I have a paper to write, I sometimes get anxious. I think way too much about the paper. I have pictures and outlines in my head about the structure of the paper. If I cannot think about any ideas to write, I get stressed out. And when I get stressed out, I get mad. A lot of people knows that when I pick up a pen or when I start to write, you better not dare talk to me. I remember the day I was writing a paper, thoughts were flowing in and it felt good. Then my friend decided to come in my room and start yelling. As soon as I heard her voice, all the rush I had to write my paper was completely gone. I don’t like typing when I first start out to write. My mood determines the way I write. When I am stressed out, I tend to have a hard time at writing. My reading life kind of correspond with my writing life. Without reading, I can’t write. Reading a book helps me become better in writing because I take notice of the grammar used and how I can apply it to my own writing.

My weakness in writing is my lack of confidence to believe that I can write. My writing is improving and I have definitely come a long way. Since English is not my first language, I get discouraged by how my writing skills are. The first essay I ever wrote was hard for me to write. I didn’t k ow the first step of how to put a paper together. I would start writing and get frustrated that my ideas are not coming together. I knew what I wanted to say but my thoughts weren’t translating into the paper. To help develop my confidence, I always say to myself that I can I write. Before I start writing anything, I think about the content for a while. Then I write my ideas in bullet points and not look at it until the next day. After this, I start taking out ideas that make sense to me in my outlines. When I first got this assignment, I had to plan out what to write. I wrote new paragraphs everyday so that I could think of new ideas. Any form of writing for me takes a lot of time and effort. My writing style is that I like to write at home in my room or any place where there is complete silence.

My writing practice will help me succeed in the academic community because I will be less stressed about writing and taking every process step by step. In Anne Lamott’s “Shitty First Draft,” she explains the importance of writing of being ok with what you write first. She said “Very few writers really know what they are doing until they’ve done it” (Lamott). This is honestly true because I go through this process every time. Trusting myself in the process that what am writing will come together in the end. If my friend is struggling with writing, I will tell them to trust the process. Don’t sweat it too much and take it step by step. Write one or two paragraph a day and go back to rereading. Rereading also helps me improve my writing. I always go back to edit or take out ideas.

I like writing in various context because it challenges me to become a better writer. Even when I text, I text in full sentences. I think that writing a lot now will prepare me for future writings because I know that I will be doing a lot of writing as a Psychology major. My favorite tools to write with is a pencil because I feel more connected with my brain and my thought process. I don’t like when I start out writing to type on a computer. I like getting my ideas out on paper before typing. My writing practice will nurture my writing because it let me express and trust myself that I can write a good paper.

International Programs

My journey of self-discovery through London and Wales: a business student's reflection on studying abroad

Reflecting on my time in London, I can confidently say it was a whirlwind of new experiences and eye-opening moments. Stepping out of the familiar confines of the United States for the first time on my own was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. However, as I embarked on my adventure, I quickly realized that every moment was worth the initial uncertainty.

London welcomed me with open arms, offering me a glimpse into the rich tapestry of European culture. The city's diversity struck me in ways I hadn't anticipated, and my exploration extended beyond the bustling streets to the charming landscapes of Wales. The contrasts in culture and demeanor between the places I visited were stark yet fascinating, revealing the intricate layers of human experience.

Coming from the bustling metropolis of Chicago, London presented a refreshing change of pace. The warmth and politeness of its inhabitants, coupled with their penchant for privacy, left a lasting impression on me. The efficiency and cleanliness of London's transportation system were a pleasant surprise, a far cry from the crowded chaos of home. As I navigated the city's labyrinthine streets and parks, I embraced the unexpected joys of walking everywhere—an integral part of London's culture.

"While my time abroad presented its share of challenges, such as adjusting to new social norms and expectations, each obstacle became an opportunity for growth. Embracing the unknown with an open mind allowed me to overcome these hurdles and emerge stronger and more resilient."

During our trip I not only got to experience the International Business: Data Analytics program in London but also in Wrexham, Wales. We took this travel to do exploration about the new celebrity owner Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny of the Wrexham football team. London and Wrexham, Wales, exhibit distinct cultural differences. London, a bustling metropolis, embraces multiculturalism, boasts iconic landmarks, and thrives as a global financial hub. In contrast, Wrexham, a smaller town, focuses on Welsh heritage, features a more localized economy, and emphasizes community values.  

We got to experience numerous football games during the time abroad to assist in the class and it was a fascinating experience to witness the various types of matches and how deeply embedded football is in their cultural fabric. From the lively discussions in the stands to the electrifying atmosphere on the field, the passion for the sport was palpable. The warmth and inclusivity of football culture welcomed us with open arms, allowing us to seamlessly integrate into the community. I found myself unexpectedly captivated by the fervor surrounding the game, realizing just how integral it is to their way of life. As we delved deeper into the history and traditions of football, I gained a newfound appreciation for its significance within their culture. The sense of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm among fans transcended language barriers, forging connections that transcended mere sporting events. It was a testament to the power of sport to unite people from diverse backgrounds under a common passion. In retrospect, my immersion into football culture was a highlight of my time in London and Wales, enriching my understanding of their heritage and fostering a deep appreciation for the universal language of sport.

In hindsight, my journey to London was more than just a physical voyage—it was a journey of self-discovery. I gained insights into different facets of my identity and learned to navigate the complexities of cultural exchange with grace and humility. 

LEARN HOW YOU CAN APPLY FOR A GLOBAL ACCESS AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIP

The Global Access Ambassador Scholarship program provides awards to study abroad for a summer, semester, or academic year. The scholarships are intended to support students who study abroad with the intent to serve as Global Access Ambassadors upon return to the UI campus. Upon completion of the study abroad program and return to UI, award recipients are asked to submit a photo and an open letter to prospective students or suggest an alternate means of sharing with prospective students.

Please note that the opinions and views expressed by ambassadors are solely those of the students and do not reflect or represent the views of International Programs or the University of Iowa.

International Programs  (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement.  IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.

• diversity ambassador
• global access ambassador
• student funding
• study abroad

International Programs at the University of Iowa supports the right of all individuals to live freely and to live in peace. We condemn all acts of violence based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and perceived national or cultural origin. In affirming its commitment to human dignity, International Programs strongly upholds the values expressed in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights .  

Leana S. Wen

Washington, d.c..

Education: California State University, Los Angeles, BS; Washington University School of Medicine, MD; University of Oxford, MSc

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Performing Arts at Iowa

UI students shine on the Hancher stage in Fierce

The Iowa premiere of Fierce marks a major moment in Hancher’s current season. Students from the School of Music, the Department of Dance and Department of Theatre Arts are coming together to produce this empowering new opera that celebrates young women.  

Fierce is a 21 st -century opera that follows four teenage girls—Vesta, Nyomi, Morgan, and Rumer—on their journey toward identity and purpose as they write their college essays in a high school writers’ workshop. The young women face an array of concerns including popularity, social media, parental expectations, self-determination, and personal loss. But these girls are fierce! They are determined, tenacious, and strong. Together they find community, self-empowerment, and the confidence to embrace the next chapter of their life.   

“I love the story,” says Meenakshi Chinmai, a second-year Theatre Arts MFA candidate in stage management and international student from India who is the assistant stage manager for Fierce . “It’s great to work so closely with four young women who are close to my age, on a story that is so relatable and fun.”  

Fierce was originally commissioned for Cincinnati Opera. Dr. William Menefield, a composer, musician, and UI assistant professor of Jazz Studies in the School of Music, wrote the music for the opera in collaboration with acclaimed author and librettist Sheila Williams. Menefield will be leading the creative team for the Hancher premier as the production’s director.   

“There’s a real balance between being a director and a teacher,” Menefield explains. “There are moments when, as director, I am looking for something specific to happen on stage, either musically or with character development. But they also came to the university to learn.”  

“Something I’ve enjoyed about working with Dr. Menefield and the production team is that they’ve fostered an environment of growth,” says Maddie Yankell, a grad student in Music Education from Morestown , NJ, who plays the role of Vesta in Fierce . “We’ll often stop to discuss acting methods or vocal technique, which is so important because, at the end of the day, we’re a learning community.”  

The music in Fierce comes from a variety of influences including blues, Afro-Cuban & Latin rhythms, dynamic orchestral sounds and much more. “I think Dr. Menefield called it a genre salad,” explains Brie Bevans, a fifth-year undergraduate in music education who is playing the role of Morgan.   

“The opera is a fusion of every genre of singing I’ve studied,” Bevans describes the intricacies of performing Menefield’s intricate composition. “For a long time, I felt like I had two modes of voice—my opera voice and my jazzy chest voice. I’ve really had to learn how to merge them for this performance. There are moments where we are singing these pop-like melodies but we’re performing them in operatic registers.”   

In addition to a range of talented student singers and musicians, Fierce also features four dancers —Fabiola Casteneda-Santiago (BA student in Biology), Chloe Schwab (BA in Theatre Arts), Joslyn Sheley (BA in Psychology, Political Science, Pre-Law), and Trinity Woody (MA in Dance Pedagogy and Instruction, Pre-Business)—and a student choreographer, Cami Rezabek.   

“I’ve felt really respected in the process,” says Rezabek, a fourth-year BFA candidate in the Department of Dance. “I think it really helps that Dr. Menefield is both composer and director. Not only can I hear the feeling and intention in the music itself, but he’s also there to provide me with feedback. He’s always treated me like a professional, so he’ll tell me if something’s not working and, on the other hand, he’s not afraid to show enthusiasm when the choreography comes together.”   

Rezabek stepped in as choreographer in early January and has similarly faced the challenge of working with a mix of different genres. “I had to do a lot of research,” she explains the process. “For example, Nyomi’s scene references house, salsa, and a few other Latin styles. I haven’t done a lot of salsa, so I really had put in the work because we want to show something authentic.”   

Fierce spans the entire oeuvre of Performing Arts At Iowa, offering beautifully choreographed dance numbers, amazing musical performances, and heartfelt acting and storytelling.   

“One thing I’ve enjoyed about this is that it’s very much theatre,” Chinmai explains. “Sometimes opera can feel more like a recital, where the focus is on the singing. But Fierce is theatre. There is an emphasis put on acting as well as singing—and I really like Dr. Menefield’s approach.”  

The cast and crew of Fierce has become very close, and they describe the energy in rehearsals as positive and energizing.   

“We laugh a lot, we make up dances, we just have fun,” Yankell describes the environment. “Working on an opera can be stressful, especially when you also have classes and schoolwork. So, to come to rehearsal and know I’m going to laugh is a really refreshing experience.”  

“It feels really special,” explains Chinmai, “getting to build relationships with people in dance and music. I feel like it’s not every day that we’re all brought together like this and that we all get to put this production on at Hancher.”  

The Iowa premier of Fierce —a collaborative tour-de-force—is coming to Hancher’s Hadley Stage April 26-27. Tickets are available at hancher.uiowa.edu .

“I cannot wait for people to come and see our show,” Bevans says. “It’s hilarious, it’s heartbreaking, and it’s real. It really doesn’t matter who you are or how old you are. I just think people will really relate to the message of this show.”   

Department of Art

Deer departure – darien a. deal.

Deer Departure is an interactive video game telling the story of my journey grieving over my father’s death during my freshman year on a train ride through the foothills of Colorado. The title of the game being a pun on the protagonist’s species and the phrase ‘dearly departed’ paints a cartoonish and naive perspective of death by putting the viewer in the role of a young fawn. The story is told as a visual novel, which forces the viewer to actively engage with the conversations on-screen and make decisions in that moment in order to progress. This means that although textual interaction is the primary way to consume this installation, it is not the only way. The supporting characters that the player meets throughout the game each represent a stage of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’ model of the five stages of grief, ranging from denial to acceptance.

By creating a piece that is not limited to the physical gallery, the story being told can be expanded upon in the future through a wider public release. Video games by design carry an interdisciplinary workload which allows visual, audial, and tactile engagement. That interactivity facilitates an emotional bond with the stylized characters on the computer screen. I hope that by being able to put yourselves in another person’s shoes, an empathetic bond can form between people with vastly different life experiences than your own. As well as be able to look back and revisit these emotions outside of the gallery setting.

You can download Deer Departure on your personal computer with this link: https://twinkletalon.itch.io/deer-departure

Darien A. Deal is a traditional and digital artist who focuses on the representation of the natural world through a fantastical lens. Her work displays flora and fauna in a semi-naturalistic style in order to present a twist on the established conceptions of what makes something ‘magical’. She has displayed work across the United States, but predominantly in Colorado and Tennessee. The materials she uses range from acrylic paints to wire sculpture to tell stories that engage the visual senses as much as the conceptual. Creating that suspension of disbelief through narrative is one of the key ways that her work seeks to become relevant in an ever changing world. Her focus post-graduation is on an exploration of digital media and how technology allows us to expand our artistic practices as humanity through video game development.

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Chicago White Sox

Chicago white sox | tim anderson looks ahead with miami marlins after time with chicago white sox: ‘i’m back on my journey’.

Tim Anderson was a spark during several of the recent high points for the Chicago White Sox — from his nine hits in a 2020 American League wild-card series to the Hollywoodlike walk-off home run in the 2021 Field of Dreams game .

But 2023 was a very rocky season for Anderson and the Sox. And in November, the South Siders declined a $14 million club option , making the two-time All-Star a free agent.

Anderson landed in Miami , and made his first trip to Chicago with the Marlins on Thursday for a series against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

“I’m in a happy place,” Anderson said Thursday before the opener of the four-game set was rained out. “I’m getting the work in that I need. Just excited about my future.”

Anderson is hitting .267 in 17 games as he looks to bounce back after batting .245 in 123 games last season. For years, the notion was “As Tim Anderson goes, the Sox go.” The shortstop doesn’t feel that needs to be the case with the Marlins.

“I’m glad that’s definitely gone because it definitely takes a whole team to win,” he said. “To be from under that umbrella, now I can play the game free and just play my role.”

A first-round pick in 2013, Anderson slashed .282/.312/.422 with 98 homers, 338 RBIs and 117 stolen bases in 895 games during eight seasons with the Sox. He led the majors with a .335 average in 2019 , a season during which his bat flips gained national attention.

He hit above .300 from 2019-22 and was voted an AL starter for the All-Star Game in 2022.

Then came 2023, which featured a season-altering sprained left knee in April, a five-game suspension after an Aug. 5 brawl with Cleveland Guardians slugger José Ramírez and just one home run all season.

Change occurred throughout 2023 for the franchise.

“You always know that it’s going to come to an end, on the business side of things,” Anderson said. “I understood that. I asked for extensions year after year. That had always been in my thought process, and understanding that you’re not always going to spend your whole career with one team.

“And I understood that. We all know how it works.”

Anderson described his final conversations with the Sox as “good.”

“I talked with (Chairman) Jerry (Reinsdorf),” Anderson said. “We also had a couple of phone calls in the offseason as well and talked to (general manager Chris) Getz. And we understood that it was time for them to go their way and me to go my way.

“And I understood that. And it’s been great since. I’ve been happy. I’ve been in a great place.”

Asked how he would want Sox fans to look back at his years on the South Side, Anderson said: “However they want to.”

“It’s not really up to me,” he said. “I just know that the last year that I spent there was tough and to finally be able to make it through and be on the other side, I’m happy. I’m in a great place. My smile’s back. And I’m back on my journey.”

As for what shifted for the Sox in their journey from consecutive playoff appearances in 2020-21 to a 101-loss season in 2023, Anderson said, “We weren’t winning.”

“A lot of my decisions as well, off the field, kind of interrupted with a lot of things as well,” Anderson said. “We understood that. And it’s hard to win when you don’t have the right guys to go out and compete.”

He then turned his attention ahead, saying: “That don’t have anything to do with where we are now. I’m only looking forward, not looking back. I wish them well, but I’m going to continue to keep trusting my process and continue to keep going and growing.”

Anderson agreed when asked if he’s at peace.

“Most definitely,” he said. “I’m probably in the best place that I’ve been throughout my life and throughout my career. I’m happy for sure.”

And he’s confident he can get back to the production of previous seasons.

“If you take those tools, I’m still the same person,” Anderson said. “I’m learning a lot more now. I’m sharpening those tools a lot more. I’m never going to close that window or think I’m going to go the other way.

“I’m always going to try to get better and better myself as a person and as a player.”

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