How are you feeling about your experience so far?
Enlightening, demanding, mind-blowing, busy, frustrating and rewarding are just some of the feelings I have had so far. Overall, my experience has been incredible. I expected to enjoy my classes, but I am genuinely thrilled by everyone I have met here. The professors are warm and willing to help, and the other students have formed an incredible support network. I came in excited to learn, but nervous about the workload. Having people around that are so open to listen and lend a hand makes the stressful times manageable.
What’s your class schedule like?
- T519 Digital Fabrication and Making (6 credits)
- T550 Designing for Learning by Creating
- Art, Film and Video Studies (AFVS): Drawing II
- MIT 2.S972: Making Virtual Reality and Immersive Experiences
I have classes Monday through Friday. I’m taking 18 credits, which is 2 credits over the recommended course load. I am taking Professor Schneider’s Digital Fabrication and Making in Education class for 6 credits, instead of the normal 4, to take on a bit more work in the Digital Fabrication lab and go more in-depth. I have labs and studio classes which require me to be on campus a lot.
What’s your favorite class?
This is a hard question! I love all of them. Professor Schneider’s Digital Fabrication class and the drawing class I am taking at AFVS are two very rewarding classes. Both of them demand a lot of time in the lab/studio making and constructing. I am very new to practicing art or fabrication of any kind, and both of these classes offer a baseline introduction with a big support system. I really enjoy pushing myself to invent and be creative in these ways.
Part of Schneider’s class is learning about the constructionist theory of teaching, and these principles are implemented in his class. I think it is really valuable to know how to make and design items for the real world. It teaches you how to iterate and think through problems both related to making and not. The same is true of the drawing class. I think diving into research about a topic and making things surrounding that subject is a really useful skill to learn. Through these classes, I have learned to think around a problem by thinking creatively and iterating.
How does the workload compare to your expectations?
The workload of the classes meets my expectations. I won’t make light of it: I am on campus a lot! I think with good time management and being careful not to take on too many extracurriculars, it is manageable.
Do you have a favorite spot on campus yet?
Gutman library is my favorite spot on campus! Inside, I love to spend time in the Innovation Lab making things (no surprise) and on the quiet floor. I love to find a spot in between the stacks to read. I’m also a fan of brutalist architecture, so I am always happy to be in the building.
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