FIRST YEAR REFLECTION 

I have loved my previous year in this course. I was so nervous coming into it, I didn’t have a good experience last year in my previous course at Queen’s, and I was so worried that this would be the same. I was very shy coming in at the start of the year, and I felt as though I didn’t deserve to be here, as studying an art course wasn’t something I ever thought I could manage as I’d never been formally taught in anything artistic, and I had seriously low confidence in my ability, as previously I had no peers to compare myself to. But, after only a few days, I had met so many lovely people, and now at the end of the year, I feel like every single person here is a friend.

The work wasn’t what I was expecting, but not in a negative sense. Every assignment has helped me develop my skills and abilities, and I’ve learned so much. The classes have been fun as well as informative, the assignments challenging but not to the point where they weren’t enjoyable, and through this course I have gained a confidence in my ability that I hadn’t had before. It’s so reassuring seeing everyone’s work and progress, seeing how amazing everyone is at their niche, seeing that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, and not feeling bad about mine any more.

I genuinely think this course, these classes, this year and all of the people around me that have come from it have improved my life so much. I am so happy, and I feel so content with the direction my life and career are going in. I have always wanted to do this, but always considered it an unattainable goal. I’m still somewhat in shock that it’s real. I’m sad that my first year is over in what felt like no time at all, but so glad that I now get to do more in the upcoming years.