When I got accepted into American University my world felt complete, but I decided I still wanted to go an extra step and apply to be part of the University College. Luckily, Visual Literacy was my first choice and I got it, but I was still a little hesitant about the experience and I didn't know what I was in for. During Welcome Week, I literally did not speak to anyone and was afraid to interact with my own peers in Visual Literacy. We all felt like this really, but Joanna, our PA, along with Professor Menke-Fish made it their mission to make every second of our labs and classes enjoyable and a way for all of us to come together. We toured DC on Segways, Paddle-boated along the Tidal Basin, exploring all kinds of meuseums, created our own films, and worked on a client project while working together as a group.

       I never really liked working in teams or groups because it just never plays out well. There's always a bossy person or a whiny person or a fear for your teammates to just ruin the whole presentation, but as we would work more and more together, we each found our strengths and worked great together with almost all members of the class. We learned basic skills of photography and cinematography and applied it on our own through projects and presentations every week. There was really never a dull moment in the class. We would all come in on Wednesday, half-asleep, and just laugh and enjoy time together while learning about the very subject of Visual Literacy. 

       I've never really felt accepted at any point of my life, but UC Visual Literacy helped me out so much. I found a group of friends, including my very own teacher who I can always count on being honest as well as caring for me every day. I've learned that procrastination is not okay and although I still do it sometimes, I have improved. I've learned that life is hard, and if you want something, you have to go for it and it may be hard, but hard work always pays off at the end. Visual Literacy also opened my eyes to a world that I never really had a chance to be part of before. I enjoyed working on our films and taking photgraphs so much that I decided to switch my major to Film. I didn't know if people were going to like who I was, but they did. I was scared, but not anymore. Visual Literacy has gotten me ready to tackle any obstacle life puts in front of me. Lastly, I would like to point out that I am extremely greatful for all the help and guidence my teacher, Sarah Menke-Fish, has provided not only for me, but for the whole class in general. She is an amazing teacher and friend and I know that this expereince would've never been the same without her. My last words regarding this class would have to be that I never knew I would come out of this with not just a group of friends, but my own little family. I loved Visual Literacy and now I know that I made the right choice when I decided to become part of the University College.