reflection

Senior year felt like standing in a doorway that never quite stayed still. One foot was planted in everything familiar, and the other kept testing new ground that didn’t always feel steady yet. At the beginning, I thought this year would just be about finishing projects and checking boxes, but it turned into something more layered. It became about figuring out how I work, what I care about, and how I want my voice to come through in what I make.

Working on my projects pushed me in ways I didn’t expect. There were moments where things didn’t turn out how I pictured them at all, and honestly, that was frustrating. But those moments forced me to slow down and actually think about my decisions instead of just trying to make something look “good.” I started paying more attention to concept, storytelling, and how everything connects, especially in projects tied to social issues. I realized that design isn’t just about visuals, it’s about communication and intention.

There were also times I doubted my ideas or felt stuck, like I was circling the same problem without getting anywhere. But over time, I got more comfortable with that discomfort. I learned that not having the answer right away doesn’t mean I’m doing something wrong, it usually means I’m in the middle of figuring something out. That shift in mindset made a big difference in how I approached my work.

Outside of the projects, this year also showed me how much the people around me mattered. The support from classmates, professors, and the people in my personal life helped me push through the harder moments. It reminded me that even though the work feels individual, the experience isn’t something you go through alone.

Looking back, I can see how much I’ve grown, not just in my skills but in my confidence and how I approach challenges. I’m leaving this year with a better understanding of myself as a designer and as a person. I don’t have everything figured out, but I feel more prepared to keep learning, adapting, and creating with purpose.