Welcome to the Pre-schematic Zoo, formally known as Knapp Hall 204.

If accomplishing preparing and setting up the art show was something to be proud of, actually showing off our hard work was something to be extremely proud of. And I am. Getting our art show together was sometimes difficult, but I think our group really pulled together in the end brought out an amazing show. We had multiple children donate their artwork, information about the stage, four group members who were knowledgeable and comfortable with information about the stage, and a very fun themed and decorated room. Welcome to the pre-schematic zoo. Welcome, indeed.

This project definitely put its fair share of strain on my group, and when it got down to crunch time, I had two students say on separate accounts they didn’t think we were going to get it together. Choosing to use the classroom as our setting for the art show may have been, in retrospect, a bad idea. It was a space that could not be transformed until all classes had let out on Wednesday the third, and left us with last minute changes to be made. I enjoyed using the large space, and would do it again if I thought I could manipulate the room over a period of multiple hours, and not just two or three hours at the very end.

I mentioned wanting to take on more of a leadership role in my last blog, and it was really an intentional prelude to this blog. When reflecting on the experience of the art show, I don’t have hard hitting questions, and I don’t know how it could have gone better, with few exceptions. I did, however, have the hard-hitting question of whether or not I was a good group member for not stepping into action when times got a little iffy on earlier projects. I answered this question for myself with another action: being a leader in the art show. I organized meetings, and made sure everyone was involved in as much as they could or they wanted to be. I sent out emails, and typed up artist statements, and generally “stepped up my game” as far as leadership goes this time around. I am very proud of this, and of myself, and of the accomplishments of my group because of our combined efforts, and no one feeling like they were left out, or pushed around.

I have had few other opportunities in my life where I actually showed the ability to be a leader. I have always had a hard time doing interviews because when the “how have you shown leadership…” question comes up, I never have a real answer that isn’t related to babysitting, or keeping my younger sister from bleeding to death when she cracked her head open when she was nine. I have taken a job this semester that has required me to learn to be a leader. It has made me make friends, and step so far out of my comfort zone that I have no reason to go back. The fear of being a leader, of being outgoing, and of being someone people can look up to is gone. I now know that I can lead, and good things can come from my doing so, and will as long as I am willing to put in the effort and time it takes to bring it up to my standards. Overall, I am very proud of the art show, and my work, as well as my group-mate’s work.

This is a picture of our welcome sign to our art show: Welcome to the Pre-schematic Zoo!!