Last Friday, I watched Zootopia with my friends. It was a nice way to spend time away from studying for the finals and relieving stress. I always thought that this movie is children’s movie and watching this movie again brought back my childhood memories. However, I realized that there is a greater meaning to the movie Zootopia. This time, I learned that this movie is actually teaching me some lessons. I realized that sometimes it is necessary to question what our society is asking us to do. In addition, we might have to challenge the rules and norms set by society in order to achieve what we think is right.
Author Archives: sp2382
Carving Night Lights
Looking at all the Rose Scholar events that I attended, carving night lights out of the dried gourds was my favorite event. I think I learned a skill that can be used to create beautiful gifts for people I care about. When Graham Ottoson showed us samples of the night lights, I thought it would be difficult to make such delicate designs just using drilling tools of different sizes. However, when I started making my own night lights, I realized that even with simple designs, these night lights could make amazing patterns. Also, I really enjoyed observing other people’s gourd night light designs. In the future, I hope Graham visits Cornell again and introduce different skills that are used when carving the dried gourds.
Pumpkin Carving
This event was my first time carving a pumpkin. During Halloween, I only dressed up or went to trick or treat events. This Halloween was even more meaningful because I was able to try something new with my friends. Three of us worked on the pumpkin and our carved pumpkin showed unique characteristics of each of us. I never thought about carving two different faces on the pumpkin, but with several people working on a single pumpkin, our finished product had several expressions. This time, mainly drew on the pumpkin with the sparkly Sharpie markers that were provided rather than actually using carving tools. This event provided a great opportunity for me to be creative and bond with my friends.
Puppy Clay Mug
I was really hoping that the Rose Scholars Program would provide arts and crafts event and I really enjoyed creating my own mug. It was my second time visiting Johson Museum of Art and I enjoyed learning about some ceramic artworks that were displayed. Learning about different skills that were used to create these ceramic mugs helped me to understand the artwork a little bit more. Making miniatures out of oven bake polymer clays is my hobby so I was especially excited for this event. I learned to make a mug by sculpting air dry clay. This event reminded me of the art classes that I had in elementary school and how I would present my final work to my parents. Clay sculping event was a nice way to relieve stress and set my mind free from other works. I am excited to paint and decorate my puppy mug 48 hours later. I hope that the Rose Scholars Program will have more art related events.
Personal Branding
This Thursday, I went to the mini seminar on personal branding (how to present yourself). I thought that this seminar was particularly useful for all undergraduates because SA Beverly gave tips on different ways to represent ourselves. She talked about basic rules for writing a resume and when the curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letters are useful. Her examples were especially helpful. She also addressed some steps that we should prepare before attending career fairs. Now, I think that I would be more prepared when I visit the next career fairs and be able to spend my time more efficiently. Lastly, she also talked about updating/creating LinkedIn, which is another way to advocate oneself.
Trip to Ithaca Apple Fest
Today, it was my second trip to Ithaca Apple Fest. The weather was perfect and walking to the commons with fellow Rose Scholars made the trip even more meaningful. Similar to Ithaca Farmers Market, I was excited to try various apple related foods and help out local apple producers. In addition, some none apple related items like the maple cotton candy also brightened my day with its sweetness. Although it was my second trip, the experience I had today was different from last year and I believe that every year, my experience will be new and unique. It was nice to see everyone enjoying this beautiful day with their friends and families while exploring Ithaca’s annual tradition.
Trip to Cornell Botanic Gardens
Every time I visit Cornell Botanic Gardens, there is always something new that I can learn. I have visited the Botanic Gardens multiple time for my classes and learned about the various herb gardens and the start of the Botanic Gardens. Similarly, today, I learned more about the history of Cornell and the Botanic Gardens, various types of plants, and how the gardens are organized. However, the most valuable lesson that I learned is that the Botanic Gardens provide such a peaceful environment and that it isn’t a place just for course usages. There are many outdoor areas with tables that allow students and visitors to study or relax while being surrounded by nature. I definitely appreciate that this precious location is near me and that I should more often visit to discover the hidden treasures of Cornell Botanic Gardens.
Trip to the Farmers Market
Last Saturday, with fellow Rose Scholars, I visited the Farmers Market for the first time. I was surprised when Shiv and Sam told us that there are about 5000 people visit the Farmers Market. Since last year, I wanted to visit the Farmers Market, but I was unable to make a time for the visit. The Rose Scholars program gave me an opportunity to take a break and explore Ithaca.
I really enjoyed just observing different vendors with locally grown food and the foods that I ate at the Farmers Market were amazing. In addition, I was able to purchase handmade small bags with unique patterns. Lastly, I saw a vendor who was selling handmade jewelry made out of polymer clays, which excited me because I also make miniatures using polymer clays. Visiting the Farmers Market not only allowed me to try local foods but also provided me with an opportunity to explore Ithaca’s natural area. On the way back to the west campus, I visited Ithaca Falls for the first time and I was able to see that there are so many places out in Ithaca that I should visit.