YEAR 2

During my second year as an Industrial Design student at the University of Cincinnati, I successfully contributed design solutions at my first co-op job, engaged in my community through a leadership position, and gained a new circle of supportive friends. Through these experiences, I learned that attitude is significant, that I can learn something from everyone I encounter, and that I am not meant to make it through college on my own strength.

This year, I made it a goal to show initiative and prove myself at my first internship at Sonoco, a display design firm in northern Kentucky. I pushed myself to ask more questions, take on extra tasks, and help out with a smile whenever I could. I took advantage of every opportunity to learn new software (like Autodesk 3ds Max and Esko ArtiosCAD) and processes. Because of my good attitude and willingness to try new techniques, I became more integrated with the design team and therefore given more work to do. My sense of good design improved as I received feedback from my experienced coworkers, and I value the exposure I got to the industry. I learned about marketing, working with clients, and the corporate environment. Additionally, I became more certain of my decision to be an industrial designer as I received encouragement and positive comments about my designs from my supervisor.

I had many experiences at Sonoco that were relevant to my interests and design pursuits. Moreover, I discovered that I can learn something – whether that is design related or interpersonal skills – from everyone with whom I work. At Sonoco, I particularly value the exposure I got to the field of graphic design. I learned how to successfully add effects to my renderings with CAD, construct a good logo, and communicate clearly through graphics. I developed the patience to take extra time for a good final rendering, and I sought out help from the experts around me. As a result, my portfolio was greatly improved in terms of clarity and cleanliness, and I believe that I can now explain myself much more effectively through visuals.

In the future, I am confident that I will be able to show responsibility and a great work ethic at my co-op jobs so that I will be fully included in the design process. By keeping up a correspondence with my supervisor, I cultivated a new mentorship relationship that will help me get valuable outside critique on my design work. By working with experts, I also saw that I have a lot more to learn, and I look forward to continue growing as a designer as I continue my education at DAAP. I will also try to get a head start on my portfolio for next year so that I can get even more expert feedback from my coworkers.

When my friends left the Cincinnati area for co-op, I initially thought I would be on my own for that semester. Since I had new free time after work, however, I decided to join the University Christian Church college group (called Focus) as well as a book club. Every Tuesday night, meeting to speak with other college students at Focus became a very powerful connection point for me. I got excited about discussing current issues with my peers and leaders. I quickly made new close friends who have influenced my personal life and become an encouraging family to me. I also went to ministry events and really bonded with some of the women at my church – getting a glimpse of a beautiful mentorship relationship that I have never had before. Cincinnati became even more of a home to me. Because of this new community in my life, I know that I will not have to face these next few years of college on my own. I have a new circle of influences, support, and personal guidance to help me through. In the future, I must work to maintain these relationships and look for ways to welcome and support others.

During the spring semester, I found myself taking on more of a leadership role in the UC Rotaract Club. I started throwing out suggestions for activities, and soon found myself planning them for the group. I forged our lasting partnership with the Bethany House (BH) – a women’s and children’s crisis center in Cincinnati – as well as a service based relationship with the St. Joseph Orphanage (SJO). I got to be included as a significant member in the Rotaract leadership team as we planned fundraisers, parties with our community members, and service events. We made meals for the women at BH, did biweekly activities with the kids that lived there, and threw an Easter Party for the residents of SJO. Because of the passion I found for service with the Rotarat club, I am more willing to go out myself and make plans happen, instead of simply wishing that somebody would step up and help in our community. I began to share my involvement with other UC students and helped new members join our team. I hope to keep on serving with the club and strengthen our relationship with the Bethany House and the orphanage.

Having a full time job gave me a taste of my future career, and regular outside involvement showed me what it is like to be an active member of a larger community. During my sophomore year of college, I also took more control over my lifestyle and finances. Moreover, I got an image transformation with a significant short haircut, which may have made me a bit more bold and outspoken. All in all, I think I became more of an intentional adult this past year, and I anticipate seeing more growth to come as I head into my second internship in Michigan this fall.

#UC #sophomore