Taking part in the Honors Seminar IV: The Washington Seminar was a transformative experience for me. This three-credit Honors College course, held in the heart of Washington, D.C., went beyond traditional classroom learning, using the city itself as an expansive, real-world classroom.

As someone not initially in the Honors College, I was thrilled to learn that being an Honors College student wasn't a prerequisite. The opportunity to immerse myself in D.C.'s political, economic, and cultural landscape each week from 6:00 to 7:15 PM was invaluable. The course offered an in-depth exploration of Washington, D.C., not just as a city but as the epicenter of influential global fields like international relations and technology.

The course was structured to provide a solid foundation in understanding the dynamics of D.C. and how they impact global issues. It prepared us for our future careers by exposing us to various career tracks and job opportunities in the city. The highlight for me was the weekly guest lectures and experiences that were integrated into our learning. These sessions weren't just informative; they were inspirational, offering key leadership lessons and insights into the real world of policy, culture, and innovation.

As a result of this course, I feel more prepared and motivated to launch my career in D.C., equipped with a deeper understanding of its significance on both a national and global scale. The Washington Seminar wasn't just a class; it was a doorway to understanding the complexities of global leadership and governance, all while fulfilling a Global Learning requirement that enriched my educational journey.

In ARH 2000 - Exploring Art, I dove into art appreciation through a unique, non-chronological lens, fulfilling a Global Learning requirement along the way. This course challenged me with a Global Learning project that truly deepened my understanding of art in a global context.

For the project, I started by exploring the concept of archetypes in art and how they're represented by artists. I selected an archetype that resonated with my personality and then chose an artwork from "Living with Art" by Mark Getlein that I felt connected to this archetype. Analyzing this artwork involved describing it, interpreting its meaning, and evaluating its impact, all while referencing our course LibGuide for guidance.

The assignment pushed me further into connecting my chosen archetype with the artwork, requiring me to research and substantiate my viewpoints. It also asked me to consider the broader context of the artwork's creation, exploring its social, political, and cultural backdrop.

Throughout this project, I learned to appreciate the depth of art's influence and the importance of context, supported by thorough research and MLA citations. Peer comments and reactions added a collaborative dimension to the experience, enhancing my learning. This project wasn't just an assignment; it was a journey into understanding the profound connection between art, its creators, and the world.

Participating in LAS 3002 - Introduction to Latin American and Caribbean Studies was a remarkable journey into the heart of two incredibly vibrant regions. This online course, offered in the Spring of 2024, provided me with an interdisciplinary exploration of Latin America and the Caribbean's history, culture, politics, and economics.

From the start, the guofessor ided us through the key themes defining Latin America: its rich history, complex economics, dynamic politics, and diverse culture. The course was structured to give us a foundational understanding before diving into specific case studies, which brought the themes to life and allowed us to see real-world applications of our learning.

One of the unique aspects of this course was the blend of academic rigor and experiential learning. Notably, the requirement to visit a Latin American restaurant as a "field trip" was a highlight for me. It wasn't just about tasting the food but engaging with the staff and learning about the country's culture directly from people who live it every day. This experience, coupled with the reflective essay we had to write, enriched my understanding of Latin American cultures in a very personal and memorable way.

By the end of the semester, I felt equipped with a thorough understanding of Latin America and the Caribbean's complexities and their places in the world. This course not only fulfilled my Global Learning requirement but also sparked a deeper interest in these regions, encouraging me to consider how I might engage with them in my future studies and career paths.