Community

I’m not exactly the most social person, but community is something that is very important to me. One of things that I love about my crew at SAIC is the sense of comradery that we developed in six short/long weeks. One of the professors even remarked at the lack of competitive tension with us that is often present in other graduate programs. I was told that the selection committee was really concerned about putting together a diverse but cohesive group of individuals/experiences. With such a large group (37!!) that seems like quite a challenge, but I think they were very successful with this. Maybe there is also something about experiencing such an extreme and intense 6 weeks in an environment where you don’t know anyone at first (which was the case for most of us) that helps create those bonds.

With our group it became apparent pretty quickly that most of us were willing to be vulnerable with each other through our work, discussions, and the life we would share. There is something incredibly beautiful about that immediate (and unexpected) vulnerability that is related to openness, courage, and humility in a many ways.

Though we had many opportunities to socialize and share life at the school, some of our best times were off campus, after hours (if there is such a thing for low-res), eating, drinking, and exploring. (Falafel Saturday’s, anyone?) This can be difficult when you are physically, intellectually, and emotionally drained after your 12 hour+ day on campus, when you can’t even form a coherent sentence and conversation seems like an insurmountable challenge. Make time for it though! It’s worth it.

In my opinion, one of the important parts of grad school is the relationships you make, not just in a superficial or net-working type of way, but those meaningful, thoughtful, lasting types.  This is just as important (maybe more important) than time spent in the studio.

I wasn’t exactly sure how those summer bonds would translate during the online classes off-campus, but they have. We immediately set up a facebook group and are in constant contact through social media, class discussion posts, email, blogs, and actually hanging out with people in our region. There are sleepovers, and some groups set up video chat “camping trips.” 

Even though we are spread out, I’m still feeling the love. And I’m pretty sure there is going to be a lot of celebrating when we all come together again next summer.