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INT 314: Life Journeys
Being in a Sorority: My Journey Through College
Vanessa Schoudt
These are my Alpha Sigma Tau sorority letters that I received when I got initiated in my freshman year at Grand Valley, during COVID in 2020. Since most of my classes were online, it was hard for me to meet people. I joined because I longed for some connection, especially starting college. I have learned about myself, the type of person I want to be, and have gained skills regarding leadership, friendship, networking, and public speaking. The people I have met during my time in my sorority have impacted my life. I’ve learned a lot through my experience, from girl drama to finding my true friends, this is an experience that I will cherish forever.
These are my Alpha Sigma Tau sorority letters that I received when I got initiated in my freshman year at Grand Valley, during COVID in 2020. Since most of my classes were online, it was hard for me to meet people. I joined because I longed for some connection, especially starting college. I have learned about myself, the type of person I want to be, and have gained skills regarding leadership, friendship, networking, and public speaking. The people I have met during my time in my sorority have impacted my life. I’ve learned a lot through my experience, from girl drama to finding my true friends, this is an experience that I will cherish forever.
All About the Path
Peyton Volk
I chose this cap because it represents one of the biggest moments in my life, the “A” on the cap represents Alma College. I attended Alma for my first year and a half after high school and was a two sport athlete, involved in volleyball and softball. Halfway through my sophomore year I made a decision to no longer play sports or attend Alma College. I moved back home after the Fall 2022 semester. Deciding to work as a Certified Nurses Assistant helped me decide to study nursing and to transfer to Grand Valley beginning in the Fall of 2023. Now I am here and extremely happy with my decision and have been able to find myself again.
I chose this cap because it represents one of the biggest moments in my life, the “A” on the cap represents Alma College. I attended Alma for my first year and a half after high school and was a two sport athlete, involved in volleyball and softball. Halfway through my sophomore year I made a decision to no longer play sports or attend Alma College. I moved back home after the Fall 2022 semester. Deciding to work as a Certified Nurses Assistant helped me decide to study nursing and to transfer to Grand Valley beginning in the Fall of 2023. Now I am here and extremely happy with my decision and have been able to find myself again.
Superman Shirt
Grant Pfister
The concept of mortality is difficult for kids to understand. When my father was diagnosed with late-stage cancer, my parents wrestled with how to convey the news. They did not want to keep information from us, but also did not want us to be fearful during my father’s treatment. My father described his sickness as kryptonite to Superman. He could be strong, but not invincible. Even the strongest people seek out help.
That night, my father bought us all vintage Superman graphic tee-shirts. On chemotherapy days, we would match our dad by wearing the Superman shirts. We did not understand at the time, but those shirts allowed us to support our father, and helped remain brave in the uncertain situation.
The concept of mortality is difficult for kids to understand. When my father was diagnosed with late-stage cancer, my parents wrestled with how to convey the news. They did not want to keep information from us, but also did not want us to be fearful during my father’s treatment. My father described his sickness as kryptonite to Superman. He could be strong, but not invincible. Even the strongest people seek out help.
That night, my father bought us all vintage Superman graphic tee-shirts. On chemotherapy days, we would match our dad by wearing the Superman shirts. We did not understand at the time, but those shirts allowed us to support our father, and helped remain brave in the uncertain situation.
It is All About the Journey
Lindsay White
This is a boarding pass from my flight from Sydney to Melbourne, Australia. In summer 2023, I lived and studied abroad for the semester in Australia, an experience that was deeply transformative. I met and lived with people from all over the world, which was eye opening and perspective changing. As I learned about the similarities and differences in our cultures, I was challenged to be completely on my own. I had the freedom to spend time with myself, and get to know myself better, and spend time working on personal growth. Maybe most importantly, I was taking courses with professors with completely different teaching styles than I’m used to, and working with students with completely different backgrounds and knowledge as me. I got to explore my passions and potential career paths, which will, in part, determine the course of the rest of my life.
This is a boarding pass from my flight from Sydney to Melbourne, Australia. In summer 2023, I lived and studied abroad for the semester in Australia, an experience that was deeply transformative. I met and lived with people from all over the world, which was eye opening and perspective changing. As I learned about the similarities and differences in our cultures, I was challenged to be completely on my own. I had the freedom to spend time with myself, and get to know myself better, and spend time working on personal growth. Maybe most importantly, I was taking courses with professors with completely different teaching styles than I’m used to, and working with students with completely different backgrounds and knowledge as me. I got to explore my passions and potential career paths, which will, in part, determine the course of the rest of my life.
Expressing Identity
Lizbeth Martinez-Charles
I never played with dolls or even toys when I was a child. I never found it interesting to play out an imaginary story. Being the oldest, in hindsight I knew that I would need to mature faster to help out my family. At about 10 years old, I began guitar lessons and I got my first guitar. Music caught my attention and became a hobby and passion of mine. Music was new, real, and even abstract. Learning about music taught me about myself, and to push myself to take new opportunities. Music became the root from which I learned that alongside joy, peace, creativity, and optimism; indeed, culture, family and faith are also important values that have shaped me and are part of who I am.
I never played with dolls or even toys when I was a child. I never found it interesting to play out an imaginary story. Being the oldest, in hindsight I knew that I would need to mature faster to help out my family. At about 10 years old, I began guitar lessons and I got my first guitar. Music caught my attention and became a hobby and passion of mine. Music was new, real, and even abstract. Learning about music taught me about myself, and to push myself to take new opportunities. Music became the root from which I learned that alongside joy, peace, creativity, and optimism; indeed, culture, family and faith are also important values that have shaped me and are part of who I am.
“And Her Story Continues…”
Avery Herbert
My graduation cap holds two meanings; I graduated high school in 2022, but I was in an early college program which required me to complete a year 13, graduating again in 2023 with my high school diploma and associate's degree.. The phrase “And Her Story Continues…” seemed funny to me, knowing that the “diploma” I was handed on stage in 2022 was actually blank. The phrase also holds a personal weight; I had chosen to continue. I struggled greatly with my mental health during the pandemic as I grappled with the increased loss of control in my physical health and the isolation from loved ones. The newspaper clippings underneath symbolize the media with the inauthentic image I try to portray and others’ perception of me. Glued on top are flowers- blue because it’s my best friend’s favorite color, and she had such a positive impact in my life. They embody a hope that overshadows the overwhelming amount of words (voices) that fill my head. My graduation cap serves as a reminder to me that my sixteen year old self made it to her high school graduation, and she will make it to the next one. Her story continues.
My graduation cap holds two meanings; I graduated high school in 2022, but I was in an early college program which required me to complete a year 13, graduating again in 2023 with my high school diploma and associate's degree.. The phrase “And Her Story Continues…” seemed funny to me, knowing that the “diploma” I was handed on stage in 2022 was actually blank. The phrase also holds a personal weight; I had chosen to continue. I struggled greatly with my mental health during the pandemic as I grappled with the increased loss of control in my physical health and the isolation from loved ones. The newspaper clippings underneath symbolize the media with the inauthentic image I try to portray and others’ perception of me. Glued on top are flowers- blue because it’s my best friend’s favorite color, and she had such a positive impact in my life. They embody a hope that overshadows the overwhelming amount of words (voices) that fill my head. My graduation cap serves as a reminder to me that my sixteen year old self made it to her high school graduation, and she will make it to the next one. Her story continues.
Identity: The True Prize
Camryn Sterken
While trophies represent victory inherently, these represent so much more to me; I see a personal journey of identity discovery and finding purpose in life through leadership. I owe my identity today to Euphoria A Cappella. Without this group, I would have never found such purpose, confidence, and true joy for life. The group saved me, and I took on leadership roles to ensure it continued to be that sort of sanctuary space. I was elected as president, and have served as such for the past two years. I have led the group through disappointments and triumphs, mirroring those in my own life. These trophies tangibly represent those journeys for me.
While trophies represent victory inherently, these represent so much more to me; I see a personal journey of identity discovery and finding purpose in life through leadership. I owe my identity today to Euphoria A Cappella. Without this group, I would have never found such purpose, confidence, and true joy for life. The group saved me, and I took on leadership roles to ensure it continued to be that sort of sanctuary space. I was elected as president, and have served as such for the past two years. I have led the group through disappointments and triumphs, mirroring those in my own life. These trophies tangibly represent those journeys for me.
The Beginning of My Art Journey
Haven Boyers
This is an amulet that I made in my first jewelry class in college. Metalsmithing is something that I never had tried before; however, I loved the process. Jewelry became my emphasis for my degree and is something that surrounds my life today. Though the craft is not my best, this piece created a sense of confidence that I needed. The art world is a very intimidating place and I was very anxious about fully committing to being an artist. This piece helped me feel more comfortable and more able to be myself. This was my entry into the art world and became an important part of my identity.
This is an amulet that I made in my first jewelry class in college. Metalsmithing is something that I never had tried before; however, I loved the process. Jewelry became my emphasis for my degree and is something that surrounds my life today. Though the craft is not my best, this piece created a sense of confidence that I needed. The art world is a very intimidating place and I was very anxious about fully committing to being an artist. This piece helped me feel more comfortable and more able to be myself. This was my entry into the art world and became an important part of my identity.
The Drawing
Lauren DeHerder
Who would’ve known that a drawing that I drew in an art class my freshman year of college would have an impact with my identity. Growing up I would always draw as a way to express myself and de-stress. I turned this activity into a hobby and enjoyed partaking in it. My grandma and dad have a passion for drawing and art. When I draw, it allows me to feel closer to them and in some ways makes me feel connected with them. The hand in the drawing represents connection, depicting me reaching towards my family.
Who would’ve known that a drawing that I drew in an art class my freshman year of college would have an impact with my identity. Growing up I would always draw as a way to express myself and de-stress. I turned this activity into a hobby and enjoyed partaking in it. My grandma and dad have a passion for drawing and art. When I draw, it allows me to feel closer to them and in some ways makes me feel connected with them. The hand in the drawing represents connection, depicting me reaching towards my family.
Cultural Identity: Our Differences and How They Form Us
Sophia Corpel
These are my American and French passports. My mom grew up in America and my dad grew up in France. I grew up surrounded by people speaking both French and English, having different dishes that my classmates had never heard of before, and celebrating holidays from both cultures. Kids at school made fun of me for speaking differently and eating ‘weird foods’. Seeing these things pointed out allowed me to recognize them as important aspects of my identity of being multicultural. I have learned to find pride in both cultures. Being able to participate in different traditions has allowed me to feel connected to both my family and history.
These are my American and French passports. My mom grew up in America and my dad grew up in France. I grew up surrounded by people speaking both French and English, having different dishes that my classmates had never heard of before, and celebrating holidays from both cultures. Kids at school made fun of me for speaking differently and eating ‘weird foods’. Seeing these things pointed out allowed me to recognize them as important aspects of my identity of being multicultural. I have learned to find pride in both cultures. Being able to participate in different traditions has allowed me to feel connected to both my family and history.
Endless Possibilities
Avery Sweeney
This engagement ring represents hope for the future and the happiness that it brings me. The ring also shows my life. The simplicity of it represents how I want my life to be. Simple, filled with happiness and security. This artifact reminds me that I have a bright future to look forward to and so many possibilities now waiting for me.
This engagement ring represents hope for the future and the happiness that it brings me. The ring also shows my life. The simplicity of it represents how I want my life to be. Simple, filled with happiness and security. This artifact reminds me that I have a bright future to look forward to and so many possibilities now waiting for me.
My Life in Journals
Hayden Ruel
These are my journals that I have written in each day for the last three years. It started during Covid and someone recommended keeping a journal. I am not good at expressing my feelings, but I took their advice and reflected on my day. It feels good that I can always look back and be proud of everything I have endured, the hardships I got through, and moments that will stay with me forever. These journals reflect my identity and focus on what has shaped me into the person I am. I still write each day and it continues to remind me to take deep breaths and focus on the little things that mean the most in my life. All these journals and more to come are representations of my identity and show my journey through life.
These are my journals that I have written in each day for the last three years. It started during Covid and someone recommended keeping a journal. I am not good at expressing my feelings, but I took their advice and reflected on my day. It feels good that I can always look back and be proud of everything I have endured, the hardships I got through, and moments that will stay with me forever. These journals reflect my identity and focus on what has shaped me into the person I am. I still write each day and it continues to remind me to take deep breaths and focus on the little things that mean the most in my life. All these journals and more to come are representations of my identity and show my journey through life.
Misfit Memories
Shirley Kellie
This bag was a part of the crack epidemic in the 1980s and belonged to my mom who would hide her crack in the lining. My older brother and I were taken away due to her addiction. The day CPS came to take us, she gave me this bag, stating it was her only valuable possession. The cost of my mom’s crack addiction is her mind: she can’t connect with the outside world. Like this bag, she is a misfit: who does not quite fit with the norm but is too important to let go off easily. She is far from “normal” but I am used to that. In the words of Charles Addams, “Normal is an illusion. What is normal for the spider; is chas for the fly.”
This bag was a part of the crack epidemic in the 1980s and belonged to my mom who would hide her crack in the lining. My older brother and I were taken away due to her addiction. The day CPS came to take us, she gave me this bag, stating it was her only valuable possession. The cost of my mom’s crack addiction is her mind: she can’t connect with the outside world. Like this bag, she is a misfit: who does not quite fit with the norm but is too important to let go off easily. She is far from “normal” but I am used to that. In the words of Charles Addams, “Normal is an illusion. What is normal for the spider; is chas for the fly.”
Second Skin
Chelsea Sheffler
My varsity jacket symbolizes my upbringing, dominated by sports. At age five I started playing soccer, and basketball soon followed. Sports molded me into the person I am today through toughness, leadership, and resilience. Lifelong friends and coaches emerged from this journey. However, upon entering college, I chose a different path, relinquishing sports for other experiences. My job and education became my new focus, reshaping life's purpose. Though I cherish sports, my role shifted from player to spectator. This artifact signifies the evolving nature of life's journeys, reflecting growth beyond athletic pursuits.
My varsity jacket symbolizes my upbringing, dominated by sports. At age five I started playing soccer, and basketball soon followed. Sports molded me into the person I am today through toughness, leadership, and resilience. Lifelong friends and coaches emerged from this journey. However, upon entering college, I chose a different path, relinquishing sports for other experiences. My job and education became my new focus, reshaping life's purpose. Though I cherish sports, my role shifted from player to spectator. This artifact signifies the evolving nature of life's journeys, reflecting growth beyond athletic pursuits.
Connections
Awa Christie
The artifact I have chosen for the exhibit is a heartfelt letter written by my best friend when we were both 12 years old. This letter holds immense significance in my life as it coincides with a challenging period when my mother left for the United States, leaving me feeling abandoned and lacking in confidence. At that time, I struggled with a sense of insignificance, believing that my existence had little impact and value.
However, this poignant letter from my best friend became a turning point for me. In it, she expressed not only her admiration for me but also highlighted my wonderful qualities. She emphasized how much I mattered to her and reassured me of my worth. This letter taught me two invaluable lessons: first, that true significance transcends material possessions, and second, that my impact on others, even when I couldn't perceive it, was meaningful.
In essence, this artifact symbolizes the power of genuine connections and the importance of recognizing one's intrinsic worth. It serves as a reminder that, even in moments of self-doubt, there are those who see and appreciate our value, offering support and encouragement.
The artifact I have chosen for the exhibit is a heartfelt letter written by my best friend when we were both 12 years old. This letter holds immense significance in my life as it coincides with a challenging period when my mother left for the United States, leaving me feeling abandoned and lacking in confidence. At that time, I struggled with a sense of insignificance, believing that my existence had little impact and value.
However, this poignant letter from my best friend became a turning point for me. In it, she expressed not only her admiration for me but also highlighted my wonderful qualities. She emphasized how much I mattered to her and reassured me of my worth. This letter taught me two invaluable lessons: first, that true significance transcends material possessions, and second, that my impact on others, even when I couldn't perceive it, was meaningful.
In essence, this artifact symbolizes the power of genuine connections and the importance of recognizing one's intrinsic worth. It serves as a reminder that, even in moments of self-doubt, there are those who see and appreciate our value, offering support and encouragement.
True Identity
Diamon Shelton
This piece is a representation of the artist’s life starting from childhood to the present day. Here you will see some struggles and achievements that have happened in her life with more to come. For my artifact, I decided to make my own. I used a pumpkin, paint, and all the memories from my life. You might ask, why did I choose the pumpkin? The first picture illustrates my siblings and I getting taken away from my mother and then all of us getting separated from each other. Now, the pumpkin comes into play because this happened around Halloween/Thanksgiving time and has made me who I am today. All the pictures on this artifact represent a specific time in my life that contributed to making me who I am. My story is still being continued and I can’t wait to see what I make of it, maybe you’ll get to see it too.
This piece is a representation of the artist’s life starting from childhood to the present day. Here you will see some struggles and achievements that have happened in her life with more to come. For my artifact, I decided to make my own. I used a pumpkin, paint, and all the memories from my life. You might ask, why did I choose the pumpkin? The first picture illustrates my siblings and I getting taken away from my mother and then all of us getting separated from each other. Now, the pumpkin comes into play because this happened around Halloween/Thanksgiving time and has made me who I am today. All the pictures on this artifact represent a specific time in my life that contributed to making me who I am. My story is still being continued and I can’t wait to see what I make of it, maybe you’ll get to see it too.
Always There Mr. Scrup
Darren Wallace
Here is my Artifact. I chose to use my stuffed animal Scrup as he means alot to me. I have had Scrup since I was six years old when my mom bought him for me. Whenever I feel down or sad I can hug Scrup and feel better. Scrup grounds me and helps me remember where I started as well as feel a connection to my mom no matter the distance at hand.
Here is my Artifact. I chose to use my stuffed animal Scrup as he means alot to me. I have had Scrup since I was six years old when my mom bought him for me. Whenever I feel down or sad I can hug Scrup and feel better. Scrup grounds me and helps me remember where I started as well as feel a connection to my mom no matter the distance at hand.
Love, Power, and Guitar Strings
Valentina Ciroski
Jimi Hendrix is quoted, as pictured below, saying, “When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power, the World will know Peace.” I am including Jimi’s wise words as part of my life journey with respect to its impact on my perspective. I find that I go back to this quote very frequently. I found it two years ago while decorating my apartment. I believe that Hendrix is 100% correct. There is a power-hungry greed in the world that leaves no room for authentic love. Without love, what is this world truly? This quote feels like a cherry, which is why it is so easy to remember. Now when I see genuine Love, I find hope for world peace. I think that this narrative is important to perceive. To aim for Love to reign over everything. To place the priority of any other “power” second to Love so that humanity feels true sincerity.
In addition to giving me a mantra, Jimi’s quote introduced me to great rifts. I did not know anything about the famous guitarist Jimi Hendrix. In fact, I did not even listen to the guitar, ever. A huge part of my identity is Music, but I am specifically drawn towards the vocals of a song. That is until two years ago when I wanted to learn more about Jimi. I was unaware he was a renowned guitarist, so it was an adjustment on my ears. Through that period though, my love for music grew beyond vibrato into an appreciation for all noise that creates harmony.
Music is a universal language that captures a moment and turns it into a story you can jive to. Music has saved me and will continue to. This artifact could have been the first CD I listened to, but the soundtrack never ended. I am always finding more music to listen to. I am always going back to the music I’ve previously heard. I am always finding something new to hold on to. So the thing that has shaped me directly, would be a couple of tunes I’ve hummed a time or two.
Jimi Hendrix is quoted, as pictured below, saying, “When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power, the World will know Peace.” I am including Jimi’s wise words as part of my life journey with respect to its impact on my perspective. I find that I go back to this quote very frequently. I found it two years ago while decorating my apartment. I believe that Hendrix is 100% correct. There is a power-hungry greed in the world that leaves no room for authentic love. Without love, what is this world truly? This quote feels like a cherry, which is why it is so easy to remember. Now when I see genuine Love, I find hope for world peace. I think that this narrative is important to perceive. To aim for Love to reign over everything. To place the priority of any other “power” second to Love so that humanity feels true sincerity.
In addition to giving me a mantra, Jimi’s quote introduced me to great rifts. I did not know anything about the famous guitarist Jimi Hendrix. In fact, I did not even listen to the guitar, ever. A huge part of my identity is Music, but I am specifically drawn towards the vocals of a song. That is until two years ago when I wanted to learn more about Jimi. I was unaware he was a renowned guitarist, so it was an adjustment on my ears. Through that period though, my love for music grew beyond vibrato into an appreciation for all noise that creates harmony.
Music is a universal language that captures a moment and turns it into a story you can jive to. Music has saved me and will continue to. This artifact could have been the first CD I listened to, but the soundtrack never ended. I am always finding more music to listen to. I am always going back to the music I’ve previously heard. I am always finding something new to hold on to. So the thing that has shaped me directly, would be a couple of tunes I’ve hummed a time or two.
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