This year, I took a bit of a step back during winter term, and did not do as crazy and involved a project as I have done in past years, so I thought for my winter term recap I would interview my friends instead!
What was your project and how did you choose/come up with it?
Dru - I did the Voice & Organ in Dresden, Germany, Winter Term Project. I loved getting the experience of going abroad, taking German classes at the Goethe-Institut, performing, and seeing many performances. We learned both about German culture and about careers in Germany. I was lucky to do masterclasses with staff from the Semperoper Dresden and perform an aria in a historic church. I chose this project because I’d heard about it from people who did it in years prior. I’d been to Europe once for a young artist program, and knew I wanted to do it again!
Wren - I had an internship at FAVA (Firelands Association for the Visual Arts), which is a community arts non-profit in Oberlin. I worked 4 days a week 11am-5pm, and got different tasks ranging from social media to reclaiming clay in the ceramics room to taking care of general needs for the space including cleaning. I’ve always been interested in the community outside of the college so I knew I wanted to do a project involving the community.
Lucie - I worked with CATSS (Community Action to Save Strays)! I wanted to work with a non-profit organization on campus this winter term. I knew CATSS would be a great fit since I’ve been wanting to volunteer for them for a while, and I own a cat on campus, so this project was important to me to learn how to better care for her. I also wanted a project that was different from my major.
Why was this project important to you?
Dru - My last semester was very stressful/packed, so it was important for me to prioritize a winter term that would help me get into a new, more motivated headspace. I’ve really wanted to learn more about Germany and German music, so I thought this project would be a great way to achieve my goals.
Wren - This project was important to me because it was arts-focused. A lot of the advice I get as a studio art/creative writing double major is that if you can’t get work as an artist, work in the arts. Stay connected in the space no matter what. This internship was a lot of me helping other people to do creative things, and I think it was good to have that experience.
Lucie - This project was important to me because I have my own cat on campus, and I want to make sure I am doing everything I can to help her no matter what she’s experiencing.
What is your biggest takeaway from your project?
Dru - Even in music that you don’t initially consider to be “for you” or “your thing,” you can still find your niche. There’s always something to love.
Wren - I really learned the importance of working with people. In art, it is easy to get isolated in the studio on my computer, but even when you have a more tedious task, getting to interact with people has been really lively and exciting for me. I now know that after school it will be important for me to work with people rather than be a totally lone artist.
Lucie - We completed a shift at one of the locations for the non-profit and I got to meet so many cats. I learned that the reality of working with animals is not all fun and cuddles, it can be really hard work. And when having an operation entirely run on volunteers, funds are often short and it can be hard to ensure the cats have everything they need.
Favorite moment from the project?
Dru - What brought me the most joy was fully understanding German in public. Eventually I was able to communicate with people without them clocking me as an American immediately.
Wren - Early on, I got to be an extra set of hands at a dinner for the Bill Long Foundation, which is an Oberlin arts association not related to FAVA. I got to meet so many people in the Oberlin community connected through the arts. I learned a lot about what living in Oberlin is like when you’re not immediately connected to Oberlin College.
Lucie - At one of the CATSS locations, I got to interact with two beautiful cats. One had been there for over 100 days and the other was a new intake. And they fell in love! They would sleep in the same bed, cuddle, and paw at each other through their cages. They ended up getting adopted together and it was such a heartwarming experience.
Advice for your Freshman self about winter term?
Dru - Get off campus and explore!
Wren - I wish I’d stayed on campus sooner for winter term. I was so nervous about being on campus that I held myself back from opportunities!
Lucie - Try everything! It doesn’t need to be related to your major. Winter term is a great time to try things you normally wouldn’t have done.
Happy Spring Semester, friends! If you are a prospie, good luck! If you are a current student, good luck! If you are an alum, good luck on whatever you are doing!
