Here we go for school round two! This is my second semester of Graphic Design at my local community college. I’ve been in school for about two and a half weeks now and so far, I’m happy to say I like all my classes so far. Of course, school always has its ups and downs, but overall I still don’t regret my decision about going back.
Waking Up Early
Last semester, I woke up early because I agreed to use up as much of my spare time for work study even when I didn’t have class. This semester, almost all my classes start at 8 AM.
It’s so hard getting your body to cooperate when you just aren’t a morning person. I try to go to bed early, but my body’s still just like “no”. Thankfully, I don’t have Wednesday classes until March, so I can use those days to recuperate and sleep in.
Classes
This semester, I’m taking classes that are very project-heavy. I’m taking Typography I, Graphic Design I, Computer Graphics For Designers II, and a late 7 week Freelancing For Designers class. An additional class that’s not required for my major but I was recommended to take is Color Theory. These classes are all pretty much three to four hours long, so they’re all lecture mixed with lab.
So far, my assignments are manageable and I do enjoy the ones I’m getting so far, so that’s a major help! Unlike my Adobe Illustrator class last semester, I’m hoping my Comp Graphics For Designers II, which teaches Photoshop, will be more informative. I have a different professor this time due to the fact that I, along with a few other classmates, wrote emails of complaint to the chair of the department. I thought my complaint fell on deaf ears but I’m glad he realized I wasn’t the only one who thought that!

Business card by artist @loulou_yan, SVA student
Goals
Last semester, I asked my 2D Design professor for if he knew a few places I could apply to as an intern. My goal this semester is to apply to those places with a somewhat built-up portfolio. Despite the fact that I’m just a freshman, it’s still possible to land an internship. I’m honestly hoping it’s a paid one, but regardless, I’d like to add it in as work experience.
Last week, my friends and I toured the SVA (School of Visual Arts) campus, located in NYC. It was such a dream walking through the buildings and seeing all the student work. Despite it not being a legit, traditional campus, I was okay with that. Thankfully, they also have a shuttle that can take you back and forth between buildings if needed. The amount of work the students put into their work and showcasing their WIP’s and finished products in the rooms were really awesome. I definitely could see myself working in there!
It stinks because it’s an expensive for-profit school, but that won’t stop me from applying. Therefore, a long term goal of mine is to make a kick-ass portfolio for future art schools. Hopefully, I can get into SVA as well as get a big scholarship.
Until next time!
I hope you have a great semester!! All OF your classes sound so Interesting!!
Thank you so much Colleen!! They really are, I can’t wait to see the works I will come up with in the classes!
Ooooh I really hope you can get into SVA!! I know what it’s like to really want to go to school somewhere–so far, I haven’t been able to make those dreams realise, but I still have time. Good luck with this semester & achivieving your goals; I know you’re gonna do so well 😉
I can’t believe it is barely second semester for you! It feels like you’ve been in school for a while now, but it’s only been a few months. Whoop TIME FLIES I GUESS LOL. I FEEL YOU ABOUT WAKING UP EARLY!!! It is a drag sometimes but it’s worth the upfront investment. I love the course you’re taking! You’re going straight into the core classes, forget the GE’s. I am looking forward to seeing more of your work!! Hope you’ll score some nice internship positions as you go through the program. :). Rooting for you, always.
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Yeah right?! I feel like I should be graduating already, what the hell LOL! I’m so glad I didn’t have to retake my GE classes, thank God they were still valid despite having taken them years ago! Thank you for all your support Nancy <3
It’s lovely to catch up with your blog again, Geraldine! Great to hear that your course is going well and you are enjoying all the classes. They do sound really interesting, I love the sound of the typography class, that does sound fun! Hope the early mornings get easier for you and all the best with getting that intern, I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you! ❤ xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Thank you so much Bexa it’s good to have you back! I am loving them all so far! Thanks so much! xx
Good luck with your second semester of school, and I hope you have a good one. It looks like you have an interesting course schedule this year. And I’m looking forward to seeing the work you create in your classes. I hope you’re able to get an internship, and I’m rooting for you good luck!
Thanks Angela!! I hate the early morning classes but thankfully they are pretty fun! I really hope I can land one this summer 🙂
I hate morning classes too; I still stay up late regardless lol (luckily I don’t have any this semester). Your classes do sound really interesting though. Classes with a lot of projects are always fun and can help build up your portfolio! Good luck with finding an internship!
It’s hard not to want to stay up, I just feel like I gotta get things done! Thanks Melissa!
Girl, when you wrote about morning struggles waking up, i felt that deep in my soul lol…. my number one struggle this semester. except i don’t have AM classes but i have 8:30 AM work shifts every single morning…. then evening classes later on!!!
also, i’m sure you’ll have no problem getting an internship given that you have professional work history already (eventhough the field is different) – those soft/interpersonal skills that you develop while working are really important! Also, you have an impressive blog, an entire IG full of work you’ve designed + are in the process of starting your own business…. all things that I’m sure would set you apart on your resume!
Aww nooo having work and school on the same day is KILLER. I hope we both get through the rough mornings 🙁 I’m definitely taking classes now that would help boost my portfolio and I’m sure they would consider my business although it’s not fully up yet haha! Thank you LP <3
Hi Geraldine!
i hope that you’re doing well. all of your classes sound so interesting! i am finishing a degree in public relations and we work pretty closely with graphic design and information design students. how have your classes been impacted during this time? i hope that it hasn’t been too stressful for you!
xx
Lily | http://www.thevibrantenthusiast.com
Hi Lily! That’s awesome, hopefully you will still have a graduation amidst this turbulent time?! We’re having all of the classes online now and it’s been extended a week so I still have a month left to go. Hope you are well! xx