Author: g.sugrim

On November 7, 2017, I attended the STARR workshop, “Cover Letters and Other Business Correspondence.” At this workshop, I learned many new things regarding what a cover letter is used for. There are two types of cover letters, something I had not previously known. The two types of cover letters are: cover letters for applications and cover letters for networking. I have previously heard of the letter for application and found it interesting that a cover letter could be used to request and talk with someone experienced in a certain field. Furthermore, we discussed the purpose of three paragraphs in your cover letter. The first paragraph is your introduction, the second is your body, and the last is your conclusion. All paragraphs serve distinct purposes and showcase certain skills and positive aspects about your work ethic. In addition to cover letters, we also discussed writing thank you letters to potential employers. Thank you letters are usually written 24-48 hours after the interview and express your gratitude for the time the interviewer spent interviewing you.

One of my biggest takeaways from this workshop was getting to familiarize myself not only with cover letters but also with the difference between a good and bad cover letter. We did some group exercises and had to grade sample cover letters. I was able to see the correct formatting and how to begin/end a cover letter. Not only was this workshop a way to collaborate with other individuals, I learned the necessity of cover letters in addition to your resume. Furthermore, learning how to create a cover letter will definitely be a useful skill in the future. As a result of this workshop, I hope to find internships and personalize my cover letters for the ones I am interested in. I will also be sure to check out the STARR Career Development Center to work on my resume.

For my academic blog post, I decided to go to the Museum of Arts and Design (aka the MAD Museum). Here, I visited two exhibits. The first, “Sonic Arcade” was focused on the connection between visual art and sound. As soon as I entered the floor on which this exhibit was held, I was enveloped in a variety of sounds. This exhibit featured a “playground” where visitors could interact with swings and other aspects of a traditional playground. Unlike a regular playground however, every movement made with a piece created a sound. This exhibition embodied the importance between making art with sound, not only for the artist to showcase their ability to do this but for the audience to experience art using more than one sense. Already, I enjoyed the interactiveness of this exhibit. The second, “Craft in the Expanded Field” was also quite interactive. It combined art with our sense of feel rather than hearing. I especially liked that one of the artists was sitting on the floor and continuing to weave his yarn piece while onlookers were able to curiously ask questions. This sort of intimacy between the artist and his audience is not something you’d find in any other museum. “Craft in the Expanded Field” showcased the use of textiles in art. While I was unable to feel the works, I could guess how they might feel because of the material they were made from.

Going to the MAD reaffirmed the idea that art is a necessity in our society. Not only is it a way of expression, it is essential in evoking ideas which leads to creating new ones. For me, it provided a sort of “push” to continue my hobby of art. I was inspired through looking at the various works. Furthermore, it was quite relaxing to go and get away from work and school.

         

                                                                    An interactive wall featuring  strings connected to an amplifier

For my student life activity, my friends and I went to the opening ceremony of Latinx Heritage Month. I am not quite familiar with Latinx culture, so the entire event was a new experience for me. The first thing I noticed upon entering the second floor lobby was the large span of flags that represent various Latin countries. I had not considered how large this amount could be, with various countries from Central and South America alike in addition to some Caribbean countries! Furthermore, everyone was welcoming at the event. They had a variety of finger foods as well. There were empanadas, plantains with chicken and other meat (I love plantains!), a drink called morir soñanado, which is a drink mixed with orange juice and milk, and Mamita’s ices. Unfortunately, I was unable to try the morir soñanado but heard from a friend that it was tangy but overall sweet.

Another new experience was the music. The DJ played a variety of songs. The music was very fast paced, with quicker tempos and beats. Some fellow students were dancing to this music with very precise foot placement and hip movements. There were also games like musical chairs and another similar to “Simon Says” but with Spanish words. All in all, this was a very fun experience. I was able to experience another culture from the food to the music. A friend and I remarked how cool it would be if something like this was held on a monthly basis, with another culture being represented every time. In an ever changing world, it is important to embrace diversity because we can always learn something new from someone, regardless of their background. This event has sparked an interest of mine to find the West Indian Cultural Club, Caribbean Students Association, and Hindu Student Association so I too can find people of my culture to experience the wonder of shared experiences and connecting with people who can understand and relate to me. Likewise, I will be checking out other heritage months to learn even more about new and unfamiliar cultures.