Introduction

Hello, my name is Deanaletta Seif and I am a freshmen at the University of Tampa. I was born in Anchorage, Alaska, and I recently  moved to Florida from a small town in North Carolina. Right now I am a Chemistry major and I have hopes  of pursuing pharmacy school. I am very excited for the Arts and Technology class. I have never taken an arts focused college class, so I know this will be a new challenge, but I look forward to making progress in my views and understanding of art and its various mediums. Although I am a Chemistry major I still have an appreciation for artistic pursuits. All throughout elementary and high school I participated in choir and community theatre. Acting and singing are two of my favorite past-times. The most memorable production I was a part of has to be "Les Miserables: The School Edition."

My expectations for this class, are very straightforward. I expect to take the material my instructor shares with my class, and to apply it, despite any artistic difficulties I may experience. Compared to my other classes I feel like this course will allow me to tap into my creativity by granting me the freedom to truly express myself. Freedom of expression in the classroom is such a privilege that I fear not many get to enjoy. Too often instructors and students alike are more preoccupied with test preparation, grades, quizzes, and finals to truly ponder the content in front of them and its relation to their culture, and ultimately to the outside world.

 I look forward to gaining new perspective about art and life itself, engaging in the classroom setting, and getting to know my peers. Although not all of us are "artistically inclined", although we may not share the same interests, pursuits, likes or dislikes, we each have a story worth sharing. Art is a fantastic way to convey these stories and share them with others. I hope to do the same. To share my story and my experiences, but also to listen. In listening to what others have to say, and validating their feelings, all of us can learn to live in a culture of compassion rather than absolutism. Here is to a great semester! Bonne chance.