For my STEP Signature Project, I focused on learning the Erhu, a traditional Chinese two-stringed instrument, while immersing myself in the richness of Chinese cultural heritage. Under the guidance of Min Zheng, an experienced instructor, I not only learned how to play the Erhu but also gained a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical significance of traditional Chinese music. This project allowed me to connect the technical aspects of learning an instrument with the broader context of its cultural roots.

At the start of the project, my instructor introduced me to the history of Chinese music through resources like videos about the Chime-bells from the Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng. This exploration helped me appreciate the role of ancient instruments and how they contributed to the development of Chinese musical traditions. I learned that the Erhu is more than just an instrument—it’s a bridge between ancient traditions and modern music. Alongside practical lessons, I also reviewed literature about the Erhu’s origins, its evolution, and its importance in Chinese music.

My weekly online lessons with Min Zheng were structured to take me from the basics, such as bowing techniques and finger positioning, to more complex melodies. These lessons required me to practice 3-4 hours per week on my own, where I worked on improving tone, rhythm, and transitions. Learning pieces like “The Moon Reflected on the Second Spring” gave me a glimpse into the emotional depth and storytelling nature of Chinese music, which further deepened my appreciation for its cultural significance.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was realizing how traditional music carries the essence of Chinese culture. By learning and practicing these pieces, I felt like I was participating in preserving a part of history. The challenges of learning such a complex instrument also taught me patience and resilience, as I had to focus on steady progress rather than rushing to master everything at once. Min Zheng’s guidance was instrumental in helping me stay motivated and connected to the cultural aspects of what I was learning.

This project transformed my perspective on learning traditional culture. I came to understand that mastering an instrument like the Erhu requires not just skill but also a respect for the history and artistry it represents. It gave me a newfound appreciation for the dedication of musicians and the beauty of cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Overall, this project allowed me to discover a meaningful way to connect with my heritage while developing a new skill. It reinforced the importance of preserving and sharing cultural traditions, and it inspired me to continue exploring how traditional music can remain relevant in modern times. This experience not only helped me grow personally but also shaped my understanding of the value of cultural heritage in a global context.

picture of me visiting the Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng virtually

For my STEP signature project, I took on a personal goal of mine which was learning acoustic guitar. Being completely new to playing music, I decided to meet with an instructor once a week between the months of May and November this past year. This instructor also helped me pick out a guitar that would fit what I was looking for along with other equipment. Along with weekly lessons, my project consisted of practicing on my own for about 3-4 hours per week (sometimes way more) and recording progress videos along the way to track my progress and help study areas of improvement. As my schedule got busier towards the end of fall semester, I decided to continue along by practicing on my own.

                  I learned a lot about myself through this process. I am certainly not an amazing guitar player yet, but my skill has definitely multiplied since the beginning of the project. One way that this project transformed myself and my assumptions was through testing my patience. I was ambitious throughout this project, so it was equally frustrating not being able to play the songs I wanted to right away or not being fast enough at switching chords. I had to learn to enjoy the process and take my time because I wasn’t going to master this art overnight. My instructor, Adam, was a huge help in this way because he was able to offer advice, play at my pace, and teach to my level of understanding throughout our time together. I also have a much greater respect for musicians after learning firsthand how hard it is to play one instrument, let alone mastering multiple.

                  Another thing I took from this project was my appreciation for the importance of willingly learning a new skill. I recently learned in one of my business classes about operant conditioning, which is a trait that someone possesses by willingly learning new things. People who possess this trait are more likely to be successful/impactful and this hit me in a big way because that’s something I want to have. This project has greatly contributed to that proactive goal of mine because it has allowed me to try new things that are out there just because I can. I was always daunted by the idea of starting guitar because I had heard so many people say it can take years to learn how to play. But when I put in the consistent effort, I learned to enjoy the process and most times I couldn’t put the guitar down because I loved playing it that much. Coming out of this project, I truly feel like a more open and outgoing person that is more encouraged to put effort into trying new things. I always knew that I loved music but being able to play it has truly transformed my appreciation for it.

                  The most impactful aspect/activity of my project was easily my weekly lessons with my instructor, Adam Richert. Adam is very knowledgeable in music and an impressive guitar player. I quickly got to know him, and he became someone that I could go to with any questions I had (which was a lot). He gave me homework and specific things to go home and practice before the next week’s lesson. This challenged me to follow through but also to stay consistent throughout the week. If I only practiced a couple days after our previous lesson and waited until the lesson next week to show him my progress, I was going to be rusty, so it taught me an aspect of patience and spacing out my practice, because I wasn’t going to master it all at once. He was also very helpful in finding songs that catered to my music taste and skill level which he helped me learn. Without this aspect of my project, I probably wouldn’t have followed through very well and wouldn’t have seen the progress that I did.

                  Another relationship that shaped my transformation was through my brother in-law. He plays guitar and he gave me a lot of advice on where to go to look for guitar equipment, the best ways to take care of my guitar, and easy beginner songs when I was just getting started. Over the fall, he heard me talk about how I wanted to get new strings put on my guitar, so he got me some nice Ernie Ball guitar strings (along with a new tuner) for Christmas. He then showed me how to replace my old ones and helped me with that. That was a very valuable skill to learn, and it was cool be able to use that relationship to help grow my guitar knowledge. My family in general was very interested in me learning guitar and they constantly asked me to play songs for them, which had a positive reinforcing effect and encouraged me to keep challenging myself. I even had a few friends reach out wanting to learn how to play after I had played around them. It was very impactful to see the people around me take interest in my interests and this aided my growth.

                  Believe it or not, TikTok and other social medias also had a hand in the transformation process. There are many creators on social media who post tutorials, give inspiration, and help beginners with their understanding of music. This was especially helpful when I practiced on my own throughout the week and it was nice to see different viewpoints/opinions/thoughts on music theory. Just to name a few, Guitar Dave, The Groovy Guitar Dude, and Robbie Trujillo were all accounts that I followed and learned from. Combining these “teachers” with my formal instruction was also key in growing my skills because seeing them on my feed would provide inspiration/reminders to practice. As soon as I watch a TikTok of someone playing a song that I like, I always want to get out my guitar and play right then and there. Overall, social media music content also convinced me to play/listen to different genres of music, which I am thankful for.

                  These transformations and developments are valuable to my life because they’ve given me personal goals to meet, an outlet/way to express myself, and they’ve taught me another way of hard consistent work. This process has allowed me to find a new hobby/talent of mine that I can keep growing probably for the rest of my life. I’ve also figured out that playing guitar has been a great relaxer/stress reliever for me. This is valuable to me as I continue into adulthood and have more and more responsibilities. For how this project affected me academically and professionally, I would say that it has altered my view around progress/hard work. It has helped me learn a lot about myself and how I learn things best. When I am given work to do, my mindset is usually to push through it as fast and as early as I can and to put my head down and grind. This usually leads to some burnout and/or having the opposite effect of procrastination. But learning this skill has taught me that the best thing you can do is to stay consistent. Consistency doesn’t necessarily mean working hard all the time to the point where you’re burnt out, but rather to spread meaningful work/learning into increments every day or however you want. I believe this is something I can work on bringing into other areas of my life such as schoolwork as well as into the workplace in my internship/post grad job.

In my STEP project, with participating in zoom drawing lessons weekly, my digit painting skill has improved a lot compared to the past. Such painting skill doesn’t limit on technique alone, but also pioneering at the creative level through the completed artworks during the course. 

For myself, I didn’t expect this STEP project bring any significant experience at the beginning, as it is just an online drawing course in essence. I mean, I approached this class with a practical mindset, expecting it to be merely a means to acquire painting skills. Assuming it would be a straightforward, technical process with little impact beyond improving my painting ability. However, as the course progressed, as I mentioned earlier, it provided much more than just technique—it inspired me to think more creatively and opened my mind to new perspectives on art and self-expression. This shift not only reshaped my view of art but also challenged my perception of what creativity can achieve.

The transformation stemmed from a newfound understanding that art transcends traditional boundaries—it can be anything we imagine it to be. Engaging in the course allowed me to explore new perspectives and experiment freely, showing me that creativity thrives when we dare to challenge assumptions and step outside our comfort zones.

What makes me think in such way? Well, in a series of assignments, our instructor asked us to build a virtual world of our own creation, where every drawing depicted events unfolding in this unique land. The world can be fantastic, fictional, or even both, with no restrictions except those imposed by my imagination. The process of creation is challenging and fun. This experience reshaped my view of the “world” by highlighting the depth and versatility of creative endeavors. Finally, I chose to design an abyssal world, inspired by the idea of Earth as a completely liquid planet.

Visualizing and drawing events within this aquatic realm challenged me to imagine how life, landscapes, and events might unfold in such an environment, pushing me beyond familiar creative boundaries. What stood out most was the sense of freedom that came with the assignment. There were no rules or limitations, and every decision I made—whether about color, form, or story—was an opportunity to push my creative boundaries. For example, the ocean, what will happen when all creatures choose to live underwater? Will the sea get into another color except blue due to so many animals and plants staying in water? This freedom to explore taught me that creativity is not about perfection but about embracing the unexpected and finding joy in the process.

This series of assignment was a turning point for me. It showed me that art is not just a skill or a product but an ongoing process of discovery and self-expression. By stepping into the imaginative world created by myself, I learned to view creativity as a tool for exploration, and I emerged from the experience with a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of artistic endeavors. It encouraged me to experiment, challenge my assumptions, and push beyond my comfort zone. More importantly, taught me a truth that Art can be Anything.

To be honest, as a psychology major student, art maybe completely insulated in my life after this project, but I still think this transformation is significant. Because it has fundamentally reshaped how I approach challenges and creativity, which are invaluable skills for my academic, professional, and personal growth. To me, this experience has deepened my appreciation for the process of creation and the value of embracing uncertainty. Learning that “art can be anything” has encouraged me to take risks and trust my instincts, a lesson that extends beyond art to all areas of life.

For my step project, I spent my summer taking electric guitar lessons at the School of Rock in Dublin, Ohio. With a purchased guitar set, I was able to work with my instructor, to learn the basic fundamentals of how to play guitar. When first starting these lessons I underestimated the amount of time and dedication it takes to really learn and master guitar. Taking guitar lessons completely transformed my perception of learning to play an instrument. At first, I underestimated the sheer amount of time and dedication required—not just for mastering chords and music theory, but even for something as fundamental as building the finger strength and dexterity to press the strings properly. I learned that progress often feels slow, with countless repetitions needed to make small improvements, but the rewards are worth it. Beyond technique, the lessons taught me the importance of “selling it” during a performance—putting passion into my playing and embracing mistakes as part of the experience. Music is as much about confidence and connection as it is about precision.

 The key events that led to these transformations were the time I spent working with my instructor during lessons and practicing on my own. Often, when learning new chords for a song, I would mess up—sometimes because I was too focused on trying to remember the chords, and other times because my fingers weren’t yet strong or flexible enough to transition smoothly. These moments of struggle often left me feeling frustrated and unmotivated. However, my instructor consistently encouraged me, reminding me that progress comes through practice and that building confidence is just as important as mastering technique.

One of the most impactful lessons my instructor shared was about performance. As a performer himself, he emphasized that playing in front of an audience isn’t just about precision; it’s about projecting confidence and creating the impression that you know exactly what you’re doing, even when you don’t. He often reminded me that even the most seasoned performers make mistakes, especially while moving around the stage, but the key is to act as if nothing happened. This insight shifted my perspective, teaching me that mistakes are a natural part of playing live and that performance is as much about presence and energy as it is about technical skill.

One memorable piece of advice from my instructor was to practice my “stinky face” while playing. At first, I thought the comment was funny, but it carried an important truth. He was encouraging me to embody the emotion and passion of the music I was playing, making it part of my performance. This helped me realize that performance is an act of storytelling where facial expressions, body language, and confidence can convey as much as the notes themselves. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the artistry of live music and reminded me that even when things aren’t perfect, authenticity and expression can make a performance truly resonate.

Learning that practice is what ultimately drives progress has been a game-changer for me, not just in music but in life. Learning to play the guitar showed me that improvement comes from consistent effort and embracing challenges rather than expecting instant results. This mindset also highlighted the critical role of confidence in any performance, whether on stage or in academic and personal endeavors. Confidence transforms how others perceive you and how you perceive yourself—it allows you to take risks, recover from mistakes, and present yourself with poise, even when things aren’t perfect. Recognizing that setbacks are part of growth and that how you carry yourself matters just as much as the work you put in has made me more resilient and self-assured in all areas of life.

(A picture of me learning how to play my first song—Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley.)

For my STEP project, I took weekly piano lessons with a local piano teacher in Columbus. I worked on a few pieces throughout each week and then reviewed them with my teacher at my lesson. This involved refining different aspects of my playing such as interpretation, technique, and expression. Taking piano lessons as a college student has emphasized to me the importance of intentionally making time for my personal interests alongside my professional ones for my wellbeing, as well as challenged my view that I cannot balance them while taking on substantial responsibilities. Until starting my project, I had not engaged meaningfully with any hobbies in an organized or formal setting since high school. I did not make it a priority in my life and almost always felt I did not have enough time to dedicate to such involvements because of other commitments or academic demands. However, once I began lessons, I realized I more often than not had at least some time in a day to spend focused on my pieces. This has highlighted to me how, even though it can be easy to think my personal interests need to take a backseat while pursuing my degree, when I make an effort to create time for them and make it as non-negotiable as other activities in my daily life, I can usually find a way to make it happen.

The events during my STEP signature project that led to me changing my perspective on the importance of making time for my personal interests were the weekly lessons. Having a regular deadline to accomplish specific goals by motivated me to find time for piano that I was not able to when I only played without direction in my free time before starting my project. This has shown me that I am capable of balancing hobbies with my regular commitments, and can engage substantially with things that interest me without compromising on my academic, social, and professional responsibilities.

Furthermore, my weekly lessons have also underscored to me the value of hobbies to my mental health and overall wellbeing. Dedicating time regularly to something that I do solely for myself has helped me reduce stress in my day-to-day life by providing a small break where I can just focus on developing a skill that is meaningful to me. This is particularly important during the stressful times that I would typically consider too busy to engage with piano. Additionally, working towards completing new pieces and expanding my repertoire has given me a sense of personal fulfillment that enriches my life.

One final part of my project that I feel contributed to my mindset shift is getting regular feedback each week from my teacher. The weekly interaction with a professional helped keep me motivated to find the time to practice each week to ensure I would be prepared for every lesson. Knowing someone would hear me play weekly made me prioritize piano in a way that I was unable to justify before my project. Having now seen the benefits of playing each week to my wellbeing, I am able to better understand the importance of making time for my personal interests and how I can justify that time regardless of whether or not I have anyone to play for.

Overall, learning how to prioritize hobbies in my daily life will be valuable for my wellbeing throughout the rest of my college experience as well as once I graduate and enter the workforce. Completing this project and making the commitment to work regularly on piano while being a student highlighted to me that there is almost always at least some time in a day to commit to a hobby. Moreover, having that time is not only a frivolous ask, but instead brings substantial meaningful personal development through requiring patience, time-management, and creativity, in addition to its strengthening of self-fulfillment and stress-avoidance. These are all important to leading a healthy life that will enable me to succeed in my academic, personal, and professional goals in the future.

The piano I practiced on at home

For my STEP Signature Project, I am learning piano at a beginner level, as I have no prior experience. Throughout the summer and part of the autumn semester, I have been taking weekly lessons at Musicologie Grandview. My personal goal is to be able to read and play music notes independently and reach an intermediate level in piano playing.

Completing my STEP project helped me realize that I am more passionate about learning piano than I initially thought. This experience taught me that age is not a barrier to learning new skills or pursuing personal interests. I had previously assumed that certain skills or hobbies might be best learned when younger, but this project showed me that, with dedication and passion, I can take on new challenges at any stage in life.
The most valuable lesson I gained from this experience is that it’s worth trying new things, regardless of age or background. Taking on something unfamiliar, like piano, reminded me that there’s a unique satisfaction in exploring interests purely for personal growth and enjoyment. This project has encouraged me to approach life with an open mind and embrace new opportunities, as I now understand that each experience, whether successful or not, adds depth to my life.

Several experiences and interactions have contributed to the personal growth and change I discussed. One of the most impactful aspects was my weekly lessons with my piano instructor at Musicologie Grandview. My instructor was patient, encouraging, and always reminded me that learning piano was a journey, not something to rush. This supportive environment helped me realize that progress isn’t always linear, and that setbacks or slow progress are just part of learning. Having someone who believed in my ability to learn, regardless of my starting point, motivated me to continue even when I found certain skills challenging.

Practicing on my own was another crucial aspect of this transformation. When I struggled with new pieces or techniques, I learned to embrace the process rather than focus solely on achieving a specific outcome. This mindset shift made practice sessions less about perfection and more about exploration and personal growth. By allowing myself to make mistakes and work through them, I began to feel more comfortable with the idea of trying new things, whether in music or in other areas of my life.

Another meaningful experience was meeting other beginner students during my sessions. Seeing people of various ages and backgrounds learning piano for the first time reinforced the idea that passion and curiosity are not limited by age. These interactions taught me that I wasn’t alone in my journey and that it’s entirely normal to be a beginner at something new. The shared experience of learning together created a sense of community and reminded me of the importance of pursuing interests regardless of where you start.

Finally, reflecting on my progress over the course of the project was a key factor in this transformation. By the end of the summer, I was able to see just how far I had come—from knowing nothing about piano to being able to play simple pieces and read sheet music. This realization not only boosted my confidence in my musical abilities but also reinforced the belief that I can take on new challenges with persistence and patience. This project has encouraged me to approach future goals with an open mind and confidence in my ability to grow, no matter how unfamiliar the path may seem.

This transformation is significant because it has taught me the value of lifelong learning and perseverance, which will benefit me academically, personally, and professionally. Embracing new challenges, regardless of my starting point or initial skill level, has shown me that growth and progress are achievable with dedication. In my academic and professional life, this mindset will encourage me to approach complex tasks or unfamiliar topics with patience and persistence, allowing me to build new skills and adapt to challenges effectively and never give up.
Personally, this experience has reinforced the importance of pursuing passions and interests, even if they fall outside my usual studies or career goals. It’s a reminder to prioritize activities that bring joy and balance into my life, which can help prevent burnout and improve my overall well-being. Looking forward, this change will empower me to explore new hobbies, embrace challenges, and continually seek opportunities for growth in all areas of life.

Over the duration of my STEP signature project, I participated in weekly guided instruction sessions with my teacher in order to learn to play the drums. During the days I did not have in person instruction, I worked on fundamental exercises and practiced songs within my skillset that interested me.

One big thing that I learned while doing this project was how to forgive myself for not excelling at a skill immediately. While I was learning to play, I would often mess up the rhythm or timing of the exercise/song I was working on, and I kept getting frustrated at how poorly I was playing. However, with some encouragement I kept at it. Persevering through the challenges wasn’t immediately super gratifying, I would describe it as more relieving than anything, but the feeling of putting to practice the things I had learned and being able to play a new song was incredible. By the end of the project, I was able to look back at what I had done and saw how those small incremental improvements drastically improved my skills, and that wouldn’t have been possible without all the practice I put in.

On a slightly different note, I learned a bit about how to express myself through the music I was playing. It is pretty common to hear about people who get in a specific mood and listen to music that fits it, Spotify for one has playlists for every imaginable scenario. I found that playing along to that music was almost more powerful when it came to really feeling that emotion that the song was trying to evoke. I would find myself sucked into the music and I began to think more about how each part is designed to make me feel. It is really interesting to take a track and remove the percussion, a lot of songs feel really hollow without it but playing the part yourself can really clear up the emotion that it is trying to evoke.

During the project, I would often get frustrated when trying to learn. It often felt like I wasn’t making progress, and it was really discouraging for me, but when I brought this up to my instructor, he explained how difficult it can be to learn a new skill, especially one that used a brand-new skillset. He was very patient with me and encouraged me to keep trying even if I kept messing up. He would offer feedback and try different strategies to help me wrap my mind around a new part that was tripping me up. When I finally figured it out and played the piece correctly, he would be ecstatic and very encouraging.

I practiced fairly regularly, trying to practice for about an hour per day, focusing on attempting to play along to the songs that I enjoyed. Usually, the song would change from day to day, but playing through the whole thing was not the point, rather it was practicing a regular basic pattern at various different tempos and to various different genres. This exposed me to new songs fairly regularly and really expanded my music taste as well as giving me ample choices to pick from for what ever mood I was feeling that day. By examining what music I felt in the mood for I was more accurately able to figure out what I was feeling and express it.

A big part of this learning experience was my instructor telling me not to burn myself out on playing. He appreciated the fact that I was practicing a lot, but he also was consistent in warning me not to over do it, and that if I need to take some time off to fall in love with the drums again then I should take it. This is something I definitely needed to hear, as I usually end up finding an obsession, having it be the only thing I can think about for a couple of weeks and inevitably burning out on it.

I have historically been really good at trying new things, but really bad at sticking with them. If I am not immediately good at something, I usually give up and move on to trying something new. This has been a consistent pattern throughout my life. For example, I have always wanted to learn how to draw, but whenever I tried, I would get about a week in before becoming so discouraged that I would completely give up. With this new experience in perseverance, I am hoping that when I give learning a skill another shot I will be able to struggle through the difficult initial period and make it through to the other side.

Over the summer and beginning of the fall semester I participated in weekly, individual voice lessons through Music & Arts based in Columbus, Ohio. Since the beginning of college, I have begun to value my artistic side and wanted to develop a new creative hobby/skill of singing. My overall goal was to be confident enough in my voice to sing in a band and perform live gigs.

During my lessons this summer, I learned about the challenges of learning a new skill and improving in it. I was focused on building the confidence to perform in a band and do solo gigs, but the journey was more challenging than I expected. The lessons taught me that persistence and consistency are key to improvement. Once I got used to my weekly schedule, I began to appreciate the discipline needed to practice every day. This is a skill that has carried into the first month of the semester, helping me in school and other activities. 

I also discovered the physical demand that comes with singing everyday. My voice was often sore after lessons, so in addition to becoming a better singer, I needed to increase the strength of my voice which seemed to be the most difficult part. This experience gave me a deep appreciation and respect for professional musicians who perform hour-long concerts multiple times a week. It is truly just as impressive as professional athletes who play high level sports that require endurance and strength.

My voice teacher, Charlene, challenged me every lesson to push myself and voice to the next level. Having one on one interactions with the same teacher every week was essential to my success. She got to know me and the way that I learn, allowing her to cater her teaching to my personality. I had never been put into an intimate learning environment before, but realized that learning skills directly from a professional is very valuable. 

Aside from lessons, my experience performing live in front of people taught me the most about myself. I had some past experiences with this in highschool but had never done it alone. I will never forget how nervous I felt before and how good I felt after my performance. I can’t imagine what professional artists go through before performing in front of thousands of people. The preparation for each performance was intense and required hours of practice to become confident enough in each song. Still, with this much practice I felt very uncomfortable putting myself out there in front of other people. The positive reactions I received from the audience after each song helped me slowly gain confidence through the set and made me realize that, no matter how I played, my friends would enjoy it. 

Another opportunity that I got to experience as an effect of singing was being able to play in a band with my friends. Although we haven’t performed live in front of a crowd yet, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed combining skills with other people to play my favorite songs. This has led me to developing new skills related to music that I otherwise would not have been able to learn. When I’m playing with my friends, I tend to forget about the stresses in my life and get to feel the peace and happiness that music curates. It is now my favorite way to calm myself down when life gets hectic. 

The biggest change that I have felt in myself since the beginning of my lessons is my ability to step out of my comfort zone while still feeling confident. When it comes to school presentations and even speaking during club meetings, I feel less anxious and feel like a smoother, more confident talker. I believe that I will perform better in future interviews, gigs, and presentations, which will lead to more success in my professional career.

This is a video of me and my friend Debanshu playing Ventura Highway.

This is a picture of me and my friend Mike. He also has a good voice which allows us to duet on songs.

My brother is a very talented pianist and my favorite musical partner. We often play music together.

During my STEP Signature Project, I participated in weekly, individual piano lessons at Music & Arts in Hilliard, Ohio. These 60-minute one-on-one lessons spanned over 20 weeks, allowing me to develop my skills in playing the piano while learning musical theory and improving my ability to read sheet music. I also purchased a keyboard for home practice, which was essential to my progress.

This project profoundly shifted my perception of discipline and creativity. Before starting, I assumed learning the piano would be a purely technical endeavor, relying heavily on repetition and memorization. However, as I immersed myself in the lessons, I realized that mastering the piano is not just about technical accuracy but also about expressing emotions and developing a deeper understanding of music as a language. This realization transformed my approach to learning and pushed me to appreciate the creative process in a new way.

The project also taught me the value of patience and persistence. Progress did not come as quickly as I initially expected, and I had to confront my own frustrations. This challenge ultimately helped me redefine my understanding of success, shifting my focus from perfection to continuous improvement and growth. One of the pivotal moments in my project came during my interactions with my piano instructor, who emphasized the importance of connecting emotionally with the music. She often spoke about how music reflects human experiences and emotions, and that playing the piano is about conveying those feelings. This perspective encouraged me to see the piano as a tool for personal expression, rather than merely a technical skill to master. It deepened my connection to the instrument and allowed me to approach each practice session with more intentionality and creativity.

Additionally, participating in an ensemble for the first time was a transformative experience. Playing with other musicians helped me understand the importance of collaboration and adaptability. I had to listen carefully to how my part fit with others, which expanded my appreciation for the complexity of music and how individual contributions come together to create something greater. This experience also helped me realize how interconnected our individual efforts are in any team setting, which is something I hadn’t fully appreciated before. Practicing on my own with my new keyboard at home was another key factor in my transformation. The routine of practicing alone gave me time to reflect on my progress and challenged me to set realistic, yet ambitious goals. It also taught me how to hold myself accountable for my own growth, which was an important personal lesson. This discipline spilled over into other areas of my life, reinforcing the importance of consistency and focus in achieving long-term goals.

This transformation is invaluable to both my personal and professional development. Personally, it has strengthened my ability to stay patient and resilient in the face of challenges—qualities that will help me in various aspects of life. Professionally, the discipline I developed through piano practice directly aligns with the persistence needed in any career, particularly in fields like economic consulting, where problem-solving and long-term strategy are essential.

Moreover, learning to collaborate in the ensemble mirrors the importance of teamwork in professional environments. Just as playing music in sync with others requires active listening and adaptation, working on consulting teams requires understanding different perspectives and finding harmony between them. This experience will certainly benefit me in my future career as I navigate complex projects and work with diverse teams.

Practicing on my own keyboard in my room!

For my STEP signature project, I chose to partake in professional one on one and group classes for beginners in photography. My classes consisted of in-depth informational meetings with feedback and instruction on how to take better pictures as well as understanding the camera and its functions.

Initially going into this project what I was hoping to get out of it was to be able to have a better understanding on how to use my own personal camera as well as to better my skills and broaden my background in my path of architecture. While I most definitely did accomplish what I wanted and am greatly appreciative for the opportunity that I got to learn from the project, I also gained a new perspective on how I see and experience the world around me. This view changed for me when participating in one of my group classes where I went into the city of Pittsburgh to take pictures.

Having some experience in taking pictures and understanding the art behind the experience of picture taking gave me an idea of what photographers do, however I did not understand the appreciation and point of view that one gains from taking picture in a public setting. I have always thought that I only wanted to take photos of nature, landscapes, or buildings, I never thought that I would enjoy taking urban pictures with people around watching what I do, it always seemed intimidating to me. However, when my instructor suggested that I try it out in with their help as well as company being there in a group setting

After experiencing the challenge of overcoming the intimidation of taking photos in public it became increasingly interesting to me as the more I observed this personal new way of taking pictures. It also made for some great interactions with friendly strangers, as some would be interested in what we were taking photos for or even want to be in some photos themselves. I am grateful for my instructor pushing me to try something that I was most likely not ever planning on doing and probably never would have if it were on my own, their initiative to get me outside of my comfort zone expanded my horizons and added a better experience to this project.

Completing this project and gaining more knowledge on this art of photography has pushed me to experience and think of different ways to experience the world around me and apply it to my field of architecture. It gives me a perspective in a different creative field that it very applicable in enhancing what I do as a student in architecture. It makes for more creative ideas that may be even more unique than if I have not been learning this art. Photography has also been significant to me in developing my own personal interests. It has allowed me to capture the things around me that I appreciate most adding to my experiences and personal development in the creative field.