Masterpieces of the Mind – Classic Literature Response Paper
For my Classic Literature class, my professor challenged us to write about the importance of experiences that we do not need to survive, but life would be lacking without, like watching a sunset or smelling the roses. Immediately I knew I wanted to write about the merit of art and its history not only in my life but the world. In completing this assignment, I came to the realization that I wanted to follow my passion and pursue a minor in the History of Art.
I’ve decided to include my first response paper that helped me find my minor for my first artifact entry. My Introduction to Classic Literature professor, Professor Gregory Jusdanis, always emphasizes to us the significance of the non-essential; he reminds us that life is worth living because of these optional escapades. Because he believes it is so critical to uncover these experiences, he made this the topic to our first paper.
My head was filled with countless ideas: watching baby sea turtles hatch, traveling, and the one I kept coming back to, viewing art. I took my first Art History course my senior year of high school and although it was exigent, I was fervent about the course material. Over the course of the year, I became an avid museum visitor; I wanted to witness the great works of the world that connect us across the span of time. Nonetheless, I just thought of my love for art as a hobby, something I could experience on the side.
Professor Jusdanis’ assignment gave me a new outlook on my fondness of the history of art. Through his assignment, I saw the importance of chasing my passions and doing something I love. Without completing this assignment and truly contemplating my eagerness about art history, I don’t know if I would have decided to obtain my minor. Moreover, the assignment challenged my previously-held view on education and my occupational path, in general. I discovered that there is value in doing what you love and that my passion for art holds just as much (if not more) value to my life as anything else. The fact that this paper and Professor Jusdanis challenged my thought process and psyche and emboldened me to follow what I’m ardent about is monumental. To me, it is what higher education is all about.
In a faculty interview I completed for my Mount Leadership Society Scholars class, Professor Jusdanis provided me with a vast range of advice he would give to first-year students. It was as follows:
“Take time for the things that you think are unimportant, but hold value.”
“Take time for beauty and to not be dependent on technology.”
“Avail yourself of the opportunities that exist outside your field.”
I take these words to heart and encourage every individual to do the same. At Ohio State, I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to pursue two different fields, both of which I treasure. Further, I am lucky enough to have professors who care enough to encourage and dare me to warp my thinking so I am receiving the most from my college experience. All in all, I am lucky enough to have assignments that can make such a profound impact upon my life.
