STEP Reflection
For my STEP project, I took a ceramics class. In that class, I learned how to use a wheel to throw clay.
Using a potters wheel is a new skill for me. Previously I had only ever hand built with clay. I had to learn how to use muscles in my hands that I hadn’t had any opportunity to work previously. To be honest, I’m not very good at it. At first, this was very frustrating and it hurt my ego because in high school I won awards for previous ceramic pieces. Through trial and error, I learned to enjoy not being good at this new skill because all it is, is a chance to learn and grow as a person. My signature project has helped me grow by showing me how to turn frustration into creativity.
One way I came to my realization was through my interaction with my instructor, Sarah. She was very nonjudgmental. She never made me feel embarrassed about how bad I was at using a potters wheel. If I had a question about a certain technique, she would jump at the opportunity to show me a new way to go about it that would work for me. By leading me in an understanding manner, I was able to let go of my pride and just enjoy playing with clay for a few weeks. I really appreciate her for that.
Another experience that led to me making my realization was through my interactions with the other members of my class. There were about 5 others in my class, and I think they positively contributed to my learning because they were all from different skill levels. For example, one student was taking the class because she was exploring boobies after a breakup, another was learning how to throw because she had a wheel at home, and another was entering retirement and just wanted a change of pace. Seeing all of these different people come together and be vulnerable enough to try a new skill, fail, and keep going helped me to realize further that it is ok to be vulnerable around people. I was surrounded by a group of people who weren’t judging me because I didn’t know something, but we’re encouraging me to learn.
A final experience that contributed to my learning was physically throwing on the wheel. Like I mentioned before, I had to work muscles that I have never used before so the first few classes ended with me having to stop early because I was too tired to keep throwing. This taught me about my limits. It also showed me how important it is to not push past them because when I did, I wasn’t able to function as well as I needed to at the other things I had going on in my life at the time. I’m glad I took this class because now I feel like I have a better sense of how to protect my boundaries.
I value the change that my STEP project allowed me to have. I feel like now I am able to accept myself more for where I am. Before, I would just be disappointed in myself for not immediately being great at something new. This new skill is so valuable to me because now I’ll be able to be more vulnerable with myself and others instead of being so closed off. While it’s common sense, it’s nice to have a reminder to enjoy the learning process because the journey is half the fun.
