My outlook has changed greatly since the beginning of high school. I no longer dread working hard, stepping outside of my comfort zone, or pursuing the things that really matter to me. Over the past four years, I've gone through a lot of personal growth, and one unexpected but big influence on that journey has been ceramics. The art itself, and the class as a whole, played a huge role in shaping who I am today. It wasn't just about making pottery, it was about discovering patience, perseverance, and the beauty in perfection. Ceramics became more than just an art class, it became a space where I could explore who I was and what I was capable of.
As I completed each project and pushed myself further, I started to see the lessons ceramics had to offer. I gained a better understanding of myself and began to see a future where I could continue working with my hands and expressing myself artistically. I learned the importance of discipline, not just showing up, but being persistent in my work. I learned how to let things go, whether it was a project that didn’t turn out as planned or mistakes that couldn’t be avoided. I also developed a strong attention to detail, recognizing how the smallest change could affect the outcome of an entire piece that I had spent so long creating.
Before taking this class, I had no real outlet for creativity. I didn’t realize how much I needed one until I found it. Ceramics taught me how to communicate my emotions and ideas in a tangible form, something I could see, feel, and be proud of. Thanks to ceramics, I feel ready to face new challenges, take risks, and continue learning. I know that whatever path I choose in life, the lessons I’ve learned in the classroom will stay with me and shape who I am.
