The Touchstone Experience
One of the events I attended this year was the WCU musical production of Ride The Cyclone. This performance was incredibly impactful for me, and I went to see it twice. The second showing maintained the same impact as the first, although I knew what to expect. This was because the actors were fun to watch perform, so I did not mind watching them recite the same lines a second time. The crowd also provided the cast with energy by showing their appreciation for their work during the show by laughing, clapping, and cheering. These also gave me energy and helped me feel a part of the environment. This production is important for the art world because it is a wonderful representation of different kinds of people who are each given the equal opportunity to tell their story. Two of these characters include a gay man and a differently abled person, which are both perspectives not often told in the media. It incorporates inclusivity in a witty way that I have never seen before. Ride the Cyclone constantly surprised me, keeping me on my toes throughout. I came into the show with low expectations since musicals are usually not my scene, but I came out of the first performance longing to see it again. The only other musical I have seen in my life was Mamma Mia in a high school production with acting not quite at the level of Ride the Cyclone. However, I also enjoyed that performance, which leads me to believe I should quit judging musicals before seeing them. The shows on campus provide a space for me to detox from the stress of classes as well as a social gathering where I can meet friends. I was able to use Ride the Cyclone as a means to take a break from classes during the busy time of the school year. I also attended each performance with a separate group of friends. I was also able to bring my friend who was visiting from out of state to the second showing. Because I enjoyed this experience as well as other fine arts performances I have attended on campus, I will continue to include these shows in my WCU journey.
Academic Reasons for Travel
- Navigating a new college campus
- Learning about specific historic Italian artists
- Engaging in research opportunities in a different country
Non-Academic Reasons for Travel
- Trying lots of gelato flavors
- Seeing ancient ruins
- Visiting Venice and riding in a boat through the city
Academic Reasons for Travel
- Improving my proficiency in the German language
- Building credits towards a German minor
- Connecting with my professor
Non-Academic Reasons for Travel
- Seeing the Alp Mountains
- Trying authentic Schnitzel
- Seeing a full town of German architecture
Academic Reasons for Travel
- Learning about chemistry in one of the most scientifically advanced countries in the world
- Practicing my understanding of the language
- Figuring out how to traverse a foreign country to help with my problem solving skills
Non-Academic Reasons for Travel
- Buying food from a Korean convenience store
- Eating food in a hot pot restaurant
- Visiting Bukchon Hanok Village
I chose these touchstone activities because they relate to my goals for college. I was always aware I would need a way to manage stress from my classes during the school year, so I was glad I found a method that also satiated my desire to get involved with on campus events. I have wanted to study abroad since I began high school, so it made sense for me to take this opportunity and look into specific destinations I wanted to visit. Depending on what classes I can take, studying abroad might set me back if I can’t get the credits I need to continue on with my major. If that happens, I will probably end up only going on faculty led programs, so it won’t interfere with my 8-semester plan. By attending a WCU musical, I was able to find out how often there are performances put on by the school of performing arts that I can attend whenever I feel bored. By choosing the study abroad artifact, I was able to learn where I would be able to travel through WCU programs. I’ll begin planning a specific trip for my sophomore year next semester so I will be prepared. I will also continue attending WCU’s performing arts productions while on my academic path. To future Brinson Honors College students, I would say to branch out during college because there is a lot to experience at WCU. College is a good place to make connections, but only if a person is looking for them. The touchstone experience provides a good jumping off point for the rest of the college experience and gives various forms of opportunities in different areas to look into. Studying abroad is always good for opening an individual up to new experiences, and self-care is necessary to make it through college without damage to mental health. However, everyone has different goals for their college experience and should choose whichever touchstone is best for them.