This class has been an eye-opener for me, perhaps more than any of my philosophy classes that I have taken thus far. It has led me to see just what I want to do in life, and where I can really go from the end of my college journey. I couldn’t realize any of this without the help of Jim and Kat, who no amount of words can thank enough.

Through this class, I had the opportunity to learn about some of the behind-the-scenes requirements for an on-stage production. From setting up lighting, to building a massive set from the ground up (literally because we had to re-work the stage the set was to be on), I had a hand in every part of the drama process besides the actual acting. I learned to operate a number of power tools and some heavy machinery, and awoke within me a love of the trades. Thanks to this class, I am now on track to become a welder contracted by the Navy to work on nuclear submarines, a complete 180 from my original plan before taking the class.

The learning curve for the tools and the heavy-lifting required for the course proved to be a challenge in the beginning, but thanks to Jim’s stern and constructive directing, I was able to overcome it with some ease.

No amount of words can really encapsulate all that I learned in this course, or what I took away from it, all I can really say is that it was the opportunity of a lifetime, and I am grateful for every minute of it.