How Can College Students Find Their Creative Voice?
Karen Blixen's "Babette's Feast" would stir the emotions of college students who have artistic inclinations; a refugee of the Franco-Prussian War finds a second home in a remote Danish community. She becomes a servant to a pastor's daughters, and she wants to show her gratitude to them. She's a good cook, hoping that she would be given an opportunity to show her very best. She happens to win the lottery, which her friend in Paris would buy for her. She uses all of her winnings to prepare a sumptuous dinner for the sisters and their congregation. An artist is never poor, she says to the sisters. The siblings look at her with awe.
The practical readers may not appreciate the short story, but they could be missing Blixen's point of view. Art makes lots of people happy, and it doesn't confine to painting, sculpture, and cinema. Creativity can be performed in the kitchen, but students often can't make time for preparing a meal. Creative thinking is needed to pen an interesting essay since bare facts wouldn't be good enough to persuade a professor. Lastly, art is the only thing that keeps a civilization from losing its soul. An Orwellian society is one good example of artless society, which is Orwell's vision of a fascist state. Funding the arts has always been an issue, as budget cuts have happened more than once. Americans are luckier, though. Street art might have something to do with it.
Most college students tend to occupy themselves either having a social life or keeping up with the demands of their coursework. Having both shouldn't stop them from indulging their artistic side.
How Do You Express Yourself Creatively?
Photography. Technology made photography accessible to everyone. All you need is a mobile phone. Options for taking pictures are literally endless, as the functions are the same as a digital camera. You can step up professionally by paying attention to the background and adjusting yourself to get the best of it. The time of the day is another factor. And don't forget the angle of the shots. There's nothing wrong with posting too many selfies on social media, but you can turn your account into a gallery, while such portfolio can be a good addition to your CV. If you want to take this hobby to the next level, then you might have to find a part-time job, save money, and buy a DSLR camera. You can also ask your parents for some financial help. For a good cause, they might help a lot.
Writing. Many students may assume that paper writing would be enough, which is not. Passing a requirement is only a tiny part of the issue while striving to be the best writer is the rest of it. It entails lots of reading and lots of writing. You also have to overcome bouts of self-doubt on many occasions. Bringing a journal along anywhere you go is the best advice that any seasoned writer can give to students like you. If you're thinking of a stanza to describe a picturesque setting, it'd be useful to have a notebook to write it down. Blogging is another option, which lets one find an audience in a short time. There is no set of rules, so your creative juice won't be blocked. Make sure that you prioritize the coursework first.
Drawing. This might prompt you to consider a career in comic books. You can also devote your time to painting. However, keep in mind that the most gifted painters didn't get to live long to reap the fruit of their hard work. You can think about it after you earn your degree. If you're really serious about pursuing this craft, then you better find a job. Luck plays a part too!.
How to Help Other Students?
Show your encouragement to other students. This is not the right place and time to be a critic unless your professor asks for your opinion. Don't patronize someone else. There's no need to look at your classes as a cutthroat environment.
Art is a subjective matter, so there won't be a unanimous opinion on a particular piece. Don't be offended by someone not giving a high opinion of your work. It has nothing to do with you. You don't have to agree with everything that another student is saying about a certain work. You don't know all the answers.
You must be a good listener. It's right to follow your instincts, even hold on to your beliefs when you need to prove something. A little room for doubt is needed here, as you want to do your best. Instinct will pay a part in your next step, which may help you do better. If you didn't get the desired results, then there would be another chance.
Patience is a virtue. Teenagers won't realize it until they get older and have more experience. You must finish something that you have started, even if you lose your enthusiasm along the way. You can make some revisions when you're done with it. If writing is your passion, then follow Stephen King's lead. It took him years before revising the draft of "The Dark Tower" series. Your perspective can change with time, and it can be a good thing.
Don't ever dismiss a fleeting moment. It might be your best idea. It can lead you to create a masterpiece.
