Capsstone Essay
Capsstone Essay
When I think back to my college years, particularly to the decision of choosing my major—Communication Studies—I remember the myriad of questions that clouded my mind. Would this major alter the trajectory of my life in unforeseen ways? Would it limit my future career options, or open doors to new possibilities? These were questions that lingered as I embarked on my academic journey. Over time, through hard work and reflection, I began to see my future with greater clarity, and I found that my choice of major was indeed the right one for me.
At the core of my education was a desire to deepen my thinking patterns and acquire knowledge that would not only benefit me professionally but also personally. Communication Studies, I realized, was a field that went beyond the mere exchange of information; it was about understanding the deeper implications of how we communicate and the impact of that communication on society. In today’s world, where information is received from a multitude of sources—whether through traditional conversations, written words, or digital recordings—the ability to think critically and creatively has never been more important. I came to understand that these tools are essential not only for processing the vast amount of information we encounter daily but also for making smarter, more effective decisions in both academic and everyday contexts.
Some of the most influential works that shaped my perspective include Paulo Freire's Pedagogy of the Oppressed and Alan Bloom's The Closing of the American Mind. Freire's critique of the traditional "banking" model of education, where students are seen as passive recipients of information, resonated deeply with me. He argued that education should be a process of liberation, encouraging students to question reality and challenge authority. This idea of education as a tool for empowerment reinforced my belief in the importance of critical thinking—not just as a means of acquiring knowledge, but as a way to actively engage with and transform the world around us.
https://www.wanqiaoli.com/post/a-comparison-of-the-works-by-freire-and-bloom
Alan Bloom’s work further deepened my understanding of the dangers of a lack of critical thinking. He posited that the decline of democracy is linked to the inability of people to distinguish between true insight and manipulative propaganda. This insight was a powerful reminder of the role that critical thinking plays in maintaining a healthy, functioning society, and it motivated me to apply these principles consistently in both my studies and my personal life.
One of the defining experiences of my college years was my involvement in a research project on how Latinos use social media to resist cultural and political oppression. As an international student from China, I found a deep connection with these acts of resistance. I understood the importance of confronting prejudice and injustice, not just within the confines of my own experiences but on a global scale. This project highlighted the transformative power of digital platforms—not merely as tools for disseminating information but as arenas for expression, resistance, and social change.
In this project, I explored how digital platforms have become crucial in shaping and amplifying social movements. Social media, I realized, is more than just a platform for sharing opinions; it is a powerful tool that marginalized groups can use to gather strength and make their voices heard. Movements like #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter, which have gained momentum and visibility through social media, exemplify how digital spaces can inspire global conversations and catalyze real-world actions.
Creating a visual representation of this understanding was another significant aspect of my academic journey. In one of my assignments, I designed a poster that symbolized the role of social media in supporting marginalized voices. The poster used a combination of abstract 2D and 3D elements, integrating natural materials such as dirt, moss, and bones to give the artwork a tangible sense of reality. This approach allowed me to convey the idea that social media is not just a flat, digital space but a dynamic, real-world force that can shape and influence societal structures.
https://www.wanqiaoli.com/portfolio-collections/my-portfolio/defender
The concept of defense mechanisms, inspired by the digital age, played a central role in my artistic expression. In the poster, I recreated a scene reminiscent of the "Plants vs. Zombies" game, where players plant various defenses against waves of zombies. This game metaphorically resonated with the idea of individuals and communities building lines of defense to protect themselves from external threats, whether they be social injustices, prejudices, or cyber violence.
In real life, just as in the game, people often construct psychological or practical defenses to safeguard what is important to them. Social media and digital platforms have become essential tools in these efforts, enabling individuals to voice their resistance and defend against negative influences. The plants in my artwork symbolized these defenses, representing the shelter and support offered in the face of challenges, while the zombies embodied the external pressures and threats that people encounter in their social environments.
Reflecting on these experiences, I have come to understand that the true value of my education lies not just in the accumulation of knowledge but in its application to real-world problems. Throughout my undergraduate years, I have continuously applied the critical and creative thinking skills I developed in my Communication Studies to navigate complex challenges in both academic research and everyday life.
My education has also taught me the importance of empathy and responsibility as a global citizen. As a Chinese international student, I have felt a strong sense of duty to give voice to those who are struggling against injustice, and this has driven me to explore ways to use my skills and knowledge to support and amplify important social movements. Whether through research, art, or digital communication, I have sought to create work that not only reflects my understanding of the world but also contributes to its betterment.
In the final stages of my undergraduate studies, I was able to synthesize all of these experiences into a capstone project that allowed me to express my growth both academically and personally. This project was a culmination of the knowledge I had gained and the skills I had developed throughout my studies. It involved creating a comprehensive portfolio that showcased my research, creative works, and reflections on how Communication Studies had shaped my worldview.
This portfolio was more than just a collection of assignments; it was a narrative of my journey through college, highlighting the themes of critical thinking, social justice, and creative expression that had defined my academic experience. It was through this project that I realized the full extent of my transformation over the past four years. I could see how the questions I had at the beginning of my studies had evolved into a deeper understanding of the role that communication plays in shaping our lives and our societies.
Looking ahead, I am excited to apply these lessons to my future studies and career. I plan to pursue a career in media and communication, where I can continue to use my skills to advocate for social justice, promote understanding across cultural boundaries, and empower underrepresented communities. My experiences in Communication Studies have equipped me with the tools to think critically, act creatively, and communicate effectively, and I am confident that these skills will serve me well as I work towards my professional goals.
In conclusion, my journey through Communication Studies has been transformative. It has not only shaped my academic and professional aspirations but also instilled in me a deep commitment to using my voice and skills to make a positive impact on society. As I move forward, I carry with me the lessons of critical thinking, creative expression, and social responsibility, all of which will guide me in the next steps of my journey.
If I were to look back at the person I was when I first began my studies, I believe I would be amazed at the growth, complexity, and depth of my experiences. The knowledge I have gained, the challenges I have faced, and the creative works I have produced have all contributed to a richer, more nuanced understanding of the world and my place in it. This journey has not only been an academic endeavor but a personal transformation that I will carry with me into the future.
