General Arts & Science

When I initially looked at the General Arts and Science programs, I was intrigued, and a little unsure of the choices and routes available to me. I spoke to some students who had experiences with the GAS programs, and I hadn’t heard any negative comments. I went on to learn that the opportunity within the GAS programs, was specific to the particular branch of GAS. I later discovered that these programs are specifically geared towards those who aren’t entirely decided on what field they would like to enter after the colleges experience. The GAS programs are exceptionally adept at helping the student narrow down their options and interests, in order to continue with further studies after the one year minimum has gone by - or even before that.

Accordingly, the professors within the GAS system are all very knowledgable as well. They have no issues offering students guidance, perspective, and whatever knowledge they may have about different career paths branching from a variety of programs. For students who are being rehabilitated into the post-secondary system, this is also an excellent opportunity to sharpen study skills and habits, in preparation for more specific programs later on, or the work field itself.

In addition to the friendly staff and some of the benefits to the ‘general’ look at the GAS programs, the branches themselves are also very well organized themselves. On a more personal level, entering my own branch of the GAS courses (media and communications), my interest in language and media was vague and undefined.

Throughout the first semester I’ve been able to associate myself with a fair amount of other media-minded people, whom I’m able to share some common interests with. In addition to meeting some engaging people, I’ve also been able to observe their many different senses of directions. I feel as though I’ve matured just by forming these relationships. It’s nice to feel a little more sage, wise. Keeping these new friendships and paths in mind,I’ve been able to develop and shape my interests a little further. For example, the field of Journalism itself has piqued my interest, and I think that’s where I’m going to focus my efforts next year.

busses

now i’m one of the those dim lights
shooting across the freeway
my breathing only another negligible instrument
blended in the symphony of mechanical sighs of the bus
shipping me somewhere unfamiliar but friendly

a place where i’ve cried rivers
pounded earthquakes,
and sighed tornadoes.

now a chilly irony in a black waistcoat
sits comfortably beside me,
and i’m not even shocked,
it seems almost necessary.
now that i’ve got these sunken eyes,
my body an unhealthy tinge of grey.

i’m coming home,
painting the parallels of my journey,
illustrating the interlude of my first year alive.

i’ve arrived, there are quires serenading my return
crowds gathered to see my feet touch the soil

but i found a backdoor, a way out.
and before i find my company,
i find myself alone.
kneeling, with snow in my hands,
crushed glass and paper tears at my feet,
hoping, praying this place has answers for me.

awake

these reputable sins were continuous
something familiar that flitted by unnoticed
sleek within its journey,
like the nicotine silhouetting linens
the fingerprints clinging to the walls

it took a little more than honesty to abolish it
but i think the stain has finally gone

washed away when i was sheet white in october
though i woke up green on november morning
the frost beckoned me closer to the window,
and i gazed hungrily at the shroud covering the street

struck in awe and finally dazed
i found those weary roads had been paved,
the icicles formed frail railings for the elderly
traditional snowflake gowns were being resown
into crisp carnation crops,
where the most beautiful winter blossoms were grown

and i’m feeling exonerated by the cold
the harsh wind on my face has snapped my eyes open
leaving the birdcage of obscurity and questionable purpose open and vacant,
its hangings abandoned and solemn

the wind will continue to chime
and for now, the ringing in my ears will be enough
until the church bells ring,
until i can hear those angels sing.