Journal - Sense of Place
Different places have had significant meanings in my life that have affected me in becoming the person I am today. Growing up in Carrollton, Texas was probably one of the biggest factors that have contributed to me. Carrollton is a suburb in North Dallas having 3 high schools, 2 of which are considered the “better schools”. I spent 1 year at Newman Smith High School and the last 3 years at Creekview High School. The high schools were the most memorable moments in my life, consisting though mainly of bad memories. Had I not attended these schools and experienced what I had experienced, I would not be the person I am today. I would not have the perception, viewpoints, or understanding of the world around me the way I do today. Newman Smith High School, which I attended before it went under construction, was huge. It had mostly brown decorating the whole building, inside and out, and a 70’s style of decoration throughout the school. Creekview was finished in 1998 and consisted of bright, modern colors along with their school colors and mascot flashed everywhere on campus. Creekview was set up like one long rectangle with 3 floors, while on the other hand Newman Smith had 2 floors and the main building was shaped like a big square with legs. The center of the square was where the cafeteria was located and anyone could over look it on the 2nd floor. Like the high schools, other important places have contributed into the molding of my life. Methodist hospital, in downtown Dallas, my home in Carrollton, Seoul and Kwang Ju, South Korea, UCLA’s campus, Guanajuato, Mexico, UTA’s campus, and now here at UT. Each of my time spent in each area listed have given me different perceptions and a new outlook on life itself through my experiences in those settings. It is amazing how a short amount of time spent in an area much different from my hometown can cause me to view people, places, ideas, and cultures differently. Although there are many places and settings that are significant in my life, the most memorable and impacting ones were listed. However, I know well that there are many more to come in life and the journey is not and will not be over for quite some time.