Understanding the arts.

In my time at USM I have been to a variety of on campus "arts" events. I've seen a few theatrical showcases and been into the art gallery for a few shows. I didn't know much about art when I first came to USM aside from the fact that I liked it. The more time I spend at the university, the more I am opened up to the world of the arts on campus.

I took an art class in the spring that really helped me understand a lot about art in general. It taught me more than just how to draw, it taught me to appreciate the craft as a whole and those who specialize in art. Going to an art show is so much more than just seeing nice paintings, now I know what to look for in these paintings.

I never went to any on-campus productions until I met a friend who is in the musical theater department. Seeing a show with her is much more fun because I can see on her face how much she loves the whole process of acting.

I also have friends in the music department and listening to them talk about their love for music helps me understand musc that much more.

It isn't always easy understanding the arts, but knowing others who love and understand it makes all the difference.

The Arts at USM.

So, this semester I have been given the task of blogging about the arts on campus here at the University of Southern Mississippi. USM has a longstanding history of great arts programs including the School of Music, the department of Art and Design, the department of Theater and the department of Dance.

This semester will be full of exciting events, exhibits and showings including the upcoming production of "Sweeny Todd". Other events include guest singers, musicians, and new art gallery openings.

This semester will be a great opportunity to see some of the most talented students on campus do what they are best at, and I am excited to bring it all to you, so stick around, won't you?

Beth Bolyard: New Semester, New Introductions.

In the fall semester of last year I was in a class that required me to blog on a regular basis. Since I started that class with an introductory post, which you can find earlier in this blog, I figured I would give more of an update on my life and where I've come in the past five months.

I am still at USM and I am still studying Public Relations. I think now more than ever I am convinced this is the right degree for me. First, the program lends itself to learning multiple disciplines, both within the department of Mass Communication and without. I'm learning how to problem solve in the real world, how to use social media to my advantage and how to be a good, well rounded reporter. I also have the advantage of learning Spanish, which is an extremely useful tool in todays job market and will greatly increase my chances of being hired once I'm out of school. Along with that, I am minoring in English, wich is fulfilling my "school of thought" desire. In all, I feel that this degree will make me the most well rounded candidate for whatever field I decide to go into; for this I am extremely excited.

Outside of school, these past few months have been equally trying and rewarding. I have given of my time to various outlets and passions only to see nothing in return. I have questioned and re-questioned the direction I was going in life and have considered switching majors or even just dropping school altogether multiple times. I have set aside toxic relationships and gathered new, rewarding ones. I have met people who share different ideals than I do, but still share a common, human bond to move forward together to figure it out along the way. I have re-learned what it means to be loyal and what it means to care for someone and be cared for in return. 

My faith has also been tried these past few months and I believe I have grown greatly because of it. I have questioned God's providence and overall will for my life and I have even had some angry words with Him over the whole issue. I have mulled my faith over and over in my mind and I feel that I am finally beginning to see some light at the end of this tunnel. I don't know that I have all the answers, in fact, I don't expect that I ever will, but my desire to pursue the truth in all areas of my life will continuously drive me forward. I expect I will have struggles with faith again in my life, but I know where truth can be found, and I will continue to turn there when things get dark again.

I would like to take you all on this journey if you are willing to come. We will be discussing issues of humanity, culture, policy, philosophy and what this all means for all of us. I'd love it if you would join in; the more people, thought processes, ideals, faiths and beliefs, the better. I cannot wait to see where this takes us all, until then, thank you for reading.

Beth Bolyard