Hi, this is Nancy! In my first year as an STA at the DMB, I took on my first campus job at the college. Reflecting on my time here, I’ve realized how much valuable knowledge I’ve gained, which is deeply connected to my passions.
Throughout the Fall semester, being a newcomer meant I got to work alongside fellow talented STAs to learn from them. I was pleasantly surprised by the warm reception and assistance from everyone, which made me feel genuinely welcomed. Each STA introduced me to various areas of interest within the realm of technology, broadening my understanding in ways I hadn’t experienced before: how to use Wacom to draw, to use Figma to trace logos, to use Unity to make games, etc,.
One of the highlights of this year was delving into modeling, a field I’ve always been interested in. Blender was a challenging and rewarding tool for creating 3D objects and characters. Despite numerous obstacles, I kept going and tried my best to complete my “donut journey” and I’m so happy with how it turned out. Receiving much encouragement from my coworkers, and especially from my advisor, Caitlyn Deeter, played a crucial role in keeping me motivated and pushing through the tough times, which I am always thankful for.
![Process of making a donut in blender, plain donut](https://inside.wooster.edu/technology/wp-content/uploads/sites/83/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-02-29-at-16.57.39-2-1024x555.png)
![Process of making a donut in blender - donut with Icing](https://inside.wooster.edu/technology/wp-content/uploads/sites/83/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-06-at-17.07.00-1024x796.png)
![Close up of colored Donut](https://inside.wooster.edu/technology/wp-content/uploads/sites/83/2024/05/image.png)
Furthermore, the process of editing and designing several posters, including tracing the GEO Wooster logo, provided me with a sense of accomplishment at every stage of the creative process. From concept to execution, each moment allowed me to express my creativity and improve my visual communication skills. It was truly rewarding to see the finished products displayed around campus and to receive positive feedback from both peers and faculty. It reaffirmed my interest in design and fueled my desire to learn more about it and expand my skills in this field.
![Wooster Global Engagement Office (GEO) Logo](https://inside.wooster.edu/technology/wp-content/uploads/sites/83/2024/05/image-1.png)
![Spring 2024 All Workshops poster](https://inside.wooster.edu/technology/wp-content/uploads/sites/83/2024/05/Nancy-Saya-STA-All-Workshops-Spr-2024-724x1024.png)
Additionally, attending workshops hosted by other STAs introduced me to a wide range of topics, including 3D printing, OpenToonz, and Notion. These workshops not only helped me improve my own skills, but they also provided valuable opportunities for me to learn from my colleagues and contribute to our team’s collective knowledge base.
Reflecting on my time as an STA, I am grateful for the invaluable experiences and lessons learned. Working with dedicated colleagues and advisors has not only improved my technical skills but also created a sense of community and collaboration. Looking ahead, I’m excited about the opportunities for further growth and development in this role. As I continue my journey, I am excited to broaden my knowledge and contribute to the team’s success. With each new challenge, I am reminded of the value of determination, passion, and the supportive network of people who have helped me along the way.