Dorothy R. Santos

I can’t believe it’s the first official day of school! I feel like a rambunctious kindergartener inside. My first class doesn’t start until noon so I’m checking in with professional and personal tasks and getting settled into my new surroundings. It’s a great feeling being here. One of the first things I did on campus was get the library sticker for my school ID. Since I wanted to ‘hit the ground running’ with research, the first question out of my mouth was, “Are we allowed to request books that are not in the library to be included in the collection?” The school librarian (and I’m sure one of my new BFFs) stated that the students are able to request books for purchase! Nice. Naturally, I wondered, “What is the budget for requests like that?”. In any case, I’m sure a portion of my tuition goes to this library so I better take good care of my resources.

As I settle into my new space, I’m not going to lie, I’m nervous. Taking classes for personal enrichment is great and good. But going into a graduate program with the economy the way it is and learning adjunct professors don’t get paid squat, well, it’s a bit disheartening to say the least. Yet, I believe this is the right path for me despite what the naysayers think. Besides, I’m looking at an emerging field – new media and digital arts theory. Exciting stuff! Finding new friends, discovering artists, meeting scholars, and reading books (and more books) about this new territory is daunting but I know I’m in the right place.

Bottom line: Having the support and the tools is great BUT it matters how you go about using them. It’s also about taking the onus for my success and failures and turning them around to make even bigger and better things (whether it’s writing, collaborative work, or helping build an organization). I will continue to use this space, primarily as a writing portfolio and sharing the exciting events happening at some of my favorite places (including ZERO1, GAFFTA, SOMArts Cultural Center, and Art Practical), which I will be sure to post. Also, with my recent trip to Phoenix, Arizona, pictures will be in the near foreseeable future (as soon as I can get them uploaded)!

If you are curious about my academic life, check me out over here.