In the late Renaissance, art academies came to be the source of knowledge for those wanting to learn art. Students were taught basic artistic skills by a master, and learned geometry and anatomy as well. After their time there, some would go off and open their own academies. I feel like my time here at the University of Illinois has taught me so much about myself and the disciplines that I was encouraged to study. Through my many “masters,” I have grown so much in knowing about the world, not just the artworks I studied. My classmates gave me a broader view of whatever I was learning and allowed me to expand my thinking. I decided to come to college because I wanted to keep learning. I couldn’t get enough of it. I’ve always taught myself things, but there’s something valuable about someone else showing you their perspective on something. My professors were rays of light and were always excited to teach a concept, formula, or theory. After trying a number of majors, I finally decided on Art History. People asked me, “What are you going to do with that?” The truth is, I haven’t got a clue. I loved museums and love to think about everything that went into each object: the politics, the ideas, or the mind that authored it. I’m an avid traveler and, wherever life takes me, at least I know everything I have learned here will aid me in my journey.