✨ First Semester Back in College: DONE! ✨

I did it! After taking the leap to go back to college, I’ve officially wrapped up my first semester. It wasn’t always easy—juggling assignments, exams, and life—but I made it through.

There were challenges along the way (looking at you, math class 😒), but I never gave up. Even when things felt overwhelming, I kept pushing forward. Now, I’m one step closer to achieving my goals!

This semester wasn’t just about academics—it was also about creativity and growth. For my final exam in mixed media, I created The Journey of Building My Dollhouse, a project that showcased my imagination and allowed me to experiment with different materials.

Crafting a dollhouse is more than assembling pieces and painting walls—it’s a reflection of creativity, patience, and vision. Over the past weeks, I transformed a blank dollhouse into a vibrant, miniature world. From designing tiny details to troubleshooting unexpected challenges, this project has been an unforgettable journey.

I wanted my dollhouse to have a cozy, welcoming vibe. Every piece of furniture, color choice, and decorative item was carefully considered. Some ideas worked perfectly, while others evolved along the way. For instance, I initially painted the living room two different colors, but I later repainted it for a more cohesive look.

One of my favorite parts of the project was designing the outdoor space. The firepit I built became a focal point, surrounded by shells and set on artificial grass for a natural touch. It adds warmth and charm to the entire setup.

Inside, the details are just as special. The bedroom, painted a soft blue, contrasts beautifully with the natural wood ceiling. Thoughtfully chosen accessories and accents make the house feel lived-in, tying the entire design together.

Not everything went smoothly. From removing a carpet that didn’t work out to adjusting design decisions based on feedback, this project taught me the value of flexibility. Constructive criticism from my professor guided the process and made the final product even better.

Using materials like hot glue, wooden blocks, candle wax, and paint, I built the frame, crafted miniature furniture, and added creative touches like a rooftop garden, a glowing firepit, and a tiny Christmas tree. Each element showcases my mixed media skills and brings a modern vibe to the dollhouse.

Now that it’s finished, I couldn’t be prouder. This project isn’t just about the final product—it’s a reflection of my growth as a designer. The dollhouse turned out heavier than I expected, and my poor right thumb is just as relieved as I am that it’s done! Seeing my professor impressed made all the hard work worth it.

With this dollhouse complete, I’m ready to tackle my next creative challenge. Projects like this remind me how rewarding it is to bring ideas to life. Whether through graphic design, dollhouse crafting, or another artistic medium, creating will always be my favorite part.

This semester reminded me that stumbling is okay as long as you keep moving forward. I’m grateful for the lessons, growth, and the incredible 3.8 GPA I maintained despite everything.

Here’s to rest, reflection, and coming back stronger next semester. 💪🏾