Aesthetic Awareness - From Natalie L

Aesthetic Awareness is a difficult competency to incorporate into many fields because it is a somewhat abstract terms that is all encompassing. For instance, it would be difficult to find examples of aesthetic awareness in concentrations that are very technical, such as mathematics or computer science. I suppose that one could describe certain theorems as being aesthetic, however, because of their eloquent simplicity. I know very little about computer science but I suppose that a power point program that allows the user many options, but at the same time, is user friendly might be aesthetic as well.

Throughout my time spent towards achieving higher education I have had 3 majors, and each of them involves some aesthetic awareness in some fashion or another. I began school as a music major, studying violin. This training relies heavily on the ability to realize what is aesthetic and look towards achieving that artistry. After transferring to George Mason, I started studying psychology. In this social science, the artistic elements are less obvious, and more difficult to pinpoint. I would say that an example of aesthetic awareness in psychology might be the ability to view the course of child development from different perspectives, and, with this knowledge, having the capacity to appreciate diverse paths and outcomes. In my most recent college experiences, I have decided that the best route for my education is New Century’s concentration in liberal studies in education. The coursework involves the studies of education, special education, and psychology. In education, the most important aspect of aesthetic awareness that I find is the admiration of diverse learning needs. Also important, are the many talents that can be found in all students. These are a few of the things that I have learned thus far. In the upcoming years, I hope to be able to realize aesthetic awareness more and more in my studies.

Aesthetic Awareness - From Chaney

I never would have thought there would be a connection between a medical concentration (occupational/physical therapy) and Aesthetic Awareness, but this summer during an internship I became cognizant of how Aesthetics can help ease a patient before a session. Hardly anyone enjoys therapy. It is often painful, frustrating, and is an unhappy reminder of how disabled you or your loved one is. This is particularly true for children who fail to realize the benefits of therapy, and for their parents, who are exhausted and heartbroken by their child’s situation. Something as simple as a colorful and friendly waiting room can ease the family’s dread about the appointment. Unfortunately, most waiting rooms are stark and are painted in various shades of white. The plain sterility has an almost nauseating affect and more than likely adds to the emotional unease of the patient and his/her family. I believe that if waiting rooms were to feature more color, artwork, interesting furniture, etc, then the patient would be in a better state-of-mind, thus having a more successful appointment. This is also true for the exam rooms themselves. Most physical therapy clinics consist of a large, multi-purpose room, and a few small rooms for individual sessions. If a person spends their appointment in one of these side rooms, then it is safe to say their therapy is more intense and uncomfortable. These rooms, much like the waiting rooms, are bland and sickeningly dull. The entire atmosphere of these individual rooms is one of discomfort, on many levels. The therapists and directors of these clinics give little thought to the Aesthetics of the rooms, but I believe wholeheartedly that improving the appearance of these clinics would result in more positive results during the therapy sessions.