A Month at NYU ITP: Tired but Thrilled

It’s been a whirlwind month since I started my journey at NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP), and what a ride it’s been! When we pass each other on the floor and ask how we’re doing, the universal response seems to be “I am so tired.” But beneath that exhaustion lies an undercurrent of excitement and gratitude that’s impossible to ignore.

Just a few months ago, I shared my elation about being accepted into this dream master’s program. I wrote about my anticipation to dive into new technologies, collaborate with diverse minds from around the globe, and learn from the inspiring ITP faculty. Now that I’m here, it still feels surreal. The reality of being in this creative hub, surrounded by talented peers and mentored by industry leaders, is both overwhelming and incredibly motivating.

My coursework this semester is pushing me in all the right ways:

✿ Visual Language: Finally, I’m getting a grip on typography and design principles that have eluded me for so long.

✿ Hyper Cinema: This interactive class has opened my eyes to new possibilities in animation and storytelling.

✿ Computational Media: Merging code with creativity continues to be a joyful exploration.

✿ Applications: This class bridges theory and practice, challenging us to solve real-world problems at the intersection of art and technology.

✿ Physical Computing: Taught by the legendary Thomas Igoe, this class has quickly become my favorite. It’s as challenging as it is exhilarating, and being in the same room with him and my brilliant classmates is a privilege I don’t take for granted. I’ve been eagerly waiting to get my hands on this subject and explore it more deeply, so it’s incredibly exciting to finally dive in.

The Applications course, in particular, has been eye-opening. It’s a unique opportunity for all first-year students to come together, engaging in critical dialogues with leaders from various sectors of emerging media. We’re not just learning about innovative projects; we’re responding to them, collaborating on group presentations, and getting a taste of both commercial and mission-driven applications.

As I reflect on this first month, I’m reminded of my goals: to pursue a career that blends engineering, design, and art seamlessly. Whether I’m coding, crafting, sculpting, or soldering, I’m constantly pushing myself to explore new avenues of creativity and innovation. Physical Computing, in particular, feels like the perfect embodiment of these aspirations, allowing me to bridge the digital and physical worlds in ways I’ve always dreamed of.

Yes, I’m soooo tired. We all are. But it’s the kind of tiredness that comes from growth, from being stretched in new directions, from late nights spent tinkering with projects that excite us. It’s a happy kind of tired, filled with the promise of what’s to come.

As I continue this journey, I look forward to sharing my learnings, discoveries, and adventures with you all. ITP is not just a program; it’s a transformative experience that’s already shaping my future in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Here’s to the months ahead, to more challenges, more growth, and more opportunities to push the boundaries of what’s possible when technology meets art.

Stay tuned to see how EᒪEᑕTᖇOᑕᑌTE evolves through this incredible journey, especially as I delve deeper into the world of physical computing and interactive technologies. The adventure has only just begun! ☻