Conclusion
This concluding piano piece is in Bb major, a key that's usually considered more triumphant. I wanted this short song to represent the culmination of knowledge and exploration throughout the year, synthesized into the feeling of completion and satisfaction that I have now looking back on this year. Each of the four main chords in the progression relates to a different emotion; the first being happy/complete/triumphant, which is the Bb major 'home' chord. The second has a bit of conflict laced in with it, relating to some of the stress and anxiety I've felt throughout this year. The third has a further more diminished tone and feel, representing some of the most challenging and difficult times this year. But in these times I have always been able to carry on from the inspiration I've found in exploring understanding and pursuing the passions I've found in the world around me. And thus, the last chord renews a new feeling of hope and opens a window looking into the future. The song ends back on a Bb major chord; for now, I'll keep the future off to the side in my mind. I'm incredibly happy with the way this year has gone, and I truly feel more involved in thought regarding the universe and my surroundings.
This year in IDEAS has taught me so many different things about myself, the world, and people. I have met many new individuals, each with compelling personalities and backgrounds, that have collectively shown me that getting to know someone new can be an incredibly rewarding experience. The IDEAS class taught me many valuable lessons and insight regarding values, art/literature, and how to tie ethics and morals together in the engineering and design process. I have retained so much from this program, and being a part of it will without a doubt have a lasting impact on the way I view the world and how I interact with individuals and designs in the future. I feel now that I have a firm foundation for value-sensitive design with ethical concerns in mind moving forward in future endeavors including design projects and other engineering heavy courses. I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to take part in this program, and I truly cherish all of the knowledge and experiences it has taught and brought to me over the course of this year.