Museo de Historia, Antropología y Arte - Melanie Torres Crespo, Week 5

 

Museo de Historia, Antropología y Arte

Melanie Torres Crespo - Week 5

Hello everyone! Welcome to my final week at the Museum of History, Anthropology, and Art. I'm so sad that this marvelous experience has ended. However, I am also extremely grateful and thankful to have had the opportunity to meet the all of the amazing staff, learn more about how museums work, and overall just immerse myself in this fantastic experience. Indeed, it was once in a lifetime type of opportunity that I will always treasure in my heart!

During Monday and Tuesday, my main focus was ensuring that all materials needed for the upcoming orientation was finished, packaged, and ready to transport. I finished fixing all brochures, cut papers for promotional events. 

I also assisted in the exhibition and even guided some visitors through the different areas, answering their questions and explaining the art pieces. 

Furthermore, I had an opportunity to explore the university campus and learn more about the history of the buildings and areas. We decided to put up some flyers to inform visitors and student about the upcoming activities the museum will have. 

My favorite part was to see the manual way of categorizing and maintaining inventory of all the books and documents available at the university's library. It was mind blowing!

Indeed, this was very nice to learn more about the university and its surroundings!

Then, on Wednesday, we officially had our first day of showcasing the museum's services to the new students of the university. We arrived early to set up our station, and spent most of our day talking with new students and informing them of the diverse opportunities and advantages of getting involved with this institution. 

During the afternoon, I actually went to the library where my reading event was held to deliver materials and the books I was supposed to have for my community activity. I am so glad that I was able to give it to them, since I am assured they will put them to good use. The library holds many events throughout the year, thus they were really grateful to receive the Spanish version of the book and worksheets they can employ for their events.

On my last day, Thursday, I worked again at museum table for the freshman orientation during the morning. Then I gave my last maintenance to the huerto and worked on creating social media content for the museum's page. This week (and month) passed so quick, I cannot believe that it is already over :(

I also submitted my investigation, in which I focused on exploring how different artists showcase the PR's culture through their respective art pieces and subsequently reveal traditions and struggles of the island's community.

Shoutout to the amazing staff of the museum!! I am so glad to have met all of these amazing people. Big thanks to Lisa and Oneida, who are part of the Education and Outreach events and the people who I spent most of my time with. Also thanks to Shakira, Jessica for giving me an insight of how the museum works and maintains its pieces!! And of course to all of the other staff I couldn’t take pictures with, Mariela, María Victoria, Flavia, and student workers! You are all so amazing and taught me so many things over the course of this month. This experience could not have been possible and as fantastic without any of you!

I also want to showcase my gratitude to all of the sponsors, staff, and other individuals that made this program possible. Thanks to being a Young Ambassador, I had the chance to explore the connections between art and my areas of interest. Most importantly, it allowed me to grow the necessary skills for my college career, assuring me that I will succeed in this new chapter of my life no matter the challenges that come in my way. 

Thank you for reading! 

With much love, 

Melanie :)