Farah Ishaq ENGL 250: English Photo Project:Iowa State University--Lake LaVerne

A bird takes a break on the grass

When given the opportunity to connect with my surroundings and visually represent one place that matters to me, it was easy to decide that Iowa State University is what matters to me. Through visual representation of the campus, I took the time to illustrate the growth and opportunity present within the nature surrounding the University to represent the growth and opportunity students have being here. Since the photo project was purely visual communication, the area around Lake LaVerne was most appropriate to indicate growth present within the Iowa State community. To me, Iowa State is the whole community consisting of the student body and the surroundings and environment of these students. My visual communication or representation strives to express growth and opportunity around Lake LaVerne as well as the growth being experienced by the students and the opportunities they have being here. Iowa State University—a place full of growth and opportunities, a place important to me.

The most meaningful visual aspect of the thirty photos taken were the growth that surrounds Iowa State- more specifically Lake LaVerne. Each captured photo illustrates the surroundings present around campus and symbolizes the potential present within nature and the students as well. If one takes a around at nature, especially during this time of year, it is easy to note that trees, plants, and even animals are waiting to grow and express their beauty for the next several months. This growth that surrounds the students can easily be related to themselves. Students are given the opportunity to grow and show their potential during their time here at Iowa State. They need to realize that nature is growing with them, whether it’s the flowers near spring bloom or trees slowly awaiting their leaves. If one takes a look at the photos with students walking around the lake, this growth and opportunity is easily noted. The branches and paths that are visually represented present these opportunities in nature, but also can relate to the opportunities present at Iowa State University. Before this project, I had never wandered around the lake paths. Doing so allowed me to realize how easily the nature surrounding our beautiful university can relate to the students themselves and the reasons why they are here. The university provides nature to grow with beauty while allowing the students to grow side by side educationally. With the opportunities present, Iowa State allows for its surroundings to live it to its potential. Education is what matters to me and to know that my surroundings are experience growth along with me allows me to push forward and live up to my fullest potential. The abundant nature on campus inspired me and it is symbolic of the opportunities available to students. As the trees branch out for birds to lay nests in, the University provides branches of networks for the students to settle in.