How to Have the Best First Day at Your Internship or Job

Put Your Best Foot Forward With These First Impression Musts Whether it’s the first day of school or the start date at your internship or job, there’s no doubt that the beginning of something new can be intimidating. For students who are new to internships or just entering the workforce, the sense of anxiety can increase tenfold. However, it is possible to have a great first day, especially if you prepare and plan in advanced. Keep reading for some top tips to start your job or internship off on the right note and walk into your new gig with confidence. Iron Out the DetailsHave a clear understanding of exactly what is expected of you on day one long before your first day actually begins. Usually, a supervisor will include basic logistical information such as when and where to arrive and if there is any material you need to bring on your first day. However, if you did not receive this information, do not be afraid to ask for it yourself. Make sure you know exactly when you need to arrive, where you are expected to go, and if you need any supplies or documents on day one. If you’re unclear about the dress code, be sure to ask about that as well. Troubleshoot Your Morning RoutineA well-planned morning can help get any day off to a promising start. Get plenty of sleep the night before and give yourself at least one to two hours in the morning to wake up, review your daily schedule, and eat a balanced breakfast. Packing your bag and laying out your outfit the previous night can be a useful way to save time, but double check in the morning to avoid leaving anything important at home. Give yourself enough time to arrive at your internship or job on schedule, even if there is traffic or transit delays. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask QuestionsNo one is expected to know everything on day one. For your first few days at a new job or internship, focus on observing as much as possible. Notice how your supervisor completes different processes and ask questions along the way to ensure you catch every detail. While it can feel intimidating, asking thoughtful questions can help demonstrate your engagement with the work you’re presented with and illustrate your ability to pay attention to small details. Take NotesIn order to ensure that you’re retaining all of the information you are presented with during your first few days, be sure to take detailed notes. Every time a supervisor walks you through something, jot down the steps needed to get from point A to point B. You can also write down any questions that come up along the way and send them to your supervisor in order to clarify. Throughout your job or internship, use these notes as a resource whenever you need a refresher on protocol. Know Your Neighbors Make an effort to get to know the coworkers and other interns that you will be working with. Even if there isn’t much crossover between your roles, connecting with your peers can help you get the most out of your experience in several ways. Having office friendships can help drive enthusiasm and engagement at work and it’s also an easy way to build out your professional network. Strive to learn everyone’s name and opt-in to opportunities to socialize with your peers. By setting yourself up for success and coming in with an eagerness to learn, students and young professionals can feel confident that they are making strong first impressions at their jobs and internships. If you are interested in learning more about internship options, our team of college admissions counselors can help you identify opportunities that align with your interests and goals.

Role of Wang Xizhi in Developing Chinese Calligraphy - 1925 Words

Role of Wang Xizhi in Developing Chinese Calligraphy (Essay Sample) Content: Chinese CalligraphyStudent's Name: Course Name and Number: Instructor's Name: Date Submitted: Wang Xizhi (303361 CE), is referred to as the calligraphy sage from the Jin dynasty. This writing embodies the peak of calligraphy. He helped develop various forms of calligraphy such as the regular script, cursive and semi cursive script that continue to influence many generations in China and beyond. His scripts influenced the tiexue or the model-book school of calligraphy. This essay examines the life of Wang Xizhi and his achievements in developing calligraphy during his time. The essay further explores Wangs influence on other artists and generation. This includes his influence on contemporary teaching and learning of calligraphy in China. Wang Xizhi is regarded the most famous calligrapher of his time in China. He is usually referred to as the Saint of Calligraphy.Wang Xizhi was skilled in various forms of calligraphy. He adopted the cursive script from Zhang Z hi, while the standard script was modeled after Zhong You. He developed under the tutelage of Madame Wei. The Wang family fled to south China to help form the Eastern Jin dynasty (317-419) at the time when the Western Jin dynasty disintegrated. In the Eastern Jin, Wang Xizhi served as Youjun or General of the Right Army. Wang Xizhi also became the governor of Kuaji in later years. At this time, he hosted scholars to a poetry gathering at Orchid Pavilion (the Lanting). He wrote one of the most celebrated works in Chinese calligraphy called Lantingji xu (Preface of the Orchid Pavilion Gathering, a semi-cursive script (Li 2009). Figure 1 below shows the Lanting.
Figure 1: Preface to the collection of Orchid Pavilion Poems (Yu-ho1993) Wang Xizhi belonged to the Wang Clan that was known for its artistic skills. He became interested in calligraphy at the age of seven. Afterwards, he developed his own style from the inspiration and observation of several things. These include observing the neck of the geese and orienting his hand the same way. Wang Xizhi is believed to have produced more than 1000 works but none of them survived. Therefore, most of his work was merely available in form of copies. Most of Wangs works were regular script calligraphy. Wang Xizhi developed a new natural and liberated style in calligraphic theory which consisted of continuous strokes (Huang 2008). Wang Xizhi formulated twelve rules on the art of calligraphy while teaching his son, Wang Xianzhi. In writing of the standard script of calligraphy (kaishu), Wang emphasized twelve doctrines. Following the doctrines would lead to the formation of a standard to help in producing marvelous calligraphy. Therefore, Wang believed that calligraphy would be a process that could be taught, understood and replicated. Some of his other script works include; Shen Jiao Xu, Huang Ting Jing, Yue Yi Lun, , Chu Yue Tie and Shi Qi Tie (Zhuzhong and Desheng 2001). The regular script of calligraphy was formed from the clerical script and was initially practiced in the post-Han period. The script involved combining various single strokes to form visible and proportionally balanced legible characters. Wang Xizhis regular script consists of complex and most refined forms compared to any Chinese calligraphy script. Moreover, the regular script was perfected in the Tang Dynasty while still being used in the present. In addition, Wang Xizhis regular script was the first calligraphy script to be taught in Chinese schools. This script is used as a typeface for various contemporary printed materials. Wang Xizhi was very inventive and did more than just put his personal imprint on a form of calligraphy. The regular script shows that Wang wanted to generate unique pieces of art forms. Consequently, the regular script became extraordinarily aesthetic (Barrass 2002, p. 19-22). Wang Xizhis scripts are easily distinguished because of their light fluidity of the brush strokes. In his scripts, there wa s a fine balance, which was achieved when the brush strokes made beautiful composition of a piece of art. Another distinguishing factor of Wangs scripts is diversity. Diversity is portrayed when Wang changed the form of his script but retained the style in cases where he had to utilize the same character more than once in a single piece. The scripts of Wang Xihzi were very bold, masculine and patent because of his technique of using the brush. In addition, the rounded strokes of his script were quick and easy to write. Wang showed that good regular scripts could be formed by those who held their brushes correctly. Moreover, he emphasized that good regular scripts could only be made by those who possessed good moral attitude. Therefore, Wang Xizhis calligraphy was a reflection of the moral quality of the society (Barrass 2002, p. 21-24). Wang Xizhi was born in the Jin dynasty that was the basis of Chinese art. The Jin dynasty was divided into north China and south China. This meant that calligraphy, at the time, was split into two. The northern China calligraphy used tablets with regular characters, while in southern China, regular scripts were put on paper. Wang utilized novices in his work to gain insight. He therefore, became an exceptional calligrapher full of innovative styles (Zhuzhong Desheng 2001, p.104). The figures below show Wang Xizhis regular script and the traditional tablet-style calligraphy. 
Figure 2: Wang Xizhi, Regular Script (Tingyou 2001) Fig 3: Tablet style (Tingyou 2001) Wang Xizhis work was regarded as high forms of genuine art that would not be imitated. Wangs calligraphy used short casual letters that were of high validity, calligraphic value and more historical content. Even though Wang Xizhis original scripts did not survive, many of his notes have been found. The notes were retrieved and stored inform of engravings, rubbings and tracing copies. The notes contained communicative messages to his family and friends. Further more, the notes, which are the basis of the regular script, are elaborated with outstanding topicality. According to Ritcher (2011, p.370), it is important to note that Wang Xizhis scripts were formed to accomplish a genuine communicative role. The moral virtues and great personality of Wang Xizhi were illustrated in his script work. Wangs unique calligraphy is noted by the thickness of the brush strokes and accentuated structure of the characters. His artistic method and prowess of scripting shows an elusive artist who reassesses his artistic outlook by influencing other artists in Japan and China. Therefore, Wang Xizhi was able to achieve an elevated standing in the history of art (Fu Shen 1998, p.17-20). The scripts of Wang Xizhi demonstrate that he was a master of all the five styles of calligraphy in China namely seal, clerical, standard, cursive and semi-cursive. Successive generations of artists and emperors continued to gather Wangs work at the imperial court thus showing that he was an influential person in calligraphy. It is at the very imperial court that many skilled artists were hired to reproduce Wang Xizhis works (Huang 2008, p. 50). Wang Xizhis calligraphy is also praised because of the vibrant rhythmic energy, variation and impulsiveness it exudes. The overall space used and the inner creation of characters in his regular script are highly desirable. In China, the regular script, developed by Wang, was a form of art, which was strongly linked to the literate elite. A few aristocrats, such as Wangs family, made individual writing styles to express their inner self. These individualized calligraphy also distinguished them socially from the rest of society (Barass 2002, p. 22). Wang Xizhis calligraphy influenced many artists throughout various generations. The regular script helped people achieve an expression of his original work and understand the real form of his true character. In emperor of the Tang dynasty called Taizong was inspire d by the scripts of Wang Xizhi. He ordered that he be buried with one of Wangs calligraphy piece. Before his death, Taizong promoted Wangs style of writing to the extent that the style became an abiding tradition within the Tang dynasty. Taizon used Wangs style as a tool to unify his empire (Haung 2008). The Lantingji xu (Preface of the Orchid Pavilion Gathering) is regarded as one of the greatest masterpiece of calligraphy in Chinese history. This and many works have influenced many upcoming artists in China and beyond. Emperor Li Shiming adored Wangs scripts. The emperor collected almost all of Wangs calligraphy scripts. He then ordered a monk called Huani Ren to identify characters from Wangs scripts, combine them into entirely different work by embossing the characters on a tablet. Since none of Wangs original work was ever found, the emperors tablet is very significant in an attempt to study Wangs calligraphy (Fu Shen 1997, p.10-13). Another calligrapher influenced by Wang Xiz his work was Zhao Mengfu. Mengfu studied Wangs sc...