Reflection
What was your favorite part of this project and why?
I loved learning about critical lenses and exploring the idea that our own lenses change based on the way information is present to us. This was very apparent while we were reading In Cold Blood and listening to Serial, which were to really good choices. The reason I liked these choices were because not only were they entertaining they also each had a lot of depth in them. Usually with murder cases there is the good guy and the bad guy but in these you could see the human in each character, which allowed readers to form their own opinions of the murder and criminal justice system. The lenses and reading was my favorite because it brought up a lot of discussion and debate, which is always fun!
What part of YOUR project (of all the things we did this semester) are you most PROUD of and why?
The work that I am most proud of this semester is definitely my creative writing piece. I think it is the best short story I have ever written. I was just talking to my mom the other day after I had taken the SAT about how much my writing has improved in general. I have understood the flow and structure of an essay for a while but now I realize that it is the content that makes that essay a quality piece of writting. This semester has really helped me with the "content" piece because in doing the perspective I am better at forming my own opinions on different subject matter.
What part if this project would you have changed and what changes would you have made to it? In other words, what would you do differently and how and why?
I would do more sarcastic seminars and debates because they help everyone not only understand what we are learning about but also form their own opinions on it. I would have also done the walking video that we saw on Buzzfeed. Lastly I would have in corporate the presidential debates somehow in the project since they are so relevant for us.
What "group: were you a part of for the exhibition preparation? What role did YOU play in that group? What did YOU do?
I was in the mural group but also helped a little with the process wall group. Exhibition time is my favorite time of the year. I love the thrill of getting everything done during the chaos that surrounds me. I kind of go into over drive during this time and step up as a leader. I did a lot this semester, including:
- glueing the letters onto each tile and clamping them
- rationing out paint
- making sure everyones paintings flowed and were up to par
- painting students paintings that had not been done
- touching up the paintings that didn't flow
- hanging them all up on the wall
- getting lights to highlight the mural
- writing about the project for the process wall
What could have been better for you as part of this group? How would you have made this better? What ideas do you have that could have made it better?
Honestly I think there were too many people in the mural group because not everyone did activities related to the mural. Smaller groups are always better because then everyone feels like they have purpose and are responsible for something. I also would have made the letters extrude more from the painting so the word "Perspective" would have been more noticeable.
What worked for you in this group? In working as a part of this group?
Besides the small mishaps listed above, everything else worked really well. We accomplished our main three goals: to create beautiful artwork, have the paintings flow, work that is displayed permanently. I think the people that were passionate about the mural really stepped up their game. A perfect example of this is Jay. He really helped control everyone when we were painting and in doing so showed his own passion for art.
What half hour station did you work during Exhibition? What is one question that someone asked you during that time? And how did you answer it?
I was on the cat walk at the imaginative nonfiction area. I talked to a lot of people about the process and purpose of the project, so people could understand all the components of the exhibition. For a better understanding of this you can go to 11th grade english perspective project. I think the process wall should have been more highlighted so people could understand all the work we put into this project.
What is one thing that "struck" you during Exhibition? Something you noticed, saw, wondered about?
I am amazed that we got everything done with such quality. I loved seeing everyone awe-struck at the beauty of our exhibition, which really made me proud. The christmas lights were definitely necessary!
As you consider the idea of Perspective now, who role do you think it plays in your life? Our world?
This project really let me see the value of finding your own perspective and not just believing the perspectives of others. In the beginning of the project we listened to Serial and I was constantly being fooled into falling for what Sarah believed. Throughout the rest of the project, especially when we learned about critical lenses, I realized what I personally believe about certain issues. Perspective is a key part of everyones life because others are constantly pushing their perspective on you so it is important to find your own voice.
Considering the idea of Perspective, where has your OWN perspective shifted over the course of this school year (this does NOT have to be project related, but could be)?
My perspectives are constantly changing and I think that's good. People should be openminded so they can empathize with others and learn about themselves. One example of how my perspective changed this year is how I think about college. I use to think that you do or don't get into college merely based on your own achievements, but it's not as black and white as this. I went to a case study, Erik told me about, and learned the application process is very subjective. They get so many over qualified students. If you don't get into a college it is not necessarily because you weren't a good student and should not be taken personally. This was really good for me to learn in Junior year because I am the type of person that would be emotionally invested in a school. I probably will need to remind myself of this next year.
What is ONE thing that is an area of growth for you, something you need to get better at for Senior year, and HOW do you plan to work on getting better at that? What do you intend to do so that you are better at this during Senior year?
I feel like I put a lot of pressure o myself in my academics that sometimes I forget why I work so hard. This year especially let me see that, while I was studying for the AP tests. I have realized the importance of relaxing and balancing my life. In Senior year I am going to focus on taking time to relax and reflect on myself. I believe that you can only truly reflect on yourself when you are calm. Reflecting will be very important next year and this summer while I'm writing my personal statements. I am also going to work on being happy with all my college outcomes because I probably won't get into all the schools I apply to. Where ever I end up I'll make the best of it.
Choose one of these words that "speaks to you" right now and write WHY: Excited--Scared--Nervous--Happy--Proud--Successful--Determined.
Although I am feeling all of these words right now, I am going to choose to be happy. I am happy for the opportunities that are given to me, for my family and friends, and for being healthy. I sometimes forget why I make certain choices and sacrifices and as a result I get enclosed in a little bubble of worries. I think it is important to be happy and when given the choice because it makes your brain a fun place to live in. I am not a depressed person but sometimes it is hard to stay motivated when you work so hard. When you are happy it is not only funner to do the harder work but it also keeps you optimistic and motivated.