Poetry Cafe
From early March to mid May 2022 we worked on the Poetry Cafe project in Humanities with Lori. We were tasked with writing a poem about anything we wanted with both an audio and visual component. This could be either a spoken word performance, a video/kinetic text you make of your poem, or a recitation of your poem and an art piece, which is what I choose. Our poems went through 4 process journals and peer critiques to get to their final stages. Then we spent two weeks on the other part of our project. To present at all school exhibition in a cafe that we made out of Lorie’s classroom to the community.
I can only imagine
That it started small
Only slight spoiled spots
Easy to ignore
Here
and there
not all at once
The flowers bloom in the spring
When leaves fall in autumn
With wind whispering through my hair in the summer
There's an icy white blanket in the winter
Although I don't know what happens in between
While the flowers come to a full
Fluttering father than the horizon
On the way to where it ever wanted
The stars shined brighter then
Everything was balanced just right
Rivers run rainless
A pyre of petals passing putred peaches
Tumbling along torchered track
Lost lumencens eclipses perspective
Igniting to long untouched
Like silk slipping
Slipping through my fingers
As I am just trying to grab hold
Of anything, while the world is spinning
Spinning faster than I can keep up
Stumbling along a path
That is withering away
Because the trees are turning purple
And the birds no longer sing
while the scales tipping out of sight
When the sun shines through my window
I go back to the flowers
To run through the fields
Then get on this carousel
That seemingly never stops turning
While my life is just passing me by
I wake up again
Hoping for a new understanding
Of why the flowers are fading
Perhaps the stream will trickle once more
Washing away the rot
Maybe one day it will all stop
Vanishing into the clouds
Laying my eyes on a new skyline
But with the same dredged decay
And silenced songbirds
At least I know why the sun sets
A certain color each day
It’s what’s going on around you
Why the people walk that way
With no cares for the flowers under their feet
Over the past few months, we have been analyzing different poems and poetic devices to learn about all types of poetry. We emulated multiple poems and wrote them as they applied to us to experiment with forms, flow, and topics, trying to find some that really speak to us so we could later write our own poems. Throughout the past few weeks, we have been molding a poem through process journals, critiques, and rewriting. We could either take a poem that we have previously written, parts from one, or completely start a new poem. When I went to write my poem I decided to start a new one instead of using one I already wrote. For my first draft, I had no idea what I wanted to write about. So I just started writing to see what I liked. After we had our first drafts we put them through 4 process journals that took us through using different poetic techniques on our poems, while also challenging us to rewrite it until it flowed, just write. For our first one, it forces on the message of your poem and how to say it in multiple ways. This really helped me decide what to write about and what message I wanted to convey to the audience. I choose to talk about how life can all of a sudden change up on you in the worst way all of a sudden. How everything is unpredictable and you have to choose how your respond to challenges in the best way possible.
The class also split up into smaller critique groups to give each other feedback on the poems. Also answering questions and giving ideas to the poet when they got stuck. This allowed us to get a new perspective on our work to make sure our message was properly understood by the audience. This part really helped me choose what parts of my poem to keep or change. Also making sure that the audience understood what I was saying. Throughout the entire process, we were conferencing with Lori and Catherine to get their feedback and advice on our work. We took all of the critiques and decided what to use to improve our poems or discard if they didn't fit. This step showed me what the strong parts of my poem are and what I needed to expand on the main thing I worked on was making sure everything flowed. I also added a lot of alliteration and powerful imagery that goes with my theme. The entire process took a lot of circling back and then going over our poems again and again. In order to get it where it was supposed to be. Our poems almost shaped themselves through this process.
Towards the last process journal we started to think about how we were going to present our poems at the poetry cafe. We have to have two components: a visual and audio part. Some people are doing a spoken word, kinetic text, or video. I decided to make a multi-media painting/collage on a larger canvas. That focused heavily on the nature imagery that shines through in my poem. I am painting a beautiful forest with a lot of out-of-place and odd items and on the flip side a rotting forest that is about to fall away. With an element of unexpected chaos that my poem is trying to get across. About the unpredictable world that we are trapped in. So I gathered all types of materials and started to play around with different textures and ideas for my piece. For presenting my audio component will be me reciting my poem to the audience. Our poems would not be where they are today without constant feedback and refinement from our peers and mentors.
Over the course of the five drafts that my poem went through, my perspective has changed drastically and developed into something meaningful. On my first draft of my poem I had no idea what I wanted to say, only that I wanted to include elements from my life and tell a story. Around the time I was on my third draft I decided I wanted my poem to talk about my personal struggle with depression/mental illness. Telling a story about all of the rot that is in this beautiful life and how you must find a way to overcome it or live with it. I think a turing point in my perspective is when I added these two stanzas “While the flowers come to a full-Fluttering father than the horizon-On the way to where it ever wanted-The stars shined brighter then-Everything was balanced just right” and “Rivers run rainless-A pyre of petals passing putred peaches-Tumbling along torchered track-Lost lumencens eclipses perspective-Igniting to long untouched” The first stanza describes a rather peaceful scene in a forest, or life itself. Then the second stanza mirrors the same format about a story of a flower petal but twisted. Everything is starting to die and fall apart just as my life tends to do. Before I added these stanzas you could not tell what I was talking about, but now there is a clear story and theme.
One of the most important changes I made in my poem throughout the five drafts that it went through was that on my last draft I added a lot of alliteration. In my early drafts I had things such as “only rotting a few things” or “I have more joy in the summer”. I feel like these did not tell the whole story and immerse the reader in the poem. To me it sounds choppy and incomplete, with no purpose for the lines. Then in my final drafts I changed it to “Only slight spoiled spots” and “With wind whispering through my hair in the summer”. Changing the words to the same letter made everything flow a lot smoother. I did this all throughout my poem to add emphasis and detail. I also really like the way alliteration sounds in a poem, especially when it is read aloud like we did at exhibition. Having it flow allows the reader to get lost in the poem and see the whole picture. I think all of my alliteration really elevates the level of my poem quite a bit. While trying to find all of the correct synonyms was annoying I think It was well worth while.
The second change that I made to my poem that I would like to mention was only focusing on a few core metaphors throughout the poem. In the beginning stages of my poem I had a lot of different things and metaphors I was trying to squeeze in there. I talked about a lot of assorted things that meant to symbolize unsisterly, for example “of why the rocks fall from the most sturdy holds”, “And the birds no longer sing”, “because the trees are turning purple”, “ and “stumbling along a path that no longer makes sense” and. Although as my poem developed and I changed it, I decided that there was a lot going on. That it could be beneficial to focus on a few things and string them throughout the poem. I cut the falling rocks part, it was too much and added confusion. Although I really liked the part with the birds so I added “And silenced songbirds”. I had an underlying theme of my forest rotting so I added it in a few more spots such as, “Of why the flowers are fading”, “Washing away the rot”, and “But with the same dredged decay”. Focusing on a few key symbols and metaphors really allowed the theme of my poem to stay focused. Also it makes everything seem more connected and helps the reader see the point of my poem. I like to see the same thing pop up multiple times because it helps give a more beautiful visual. The metaphor I keep really shows the meaning of my poem that I wanted to get across.
The third major change I made to my poem was not expecialty telling the reader what is going on, instead finding a more creative way to say the same thing. In my early drafts I say things such as “every morning when I fight the-weight on my chest” and “I don’t know why though”. To me this was too simple and almost childish, it just gave it to the reader instead of making them work for it. So in my later drafts I changed these two lines to “When the sun shines through my window-I go back to the flowers” and “Hoping for a new understanding-Of why the flowers are fading-Perhaps the stream will trickle once more”. I think that the message from both of these sections in my first and final drafts are saying the same thing. Although in the final draft I think I am doing it in a more creative way that allows the reader to wander through it and discover what is going on.
That it started small
Only slight spoiled spots
Easy to ignore
Here
and there
not all at once
The flowers bloom in the spring
When leaves fall in autumn
With wind whispering through my hair in the summer
There's an icy white blanket in the winter
Although I don't know what happens in between
While the flowers come to a full
Fluttering father than the horizon
On the way to where it ever wanted
The stars shined brighter then
Everything was balanced just right
Rivers run rainless
A pyre of petals passing putred peaches
Tumbling along torchered track
Lost lumencens eclipses perspective
Igniting to long untouched
Like silk slipping
Slipping through my fingers
As I am just trying to grab hold
Of anything, while the world is spinning
Spinning faster than I can keep up
Stumbling along a path
That is withering away
Because the trees are turning purple
And the birds no longer sing
while the scales tipping out of sight
When the sun shines through my window
I go back to the flowers
To run through the fields
Then get on this carousel
That seemingly never stops turning
While my life is just passing me by
I wake up again
Hoping for a new understanding
Of why the flowers are fading
Perhaps the stream will trickle once more
Washing away the rot
Maybe one day it will all stop
Vanishing into the clouds
Laying my eyes on a new skyline
But with the same dredged decay
And silenced songbirds
At least I know why the sun sets
A certain color each day
It’s what’s going on around you
Why the people walk that way
With no cares for the flowers under their feet
Over the past few months, we have been analyzing different poems and poetic devices to learn about all types of poetry. We emulated multiple poems and wrote them as they applied to us to experiment with forms, flow, and topics, trying to find some that really speak to us so we could later write our own poems. Throughout the past few weeks, we have been molding a poem through process journals, critiques, and rewriting. We could either take a poem that we have previously written, parts from one, or completely start a new poem. When I went to write my poem I decided to start a new one instead of using one I already wrote. For my first draft, I had no idea what I wanted to write about. So I just started writing to see what I liked. After we had our first drafts we put them through 4 process journals that took us through using different poetic techniques on our poems, while also challenging us to rewrite it until it flowed, just write. For our first one, it forces on the message of your poem and how to say it in multiple ways. This really helped me decide what to write about and what message I wanted to convey to the audience. I choose to talk about how life can all of a sudden change up on you in the worst way all of a sudden. How everything is unpredictable and you have to choose how your respond to challenges in the best way possible.
The class also split up into smaller critique groups to give each other feedback on the poems. Also answering questions and giving ideas to the poet when they got stuck. This allowed us to get a new perspective on our work to make sure our message was properly understood by the audience. This part really helped me choose what parts of my poem to keep or change. Also making sure that the audience understood what I was saying. Throughout the entire process, we were conferencing with Lori and Catherine to get their feedback and advice on our work. We took all of the critiques and decided what to use to improve our poems or discard if they didn't fit. This step showed me what the strong parts of my poem are and what I needed to expand on the main thing I worked on was making sure everything flowed. I also added a lot of alliteration and powerful imagery that goes with my theme. The entire process took a lot of circling back and then going over our poems again and again. In order to get it where it was supposed to be. Our poems almost shaped themselves through this process.
Towards the last process journal we started to think about how we were going to present our poems at the poetry cafe. We have to have two components: a visual and audio part. Some people are doing a spoken word, kinetic text, or video. I decided to make a multi-media painting/collage on a larger canvas. That focused heavily on the nature imagery that shines through in my poem. I am painting a beautiful forest with a lot of out-of-place and odd items and on the flip side a rotting forest that is about to fall away. With an element of unexpected chaos that my poem is trying to get across. About the unpredictable world that we are trapped in. So I gathered all types of materials and started to play around with different textures and ideas for my piece. For presenting my audio component will be me reciting my poem to the audience. Our poems would not be where they are today without constant feedback and refinement from our peers and mentors.
Over the course of the five drafts that my poem went through, my perspective has changed drastically and developed into something meaningful. On my first draft of my poem I had no idea what I wanted to say, only that I wanted to include elements from my life and tell a story. Around the time I was on my third draft I decided I wanted my poem to talk about my personal struggle with depression/mental illness. Telling a story about all of the rot that is in this beautiful life and how you must find a way to overcome it or live with it. I think a turing point in my perspective is when I added these two stanzas “While the flowers come to a full-Fluttering father than the horizon-On the way to where it ever wanted-The stars shined brighter then-Everything was balanced just right” and “Rivers run rainless-A pyre of petals passing putred peaches-Tumbling along torchered track-Lost lumencens eclipses perspective-Igniting to long untouched” The first stanza describes a rather peaceful scene in a forest, or life itself. Then the second stanza mirrors the same format about a story of a flower petal but twisted. Everything is starting to die and fall apart just as my life tends to do. Before I added these stanzas you could not tell what I was talking about, but now there is a clear story and theme.
One of the most important changes I made in my poem throughout the five drafts that it went through was that on my last draft I added a lot of alliteration. In my early drafts I had things such as “only rotting a few things” or “I have more joy in the summer”. I feel like these did not tell the whole story and immerse the reader in the poem. To me it sounds choppy and incomplete, with no purpose for the lines. Then in my final drafts I changed it to “Only slight spoiled spots” and “With wind whispering through my hair in the summer”. Changing the words to the same letter made everything flow a lot smoother. I did this all throughout my poem to add emphasis and detail. I also really like the way alliteration sounds in a poem, especially when it is read aloud like we did at exhibition. Having it flow allows the reader to get lost in the poem and see the whole picture. I think all of my alliteration really elevates the level of my poem quite a bit. While trying to find all of the correct synonyms was annoying I think It was well worth while.
The second change that I made to my poem that I would like to mention was only focusing on a few core metaphors throughout the poem. In the beginning stages of my poem I had a lot of different things and metaphors I was trying to squeeze in there. I talked about a lot of assorted things that meant to symbolize unsisterly, for example “of why the rocks fall from the most sturdy holds”, “And the birds no longer sing”, “because the trees are turning purple”, “ and “stumbling along a path that no longer makes sense” and. Although as my poem developed and I changed it, I decided that there was a lot going on. That it could be beneficial to focus on a few things and string them throughout the poem. I cut the falling rocks part, it was too much and added confusion. Although I really liked the part with the birds so I added “And silenced songbirds”. I had an underlying theme of my forest rotting so I added it in a few more spots such as, “Of why the flowers are fading”, “Washing away the rot”, and “But with the same dredged decay”. Focusing on a few key symbols and metaphors really allowed the theme of my poem to stay focused. Also it makes everything seem more connected and helps the reader see the point of my poem. I like to see the same thing pop up multiple times because it helps give a more beautiful visual. The metaphor I keep really shows the meaning of my poem that I wanted to get across.
The third major change I made to my poem was not expecialty telling the reader what is going on, instead finding a more creative way to say the same thing. In my early drafts I say things such as “every morning when I fight the-weight on my chest” and “I don’t know why though”. To me this was too simple and almost childish, it just gave it to the reader instead of making them work for it. So in my later drafts I changed these two lines to “When the sun shines through my window-I go back to the flowers” and “Hoping for a new understanding-Of why the flowers are fading-Perhaps the stream will trickle once more”. I think that the message from both of these sections in my first and final drafts are saying the same thing. Although in the final draft I think I am doing it in a more creative way that allows the reader to wander through it and discover what is going on.
Model United Nations
Over the course of the past semester students have embodied different roles of the United Nations, to try and pass resolutions and take action on the Afghanistan Humanitarian crisis. Students were split up into countries and chairpeople, having different assignments to all work together for our final conference, where we discussed the different countries' positions in opening speeches, worked together to write resolutions, then voted on them and amendments. It challenged us to look outside ourselves and see what we can do to help one of the largest crises affecting our world.
Issue Brief
Zoe Ramsey
Lori Fisher
Model United Nations, Afghanistan Humanitarian Crisis Brief
18 January, 2022
Afghanistan Humarnatine Crisis Brief
Background information
After nearly four decades of disruption, distress, and disorder, the Taliban has finally seized control over Afghanistan. Following the destruction of the Twin Towers, US military forces invaded Afghanistan in hopes of finding Osama Bin Laden and to destroy al qaeda. The country fell into disarray over the past few months with Biden withdrawing all military action from Afghanistan. Leaving an economic collapse, stravintion, human rights infringements, on top of an already devastating Covid-19 pandemic.
With the US’s recent withdrawal from Afghanistan it has made everything worse, due to how much the Afghan government relied on the sup[[ort of the US. Everything from government jobs, to future infrastructure, healthe care support, and funding. Since the Talibans took over the US has frozen 9$ billion in aid money to prevent it from getting into the Taliban's hands. Leaving Afghanistan unprotected and underfunded, causing many government officials to leave their post. Leading to a stop in the wheels of the Afghan government. The price of basic necessities are spiking to an unreachable amount. Which is not helping the cost of living or the fact that no one has the money to pay.
Following the US’s evacuation, many Afghans have been fleeing the country with help from the US. Leaving refugees all over the world, in need of help and guidance to get back on their feet. With the hopes of finding a life not filled with natural disaster, disease, fammon, poverty, war, and so much more as the world continues to spiral. Throughout the country countless schools are being shut down due to the lack of funding and educators. Having 4.2 million young afghans already out of school with 60% of those being women. Due to the Talibans taking on gender roles, having very traditional values. It does not let women participate in school or work.
Across the country there has also been widespread droughts for many years now, crushing the agriculture industry which many relied on to survive. Forcing many to switch to growing opium poppies, which the Taliban has placed a ban on. However the crop is in high demand and the Taliban still find a way to make money off of the industry. Once the Taliban declared themselves as an independent state, they mandated extremely strict religious laws. That clearly violates the human rights for women throughout the country. Also are commiting numurs political assantions. As the harsh winter continues to come it leaves everything even more up in the air for the starving afghans.
UN Involvements
On March 28, 2002, UNAMA, The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan was founded by the UN to help support relief in Afghanistan, as the Taliban slowly takes over. Deborah Lyons was appointed as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan in March 2020. Their goal is to start laying a foundation for peace and sustainable development throughout the country. Help support the people in getting aid and building a feasible future for the following generations. Over the years they have been very involved with finding funding and sending supplies to the ones in need in Afghanistan. As of January 2022 UNAMA has asked for 4.4$ billion to mainly feed starving children and pay healthcare workers in Afghanistan, but help wherever it can. With 22 million people in Afghanistan alone that need help, along with the 5.7 million people needing help outside of Afghanistan.
Why it is important that we resolve the issue
All across the country of Afrigastan human rights are being thrown out the window everywhere you look. There is widespread starvation, dehydration, and desises, with not enough doctors or medical support to save people. Who are needlessly dying from everyday life and the ruthless pandemic that sweeps the world. The Taliban fundamentally don't believe equal education, job opportunities, ect for women. Giving them an unfair disadvantage in this already cruel world. Also causing war and destruction all across the streets of Afghanistan. With their economy in a free fall having one USD equaling 104.79 Afghan Afghani. The pressure to feed their families and live everyday life is becoming more prominent every minute, with conditions wording. There are countless acts happening in Afghanistan that clearly go against the UN charter and Human Rights Declaration. Therefore it is their responsibility to do something about it and fight for the people. To do all they can to send aid to the people affected and try to stop the Taliban from doing anymore harm.
Questions to Consider
Lori Fisher
Model United Nations, Afghanistan Humanitarian Crisis Brief
18 January, 2022
Afghanistan Humarnatine Crisis Brief
Background information
After nearly four decades of disruption, distress, and disorder, the Taliban has finally seized control over Afghanistan. Following the destruction of the Twin Towers, US military forces invaded Afghanistan in hopes of finding Osama Bin Laden and to destroy al qaeda. The country fell into disarray over the past few months with Biden withdrawing all military action from Afghanistan. Leaving an economic collapse, stravintion, human rights infringements, on top of an already devastating Covid-19 pandemic.
With the US’s recent withdrawal from Afghanistan it has made everything worse, due to how much the Afghan government relied on the sup[[ort of the US. Everything from government jobs, to future infrastructure, healthe care support, and funding. Since the Talibans took over the US has frozen 9$ billion in aid money to prevent it from getting into the Taliban's hands. Leaving Afghanistan unprotected and underfunded, causing many government officials to leave their post. Leading to a stop in the wheels of the Afghan government. The price of basic necessities are spiking to an unreachable amount. Which is not helping the cost of living or the fact that no one has the money to pay.
Following the US’s evacuation, many Afghans have been fleeing the country with help from the US. Leaving refugees all over the world, in need of help and guidance to get back on their feet. With the hopes of finding a life not filled with natural disaster, disease, fammon, poverty, war, and so much more as the world continues to spiral. Throughout the country countless schools are being shut down due to the lack of funding and educators. Having 4.2 million young afghans already out of school with 60% of those being women. Due to the Talibans taking on gender roles, having very traditional values. It does not let women participate in school or work.
Across the country there has also been widespread droughts for many years now, crushing the agriculture industry which many relied on to survive. Forcing many to switch to growing opium poppies, which the Taliban has placed a ban on. However the crop is in high demand and the Taliban still find a way to make money off of the industry. Once the Taliban declared themselves as an independent state, they mandated extremely strict religious laws. That clearly violates the human rights for women throughout the country. Also are commiting numurs political assantions. As the harsh winter continues to come it leaves everything even more up in the air for the starving afghans.
UN Involvements
On March 28, 2002, UNAMA, The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan was founded by the UN to help support relief in Afghanistan, as the Taliban slowly takes over. Deborah Lyons was appointed as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan in March 2020. Their goal is to start laying a foundation for peace and sustainable development throughout the country. Help support the people in getting aid and building a feasible future for the following generations. Over the years they have been very involved with finding funding and sending supplies to the ones in need in Afghanistan. As of January 2022 UNAMA has asked for 4.4$ billion to mainly feed starving children and pay healthcare workers in Afghanistan, but help wherever it can. With 22 million people in Afghanistan alone that need help, along with the 5.7 million people needing help outside of Afghanistan.
Why it is important that we resolve the issue
All across the country of Afrigastan human rights are being thrown out the window everywhere you look. There is widespread starvation, dehydration, and desises, with not enough doctors or medical support to save people. Who are needlessly dying from everyday life and the ruthless pandemic that sweeps the world. The Taliban fundamentally don't believe equal education, job opportunities, ect for women. Giving them an unfair disadvantage in this already cruel world. Also causing war and destruction all across the streets of Afghanistan. With their economy in a free fall having one USD equaling 104.79 Afghan Afghani. The pressure to feed their families and live everyday life is becoming more prominent every minute, with conditions wording. There are countless acts happening in Afghanistan that clearly go against the UN charter and Human Rights Declaration. Therefore it is their responsibility to do something about it and fight for the people. To do all they can to send aid to the people affected and try to stop the Taliban from doing anymore harm.
Questions to Consider
- Would it be best for the UN to work with the Taliban or people?
- Have we exhausted all paths of negation with the Taliban?
- How can we directly get support to the people who need it?
- What can be done about getting more people employed?
- Are the sanctions that the UN has put on the Taliban enough, too much?
- How can we best support the Afghan economy and get back on its feet?
- What can be done about the blatin human rights infringements in Afghanistan?
- What are short and long term goals/things to be done to support the future of Afghanistan?
- What is the best type of aid and support to send to Afghanistan, what is the most efficient and effective way to get it directly to the people who need it?
- What needs to be done in order to free Afghanistan?
- What are the consequences of the US pulling out of Afghanistan?
- What do we have the power to do?
- Get funding directly to Afghan hospitals.
- The UN can support other countries taking in refugees.
- Find a way to stabilize economy, get more people into jobs and school, equal no matter gender, sex, race, or religion.
- Prevent human rights infringements.
- Talk some sense into the Taliban.
- Raise money for aid.
- Revamp their agriculture and find sustainable crops.
- Reach out to the destabilizing government, see if there's anything to do to help or any hope.
- “Afghanistan Refugee Crisis Explained.” How to Help Refugees - Aid, Relief and Donations, USA for UNHCR, 16 Aug. 2021, https://www.unrefugees.org/news/afghanistan-refugee-crisis-explained/.
- “About.” UNAMA, UNITED NATIONS ASSISTANCE MISSION IN AFGHANISTAN, 17 Sept. 2021, https://unama.unmissions.org/about.
- “Afghanistan: Humanitarian Crisis Threatens Basic Human Rights | | UN News.” United Nations, United Nations, 14 Dec. 2021, https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/12/1107902.
- “Afghanistan: Un Launches Largest Single Country Aid Appeal Ever | | UN News.” United Nations, United Nations, 11 Jan. 2022, https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/01/1109492.
- “Afghanistan: Who Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) Dashboard with Vaccination Data.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 24 Jan. 2022, https://covid19.who.int/region/emro/country/af.
- Kenyon, Peter. “How Turmoil in Afghanistan Has Impacted Agriculture - a Vital Part of Its Livelihood.” NPR, NPR, 25 Oct. 2021, https://www.npr.org/2021/10/25/1049092924/how-turmoil-in-afghanistan-has-impacted-agriculture-a-vital-part-of-its-liveliho.
- “Afghanistan Economy.” Afghanistan Economy: Population, GDP, Inflation, Business, Trade, FDI, Corruption, 2021, https://www.heritage.org/index/country/afghanistan.
- Nagourney, Eric. “Who Are the Taliban, and What Do They Want?” The New York Times, The New York Times, 17 Aug. 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/article/who-are-the-taliban.html.
Project Reflection
- Knowledge: What are the skills and/or knowledge that you will carry with you from this project? How has this project changed your behaviors and/or thinking?
- Perseverance/Difficulty: What was most challenging/difficult for you about this project? Where and how do you think you could have improved your performance?
- PM Block- You did not pass a resolution during this conference. Why not? What would have had to change in order for your delegation to pass a resolution? Think about specific behaviors, approaches, mindsets, and knowledge.
- Advice for Future Students: What advice would you give to future students about to start this project? What do you think are the most important things they need to do to make this project worthwhile? Be specific, and make sure to talk about WHY these are important!
Adolescences Essay and Mask Project
Adolescences: is a transitional stage of intense physical and psychological development that generally occurs during the period from puberty to legal adulthood. Adolescence is usually associated with the teenage years, but its physical, psychological or cultural expressions may begin earlier and end later.
Over this past semester we have been focusing on what the adolescent experience is, why it is important, and it is currently affecting us as young adolescents. We started with learning about adolescence, attachment theory, Piaget theory or developmental, Erikson 8 stages of development, moral development, and outside factors that surround all of these things. Different types of relationships that affect how we grow through adolescence such as cliques, crowds, friendships, romantic relationships, and our parents. Throughout this we read “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian '' by Sherman Alexie. Then we moved on to creating masks that represent something meaningful about adolescences that we wanted to highlight. Next we dived into creative and narrative writing. To write our own stories about our takeaways from the first part of our adolescent experience. Finally to all display it at an exhibition of our own creation.
Over this past semester we have been focusing on what the adolescent experience is, why it is important, and it is currently affecting us as young adolescents. We started with learning about adolescence, attachment theory, Piaget theory or developmental, Erikson 8 stages of development, moral development, and outside factors that surround all of these things. Different types of relationships that affect how we grow through adolescence such as cliques, crowds, friendships, romantic relationships, and our parents. Throughout this we read “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian '' by Sherman Alexie. Then we moved on to creating masks that represent something meaningful about adolescences that we wanted to highlight. Next we dived into creative and narrative writing. To write our own stories about our takeaways from the first part of our adolescent experience. Finally to all display it at an exhibition of our own creation.
Zoe Ramsey
The Roots Within Us
Day after day I would block everything out, my parents, friends, light, and the advice to stand up and fight back. The one thing I could not block out was the little voice in my head telling me to give up. It was eating me alive and I was letting it happen. I simply did not care about anything, I had no motivation. Everything I did seemed pointless because the world had no meaning. Life was always about the struggle I was going through and that consumed everything. Sitting in a dark room, listening to aggressive music in my earbuds, and being mad at the world would devour me. I had no one in my life that could pull me out of it, only people who would join me in my misery. Every day I would wake up with the voices yelling at me and the pressure of the world on my chest. So strong it held me down; never being able to do anything to fight it and break me out of my funk. The people I was surrounded by were with me in the dark. I didn't know another way other than to surrender to it.
Then all the sudden my freshman year of highschool was almost over and I realized that I hadn't done anything of note. There was nothing I was proud of or wanted to accomplish that would help me achieve my dreams. The light shined in and showed me how it is important to get the most you can out of every single day. We only get a little bit of time to do a lot of things. It's not worth it to give up when there's more to experience. Then I had been abandoned by who I thought were my closest friends. Instead of allowing that to drag me down, I stood up and continued to adventure through life searching for everything beautiful and interesting. A switch in my brain flipped to where I wanted to live life and do whatever I can to be in control and get the most out of it. This changed my approach to my everyday life. Now I try to find the joy and wonder in the challenges thrown at me instead of being intimidated at what lies ahead.
Throughout our lives, who we are around will affect how we are in the moment and who we become later down the line. It started from childhood with our parents raising us in certain ways. This is still present now with how much our peers influence our actions. Since people do have such a large effect on us, it is important to be around people who will help you become the best version of yourself; companions that will lift you up not drag you down. This is especially important for adolescents because these years help shape us into who we become when we grow up. The relationships we build now will set a foundation for the ones we build in the future.
Everyone's life experience is different, we all have a unique time growing up. Although, we can bond with people who have similar experiences on a new level. The one thing I can never forget about my childhood is always having a pit in my stomach; this feeling of uncertainty. Almost like no matter how much reaurance I was given, nothing would turn out alright. Most of my friends have had a similar experience growing up, something always just being off. We recognize ourselves in each other, and have empathy for one another. Our understanding from where one another is coming from and trust deepens. Today my friends are some of the most important people in my life.
Our past experiences growing up influences how we develop throughout highschool. A study done by Mitch Prinstein Ph.D shows teenagers who fall into the “Nerd” crowds, were also those that had childhoods filled with light, happiness, and positive adjustment. More of your standard white picket fence childhood experiences. While other groups such as “Druggies” are looking for a way to rebel from society after feeling exiled in childhood. Then the “Populars”' or “Jocks” are in the middle with the illusion of perfection. Although there is normally something deeper hiding with the feeling of wanting to be loved and accepted by everyone after not getting the right attention from their parents in childhood. (Mitch Prinstien, Psychology Today) How we were raised and what we had to go through when we were growing up affects who we are and how we respond to life throughout adolescence then later on. You can better understand yourself and personality if you take note of your earlier life experiences. We all have things from our past that have some influence on who we are now. Growing up we learn how to or how not to fight back at the world and can help prepare us for what gets thrown at us.
As adolescents, we want to feel accepted by the people around us. We tend to spend most of our time at school with our friends, then hang out with them outside of school as well. Everyone has a crowd that they spend time with. Quickly these people become who we turn to in times of need, our adventure buddies, figure in our life who we lean on. We will listen to each other because we understand where they are coming from. Some of our most impactful moments are spent with our peers, we are put in situations that test us. When we go through things together it can form a foundation of trust within our friends. Everyone deserves to find a group of people where they belong.
We go in packs and like to be with our friends, we start to pull away from our families, inevitably our peers become the most important people to us. Having close relationships with our friends teaches us how to care for others with them also caring for us. Showing us interdependence, how to take on the world with people by side which often leads to “risk taking behavior”. The increased leaves of social engagement and connection in the teenage years is fundamental for development. It leads to blossoming relationships that show us empathy and understanding for someone that once was a complete stranger. We learn lifelong tools of how to treat someone in a positive way. These grow into higher well being, longevity and happiness later in life. (Daniel J. Siegel, 4-8) Through these years you are forced to learn how to make friends with complete strangers or face the pain of isolation. While it can be scary to step into the waters, it is worth it.
Over adolescence, people who have solid friendships and groups of people, they can turn to have a higher sense of self and belonging. Strong adolescent friendships have a great positive impact on mental health, higher levels of self-worth, and lower levels of anxiety and depression. When we have that warm feeling of belonging in our hearts we have less worry and jealousy about where we stand socially. (Newport Academy, Website) If we feel comfortable with who we are surrounded with we take off our mask that we put up to the world and start to show who we really are. Starting to explore our genuine selfs helps us develop into who we are going to become. Currently I am surrounded by people that I know care for me. They look out for my well being, if they think I am in a funk. They will come pull me out and take me to do something I love. This keeps me sane when my thoughts are consuming the rest of life.
Once we are in our own world with our people we will do anything to not get “kicked out”. In our close-knit groups, spoken or unspoken, we start to make norms to follow within each other. These tend to influence the way we behave in groups. In some cases, if you do something against the groups you can be exiled, which is toxic clique behavior. Being able to be open, honest, and who you really are around the ones closest to you is important. To develop connections with others in a healthy way. Having companions around you that won't let you slip is life-changing, you have someone there that can look out for you. Due to the fact that we understand each other on a new level, we will offer a valuable perspective.
Whenever we are all not working, at school, or other obligations, my friends and I try to be together. Whether it's the breeze on our faces as we stargaze on mountain tops or the sizzle in the pan as we make dinner together. Having us all together doing something with positive effects is the best use of our free time. We drive each other to want to have fun, try something exciting. Uplifting and encouraging each other to be better along the way. Getting the most out of everyday life, I try to surround myself with people who will push me to become a better version of myself. I can express my dreams and they will help make them happen. We have a community that will help us fight through the tough times.
When we're all together, our moods and emotions mix in the air. How we are feeling will show through. On the off occasion that one of us is feeling off, it will shine through. Then can rub off on the rest of us. We have such an electric effect on one another, some small spark can explode. The key is to not let it spread, and nip the issue at the bud. We can quickly fog up the atmosphere with our attitudes, positive or negative. You never know what will happen, but we keep one another in check. It's like a wave of events when we are with each other. On our adventures we inspire new creativity in one another, seaking new ideas to catch a glimpse of what's possible.
Adolescence is a unique time in life where you can have a lot of freedom, with little responsibility. Of course, that depends on who you are and your lifestyle. We get about 10 years to follow our hearts and try new things. The world is at our feet, we can go do anything that calls our attention. Not everything that we come across will go as planned, things will get messed up and we have to learn to roll with the punches. Though, each new experience we have is a new opportunity to learn something new. Being thrown in uncertain situations with an obstacle we have to overcome teaches us so much. Whether you had a lot of support growing up in day to day life and had a hand holding you throughout all of childhood's challenges. Or had to combat everything on your own, how we respond to challenges now stems from how we were taught earlier in life. Coming up with creative solutions to move the boulder in our path shows us what we're capable of. We can take what didn't go right the first time and apply it to what we do next. Take into consideration what we learned, be better, and not make that mistake again. What experiences we have leave an imprint on us, that will peak throw later in life, when in new challenging situations.
From the moment we step out into this world everything from the music we listen to and food we eat to the people that sound us and place we go. Leave an impact on who we are and will grow into throughout life. They affect what we do throughout adolescence, what we crave, or the type of people we want to hang out with. The situations we are put in and how we react to it change how we approach things differently next time or what we believe in. We rarely have any control over what happens to us and affects us, but in that odd scenario where you have control, use it for good. Try to surround yourself with positive influences; people who will help you fight for the good. Do new things and make mistakes then reflect and learn for it to better prepare for next time. As we move through life everything will continue to change and we just have to let it. Stay grounded in what brings you joy, make it a point to find the good in day to day life even when it feels like everything is crashing down on you. Life will happen and you just have to use it to your advantage to shape you into the person of your dreams.
Work Cited
Prinstein, Mitch. “Jocks, Brains, Populars: Crowds’ Effects On You. The science behind grease, The Breakfast Club, Clueless, and High School Musical.” Psychology Today, November 2, 2010. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-modern-teen/201011/jocks-brains-populars-crowds-effects-you
Siegel, Daniel. “Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain” Penguin Publishing Group, August 4th, 2015.
“The Importance of Teen Friendships.” Newport Academy July 2, 2018, https://www.newportacademy.com/resources/empowering-teens/teen-friendships/
The Roots Within Us
Day after day I would block everything out, my parents, friends, light, and the advice to stand up and fight back. The one thing I could not block out was the little voice in my head telling me to give up. It was eating me alive and I was letting it happen. I simply did not care about anything, I had no motivation. Everything I did seemed pointless because the world had no meaning. Life was always about the struggle I was going through and that consumed everything. Sitting in a dark room, listening to aggressive music in my earbuds, and being mad at the world would devour me. I had no one in my life that could pull me out of it, only people who would join me in my misery. Every day I would wake up with the voices yelling at me and the pressure of the world on my chest. So strong it held me down; never being able to do anything to fight it and break me out of my funk. The people I was surrounded by were with me in the dark. I didn't know another way other than to surrender to it.
Then all the sudden my freshman year of highschool was almost over and I realized that I hadn't done anything of note. There was nothing I was proud of or wanted to accomplish that would help me achieve my dreams. The light shined in and showed me how it is important to get the most you can out of every single day. We only get a little bit of time to do a lot of things. It's not worth it to give up when there's more to experience. Then I had been abandoned by who I thought were my closest friends. Instead of allowing that to drag me down, I stood up and continued to adventure through life searching for everything beautiful and interesting. A switch in my brain flipped to where I wanted to live life and do whatever I can to be in control and get the most out of it. This changed my approach to my everyday life. Now I try to find the joy and wonder in the challenges thrown at me instead of being intimidated at what lies ahead.
Throughout our lives, who we are around will affect how we are in the moment and who we become later down the line. It started from childhood with our parents raising us in certain ways. This is still present now with how much our peers influence our actions. Since people do have such a large effect on us, it is important to be around people who will help you become the best version of yourself; companions that will lift you up not drag you down. This is especially important for adolescents because these years help shape us into who we become when we grow up. The relationships we build now will set a foundation for the ones we build in the future.
Everyone's life experience is different, we all have a unique time growing up. Although, we can bond with people who have similar experiences on a new level. The one thing I can never forget about my childhood is always having a pit in my stomach; this feeling of uncertainty. Almost like no matter how much reaurance I was given, nothing would turn out alright. Most of my friends have had a similar experience growing up, something always just being off. We recognize ourselves in each other, and have empathy for one another. Our understanding from where one another is coming from and trust deepens. Today my friends are some of the most important people in my life.
Our past experiences growing up influences how we develop throughout highschool. A study done by Mitch Prinstein Ph.D shows teenagers who fall into the “Nerd” crowds, were also those that had childhoods filled with light, happiness, and positive adjustment. More of your standard white picket fence childhood experiences. While other groups such as “Druggies” are looking for a way to rebel from society after feeling exiled in childhood. Then the “Populars”' or “Jocks” are in the middle with the illusion of perfection. Although there is normally something deeper hiding with the feeling of wanting to be loved and accepted by everyone after not getting the right attention from their parents in childhood. (Mitch Prinstien, Psychology Today) How we were raised and what we had to go through when we were growing up affects who we are and how we respond to life throughout adolescence then later on. You can better understand yourself and personality if you take note of your earlier life experiences. We all have things from our past that have some influence on who we are now. Growing up we learn how to or how not to fight back at the world and can help prepare us for what gets thrown at us.
As adolescents, we want to feel accepted by the people around us. We tend to spend most of our time at school with our friends, then hang out with them outside of school as well. Everyone has a crowd that they spend time with. Quickly these people become who we turn to in times of need, our adventure buddies, figure in our life who we lean on. We will listen to each other because we understand where they are coming from. Some of our most impactful moments are spent with our peers, we are put in situations that test us. When we go through things together it can form a foundation of trust within our friends. Everyone deserves to find a group of people where they belong.
We go in packs and like to be with our friends, we start to pull away from our families, inevitably our peers become the most important people to us. Having close relationships with our friends teaches us how to care for others with them also caring for us. Showing us interdependence, how to take on the world with people by side which often leads to “risk taking behavior”. The increased leaves of social engagement and connection in the teenage years is fundamental for development. It leads to blossoming relationships that show us empathy and understanding for someone that once was a complete stranger. We learn lifelong tools of how to treat someone in a positive way. These grow into higher well being, longevity and happiness later in life. (Daniel J. Siegel, 4-8) Through these years you are forced to learn how to make friends with complete strangers or face the pain of isolation. While it can be scary to step into the waters, it is worth it.
Over adolescence, people who have solid friendships and groups of people, they can turn to have a higher sense of self and belonging. Strong adolescent friendships have a great positive impact on mental health, higher levels of self-worth, and lower levels of anxiety and depression. When we have that warm feeling of belonging in our hearts we have less worry and jealousy about where we stand socially. (Newport Academy, Website) If we feel comfortable with who we are surrounded with we take off our mask that we put up to the world and start to show who we really are. Starting to explore our genuine selfs helps us develop into who we are going to become. Currently I am surrounded by people that I know care for me. They look out for my well being, if they think I am in a funk. They will come pull me out and take me to do something I love. This keeps me sane when my thoughts are consuming the rest of life.
Once we are in our own world with our people we will do anything to not get “kicked out”. In our close-knit groups, spoken or unspoken, we start to make norms to follow within each other. These tend to influence the way we behave in groups. In some cases, if you do something against the groups you can be exiled, which is toxic clique behavior. Being able to be open, honest, and who you really are around the ones closest to you is important. To develop connections with others in a healthy way. Having companions around you that won't let you slip is life-changing, you have someone there that can look out for you. Due to the fact that we understand each other on a new level, we will offer a valuable perspective.
Whenever we are all not working, at school, or other obligations, my friends and I try to be together. Whether it's the breeze on our faces as we stargaze on mountain tops or the sizzle in the pan as we make dinner together. Having us all together doing something with positive effects is the best use of our free time. We drive each other to want to have fun, try something exciting. Uplifting and encouraging each other to be better along the way. Getting the most out of everyday life, I try to surround myself with people who will push me to become a better version of myself. I can express my dreams and they will help make them happen. We have a community that will help us fight through the tough times.
When we're all together, our moods and emotions mix in the air. How we are feeling will show through. On the off occasion that one of us is feeling off, it will shine through. Then can rub off on the rest of us. We have such an electric effect on one another, some small spark can explode. The key is to not let it spread, and nip the issue at the bud. We can quickly fog up the atmosphere with our attitudes, positive or negative. You never know what will happen, but we keep one another in check. It's like a wave of events when we are with each other. On our adventures we inspire new creativity in one another, seaking new ideas to catch a glimpse of what's possible.
Adolescence is a unique time in life where you can have a lot of freedom, with little responsibility. Of course, that depends on who you are and your lifestyle. We get about 10 years to follow our hearts and try new things. The world is at our feet, we can go do anything that calls our attention. Not everything that we come across will go as planned, things will get messed up and we have to learn to roll with the punches. Though, each new experience we have is a new opportunity to learn something new. Being thrown in uncertain situations with an obstacle we have to overcome teaches us so much. Whether you had a lot of support growing up in day to day life and had a hand holding you throughout all of childhood's challenges. Or had to combat everything on your own, how we respond to challenges now stems from how we were taught earlier in life. Coming up with creative solutions to move the boulder in our path shows us what we're capable of. We can take what didn't go right the first time and apply it to what we do next. Take into consideration what we learned, be better, and not make that mistake again. What experiences we have leave an imprint on us, that will peak throw later in life, when in new challenging situations.
From the moment we step out into this world everything from the music we listen to and food we eat to the people that sound us and place we go. Leave an impact on who we are and will grow into throughout life. They affect what we do throughout adolescence, what we crave, or the type of people we want to hang out with. The situations we are put in and how we react to it change how we approach things differently next time or what we believe in. We rarely have any control over what happens to us and affects us, but in that odd scenario where you have control, use it for good. Try to surround yourself with positive influences; people who will help you fight for the good. Do new things and make mistakes then reflect and learn for it to better prepare for next time. As we move through life everything will continue to change and we just have to let it. Stay grounded in what brings you joy, make it a point to find the good in day to day life even when it feels like everything is crashing down on you. Life will happen and you just have to use it to your advantage to shape you into the person of your dreams.
Work Cited
Prinstein, Mitch. “Jocks, Brains, Populars: Crowds’ Effects On You. The science behind grease, The Breakfast Club, Clueless, and High School Musical.” Psychology Today, November 2, 2010. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-modern-teen/201011/jocks-brains-populars-crowds-effects-you
Siegel, Daniel. “Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain” Penguin Publishing Group, August 4th, 2015.
“The Importance of Teen Friendships.” Newport Academy July 2, 2018, https://www.newportacademy.com/resources/empowering-teens/teen-friendships/
Adolescence Project Reflection 1. Explain how you grew as a writer in this project. Be specific, go back through your essay to find evidence. If possible, compare specific examples from an earlier draft with your final draft, and discuss how your essay changed, and why those changes made it a stronger piece of writing.
During this project we were tasked with writing narrative essays about our adolescent experience. This writing assignment has challenged me in new ways and helped me grow as a writer. In one area in particular, throughout our essay we were supposed to show our readers the scene. Immerse them in the story, describe what it felt like, looked like, or even smelt like depending on what was going on in our natartive. One activity that helped us develop this technique was our show don't tell assignment. We took parts from our essays where we could describe what was going on better, to make our writing more interesting. For example, I took “Eventually I stopped dragging my feet and embraced the beautiful view that I was lucky enough to witness.” and changed it to “As the hike progressed, I slowly got out of my funk, the wishing for something else left. I realized that it was a blessing that I could go out and do this whenever I wanted. This relation gave me some perspective; I felt very centered and at home. Gratitude and joy flowed over me. The view from the top was breathtaking over the mountain ranges. I was literally on top of the world. Living life to my fullest.” (I changed the theme of my essay after this assignment so this exact excerpt is not in my essay.) Doing this to my writing made it deeper, giving the reader more layers to unwrap. Putting them in my shoes, truly showing them the message I was trying to get across.
2. What are your biggest take-aways from this project and how have they transformed the way you see the world or yourself? This could be from any part of the project: the content, the essay and mask, the design thinking process, exhibition prep, or the exhibition itself.
From the beginning of the project up until now one thing that has stuck with me is that there is still so much to learn and understand about the adolescent experience.Also that it is constantly changing and always will. Everyone is going to experience these years differently, especially as we advance as a society. The things that are affecting me now will be completely different to the things that will affect future generations. Then because of this we will never fully understand the adolescent experience through someone else's eyes. We can only try to see where they are coming from and empathize with their situation. Due to the fact that what everyone will go through is different we will all learn and take away different things. This diverstity in everyone is what makes our world so special and unique. We all bring something different to the table adding a new flavor. It is important to appreciate the contrast because the world would be so boring if we were all the same.
3. How do you feel you have grown as a project worker and student throughout the course of this semester? Be specific and provide evidence!
Throughout this project it has challenged me to think outside of what I thought a “project” is supposed to be or look like. Before the adolescents project, I had only been a part of exhibitions where we stand in front of our products and occasionally answer the same questions to parents. To me this felt almost pointless because we couldn't truly immerse and show them what we were doing all this time at school. What we have been putting our effort into and learning about, they couldn't understand it and learn from us. While for this project we got to put together an interactive exhibition of our own design. Where the audience could give us input and feedback about the topic. Allowing us to dive deeper and get a new perspective about what we were learning about. In this project there was another layer of understanding that we cracked. Then again I took this engagement to another level with my mask. I also wanted the audience to add to my mask, making it so they could add a little piece to it. I made it so they could write on tags and hang them on my mask about things from their adolescence that have affected them as they grew into a human. All of this has opened my eyes to what an exhibition could be. I hope to carry this on throughout all of my future projects here at Animas.
4. Describe what you did as a group member and how it contributed to the success of our exhibition. Include what you would change or do differently if you were to do this project again.
During this exhibition I was given the opportunity to be a project manager, to help lead my grade through exhibition prep and into our final product. Along with my two other project managers we were tasked with making sure all of the moving pieces were getting done and coming together. We split up the different sections of the exhibition between us so we could each focus on a few to make sure everything that needed to be done was. I got the relationships group and cross-generation conversation group. I made sure they had a clear vision of what they wanted to display at the exhibition, had a plan of how they would get there, and made sure they had everything they needed to get there. If I was to be put in this position again I would try to get everything done ahead of time. Once we know what needs to be done, get it done so we wouldn't have to worry about it later on. This would lead to a more put together exhibition and less stressful experience for everyone.
During this project we were tasked with writing narrative essays about our adolescent experience. This writing assignment has challenged me in new ways and helped me grow as a writer. In one area in particular, throughout our essay we were supposed to show our readers the scene. Immerse them in the story, describe what it felt like, looked like, or even smelt like depending on what was going on in our natartive. One activity that helped us develop this technique was our show don't tell assignment. We took parts from our essays where we could describe what was going on better, to make our writing more interesting. For example, I took “Eventually I stopped dragging my feet and embraced the beautiful view that I was lucky enough to witness.” and changed it to “As the hike progressed, I slowly got out of my funk, the wishing for something else left. I realized that it was a blessing that I could go out and do this whenever I wanted. This relation gave me some perspective; I felt very centered and at home. Gratitude and joy flowed over me. The view from the top was breathtaking over the mountain ranges. I was literally on top of the world. Living life to my fullest.” (I changed the theme of my essay after this assignment so this exact excerpt is not in my essay.) Doing this to my writing made it deeper, giving the reader more layers to unwrap. Putting them in my shoes, truly showing them the message I was trying to get across.
2. What are your biggest take-aways from this project and how have they transformed the way you see the world or yourself? This could be from any part of the project: the content, the essay and mask, the design thinking process, exhibition prep, or the exhibition itself.
From the beginning of the project up until now one thing that has stuck with me is that there is still so much to learn and understand about the adolescent experience.Also that it is constantly changing and always will. Everyone is going to experience these years differently, especially as we advance as a society. The things that are affecting me now will be completely different to the things that will affect future generations. Then because of this we will never fully understand the adolescent experience through someone else's eyes. We can only try to see where they are coming from and empathize with their situation. Due to the fact that what everyone will go through is different we will all learn and take away different things. This diverstity in everyone is what makes our world so special and unique. We all bring something different to the table adding a new flavor. It is important to appreciate the contrast because the world would be so boring if we were all the same.
3. How do you feel you have grown as a project worker and student throughout the course of this semester? Be specific and provide evidence!
Throughout this project it has challenged me to think outside of what I thought a “project” is supposed to be or look like. Before the adolescents project, I had only been a part of exhibitions where we stand in front of our products and occasionally answer the same questions to parents. To me this felt almost pointless because we couldn't truly immerse and show them what we were doing all this time at school. What we have been putting our effort into and learning about, they couldn't understand it and learn from us. While for this project we got to put together an interactive exhibition of our own design. Where the audience could give us input and feedback about the topic. Allowing us to dive deeper and get a new perspective about what we were learning about. In this project there was another layer of understanding that we cracked. Then again I took this engagement to another level with my mask. I also wanted the audience to add to my mask, making it so they could add a little piece to it. I made it so they could write on tags and hang them on my mask about things from their adolescence that have affected them as they grew into a human. All of this has opened my eyes to what an exhibition could be. I hope to carry this on throughout all of my future projects here at Animas.
4. Describe what you did as a group member and how it contributed to the success of our exhibition. Include what you would change or do differently if you were to do this project again.
During this exhibition I was given the opportunity to be a project manager, to help lead my grade through exhibition prep and into our final product. Along with my two other project managers we were tasked with making sure all of the moving pieces were getting done and coming together. We split up the different sections of the exhibition between us so we could each focus on a few to make sure everything that needed to be done was. I got the relationships group and cross-generation conversation group. I made sure they had a clear vision of what they wanted to display at the exhibition, had a plan of how they would get there, and made sure they had everything they needed to get there. If I was to be put in this position again I would try to get everything done ahead of time. Once we know what needs to be done, get it done so we wouldn't have to worry about it later on. This would lead to a more put together exhibition and less stressful experience for everyone.