Re-Imagining the Library

All things could be improved as long as the improver knows what to check off. This is what I learned in my class, Social Entrepreneurship and You, during the third term of my senior year. We learned how to do SMART goals, create SWOT organization, and understand different aspects of the economy. We also took several personality test such as "Disc" and "The Big 5" personality test. Finally we learned how to calculate imaginary numbers and understand the history of mathematics.

For an assignment, we worked on how to improve a certain aspect of the school in whatever way we wanted. I choose to do the library since I have a fondness for books. I interviewed several teachers and students to get the best perspective and made my own SMART goals for the library's benefit. I enjoy that most of the work is finished, but I wished I did more with this project. I'm working on an unrelated final project for the end of the year, so I couldn't add much creative energy to this project. Even though this is standard, I believe it's valid when looking at the new space next year.

                                 

I seen multiple projects that put in lot of creative talent as this specific project invites the freedom of medium. If I were to make this again, I would create a video that uses much animation and expresses my enjoyment for the school.

Gym

During the past year, I had to go to a gym known as BMA Martial Arts. I already gone there for several years and this was my last year staying there. I would go at least three times a week for a hour each class being instructed by Eric Boleaga, the owner of the gym. My metabolism isn't the best, so I( didn't advance in the stomach area. However, I did recieve upper body strength and I would stay stable for health from time to time. I had gone through intense work and eing work such as forms, exercises that house push ups and sit ups, and fighting techniques whenever needed for self defense.

The important part of the class was learning how to believe in myself. Before I went to the class, I had trouble believe that I could do great things or even think long term. However, after years of going to his classes and his encouragement, I am in a better shape compared to myself as a child and I learned to try my hardest at all things I do. During last year, I was able to get into my dream school and I couldn't have done it with the encouragement instructor Eric has provided me during the years. I would like to thank him for that and for making me who I am today. My plan before I leave for the year for my school is to get my black belt and to finish my gym credits. I have completed 40 hours the past year and I will will continue to finish my gym credits for this year.

JN "Belt recievings" own work, 2019

Forest preserve work

When I work in the forest preserve, I had learned about the history of several preserves, the natural plant life, and contributions people had done before hand. A good example is in the Lemont forest area know as Black Partridge Woods, where there was a rich history of the forest once being owned by an old farm in the 40s. I got to see the remains of the farm such as where the farmhouse was and several pieces of old farm materials such as old lawn mowers. The forest now is ripe with plants, especially a plants known as dogwood, a thorn plant with mixed colors of red, blue, and purple.

The more important part of volunteering was the people I made connections with and the experience I had making a different. When I volunteered at the Great Chicago Food Depository, I didn't feel like a change was made. Rather, it felt like a long and continuous pile of work of food packaging with nobody wanting connections. I wanted to move, but I could only do so in a limited space. When the group were done, the workers at Chicago food depository would state the difference we made, but I didn't see proof. When I distributed food in Chicago, I would just stand in one place not taking a break. It was nice to give food to needy people, but I didn't feel comfortable just standing in one place.

In the forest preserve, even if one gets dirty, you feel like you make a change. I would see mountains of invasive trees before me and in just a few hours they were all gone and there would be a lovely landscape. I would get breaks and talk to people in the cold as a fire warmed us all up and food was provided by a good friend. I would play my violin sometimes for a special occasion with the people I met their outside and inside of work. The outdoors made me feel healthy, and I was more productive because of it. I'm proud to say I worked 39 hours on end to get my work done and to serve my community.

JN "Workday at Cap Sauers" now website, 2020