Work Log #1
January 31, 2023
The kickoff meeting was super helpful! It was so nice to have a breakdown of each of the components of senior project. I am SO excited for the Experimental Project, because I love creating things with my hands, and love knowing that I am tangibly making a difference in people’s lives. When deciding what topic I wanted to cover, I struggled to find something I was passionate about that would include crafts. ;) I worked hard to incorporate helping others, crafting, and kids into my project and am thrilled with the result! Besides the overall overwhelm of handling such a huge project on top of my other responsibilities, I am the most nervous about my project. I have decided to learn to crochet in order to donate crocheted blankets. Although I have experience with crafts, I do not currently know how to crochet, and hope that I have not bitten off more than I can chew. The Letter of Intent process went better than I thought! I had Mrs. Krnich, my AP Psychology teacher, look over it, and having her perspective as both a psychology teacher and a working mom was awesome! My letter was approved the first time around, which I am incredibly grateful for. There have been no unexpected hiccups so far!
January 31, 2023
The kickoff meeting was super helpful! It was so nice to have a breakdown of each of the components of senior project. I am SO excited for the Experimental Project, because I love creating things with my hands, and love knowing that I am tangibly making a difference in people’s lives. When deciding what topic I wanted to cover, I struggled to find something I was passionate about that would include crafts. ;) I worked hard to incorporate helping others, crafting, and kids into my project and am thrilled with the result! Besides the overall overwhelm of handling such a huge project on top of my other responsibilities, I am the most nervous about my project. I have decided to learn to crochet in order to donate crocheted blankets. Although I have experience with crafts, I do not currently know how to crochet, and hope that I have not bitten off more than I can chew. The Letter of Intent process went better than I thought! I had Mrs. Krnich, my AP Psychology teacher, look over it, and having her perspective as both a psychology teacher and a working mom was awesome! My letter was approved the first time around, which I am incredibly grateful for. There have been no unexpected hiccups so far!
Work Log #2
February 1, 2023
I am struggling to come up with a definitive plan for my commitment board. I’m thinking I’ll find some sort of baby decorations (like special paper or something) and include drawings of diapers, bottles, or other baby paraphernalia. I have not started working on the board yet- I have been SO swamped with my classes the past few weeks. However, I have plans to go to the Dollar Store this weekend to get the board itself and look for inspiration for the decorations. I also have not yet contacted my mentor. I have an idea of who to ask, I just haven’t figured out the way to ask them yet. I feel like this is the kind of request you ask in person, but I also think sending a text or email makes it easier for them to say no if it’s too overwhelming?? I dunno. I’ll figure it out, hopefully this weekend. I’ve started my research, and it’s going pretty well. I have two of my articles for sources, and I’ve found information that answers both parts of my question, which is great. I’m hoping to find my book source this weekend (writing this entry has made me remember so many things I need to do D: ). One of the things I’ve learned in my research is that when a mother has paid time off, the risk of re-hospitalization following birth decreases by 51%.
February 1, 2023
I am struggling to come up with a definitive plan for my commitment board. I’m thinking I’ll find some sort of baby decorations (like special paper or something) and include drawings of diapers, bottles, or other baby paraphernalia. I have not started working on the board yet- I have been SO swamped with my classes the past few weeks. However, I have plans to go to the Dollar Store this weekend to get the board itself and look for inspiration for the decorations. I also have not yet contacted my mentor. I have an idea of who to ask, I just haven’t figured out the way to ask them yet. I feel like this is the kind of request you ask in person, but I also think sending a text or email makes it easier for them to say no if it’s too overwhelming?? I dunno. I’ll figure it out, hopefully this weekend. I’ve started my research, and it’s going pretty well. I have two of my articles for sources, and I’ve found information that answers both parts of my question, which is great. I’m hoping to find my book source this weekend (writing this entry has made me remember so many things I need to do D: ). One of the things I’ve learned in my research is that when a mother has paid time off, the risk of re-hospitalization following birth decreases by 51%.
Work Log #3
February 6, 2023
I got my Letter of Intent back, and everything was great! It was approved the first time submitting it, which I am super thrilled about. I have not started my commitment board yet. I have a few ideas for designs floating through my head, like making the titles look like they are made out of toy blocks (the font), but beyond that, I have not thought super hard about it. I do have plans after school today to go to the Dollar Tree and get the poster board and look for inspiration for the decor. I have not put together my commitment board presentation at all. I am hoping that once I finish my board, it will be easy to write the presentation. I have reached out to my mentor! In fact, I reached out yesterday!! I was kind of nervous because it was a very long email, but she was super nice and responded within an hour. From her, I hope to learn about her firsthand experience with maternity leave. She shared with me that she had her oldest while she was working full time, and she was actually in charge of filling out her patients’ maternity leave paperwork!! I am SO lucky that she has hands-on experience.
February 6, 2023
I got my Letter of Intent back, and everything was great! It was approved the first time submitting it, which I am super thrilled about. I have not started my commitment board yet. I have a few ideas for designs floating through my head, like making the titles look like they are made out of toy blocks (the font), but beyond that, I have not thought super hard about it. I do have plans after school today to go to the Dollar Tree and get the poster board and look for inspiration for the decor. I have not put together my commitment board presentation at all. I am hoping that once I finish my board, it will be easy to write the presentation. I have reached out to my mentor! In fact, I reached out yesterday!! I was kind of nervous because it was a very long email, but she was super nice and responded within an hour. From her, I hope to learn about her firsthand experience with maternity leave. She shared with me that she had her oldest while she was working full time, and she was actually in charge of filling out her patients’ maternity leave paperwork!! I am SO lucky that she has hands-on experience.
Work Log #4
February 16, 2023
I finished my commitment board!! I am SO happy with how it turned out; it’s super aesthetically pleasing and was super fun to make. I spent at least three hours on it, but it was so worth it! I have a family friend come over and stamp her hand prints on my board. She’s three, so not exactly a baby, but she’s the youngest person in my life and was super cute about it. She was very excited to get the paint off of her hands. :) I was a little bit nervous for my presentation because I wanted to make sure I covered everything about my project and interest in maternal health care while staying within the time parameters. I think it went well, and had limited rambling. ;) I have reached out to my mentor and I’m lucky that she lives super close to my house. My research is going amazing! I started reading my book source, Arrival Stories. It’s a collection of stories from different mothers and their experiences with giving birth, their pregnancy, and/or becoming a mother. Although the discrimination that women of color receive is horrifying, I have loved reading this book because it gives me a real insight into why mothers deserve paid maternity leave. It has also given me a real appreciation for my mom and all of the pain she endured to have me.
February 16, 2023
I finished my commitment board!! I am SO happy with how it turned out; it’s super aesthetically pleasing and was super fun to make. I spent at least three hours on it, but it was so worth it! I have a family friend come over and stamp her hand prints on my board. She’s three, so not exactly a baby, but she’s the youngest person in my life and was super cute about it. She was very excited to get the paint off of her hands. :) I was a little bit nervous for my presentation because I wanted to make sure I covered everything about my project and interest in maternal health care while staying within the time parameters. I think it went well, and had limited rambling. ;) I have reached out to my mentor and I’m lucky that she lives super close to my house. My research is going amazing! I started reading my book source, Arrival Stories. It’s a collection of stories from different mothers and their experiences with giving birth, their pregnancy, and/or becoming a mother. Although the discrimination that women of color receive is horrifying, I have loved reading this book because it gives me a real insight into why mothers deserve paid maternity leave. It has also given me a real appreciation for my mom and all of the pain she endured to have me.
Work Log #5
March 2, 2023
Senior project is going okay! I interviewed my mentor last weekend and have already submitted the recording. I also am about 95% done with transcribing the interview; I just need to go through and correct any grammatical and spelling errors I made. The interview was incredibly helpful, as she gave insight into the maternity leave paperwork process and had personal investment, having had different kinds of maternity leave herself. I have a few ideas for a second interview and am hoping to set it up and/or complete it this weekend. My grandparents are visiting next weekend, and my grandma knows how to crochet. She’ll be teaching me how to crochet, so the project is coming along as well! I also mentioned to a friend that I’m learning to crochet and she gave me some tips as to where to get yarn and what type to use while crocheting; use thicker yarn to expedite the process. My next steps are to secure a location to donate my items and to complete my second interview. It’s an overwhelming time, what with UC and CSU admissions rolling out, many different senior project deadlines approaching, and Musical America opening in just over 34 hours at the time of writing. Yikes! Thank goodness it's just a few more weeks until graduation! :)
March 2, 2023
Senior project is going okay! I interviewed my mentor last weekend and have already submitted the recording. I also am about 95% done with transcribing the interview; I just need to go through and correct any grammatical and spelling errors I made. The interview was incredibly helpful, as she gave insight into the maternity leave paperwork process and had personal investment, having had different kinds of maternity leave herself. I have a few ideas for a second interview and am hoping to set it up and/or complete it this weekend. My grandparents are visiting next weekend, and my grandma knows how to crochet. She’ll be teaching me how to crochet, so the project is coming along as well! I also mentioned to a friend that I’m learning to crochet and she gave me some tips as to where to get yarn and what type to use while crocheting; use thicker yarn to expedite the process. My next steps are to secure a location to donate my items and to complete my second interview. It’s an overwhelming time, what with UC and CSU admissions rolling out, many different senior project deadlines approaching, and Musical America opening in just over 34 hours at the time of writing. Yikes! Thank goodness it's just a few more weeks until graduation! :)
Work Log #6
March 6, 2023
I’m going to be honest, the Senior Project is starting to hemorrhage all of my work ethic. ;) Completing all of the various moving pieces is incredibly difficult during this super busy time. I’m playing my own version of March Madness in which I agree to do a million different things in the month of March and see how long it takes for me to lose my mind. It’s March 6 and I’m already pretty close. Despite my exhaustion, I am slowly but surely making progress. I am 95% done transcribing my first interview, and had my second interview yesterday. I interviewed a family friend who is expecting her third child and works as a contracted dance teacher and self-employed massage therapist. Because she’s partially self-employed, her maternity leave looked a lot different than my mentor’s. She had awesome insight as to the care of mothers after giving birth that will completely enhance my paper. I also finished my book source, so I should be done with all of my research once I finish transcribing the interviews. Next, I need to compile the research into a paper that makes logical sense and doesn’t resemble a madman’s writing. I also am planning to start the project component of Senior Project later in the week, this weekend at the latest. My grandmother Face Timed me this weekend and we discussed different patterns and yarn strengths and colors. I’m super lucky to have a wholesome support group who are so willing to help me. :)
March 6, 2023
I’m going to be honest, the Senior Project is starting to hemorrhage all of my work ethic. ;) Completing all of the various moving pieces is incredibly difficult during this super busy time. I’m playing my own version of March Madness in which I agree to do a million different things in the month of March and see how long it takes for me to lose my mind. It’s March 6 and I’m already pretty close. Despite my exhaustion, I am slowly but surely making progress. I am 95% done transcribing my first interview, and had my second interview yesterday. I interviewed a family friend who is expecting her third child and works as a contracted dance teacher and self-employed massage therapist. Because she’s partially self-employed, her maternity leave looked a lot different than my mentor’s. She had awesome insight as to the care of mothers after giving birth that will completely enhance my paper. I also finished my book source, so I should be done with all of my research once I finish transcribing the interviews. Next, I need to compile the research into a paper that makes logical sense and doesn’t resemble a madman’s writing. I also am planning to start the project component of Senior Project later in the week, this weekend at the latest. My grandmother Face Timed me this weekend and we discussed different patterns and yarn strengths and colors. I’m super lucky to have a wholesome support group who are so willing to help me. :)
Work Log #7
March 7, 2023
The main struggle of senior project so far is making sure I complete each aspect on time. For example, I thought I was very ahead when I conducted my first interview, but in actuality, I needed to conduct my second interview really shortly after. One thing that has gone well is finding credible and helpful research. The articles I found online were also super helpful. I found one website that categorizes all of the states in the United States by what kind of maternity leave they provide; paid leave in addition to federal short-term disability leave, unpaid leave in addition to federal short-term disability leave, and no additional leave. This resource will be incredibly helpful in answering the first half of my overall question. As mentioned in earlier work logs, I have completed both interviews. The first one was with my mentor, Liz Davis. Her experience in the medical field, specifically working with new moms, was super interesting and insightful. My second interview was with my family friend, Emily Ellison. She’s currently expecting her third child and has a unique maternity leave situation, because she is partially self-employed. My outline is coming along! I went through and separated the different aspects of my question into the different paragraphs and decided which sources will be the most helpful in answering those questions. Next, I need to go through and add specific quotes and analysis to the outline. I’m progressing well overall, but this project is super intense!
March 7, 2023
The main struggle of senior project so far is making sure I complete each aspect on time. For example, I thought I was very ahead when I conducted my first interview, but in actuality, I needed to conduct my second interview really shortly after. One thing that has gone well is finding credible and helpful research. The articles I found online were also super helpful. I found one website that categorizes all of the states in the United States by what kind of maternity leave they provide; paid leave in addition to federal short-term disability leave, unpaid leave in addition to federal short-term disability leave, and no additional leave. This resource will be incredibly helpful in answering the first half of my overall question. As mentioned in earlier work logs, I have completed both interviews. The first one was with my mentor, Liz Davis. Her experience in the medical field, specifically working with new moms, was super interesting and insightful. My second interview was with my family friend, Emily Ellison. She’s currently expecting her third child and has a unique maternity leave situation, because she is partially self-employed. My outline is coming along! I went through and separated the different aspects of my question into the different paragraphs and decided which sources will be the most helpful in answering those questions. Next, I need to go through and add specific quotes and analysis to the outline. I’m progressing well overall, but this project is super intense!
Work Log #8
March 14, 2023
Happy pi day! My outline is DONE! Woohoo! Up next is writing the essay (*gulp*). My plan for tackling the essay is to use my outline and work paragraph by paragraph. Hopefully, I’ll be able to work on a paragraph a day. I worked for hours on my outline, so you best believe I’m using that to guide my essay! I am excited to start my project! I started this weekend by trying to learn to crochet. However, I’m left-handed and my grandmother, who is teaching me, is right-handed. We both tried doing it right-handed and left-handed and I could not figure out how to hold the hook. My right hand lacks the strength to do it, but my grandmother can’t show me how to do it with my left hand because it’s backwards for her. We worked for three hours and I only had an inch of a blanket. I then realized that making one blanket will take way over twenty hours. Cue many tantrums thrown by me, my grandmother, and my mother. I finally swallowed my pride and emailed my English teacher asking if I could redirect my project. She generously agreed, and now I will be making baby hats that I already know how to make! While I am disappointed that this happened, because it feels a little bit like accepting defeat, this will make the project a lot more effective in the community, as I’ll be able to donate dozens of hats instead of one blanket.
March 14, 2023
Happy pi day! My outline is DONE! Woohoo! Up next is writing the essay (*gulp*). My plan for tackling the essay is to use my outline and work paragraph by paragraph. Hopefully, I’ll be able to work on a paragraph a day. I worked for hours on my outline, so you best believe I’m using that to guide my essay! I am excited to start my project! I started this weekend by trying to learn to crochet. However, I’m left-handed and my grandmother, who is teaching me, is right-handed. We both tried doing it right-handed and left-handed and I could not figure out how to hold the hook. My right hand lacks the strength to do it, but my grandmother can’t show me how to do it with my left hand because it’s backwards for her. We worked for three hours and I only had an inch of a blanket. I then realized that making one blanket will take way over twenty hours. Cue many tantrums thrown by me, my grandmother, and my mother. I finally swallowed my pride and emailed my English teacher asking if I could redirect my project. She generously agreed, and now I will be making baby hats that I already know how to make! While I am disappointed that this happened, because it feels a little bit like accepting defeat, this will make the project a lot more effective in the community, as I’ll be able to donate dozens of hats instead of one blanket.
Work Log #9
March 20, 2023
Alert! The rough draft is due tonight! I am beyond thrilled that the essay portion is almost over. I have poured hours of my time into the essay, and I have still got much to write. I am pretty happy with what I have written. I feel that I have explained the legislation in terms that are easy for anyone to understand, which was tricky considering I barely understand the acts, even after taking Government (sorry Mr. Woerner). I have finished all of the paragraphs discussing the first part of my question, and am now writing the portion of the essay focusing on why maternity leave is important. I have pretty heavily stuck to what I planned out in my outline. I have adjusted a few things here and there, just to make sure that all of my bases are covered in terms of quotes and citing sources. I am really excited for the project portion! As mentioned in the previous log, I had to redirect my project, with my teacher’s blessing. I am really happy that it worked out this way, because I will be able to help so many more families through making hats instead of crocheting blankets.
March 20, 2023
Alert! The rough draft is due tonight! I am beyond thrilled that the essay portion is almost over. I have poured hours of my time into the essay, and I have still got much to write. I am pretty happy with what I have written. I feel that I have explained the legislation in terms that are easy for anyone to understand, which was tricky considering I barely understand the acts, even after taking Government (sorry Mr. Woerner). I have finished all of the paragraphs discussing the first part of my question, and am now writing the portion of the essay focusing on why maternity leave is important. I have pretty heavily stuck to what I planned out in my outline. I have adjusted a few things here and there, just to make sure that all of my bases are covered in terms of quotes and citing sources. I am really excited for the project portion! As mentioned in the previous log, I had to redirect my project, with my teacher’s blessing. I am really happy that it worked out this way, because I will be able to help so many more families through making hats instead of crocheting blankets.
Work Log #10
3/24/23
I have conducted interview number two, and it went awesome! The family friend I interviewed is a self-employed massage therapist and a contracted dance teacher, so her maternity leave experience is different from most. I learned about the lack of communication the health care system gives to new mothers about what is going to happen to them in the next few weeks. She told me that the focus is almost solely on the baby and not on the mom. The only questions asked to her were simple and vague. They were along the lines of “Do you sometimes feel sad?” or “Do you sometimes not want to take care of your baby?” and not further in depth. As mentioned in a few work logs, I had to redirect my project. I am planning on cranking it out over spring break. Although I keep forgetting the most important part of this project, which is to find where in the heck I am donating the hats. My mentor suggested I contact the Miramonte Crisis Center, as they cater to a wider and less financially stable clientele. If I can find a spare moment this weekend, maybe I’ll try to reach out to them. Hopefully they have an email address, because one of my greatest anxieties is talking on the phone. Somehow my brain forgets that I’ve spoken English my whole life and decides to only utter the most confusing and embarrassing dialect. *sigh* The things I do to get a good grade. ;)
3/24/23
I have conducted interview number two, and it went awesome! The family friend I interviewed is a self-employed massage therapist and a contracted dance teacher, so her maternity leave experience is different from most. I learned about the lack of communication the health care system gives to new mothers about what is going to happen to them in the next few weeks. She told me that the focus is almost solely on the baby and not on the mom. The only questions asked to her were simple and vague. They were along the lines of “Do you sometimes feel sad?” or “Do you sometimes not want to take care of your baby?” and not further in depth. As mentioned in a few work logs, I had to redirect my project. I am planning on cranking it out over spring break. Although I keep forgetting the most important part of this project, which is to find where in the heck I am donating the hats. My mentor suggested I contact the Miramonte Crisis Center, as they cater to a wider and less financially stable clientele. If I can find a spare moment this weekend, maybe I’ll try to reach out to them. Hopefully they have an email address, because one of my greatest anxieties is talking on the phone. Somehow my brain forgets that I’ve spoken English my whole life and decides to only utter the most confusing and embarrassing dialect. *sigh* The things I do to get a good grade. ;)
Work Log #11
April 12, 2023
My essay got some feedback and I did a lot better than I thought I was going to. There’s only a few edits I needed to make, and unfortunately 90% of them were spelling mistakes. Spellcheck failed me so bad! My plan of action for the essay is to have my mentor look over it. I’m meeting in a few weeks to go over her suggestions, and then I’ll incorporate those edits into my final draft. We also got the presentations introduced to us yesterday. I can’t wait for it to be done! For my practice presentation, I’m going to try and prepare and give it like it’s the final presentation. If it goes well, then I won’t have to tweak many things. If it fails miserably, then there will be time to start from scratch. My project is going pretty well! I have 15 hours done; I spent a ton of time over Spring Break cranking out hats. I may decide to do a few extra hours depending on how many hats I have done at the end of 20 hours. It’ll feel cleaner to donate 25 hats instead of 23, for example. My major problem with the project is that it’s killing my fingers!! My poor ring finger has multiple blisters from holding the hook, and I’m getting a blood blister on my left thumb from manipulating the yarn. All in all, it’s going pretty well, and I’m looking forward to donating the hats.
April 12, 2023
My essay got some feedback and I did a lot better than I thought I was going to. There’s only a few edits I needed to make, and unfortunately 90% of them were spelling mistakes. Spellcheck failed me so bad! My plan of action for the essay is to have my mentor look over it. I’m meeting in a few weeks to go over her suggestions, and then I’ll incorporate those edits into my final draft. We also got the presentations introduced to us yesterday. I can’t wait for it to be done! For my practice presentation, I’m going to try and prepare and give it like it’s the final presentation. If it goes well, then I won’t have to tweak many things. If it fails miserably, then there will be time to start from scratch. My project is going pretty well! I have 15 hours done; I spent a ton of time over Spring Break cranking out hats. I may decide to do a few extra hours depending on how many hats I have done at the end of 20 hours. It’ll feel cleaner to donate 25 hats instead of 23, for example. My major problem with the project is that it’s killing my fingers!! My poor ring finger has multiple blisters from holding the hook, and I’m getting a blood blister on my left thumb from manipulating the yarn. All in all, it’s going pretty well, and I’m looking forward to donating the hats.
Work Log #12
April 24, 2023
I turned in my essay! Woohoo! 🎉 My revisions went well! Thankfully, my mentor was able to catch some factual errors about statewide maternity leave in New Hampshire; it’s changed more recently than the source I found. Whoops! Also, I had my dad look over my essay and he was able to help me make it more factual based and less opinionated, specifically in the parts about racism affecting maternity leave. I kind of went off on the government. My project is moving right along! I made THREE phone calls to the Contra Costa Health Center in Martinez. Their clientele is super low-income, and they were super excited to learn that I can donate hats. They said they have about 30 babies a day in the hospital, so my hats will be put to good use! I’m so happy that I get to help these awesome babies!! I haven’t started my presentation yet. Well, that’s not true. I found a cute slideshow template. But when it comes to the actual writing of the presentation, I have not started. I have an AP exam next week, which is my main focus at the moment. I know I will get it done and crush it during both the practice and the actual presentation. I just cannot write it right now. I’ve got other things to worry about.
April 24, 2023
I turned in my essay! Woohoo! 🎉 My revisions went well! Thankfully, my mentor was able to catch some factual errors about statewide maternity leave in New Hampshire; it’s changed more recently than the source I found. Whoops! Also, I had my dad look over my essay and he was able to help me make it more factual based and less opinionated, specifically in the parts about racism affecting maternity leave. I kind of went off on the government. My project is moving right along! I made THREE phone calls to the Contra Costa Health Center in Martinez. Their clientele is super low-income, and they were super excited to learn that I can donate hats. They said they have about 30 babies a day in the hospital, so my hats will be put to good use! I’m so happy that I get to help these awesome babies!! I haven’t started my presentation yet. Well, that’s not true. I found a cute slideshow template. But when it comes to the actual writing of the presentation, I have not started. I have an AP exam next week, which is my main focus at the moment. I know I will get it done and crush it during both the practice and the actual presentation. I just cannot write it right now. I’ve got other things to worry about.
Work Log #13
May 1, 2023
I haven’t received my essay grade yet and it’s freaking me out. There’s no way it’s an automatic rewrite if I did well on the first draft- right? As I’m typing this, my English teacher is looking through a pile of papers that she hasn’t had a chance to look through and see the scores yet, so I’m watching out of the corner of my eye to see if mine is one of them. Why is this so stressful?? It literally is just a point of pride. And there’s a sticker on the line. Never mind that if I don’t pass this essay I basically can’t graduate. No, what’s important is the sticker. I have not made any more progress on my project since the last work log. I’m holding on for dear life trying to get through my AP test this week and then I will crank out the last few hours. My guess is I will donate around 25 hats. Thankfully, my project counts as my community service so I’m killing two birds with one stone. Probably not the best analogy because I’m supporting new life through my project, but oh well. My creative juices are not flowing this morning.
May 1, 2023
I haven’t received my essay grade yet and it’s freaking me out. There’s no way it’s an automatic rewrite if I did well on the first draft- right? As I’m typing this, my English teacher is looking through a pile of papers that she hasn’t had a chance to look through and see the scores yet, so I’m watching out of the corner of my eye to see if mine is one of them. Why is this so stressful?? It literally is just a point of pride. And there’s a sticker on the line. Never mind that if I don’t pass this essay I basically can’t graduate. No, what’s important is the sticker. I have not made any more progress on my project since the last work log. I’m holding on for dear life trying to get through my AP test this week and then I will crank out the last few hours. My guess is I will donate around 25 hats. Thankfully, my project counts as my community service so I’m killing two birds with one stone. Probably not the best analogy because I’m supporting new life through my project, but oh well. My creative juices are not flowing this morning.
Work Log #14
May 5, 2023
How IS everything going? Well, everything is kind of a disaster. Well, that’s not true. But I feel like I have made no progress on anything, because different assignments for the senior project keep popping up that I completely forgot about. Like the reflection paper! I completely forgot that I have to do that. It actually isn’t that big of a deal, but I just need to sit down and figure out when I’m completing these assignments. Thankfully, my AP test was earlier this week, so I can now focus (almost) solely on Senior Project. I’ve done a little bit of preparation for my presentation, but only the fun parts. :) I found a SUPER cute slideshow template and was searching through my mom’s old Instagram posts trying to find a video of my sister when she was a baby because that’s how I’m going to start my presentation. I’m also hoping to complete my project this weekend, because I need to drive to Martinez to drop off the hats and the best time to do that is this weekend. I think everything is going smoothly, I just need five minutes with my planner to make sure I can complete everything in a timely manner. Oh! I got my essay grade back and I got a 96%!!
May 5, 2023
How IS everything going? Well, everything is kind of a disaster. Well, that’s not true. But I feel like I have made no progress on anything, because different assignments for the senior project keep popping up that I completely forgot about. Like the reflection paper! I completely forgot that I have to do that. It actually isn’t that big of a deal, but I just need to sit down and figure out when I’m completing these assignments. Thankfully, my AP test was earlier this week, so I can now focus (almost) solely on Senior Project. I’ve done a little bit of preparation for my presentation, but only the fun parts. :) I found a SUPER cute slideshow template and was searching through my mom’s old Instagram posts trying to find a video of my sister when she was a baby because that’s how I’m going to start my presentation. I’m also hoping to complete my project this weekend, because I need to drive to Martinez to drop off the hats and the best time to do that is this weekend. I think everything is going smoothly, I just need five minutes with my planner to make sure I can complete everything in a timely manner. Oh! I got my essay grade back and I got a 96%!!
Work Log #15
May 6, 2023
I feel a lot better about my senior project today! I have my final mentor meeting scheduled on Monday, because I am finishing the project THIS WEEKEND!! At the time of writing, I have three hours left and have 22 hats done. I found online that I can mail my hats, which is what I am going to do (on Monday) because that’s easier than driving all the way to Martinez and trying to schedule a time with the hospital to come. I was hoping to finish and donate my hats today, but I forgot that the post office has different hours on Saturdays. It’s probably for the best though, because my hands are getting super sore from doing the same motion over and over again. I also went to the store today and figured out some thank you gifts for everyone who has helped me with my project (my English teacher, the teacher who read my Letter of Intent, my grandma, my mentor, and my second interview subject). I’m hoping to deliver these presents early next week. It honestly is a little bitter sweet coming to a close on the project. While senior project as a whole is not even close to being done, my project will be done in the next twenty-four hours. It’s the last service project I will do as a high school student. I can’t believe I just typed that sentence. That’s so sad!
May 6, 2023
I feel a lot better about my senior project today! I have my final mentor meeting scheduled on Monday, because I am finishing the project THIS WEEKEND!! At the time of writing, I have three hours left and have 22 hats done. I found online that I can mail my hats, which is what I am going to do (on Monday) because that’s easier than driving all the way to Martinez and trying to schedule a time with the hospital to come. I was hoping to finish and donate my hats today, but I forgot that the post office has different hours on Saturdays. It’s probably for the best though, because my hands are getting super sore from doing the same motion over and over again. I also went to the store today and figured out some thank you gifts for everyone who has helped me with my project (my English teacher, the teacher who read my Letter of Intent, my grandma, my mentor, and my second interview subject). I’m hoping to deliver these presents early next week. It honestly is a little bitter sweet coming to a close on the project. While senior project as a whole is not even close to being done, my project will be done in the next twenty-four hours. It’s the last service project I will do as a high school student. I can’t believe I just typed that sentence. That’s so sad!
Work Log #16
May 7, 2023
I finished the project component of my senior project! I made 28 hats, but am donating 32, as my mentor’s family made some for me to donate as well. The package is currently sitting on my desk chair and I am taking it to the post office tomorrow afternoon. It’s honestly really sad that I’m done, because this is the “fun” part of Senior Project. The research paper and presentation are definitely the more academic parts of the assignment, so it’s super fun that I got to make hats to donate. I love crafting, and it’s a win-win because I can tell myself that I’m being productive while sitting on my couch and watching TV, because I actually am being productive! The plan for tomorrow is to donate the hats and meet with my mentor to get all of my forms signed. Then the project aspect will be officially over and I can focus my attention on the presentation. I’m hoping I can use my time during the study sessions this week to work on the presentation. However, I’ve also got an essay for Economics due in three days that I have not started. *sigh* High school will forever be a balancing act.
May 7, 2023
I finished the project component of my senior project! I made 28 hats, but am donating 32, as my mentor’s family made some for me to donate as well. The package is currently sitting on my desk chair and I am taking it to the post office tomorrow afternoon. It’s honestly really sad that I’m done, because this is the “fun” part of Senior Project. The research paper and presentation are definitely the more academic parts of the assignment, so it’s super fun that I got to make hats to donate. I love crafting, and it’s a win-win because I can tell myself that I’m being productive while sitting on my couch and watching TV, because I actually am being productive! The plan for tomorrow is to donate the hats and meet with my mentor to get all of my forms signed. Then the project aspect will be officially over and I can focus my attention on the presentation. I’m hoping I can use my time during the study sessions this week to work on the presentation. However, I’ve also got an essay for Economics due in three days that I have not started. *sigh* High school will forever be a balancing act.
Work Log #17
May 8, 2023
I have officially finished my project!! The hats are mailed and the forms are signed and uploaded on my website!! I have spent HOURS today working on making my website look nice. During spring break, I made a time lapse of me making a hat. I wanted to upload it to the website, but the quality was awful. Once I figured that out, I realized the file is too big to upload on my website for free, so I have to upload it to my drive on my home google account, change the settings so anyone with the link can see it, make a QR code, and download and upload it to my website. So much work for a 30 second video. I also uploaded all of my photo proof for my project, as well as all of the forms I need on the proof page. I’m debating adding some images to my work logs page, because it’s looking a little word heavy. However, if I do that, I have to cite all of the images, add it to my works cited page and re-download and upload the updated works cited scribd document on my research page. That may be an activity for when I want to be mindlessly productive. All that’s left of my senior project are finishing the work logs, completing the beautification process of my portfolio, writing the reflection paper, and the presentation. Oh my goodness. I thought I was much closer.
May 8, 2023
I have officially finished my project!! The hats are mailed and the forms are signed and uploaded on my website!! I have spent HOURS today working on making my website look nice. During spring break, I made a time lapse of me making a hat. I wanted to upload it to the website, but the quality was awful. Once I figured that out, I realized the file is too big to upload on my website for free, so I have to upload it to my drive on my home google account, change the settings so anyone with the link can see it, make a QR code, and download and upload it to my website. So much work for a 30 second video. I also uploaded all of my photo proof for my project, as well as all of the forms I need on the proof page. I’m debating adding some images to my work logs page, because it’s looking a little word heavy. However, if I do that, I have to cite all of the images, add it to my works cited page and re-download and upload the updated works cited scribd document on my research page. That may be an activity for when I want to be mindlessly productive. All that’s left of my senior project are finishing the work logs, completing the beautification process of my portfolio, writing the reflection paper, and the presentation. Oh my goodness. I thought I was much closer.
Work Log #18
May 10, 2023
I don’t have much to say for this work log, because I’ve already finished my project. I made/bought all of my thank you presents for the adults that helped me with my senior project, and everyone seemed super thankful. My second interview was with Emily Ellison, who just had her third baby in the last week of April. To thank her for her help and congratulate her on her new baby, I made her a baby hat as well. It was worth the extra half an hour of making hats. If I ever get carpal tunnel, this project will definitely have contributed to it. ;) This week is the beginning of practice presentations. It’s super interesting to hear what everyone focused on and to see how hard people worked on things they are passionate about. I am glad I decided not to go this week because I definitely need the extra time. I am also getting inspiration about what to incorporate into my presentation. I’m hoping to include a couple videos into my presentation, but I’m hoping it doesn’t look super unprofessional if I can’t figure out how to play them. I also have a baseball hat that says “I may be left handed, but I’m always right” and I thought it would be funny if I put that on while talking about why I had to redirect my project. We’ll see if I’m brave enough to be a little silly in what’s supposed to be a professional presentation.
May 10, 2023
I don’t have much to say for this work log, because I’ve already finished my project. I made/bought all of my thank you presents for the adults that helped me with my senior project, and everyone seemed super thankful. My second interview was with Emily Ellison, who just had her third baby in the last week of April. To thank her for her help and congratulate her on her new baby, I made her a baby hat as well. It was worth the extra half an hour of making hats. If I ever get carpal tunnel, this project will definitely have contributed to it. ;) This week is the beginning of practice presentations. It’s super interesting to hear what everyone focused on and to see how hard people worked on things they are passionate about. I am glad I decided not to go this week because I definitely need the extra time. I am also getting inspiration about what to incorporate into my presentation. I’m hoping to include a couple videos into my presentation, but I’m hoping it doesn’t look super unprofessional if I can’t figure out how to play them. I also have a baseball hat that says “I may be left handed, but I’m always right” and I thought it would be funny if I put that on while talking about why I had to redirect my project. We’ll see if I’m brave enough to be a little silly in what’s supposed to be a professional presentation.
Work Log #19
May 15, 2023
I just did my practice presentation and I was shaking in my boots the whole time!! The first time I practiced at home, my time was 15 minutes, so I had to cut so much stuff out. The last time I practiced last night, my time was 9:45. HOWEVER, my time for the presentation in class was 8:30. I think what happened is I freaked out so I started talking super fast. The timer held up the piece of paper signaling I was at 7 minutes and I was two sentences from my conclusion. I had to make some stuff up to add to my conclusion so I could reach the time mark. However, my average score was 100%! Mrs. O’Neil docked me a point for talking at the speed of light, which I definitely saw coming. I’m honestly surprised I didn’t get more points off. I think it was a pity point for being vulnerable about the curse of being left-handed. All that’s left for senior project is finishing up my portfolio and giving the final presentation. I know what I need to do to crush the final one- make the font bigger on my slides and slow the flip down. I need to have my family watch or something so I can get used to people looking at me as I’m talking. I was literally stuttering because I made eye contact with people. *shudder*
May 15, 2023
I just did my practice presentation and I was shaking in my boots the whole time!! The first time I practiced at home, my time was 15 minutes, so I had to cut so much stuff out. The last time I practiced last night, my time was 9:45. HOWEVER, my time for the presentation in class was 8:30. I think what happened is I freaked out so I started talking super fast. The timer held up the piece of paper signaling I was at 7 minutes and I was two sentences from my conclusion. I had to make some stuff up to add to my conclusion so I could reach the time mark. However, my average score was 100%! Mrs. O’Neil docked me a point for talking at the speed of light, which I definitely saw coming. I’m honestly surprised I didn’t get more points off. I think it was a pity point for being vulnerable about the curse of being left-handed. All that’s left for senior project is finishing up my portfolio and giving the final presentation. I know what I need to do to crush the final one- make the font bigger on my slides and slow the flip down. I need to have my family watch or something so I can get used to people looking at me as I’m talking. I was literally stuttering because I made eye contact with people. *shudder*
Work Log #20
May 17, 2023
I have made it to my last work log! It only seems like a few weeks ago that I wrote my first one. Time flies when you’re incredibly stressed and trying to stay on top of things! Today, I signed up for my presentation slot. The SignUp Genius was posted this morning at 8:00 am. I signed up for Wednesday, May 24, in Mr. Ceresa’s room. I will be presenting with some of my friends. It was frantic this morning trying to sign up for the slot I wanted with the people I wanted. It was awesome because at 7:57, all of the seniors in my choir class were glued to their computer screen, waiting for 8:00 to hit so we could sign up as soon as possible. The only thing I have left after finishing this work log is giving the presentation and polishing my website. I’m pretty sure it’s close to being done, but I’m going to double check the guidelines just in case. I wrote my reflection paper in study session yesterday, and decided to cite something from my book source. However, I had to return my book to the library, and couldn’t find the exact details of what I was writing about online. So I had to track down the book at the public library and flip through the pages until I found what I wanted. It’s crazy to think that a week from today, I’ll be completely done with senior project!
May 17, 2023
I have made it to my last work log! It only seems like a few weeks ago that I wrote my first one. Time flies when you’re incredibly stressed and trying to stay on top of things! Today, I signed up for my presentation slot. The SignUp Genius was posted this morning at 8:00 am. I signed up for Wednesday, May 24, in Mr. Ceresa’s room. I will be presenting with some of my friends. It was frantic this morning trying to sign up for the slot I wanted with the people I wanted. It was awesome because at 7:57, all of the seniors in my choir class were glued to their computer screen, waiting for 8:00 to hit so we could sign up as soon as possible. The only thing I have left after finishing this work log is giving the presentation and polishing my website. I’m pretty sure it’s close to being done, but I’m going to double check the guidelines just in case. I wrote my reflection paper in study session yesterday, and decided to cite something from my book source. However, I had to return my book to the library, and couldn’t find the exact details of what I was writing about online. So I had to track down the book at the public library and flip through the pages until I found what I wanted. It’s crazy to think that a week from today, I’ll be completely done with senior project!