Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night's Dream
The last project of the year was a study of Shakespeare, specifically his play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The class had three weeks to create a play that would be performed for our final exhibition. We had a small audition for a role in the play, but we were also assigned a production role. For the production role you were assigned, you were mainly responsible for that role to be ready by the play. I was assigned to costumes, along with two other people. Responsibilities for your character would be to know your lines by exhibition, have a costume, and to be comfortable with your blocking. Aside from play work, we were required to write a poetry conversion and an essay having to do with the play. For the conversion, we were assigned an excerpt from the play that we had to rewrite in modern language.
My character was Titania, the fairy queen; and my production role was costume designer. I connected to being a costume designer, because I have a passion for fashion, and to be in charge of outfits but also hair and makeup appealed to me. My favorite part of the project was putting together the costumes because it was nice to put together outfits for people, and do makeup but mainly because I was in charge and could boss people around. My best moment of the project was the final exhibition. Building up to the play, during rehearsals it was messy and we weren’t looking forward to the performance. However, we were able to pull it together and it turned out to be fun and there weren’t too many difficulites with sound effects, remembering lines, etc.
There were definitely some difficulties with the production. Remembering lines was a struggle, but for me, getting the costumes together got frustrating because not everyone was bringing them in, so it got close with the costume deadline. There were also a couple of people who couldn’t pull together their costumes in the end, or makeup. While this didn’t have much of an effect on the end result, it was a little disheartening to not have everything go as planned.
During this project, I could definitely see how I get bossy. I know that I get sassy and flustered if something doesn’t go my way, and it’s challenging to move away from that. For this project, I tried to let go a little bit and restrain my attitude. However, if someone came to me about a personal issue about their costume, I honestly shooed them away. I think this is because I want everything to go smoothly, and I didn’t have time to back and change designs, and I didn’t want to. This goes along with my need of control. If something doesn’t go my way, I get mean and annoyed, and I definitely saw that a few times during my production role. These were the most difficult moments; when an issue for a costume came up, it was hard to focus on it.
To answer the essential question, “ Why, 400 years later, does the English-speaking world gravitate to performing Shakespeare?” I believe Shakespeare is still apart of our culture because his plays consist of issues and events that people gravitate too. For example, in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” there’s a story of love, tragedy, gossip, and mischief. Yes, the language is dated and it can be difficult to follow along, but people are able to relate to the tragedies and victories in the play, even if it is exaggerated.
My character was Titania, the fairy queen; and my production role was costume designer. I connected to being a costume designer, because I have a passion for fashion, and to be in charge of outfits but also hair and makeup appealed to me. My favorite part of the project was putting together the costumes because it was nice to put together outfits for people, and do makeup but mainly because I was in charge and could boss people around. My best moment of the project was the final exhibition. Building up to the play, during rehearsals it was messy and we weren’t looking forward to the performance. However, we were able to pull it together and it turned out to be fun and there weren’t too many difficulites with sound effects, remembering lines, etc.
There were definitely some difficulties with the production. Remembering lines was a struggle, but for me, getting the costumes together got frustrating because not everyone was bringing them in, so it got close with the costume deadline. There were also a couple of people who couldn’t pull together their costumes in the end, or makeup. While this didn’t have much of an effect on the end result, it was a little disheartening to not have everything go as planned.
During this project, I could definitely see how I get bossy. I know that I get sassy and flustered if something doesn’t go my way, and it’s challenging to move away from that. For this project, I tried to let go a little bit and restrain my attitude. However, if someone came to me about a personal issue about their costume, I honestly shooed them away. I think this is because I want everything to go smoothly, and I didn’t have time to back and change designs, and I didn’t want to. This goes along with my need of control. If something doesn’t go my way, I get mean and annoyed, and I definitely saw that a few times during my production role. These were the most difficult moments; when an issue for a costume came up, it was hard to focus on it.
To answer the essential question, “ Why, 400 years later, does the English-speaking world gravitate to performing Shakespeare?” I believe Shakespeare is still apart of our culture because his plays consist of issues and events that people gravitate too. For example, in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” there’s a story of love, tragedy, gossip, and mischief. Yes, the language is dated and it can be difficult to follow along, but people are able to relate to the tragedies and victories in the play, even if it is exaggerated.
Model United Nations Project
The MUN project lasted for 9 weeks, and covered a lot of content in that duration. The class focused on two world issues, beginning with North Korea's possession of nuclear weapons. For this topic, we wrote policy papers, resolutions, and we took two different stand points. A few papers were written from your own personal opinion, while the others were written by your country's. The class held a conference in the classroom to wrap up the North Korea subject. We then moved onto the Palestine-Israel conflict, and we did the same things as the North Korea project. This conflict was more challenging than the first. For my country, (Russia) it was difficult to find information about its standing point. However, I completed everything that was required, and I was very excited to finally come to exhibition.
North Korea Policy Paper
The known possession of nuclear weapons in North Korea has brought upon the question: is it just to allow possession of nuclear weapons? United Nations’ motives include maintaining world peace. While North Korea is entitled to have complete control over their region and citizens by the power of national sovereignty, nothing is peaceful or under control in North Korea. Fear, threats, and worries will not cease unless the nuclear weapons are confiscated. The United Nations need to intervene before a fatal incident occurs, changing the world forever as we know it.
North Korea is an isolated, communist country ruled by a dictator Kim Jong-Un. The country is under a communist regime, has a poor economy, and the citizens are completely isolated from the world outside of North Korea; and have been conditioned to praise the leader and never question his ways. Radio stations are pre-tuned to government stations streaming out propaganda promoting the leader; and over two million people have passed because of acute food shortages. Clearly, there is not a healthy environment in Korea. There is no existence of care, nutrition, or freedom; it would be insane to allow a country portraying such behavior to possess nuclear weapons.
North Korea possessing nuclear weapons could also increase the odds of history repeating itself. “Odds are North Korea will adopt a dangerous strategy for using these weapons, similar to what NATO did during the cold war.” (J. Wit and J. Town, Page 1) In the early 1950s, NATO relied partly on the threat of massive nuclear retaliation from the United States to counter the Warsaw Pact’s much larger ground forces. Beginning in 1957, this policy was supplemented by the deployment of American nuclear weapons in western European bases. NATO later adopted a “flexible response” strategy, which the United States interpreted to mean that a war in Europe did not have to escalate to an all-out nuclear exchange. Under this strategy, many Allied forces were equipped with American battlefield nuclear weapons under a dual-control system, which allowed both the country hosting the weapons and the United States to veto their use. If North Korea was faced with superior conventional military forces: “just as NATO was with the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact, Pyongyang could threaten to go nuclear very early in a conflict to forestall defeat.” (J. Wit and J.Town 1)
“As President Xi Jinping of China stated, ‘No one should be allowed to throw a region and even the whole world into chaos for selfish gains.” (Jeremi Suri, New York Times) A North Korean nuclear bomb dropped on Seoul or Tokyo would cause enormous devastation, killing or injuring an estimated two million people in each city; if there are statistics and threats such as this, it is selfish of North Korea to hold this over the United Nations. If they followed through with a threat, it would send the world into complete and utter chaos. Even dealing with these conflicts are hectic for the nations. By eliminating the most recent North Korean missile threat, the United States would reassure everyone in the region, and those watching from other parts of the world will reduce the threat posed by the North’s arsenal. “The United States would also reassure everyone in the region, and those watching from other parts of the world, that although it is not seeking regime change, America and its allies will not be blackmailed by threatened missile launches.” (Jeremi Suri New York Times)
In conclusion, North Korea should not be able possess nuclear weapons. The region is unpredictable and lies under a dangerous rule. “President Obama should state clearly that this is an act of self-defense in response to explicit threats from North Korea and clear evidence of a prepared weapon. He should give the leaders of South Korea, Japan, China and Taiwan advance notice before acting. And he should explain that this is a limited defensive strike on a military target — an operation that poses no threat to civilians — and that America does not intend to bring about regime change. The purpose is to neutralize a clear and present danger. That is all.” (Jeremi Suri, New York Times) North Korea poses many threats towards all countries. With past history and new threats each week, having the United Nations intervene and confiscate the nuclear weapons would be, in fact, an act of self-defense. If the United Nations’ main goal is to maintain peace throughout every region, this would help ensure safety of the nations and cease threats from North Korea.
North Korea is an isolated, communist country ruled by a dictator Kim Jong-Un. The country is under a communist regime, has a poor economy, and the citizens are completely isolated from the world outside of North Korea; and have been conditioned to praise the leader and never question his ways. Radio stations are pre-tuned to government stations streaming out propaganda promoting the leader; and over two million people have passed because of acute food shortages. Clearly, there is not a healthy environment in Korea. There is no existence of care, nutrition, or freedom; it would be insane to allow a country portraying such behavior to possess nuclear weapons.
North Korea possessing nuclear weapons could also increase the odds of history repeating itself. “Odds are North Korea will adopt a dangerous strategy for using these weapons, similar to what NATO did during the cold war.” (J. Wit and J. Town, Page 1) In the early 1950s, NATO relied partly on the threat of massive nuclear retaliation from the United States to counter the Warsaw Pact’s much larger ground forces. Beginning in 1957, this policy was supplemented by the deployment of American nuclear weapons in western European bases. NATO later adopted a “flexible response” strategy, which the United States interpreted to mean that a war in Europe did not have to escalate to an all-out nuclear exchange. Under this strategy, many Allied forces were equipped with American battlefield nuclear weapons under a dual-control system, which allowed both the country hosting the weapons and the United States to veto their use. If North Korea was faced with superior conventional military forces: “just as NATO was with the Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact, Pyongyang could threaten to go nuclear very early in a conflict to forestall defeat.” (J. Wit and J.Town 1)
“As President Xi Jinping of China stated, ‘No one should be allowed to throw a region and even the whole world into chaos for selfish gains.” (Jeremi Suri, New York Times) A North Korean nuclear bomb dropped on Seoul or Tokyo would cause enormous devastation, killing or injuring an estimated two million people in each city; if there are statistics and threats such as this, it is selfish of North Korea to hold this over the United Nations. If they followed through with a threat, it would send the world into complete and utter chaos. Even dealing with these conflicts are hectic for the nations. By eliminating the most recent North Korean missile threat, the United States would reassure everyone in the region, and those watching from other parts of the world will reduce the threat posed by the North’s arsenal. “The United States would also reassure everyone in the region, and those watching from other parts of the world, that although it is not seeking regime change, America and its allies will not be blackmailed by threatened missile launches.” (Jeremi Suri New York Times)
In conclusion, North Korea should not be able possess nuclear weapons. The region is unpredictable and lies under a dangerous rule. “President Obama should state clearly that this is an act of self-defense in response to explicit threats from North Korea and clear evidence of a prepared weapon. He should give the leaders of South Korea, Japan, China and Taiwan advance notice before acting. And he should explain that this is a limited defensive strike on a military target — an operation that poses no threat to civilians — and that America does not intend to bring about regime change. The purpose is to neutralize a clear and present danger. That is all.” (Jeremi Suri, New York Times) North Korea poses many threats towards all countries. With past history and new threats each week, having the United Nations intervene and confiscate the nuclear weapons would be, in fact, an act of self-defense. If the United Nations’ main goal is to maintain peace throughout every region, this would help ensure safety of the nations and cease threats from North Korea.
North Korea Resolution
General Assembly Committee
Russia (by Isabel Krull)
Allowing North Korea Nuclear Weapons
The Security Council and General Assembly,
Recognizing that the United Nations have placed sanctions on North Korea that proved to be unsuccessful in an attempt to cease production of nuclear weapons and destroy the ones that already exist,
Realizing that the past two resolutions (1718, 1874) have failed to prevent nuclear weapon production and tests,
Acknowledging the likely failure of recent and future resolutions, Russia welcomes the nations to keep an open mind on allowing North Korea to possess nuclear weapons:
1. Aware of the fact that North Korea would take this opportunity to build more, and new weapons, if there was not any resistance from the nations, they are more unlikely to send their weapons to those countries;
(a) Suggesting that we will activate a peace treaty for across the nations, especially between the United States and North Korea to mend bonds and to strive for communication.
(b) In case the peace treaty is not signed by at least the United States and North Korea is not signed,
2. We acknowledge that sanctions must be immediately placed on North Korea to prevent any more threats toward peace and international security.
a) Incorporating economic sanctions would prevent North Korea from purchasing items and substances such as enriched uranium, missile parts, and the aid from other nuclear countries.
b) Encouraging the Peace Treaty to strengthen relations between all the nations, with urges for the United States and North Korea to be on speaking terms.
c) To respect to the nations’ sovereignty, we ask countries to monitor shipments to North Korea to ensure they are not secretly purchasing specific items (mentioned in 2, a)
3. Since this is a conflict that needs immediate attention, we request that the treaty is signed within a month of this resolution being passed,
4. Confirming that if North Korea does refuse to sign any peace treaty, this resolution will not pass and they will remain under past resolutions made by the United Nations, passed by the Security Council as a result from their defiance.
Russia (by Isabel Krull)
Allowing North Korea Nuclear Weapons
The Security Council and General Assembly,
Recognizing that the United Nations have placed sanctions on North Korea that proved to be unsuccessful in an attempt to cease production of nuclear weapons and destroy the ones that already exist,
Realizing that the past two resolutions (1718, 1874) have failed to prevent nuclear weapon production and tests,
Acknowledging the likely failure of recent and future resolutions, Russia welcomes the nations to keep an open mind on allowing North Korea to possess nuclear weapons:
1. Aware of the fact that North Korea would take this opportunity to build more, and new weapons, if there was not any resistance from the nations, they are more unlikely to send their weapons to those countries;
(a) Suggesting that we will activate a peace treaty for across the nations, especially between the United States and North Korea to mend bonds and to strive for communication.
(b) In case the peace treaty is not signed by at least the United States and North Korea is not signed,
2. We acknowledge that sanctions must be immediately placed on North Korea to prevent any more threats toward peace and international security.
a) Incorporating economic sanctions would prevent North Korea from purchasing items and substances such as enriched uranium, missile parts, and the aid from other nuclear countries.
b) Encouraging the Peace Treaty to strengthen relations between all the nations, with urges for the United States and North Korea to be on speaking terms.
c) To respect to the nations’ sovereignty, we ask countries to monitor shipments to North Korea to ensure they are not secretly purchasing specific items (mentioned in 2, a)
3. Since this is a conflict that needs immediate attention, we request that the treaty is signed within a month of this resolution being passed,
4. Confirming that if North Korea does refuse to sign any peace treaty, this resolution will not pass and they will remain under past resolutions made by the United Nations, passed by the Security Council as a result from their defiance.
Palestine-Israel Policy Paper
While Russia does want to take peaceful approaches to solving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Russia is against the illegal settlements and wants the Palestinians to have proper living conditions. The Palestinian-Israeli conflict is an ongoing struggle that has been occurring since the 20th century. The conflict has emerged from disagreement of faith, and has now led to refugee camps, illegal settlements, and other countries getting involved; Russia included. Beginning in 1969, Palestinian land has been slowly taken over by Israelis until 2007, when over three fourths of Palestinian land had been taken. In effect, Palestinians have been living in refugee camps for over twenty years, and the Israelis have been creating illegal settlements. Health needs are tossed aside, such as how the settlers’ water intake is double the required amount, while the Palestinians aren’t even reaching the minimum. The issue is clear; the Palestinians’ lifestyle is unfair and needs to be resolved in order to begin working towards peace and collaboration between the two sides.
Russia has created a solution that we believe will please majority of the nations. Russia is familiar with the Middle East conflict, and have taken part with peace talks. While is is unlikely that the talks will make a noticeable impact, it could strengthen relations with Syria and Iran. Russia’s role in the conflict is seen as a “plus for Palestinians who are yearning for any side that can weaken the Israeli political hold on US politics and its manifestations in the region. Although Russians can influence Palestinian positions, it will not be able to deliver for Palestine the same way it is promising to deliver for Syria. And while the US might tolerate shared influence on a country like Syria, it will be much more defensive about any external power trying to enter what it considers its sole field of influence in the region.” (“Russia’s Mideast Role a Plus for Palestinians”) This snippet from the article means that while Russia is strengthening relations between involved nations, there need to be other actions taken. Russia’s solution is to just be supportive of the Palestinians returning and to be a “pillar.” Participating in peace talks and voicing opinions will circulate and begin to make impacts. Russia is against the illegal settlements and believe that the Palestinians and Israelis should be able to live in peace together.
Russia has created a solution that we believe will please majority of the nations. Russia is familiar with the Middle East conflict, and have taken part with peace talks. While is is unlikely that the talks will make a noticeable impact, it could strengthen relations with Syria and Iran. Russia’s role in the conflict is seen as a “plus for Palestinians who are yearning for any side that can weaken the Israeli political hold on US politics and its manifestations in the region. Although Russians can influence Palestinian positions, it will not be able to deliver for Palestine the same way it is promising to deliver for Syria. And while the US might tolerate shared influence on a country like Syria, it will be much more defensive about any external power trying to enter what it considers its sole field of influence in the region.” (“Russia’s Mideast Role a Plus for Palestinians”) This snippet from the article means that while Russia is strengthening relations between involved nations, there need to be other actions taken. Russia’s solution is to just be supportive of the Palestinians returning and to be a “pillar.” Participating in peace talks and voicing opinions will circulate and begin to make impacts. Russia is against the illegal settlements and believe that the Palestinians and Israelis should be able to live in peace together.
Palestine-Israel Resolution
General Assembly Council
Russia (Isabel Krull)
ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT
The General Assembly and Security Council,
Aware of the fact that Israel is home of both the Israelis and Palestinians,
Noting with deep concern that this has been an ongoing struggle since the mid-20th century,
Observing that the Palestinians are living in refugee camps, and the Israelis occupying illegal settlements,
Deeply concerned about the poor living conditions of the Palestinians and illegal settlements of Israel, Russia notices that there is something needed to be done in order to put the frenzies at rest,
Bearing in mind that wikipedia.org states that “Despite the long going peace process and the general reconciliation of Israel with Egypt and Jordan, Israelis and Palestinians have failed to reach a final peace agreement,”
Deeply concerned that the OCHA article “Israeli-Palestinian Fatalities Since 2000-Key Trends” that states “Since the beginning of the second intifada in September 2000 until the end of July 2007, at least 5, 848 people have been killed either directly or as an indirect consequence of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict”,
Keeping in mind that the Israelis have no other country to claim as their own,
Realizing that the Palestine was only ever recognized as territory,
Fully aware that Israel is unwilling to compromise with Palestine by observing past conflicts and reactions,
Desiring to achieve peace between Palestine and Israel,
1. Recommends a two state solution to end the conflict:
a) The land will be parted to the 1947 Partition Plan;
b) For the first year, the United States and other allies will be enabled to assist enforcing new borders;
c) Access to religious sites will be permitted within Israel and the newly established Palestine;
2. Confirms that the current Israeli settlements are illegal and that occupation is no longer an option:
a) The settlements are in direct violation of the Geneva Convention;
b) Evacuating the settlements will prevent further arguments over Palestinian land;
3. Requests that in order to maintain peace between the two sides, the General Assembly and Security Council members provide an economic incentive for periods of time where there is no war or violence:
a) Economic aid will be provided if there is no act of violence for six months;
b) If conflict does emerge, economic sanctions will be placed;
c) Economic aid will be eliminated, and any sources of trade will be cut off;
5. Welcomes the achievement of finally creating peace between Palestine and Israel by catering to both sides.
Russia (Isabel Krull)
ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT
The General Assembly and Security Council,
Aware of the fact that Israel is home of both the Israelis and Palestinians,
Noting with deep concern that this has been an ongoing struggle since the mid-20th century,
Observing that the Palestinians are living in refugee camps, and the Israelis occupying illegal settlements,
Deeply concerned about the poor living conditions of the Palestinians and illegal settlements of Israel, Russia notices that there is something needed to be done in order to put the frenzies at rest,
Bearing in mind that wikipedia.org states that “Despite the long going peace process and the general reconciliation of Israel with Egypt and Jordan, Israelis and Palestinians have failed to reach a final peace agreement,”
Deeply concerned that the OCHA article “Israeli-Palestinian Fatalities Since 2000-Key Trends” that states “Since the beginning of the second intifada in September 2000 until the end of July 2007, at least 5, 848 people have been killed either directly or as an indirect consequence of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict”,
Keeping in mind that the Israelis have no other country to claim as their own,
Realizing that the Palestine was only ever recognized as territory,
Fully aware that Israel is unwilling to compromise with Palestine by observing past conflicts and reactions,
Desiring to achieve peace between Palestine and Israel,
1. Recommends a two state solution to end the conflict:
a) The land will be parted to the 1947 Partition Plan;
b) For the first year, the United States and other allies will be enabled to assist enforcing new borders;
c) Access to religious sites will be permitted within Israel and the newly established Palestine;
2. Confirms that the current Israeli settlements are illegal and that occupation is no longer an option:
a) The settlements are in direct violation of the Geneva Convention;
b) Evacuating the settlements will prevent further arguments over Palestinian land;
3. Requests that in order to maintain peace between the two sides, the General Assembly and Security Council members provide an economic incentive for periods of time where there is no war or violence:
a) Economic aid will be provided if there is no act of violence for six months;
b) If conflict does emerge, economic sanctions will be placed;
c) Economic aid will be eliminated, and any sources of trade will be cut off;
5. Welcomes the achievement of finally creating peace between Palestine and Israel by catering to both sides.
Model UN Reflection
1. If another student asked me why the MUN project was important, I would tell them it gives you a variety of skills and new knowledge. Throughout the project we learned in depth about two world wide issues, and how to participate in a UN assembly. The project also improved old writing skills but also new ones. We learned how to write resolutions, policy papers, amendments, and UN speeches. The project went on for 9 weeks, and looking back on the duration of the project I realize how many skills and new understandings I have.
2. I think the best Habit of Heart and Mind I portrayed was perseverance. During the conference, I wasn’t feeling very well, and I had a cough. Even though I could hardly stand, I gave my speech and followed the conversations and debates.
3. The greatest challenge I faced in the project was living up to my full potential for quality of the papers. My brain got fried from writing so many papers back to back, and in class I wouldn’t be focusing, so when I got home I had to write a paper for two hours straight. This just made the quality decrease. In the middle of the project some of my paper’s grades were really low, but near the end I started getting As and Bs on all of them. My writing skills definitely improved throughout the project.
4. The most interesting speech of the conference was Anne Chase’s, who represented China. China’s resolution was one that got passed, and instead of advocating for her own, she switched to another resolution. Her presentation was strong, and it did make me rethink the resolution I was going for.
2. I think the best Habit of Heart and Mind I portrayed was perseverance. During the conference, I wasn’t feeling very well, and I had a cough. Even though I could hardly stand, I gave my speech and followed the conversations and debates.
3. The greatest challenge I faced in the project was living up to my full potential for quality of the papers. My brain got fried from writing so many papers back to back, and in class I wouldn’t be focusing, so when I got home I had to write a paper for two hours straight. This just made the quality decrease. In the middle of the project some of my paper’s grades were really low, but near the end I started getting As and Bs on all of them. My writing skills definitely improved throughout the project.
4. The most interesting speech of the conference was Anne Chase’s, who represented China. China’s resolution was one that got passed, and instead of advocating for her own, she switched to another resolution. Her presentation was strong, and it did make me rethink the resolution I was going for.
Brave New World: Graphic Novel Project
In my Humanities class, my partner (Camryn Sippy) and I created a four page graphic novel based off of the class reading Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. Our job was to choose a scene from the book, and make a 4-6 page graphic novel acting out the scene. This project was meant to help us with understanding the concepts of the book more clearly, and to improve using our “HOHAM” skills. There were two segments to the project. One partner was an author, while the other was an artist. I was an artist, and my job was to draw the characters and scenes; while using the “Five Choices.” It was more challenging than it sounds. I had to create flow, write dialogue, and capture the essence of the scene. The author had to write reflections, dig deeper into Huxley’s views, and explain the scene.
The Learning Objective I most improved in was perspective. This is because I had to figure out how to capture the essence of the scene with pictures but making sure it still makes sense. It challenged me to think differently about how to exemplify the scene. The Content Skill I improved on the most as an artist would be using facial expressions. I knew how to use them, but I didn’t pay as much attention to it before this project.
For the next project, I would want to improve on time efficiency. I wasted the first two weeks working on a non-detailed rough draft, which was irrelevant. However, I don’t think this was completely my fault. I didn’t completely understand the project, and I think that at the beginning our teacher had given us some unnecessary steps. I would have liked to be able to refine more, but there just wasn’t enough time when it came down to it. I think a better approach would have been to make a detailed rough draft and then refine it. That is what I ended up doing, but I think that option should be more clear at the beginning of the project.
The Learning Objective I most improved in was perspective. This is because I had to figure out how to capture the essence of the scene with pictures but making sure it still makes sense. It challenged me to think differently about how to exemplify the scene. The Content Skill I improved on the most as an artist would be using facial expressions. I knew how to use them, but I didn’t pay as much attention to it before this project.
For the next project, I would want to improve on time efficiency. I wasted the first two weeks working on a non-detailed rough draft, which was irrelevant. However, I don’t think this was completely my fault. I didn’t completely understand the project, and I think that at the beginning our teacher had given us some unnecessary steps. I would have liked to be able to refine more, but there just wasn’t enough time when it came down to it. I think a better approach would have been to make a detailed rough draft and then refine it. That is what I ended up doing, but I think that option should be more clear at the beginning of the project.
Mask Project:
I am very happy with the final product of my mask, but the aspect that I am most proud of was how I mocked my sketch design very similar to the physical mask, because by doing this, I was able to pull together all of the metaphors I wanted to be incorporated. The eyes and the gender sign were neat and simple, so it did not overpower the collage of words; which described stereotypes that many girls live by.
"Girls are also usually under the mindset that if boys are around, they need to “turn up the volume.” Two years ago, I was at a slumber party with some of my close friends, and we decided to go over to the hosts’ neighbor’s house that was about five blocks down. We were all in our Hello Kitty and Mickey Mouse pajamas, and had just finished the usual girls’ night food. However, when their neighbor called, and told us that her other neighbors had come over too, (boys who were two or three years older than us,) all of the girls went into panic. They all ran upstairs and put on their skinny jeans, re-did their makeup, brushed their teeth, curled their hair, and loaded up on jewelry. By the time we were able to leave, it had already been an hour, and the boys only stayed for ten minutes after we got to the house. Thinking back on this experience, it helped me realize that many teenagers feel like they can’t be themselves around boys, and how they think they always have to “dress to impress.”
I feel as if this section of my essay makes a point about how girls can’t always feel comfortable in their own skin, and what they do to feel better, fit in, and the norms they follow as a teenage girl. I am also proud of this section because since it is a personal experience, it’s easy to relate to and really makes a statement.
The biggest thing that I will take away from this project is how I notice socialization in everyday life more than I would ever think to. For instance, if I’m watching a movie, and there is the mother cooking dinner before the father comes home from work, I realize that the scene was a complete stereotype, when before, I wouldn’t have thought twice about it. This project was really interesting, and I did take a lot away from it.
A habit of heart and mind that I need to work on to improve upcoming projects, is evidence. This is because I can improve with citing my sources, and supplying proof for elaborating with essays, or seminars during class. I need to improve with this Habit of Heart and Mind so that I can dig deeper into my writing or verbal arguments and make them richer.
"Girls are also usually under the mindset that if boys are around, they need to “turn up the volume.” Two years ago, I was at a slumber party with some of my close friends, and we decided to go over to the hosts’ neighbor’s house that was about five blocks down. We were all in our Hello Kitty and Mickey Mouse pajamas, and had just finished the usual girls’ night food. However, when their neighbor called, and told us that her other neighbors had come over too, (boys who were two or three years older than us,) all of the girls went into panic. They all ran upstairs and put on their skinny jeans, re-did their makeup, brushed their teeth, curled their hair, and loaded up on jewelry. By the time we were able to leave, it had already been an hour, and the boys only stayed for ten minutes after we got to the house. Thinking back on this experience, it helped me realize that many teenagers feel like they can’t be themselves around boys, and how they think they always have to “dress to impress.”
I feel as if this section of my essay makes a point about how girls can’t always feel comfortable in their own skin, and what they do to feel better, fit in, and the norms they follow as a teenage girl. I am also proud of this section because since it is a personal experience, it’s easy to relate to and really makes a statement.
The biggest thing that I will take away from this project is how I notice socialization in everyday life more than I would ever think to. For instance, if I’m watching a movie, and there is the mother cooking dinner before the father comes home from work, I realize that the scene was a complete stereotype, when before, I wouldn’t have thought twice about it. This project was really interesting, and I did take a lot away from it.
A habit of heart and mind that I need to work on to improve upcoming projects, is evidence. This is because I can improve with citing my sources, and supplying proof for elaborating with essays, or seminars during class. I need to improve with this Habit of Heart and Mind so that I can dig deeper into my writing or verbal arguments and make them richer.