Tag: senior project

Introductions and Explanations

On By liicranberryIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Unlike those of many of the other fantastic people on this website, my Senior Project was not long premeditated. It was, in fact, established about a week and a half after my advisor told me that I, in his words, “should be in more of a panic by now.” I knew that I was going to be staying in Chicago. I had plane tickets purchased and housing set up. The only thing I lacked was an actual project. So, in slightly more of a panic following that interaction, I sent a résumé to two departments of the Field Museum in Chicago; anthropology and paleontology. My neighbor, who worked there for several years during the formation of the Sue exhibit, wrote me a recommendation, and I sat in angst worthy of an eighth-grader until I got a reply. My neat-freak-ness for which everyone but my roommate mocks me extends to the state of my inbox, so that reply is now somewhere in the depths of my archived folder, but it consisted of something like:

Hello!

We would be glad to take on an intern in our vertebrate paleontology department. Please reply if that suits you.

Obviously, I replied.

What does a vertebrate paleontology internship entail, you might ask? Well, first off, it’s a chance for my four and a half years of Latin to prove relevant in life. Mostly I’ll be cataloguing, sorting, and repairing new fossils (I guess that’s a bit of an oxymoron) as they come in. Depending on how quickly I learn to rattle off dinosaur names and fun facts, I might be giving tours as well.

Ironically, I’m much more excited for this somewhat thrown-together project than for my original plan (which is a whole ‘nother hot mess of a story). I’ll post again once I fly out next Saturday!

xx

liicranberry

“Somos los Mismos”

On By phoebebarcelonaIn Uncategorized1 Comment

Well, it’s officially been one week since I arrived in Barcelona for my senior project! It’s quite incredible to think that I’ve already spent seven days here, completely absorbed in Spanish culture.  How do I even begin to describe all the places I’ve visited, all the things I’ve seen, and all the connections I’ve made? Honestly, I could go on and on, so instead I will try to summarize my experience thus far.

To begin, I -as well as the Westtown group- have visited almost every corner of the city in Barcelona. I’ve learned about the city’s history, seen the cathedral, toured the museum of modern art, and explored a number of the city’s neighborhoods. Tomorrow, we are going to learn about the modern architecture of the city, including the work of Gaudi. Most importantly for me, I’ve witnessed the everyday life and culture of Barcelona. This past weekend, for example, my host’s mother took me out around the city and for lunch I got a taste of Spanish tapas, a classic Spanish dish. They were delicious!

While we were eating, my host mom and I began talking about the differences between the lifestyle of Spain and of the United States. As we noted these differences, we also discussed that, aside from the differences in language and culture, people from the United States are no different from people from Spain. “Somos los mismos” was what my host mom said. In English, this means “we are the same”. Certainly, I’ve heard this idea repeated over and over again in school, but for whatever reason this conversation has stuck with me. Perhaps for me to comprehend this idea it was necessary for me to go away, leaving my homeland entirely and living with a different family. Whatever the reason, my host mother couldn’t have phrased it better. Indeed, my comfort with my host family is a clear indication that, aside from our linguistic and cultural differences, we all share many things in common with one another.

On the days when I haven’t been touring Barcelona and other sites, I’ve been attending classes at AULA. I have to say, things are a bit different from what I expected. After all, when I first arrived, I thought I was going to be able to take art classes such as drawing or photography in school. Contrary to what I thought, there aren’t any art classes at AULA! Students that want to do art have to do it outside of school because there is simply no time in the day for these kinds of classes. As a result, the artistic part of my project will have to be limited to what I do outside of school. I’ve been taking photos with my digital camera, as shown in my last post. I haven’t had enough time to use my film camera yet, but I plan to bring it along for my next visit in the city.

On a final note, the students at AULA are quite kind. This past Friday, we all went out as a class to visit the ruins of Ampurias as well as the small town of Cadaqués. The more time I spend with these students, the more comfortable I’m becoming with speaking Spanish to them. Many people have commented that I speak Spanish really well which has been the quite the confidence booster! Overall, I’m going to miss my host family and the AULA students when we leave for Madrid this coming Monday.

That’s about all for now! I hope to post again soon.

Phoebe

DAY 7 RECAP!

On By hannahrunningIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

HEYO! It’s been a few days since I last updated you on the Washington D.C. trip. Here’s a brief overview of our last three days:

Friday–

We headed over to Food and Friends bright and early to help package groceries and meals for families of people with HIV/AIDS. The best part? The people and the snacks they offered us. Our group also makes a mean (meaning awesome) assembly line. Friday night we stayed in and ordered pizza for our last night of the week in the William Penn House before heading off  to the Holiday Inn in the southwest sector of D.C.

Saturday–

We didn’t do any service, but we did have a lovely day of reorienting ourselves with the city. Half of us decided to go to the Temple/GW basketball game at the Smith Center on GW’s campus, and later the boys went out to dinner at Nando’s Peri Peri (best chicken ever ever ever) with T. Whitney and I met up with the girls in Georgetown for cupcakes (Georgetown Cupcakes is the main hub for the TLC show DC Cupcakes, and for good reason) and shopping. We all got back to the hotel and passed out from exhaustion. The fatigue involved with walking all the time is unbelievable, but all of us are really happy about how easy it is to fall asleep at night.

Sunday–

Today we went to a United Methodist Church to prepare, set, serve, clear, and wash up after a meal for the homeless. All of us had major deja vu (shout out to Work Program oh ,) because the washing machine for the dishes was a Hobart, and all the jobs we had to do were exactly the same as those we do in Work Program every day back at school.

The weird part about today, then, was not about what we did for service, but rather what we did before service (at least for me). Call me a bad Christian, but I haven’t been to church for a very long time (if you don’t count Meeting every Thursday at school). Today we went to a Methodist ceremony, and I was having flashbacks to my childhood, when my parents made me go to church every single Sunday. It was weird, but interesting definitely.

This afternoon we did what teenagers do best– cause a ruckus in a hotel. The ten of us collectively have three rooms, and already they pretty much resemble Kansas post-twister. The boys went out for a boys dinner and the girls went out for crepes at Crepes on the Walk in Chinatown.

HOPE EVERYTHING IS GREAT IN WEST CHESTER! T. LIBBY SHOULD BE GETTING EXCITED FOR ALL THE POSTCARDS SHE’LL BE GETTING.

LOVE TIMES FIVE!
HANNAH

P.S. If you’re ever in D.C. go to the Arlington Cemetery. It’s only a 20 minute ride out of D.C. on the blue line and it’s incredibly moving. The changing of the guard is heart stopping (just make sure you don’t accidentally drop your camera over the guard rail– that guard takes no prisoners).

P.P.S. Washington D.C. is amazing.

wait, we are still in America?

On By lynnieIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

That’s right, we are still stuck in Philly! Yesterday morning, I got a call from Emily saying that the Thailand group is meeting at school at 7:00PM instead of 3:00AM the next day. I thought we were leaving earlier than planned because what good does it do when students leave school at 7:00PM when their flight is taking off at 6:00AM the next morning?

Unfortunately, we had to work with the Philly weather and our flight was cancelled, so we got 2 rooms at the Marriott hotel. I know this is illegal, but we had no choice, so it was 2 teachers in one room for sleeping and the other one room was the party room (with ten students)!

Anyway, at least we got to bond and have fun with friends. Some people showed signs of frustration because they would rather spend the night at home, but everything worked out eventually. End of story.

But, I don’t think so. I am sitting at the airport right now, and the clock is ticking 8:51AM. It was a rough morning for some of us. The ticketing took forever for me and Paul, because the machine did not read Paul’s passport. We have a 9:00AM flight, but it is delayed… because the prior plane did not take off for our plane to be at the gate. Could anything else go wrong? I don’t think so. Our originally planned 33-hour trip to Bangkok is extended by 12 hours… So, it will take us 45 hours to get to Bangkok! YAY.

This will be the longest travel for everyone on the trip, and Emily is reading her Bangkok traveling book right now. Ade is reading his Nook, and Wei-Hao is reading Marie Claire. I will keep you guys updated! Bye!

Lynn, still in Philly

February 22, 2011

P.S. Fresh update, our flight is delayed by 45 minutes! I think the Thailand group will have plenty of bonding time now!

We can do this John, we can do this.

On By caseyinfloridaIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

“You have to call me once you get there, please. I’m worried they will screw up your swing,” says John, my golf coach. “I don’t think they can do any harm, really. It’s not like I’m going to show up and completely forget about everything I learned these past four years”, I say, “it should be fun! I’m not going to lie though, I’m super nervous”. “Casey,” John goes on to say “I want you to be prepared to be let down. You need to understand these players are playing in every top Division 1 college. They will beat you. And they won’t feel sorry for you. This will be one of the biggest challenges you will have to face. But remember, this isn’t for them. This is for you. This is for you to improve in ways you never thought you could before. No one cares if you have a bad shot. Just think about you and how you want to succeed”.

John, a man with a past career of Division 1 tennis and music, is one of the most encouraging coaches I have ever met. He is always early, stays after hours in the dark, tells me how bad I am at times, yet shows me how I can win a match, in the most difficult sport I have ever played, golf. He is always positive, telling me and his other students, that we can achieve what ever we set our minds to. He is always smiling, always rubbing and making jokes about his big belly, and always a father figure to us all.

“Kid, you hit the ball as hard as my grandma does, and she’s dead”. These comments are shot my way during every practice. “Yo, you hit like a girl. When are you going to start lifting weights, like I tell you every time you come to me?” he says. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I’m so busy. I’ve been trying my best” I say. “Well, obviously your best is not enough!” says my coach.

This makes me nervous. How am I going to survive two weeks at a golf school? TWO WEEKS?! I will most likely be the only girl and I will have to play with boys everyday on the course. Why didn’t my mom let me get out of this earlier? How far will I get until I break down in a panic attack? “Case, I understand how much anxiety you have. But that’s a good thing. If you didn’t have any worries, than there would be no reason to do this clinic. It will be rough, but you can do it. I have yet to have any doubts,” John tells me. If John thinks I can do it, then I think I can. He knows all. He is god of golf for me. Yes, John, I can do it. I’m doing it for not only me, but for you too. You will not be there but we are in this together. Every stroke, every pitch, every putt, I will follow your suggestions, tips, and advice. I will take a practice swing first, every motion identical to the way you taught me. We can do this John, we can do this.

From Asia to Asia

On By lynnieIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Hello!

I am Lynn, a senior from Seoul, Korea and I will be going to Thailand for my Senior Projects with 9 other seniors.

Personally, I am very excited for this trip because I haven’t gone traveling outside of the countries, and also to travel to somewhere close to my home with my friends from half way across the world. It feels a little bit weird to think that we are going to be experiencing a new environment together. Most of the time it was me, trying to figure out new surroundings by myself.

I don’t know what to expect from the two weeks that I will be spending in Thailand. I am nervous, but very excited at the same time. I hope to go there with an open mind and experience as much of the Thai culture as I can during my time there. I will be documenting my experience through blogging and photography.

I am having  a hard time focusing on school work because there is so little time left before my friends and I leave for Thailand! Count down has started, only 19 days left!

Thailand and Elephants!

On By emilylthailandIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Hi! I’m Emily, and in less than three weeks I will be on my first international flight headed for Thailand.  I am both excited and nervous for the trip.  I’m starting to think about packing, how long the flight will be, and how I will manage to not lose my new passport (with its unflattering and awkward picture). 

My Senior Project to Thailand is full of firsts for me.  It will be my first time out of the country (besides to Niagara Falls in third grade…), and this also will be my first time completing 50 hours of service in one week.  Thailand will be the longest trip (in terms of days) I have ever been on, and my longest time spent on an airplane.  I’m excited to fully immerse myself in a new culture and meet new people, try new food, and see Bangkok and Chiang Mai, along with the Elephant Nature Park.  I am even excited that I will be in Japan for a few hours between flights.

Thailand will be my first time overseas, and I am ready for the experience.  I know it will be unlike anything I have ever encountered.  Most people take their first trip out of the country to Europe or even an island in the Caribbean, so going to Thailand is definitely exciting.  I am nervous about the food because I have never tried Thai food, and should probably be doing that within the next few weeks.  The weather will  be GREAT.  Getting away from all of the snow and 30 degree weather in February will be relieving.  The elephant and service part of the trip is where most of the group’s time will be spent . I am not familiar with elephants, but I did ride one at the Philadelphia Zoo in first grade. I am excited to work with the elephants, and completing 50 hours of service will be rewarding. 

 I am really looking forward to Thailand and counting down the days. I’m going overseas for the first time, spending 2 weeks with my friends, and hanging out with elephants…what’s not to love?

Here is a link to the park where we will be working!

http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/

Counting down the days…

On By caylinatbsmIn Uncategorized1 Comment

Hey! I’m Caylin, nice to meet you. I’m not going to lie, hearing about some of my classmate’s plans for their international, culturally stimulating senior projects gets me a little bit jealous… But in all honestly, I feel that what I’ve chosen to do is the perfect answer for the questions I’ve been asking myself lately. And I took quite a trip even getting to the point where I could hand in any of the required information to T. Cindy (things like location, or topic). Some of my rejected plans include: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, working in an orphanage in Romania, and working on a mustang ranch in Arizona. Each idea didn’t work out for one reason or another (mostly because I am stubborn, have a severe aversion to decision-making, and get silly premonitions about things).  But anyways, after all of my friends told me that they were tired of hearing my new Senior Project ideas that were “definitely it this time!”, and T. Steve sent me a few of his “get it together” emails, I sat down with my adviser to figure out what it really was I wanted in a senior project.

That’s when things started coming together. I’m incredibly lucky to have traveled to as many places as I have, and even luckier to be attending a college next year that will allow me to travel to about seven more by the time I earn my B.A. But someone said to me, during the planning process, that “this project is a chance to do something that you haven’t done before.” It feels much more organic for me to stay close to home, and I definitely want to avoid taking a senior project “vacation” at all costs. So, Philadelphia is my location.

While climbing a mountain sounds monumental, and working with mustangs sounds like fun, those things aren’t really what  I would consider myself passionate about. It’s always a little awkward for me when I’m asked about what I am passionate about, because my answer isn’t a typical hobby. It isn’t playing music, or food, or writing, or running, or a sport, or theatre. It’s people, culture, stories, and the idea of “collective consciousness” that I like talking about so much. I love the fact that I live in the same city as people who have so many thing to share that I’ve never ever dreamed about, and yet we are still alike in so many ways and have such a vast capacity to learn from each other. It is something that I don’t feel the need to travel to a different country to understand and experience. So, that, in a weird, complicated nutshell, is my topic.

I guess I should explain exactly what I am doing during my senior project. I’m lucky enough to have a connection, through a class I take with students from Westtown and three other schools, with a really cool not-for-profit organization in Philadelphia called Broad Street Ministry. An open-minded faith community, BSM sort of embodies the answer to the questions that have been swimming around my head this year. What is the role of faith in the larger community? What brings people together, or sets them apart? How do you bridge cultural gaps, be they lingual, religious, economical, racial, environmental, or any other? A part of BSM’s mission, and I’m paraphrasing here, is that “we meet you where you are at.” There is no preconceived notion that anyone walking through the ministry’s beautiful doors has any religious experience, background, or beliefs of any sort. They do, they don’t, they aren’t sure- it’s considered extraneous. It’s about providing a service to our city, a place to seek shelter, community, warmth, food, art, and conversation for people from all social classes and backgrounds. It’s about bringing people together and giving them the space to learn from each other and build bridges across these societal gaps. Also, Broad Street Ministry works to raise awareness between people through service. I personally believe that service is the most effective way to put people in a situation from which they learn from others, whether it is from stepping outside of your comfort zone or facing a problem which you hadn’t focused on before.

I asked Liam, the Arts Marshal at BSM and the teacher of the Service Learning class I take there, if I could become a part of the community for two weeks. He accepted, and ever since then I’ve been happily driving into Philadelphia as much as possible, attending whatever events I can get to and slowly getting to know what Broad Street Ministry is all about. When my project starts, I’ll be able to actually start volunteering, doing things ranging from helping with the mail service, to organizing the clothing closet, to attending and helping at Breaking Bread and a No Barriers Dinner.

I think the reason that I am so excited to start my senior project is that I’ve found an organization that I really feel is doing straight-forward, honest work, and just trying to be all that it can be. There is no falseness there, from what I’ve experienced. I am so excited to see that the passion I’ve cultivated, what I would call human interaction, service, and community building, is shared by others in such effective means. It’s going to be really awesome getting to work with Broad Street Ministry and gaining knowledge of Philadelphia from such diverse perspectives.

My semi-failure

On By hannahrunningIn Uncategorized1 Comment

I’ve never really considered myself a last minute kind of person, but as far as Senior Projects go I think I may need to reevaluate that particular self image I’ve always supposedly adhered to. Up until a few days ago the plan was for me to organize and implement a 5k Run’Walk for charity. To my disappointment, I found that I was much less involved than I had originally intended. For as long as I could I stubbornly argued that I would be busy, definitely, for the 5 weeks total the seniors have off to go have an amazing life experience. But I knew, deep down (or maybe not so deep down at all) that this project was not turning out as I had originally planned.

My fix? Grow up, accept my semi-failure, and find another project.

Now I’m off to Washington, D.C. in just a few weeks. I supppose the blog name hannahrunning has become moot point, but honestly I’m excited to get out of West Chester for a couple of weeks. To be entirely honest I’m not 100% sure what I’m doing in D.C., but I know there is service involved, and a trip to the White House which I unfortunately will have to miss because of how late I signed up for the trip (I have yet to write a check or even tell T. Cindy where I’m going to be for the records).

All the same, I’m excited– it’s not every day when I get to visit the heart of America (or even leave West Chester for that matter).

It’s my hope that Washington D.C. will not only be the project that saves me from my previous project, but the real, substantial, exciting (and hopefully fun) Senior Project that I always wanted to have. I’m a clean slate. I’m a blank page. I’m all those lovely corny sayings people love to say when they’re about to start a new chapter.

Also, since I forgot to say earlier, my name is Hannah Trask.