The Senior Project Experience

I believe that my presentation was a complete success and I do not believe that I would change any aspect of my presentation. I feel that the entire process that I went through to complete my presentation helped prepare me for the actual presentation and I think that once the time came for me to present my hard work to everyone, all of the stress and long hours that went into my production paid off. I believe that everything happens for a reason and I strongly feel that my presentation went as smoothly as it did because of the effort that was put into it not only by me but by my sponsor and my mentor as well. I enjoyed my presentation and every glitch or minor problem that happened along the way. I think that the entire experience helped prepare me for any other presentations that I will have in my future while I am in college or in my career afterwards.

Connection

While looking out of my kitchen window I looked down at the cucumber plant that I planted a couple of weeks ago. I saw how much it had grown and thought about all of the time and effort that I put into helping that plant grow. I then was able to think about how much I have grown over the course of the year and all of the time and effort I put into bettering myself. I am able to say that I am proud of myself and all of the adjustments that I have made in order to become a person I am proud of. I believe that this simple helpless plant is beginning to become its own and I know that I beginning to establish my way as well.

Senior Trip

This week my fellow classmates and I will be going on our Senior Trip. I am so excited about the experience that we are about to have together and I can’t wait until we get in the sun and enjoy ourselves. I know that we are going to be able to cherish the time that we spend together down there and hopefully when we leave we will all understand how blessed we are to be able to spend the time down in Florida together. I intend to make the best out of the trip and in the end make the best out of the rest of our senior year. Either way, I plan on enjoying the time that I do have with my class.

Field Trip #14

During my meeting with my sponsor, Mrs. Hilinski, we prepared for my presentation and caught up on some information. Mrs. Hilinski made sure I had all of the materials I need for my presentation. She also put all of my pictures on a disk for me so that I would be able to make a slide show. I told Mrs. Hilinski that Mrs. Pricilla wouldn’t be able to make it to my presentation but I do plan on giving her a brochure so that she can see what I did for my production.

Mingling With Moreland #14

During my meeting with my mentor, Mr. Moreland, we discussed the different aspects of my presentation and began preparations for it as well. I showed Mr. Moreland my brochure and told him what kind of music I am going to need for my presentation. Mr. Moreland thinks that I did a very good job with my brochures and believes that I am ahead of the game with all of the preparations that I have made. I feel that everything is going better than I expected and I beginning to become more and more confident about my presentation.

The Great Outdoors!!!!

While at camp Ockanickon on Friday, I was able to make a connection to my project. Other than just being outdoors, I was able to look around and appreciate the nature that was around me. There were a lot of different insects and plants that surrounded us as we did some activities that we enjoyed and others that petrified us (lol). I found the fact that we were able to enjoy the outside and have fun without sitting in front of a television or a computer to be something that was more fulfilling than any of us could have expected. With this being said, I left the camp with pollen in my eyes and a greater appreciation for the outdoors.

Field Trip #13

During my field trip with my sponsor, Mrs. Hilinski, we discussed my presentation and my visit that I will be having to the Garden Project. I explained to her that I wasn’t going to be able to stay at the Garden Project as long as I would have liked. But, I would still be able to take pictures for my final visit so that I could incorporate it into my presentation. Mrs. Hilinski and I discussed what I am going to make sure I get done before I go on Senior Trip and we also talked about the order that my presentation would go in. After we had all of the important things covered we discussed how our week has been since the last time we met and what I will do the day of my presentation.

Camp Ockanickon

On Friday, May 13^th, the senior mentors will be going to Camp Ockanickon to work on their leadership skills and to bond a little more before we graduate. I believe that this is an amazing opportunity that will allow us to take our minds off all the “senior year stress”, relax, and have a little fun. This year has definitely been an experience that I will never forget. Due to the senior mentor experience, I have learned a number of things about my fellow classmates that I would have never taken the time to find out. I feel that this experience has enabled me to be more considerate for others and in the process has taught me a lot about myself. 

Mingling With Moreland #13

During my weekly visit with my mentor, Mr. Moreland, we discussed my next visit to the Garden Project this weekend and we also talked about my cucumber plant that I am growing. I explained to Mr. Moreland that I plan taking a good amount of pictures of the Garden I also told him about the progress that my cucumber plant has made. Our meeting was pretty brief but, as always it wasn’t pointless. Mr. Moreland told me to update him with any problems or concerns I may have and to let him know how my field trip goes later on this week.

Happy Birthday To Me!!!!!

This weekend, May 7^th to be exact, I will be celebrating my birthday. I cannot wait to see what my family has planned for me. I’ve always dreamed that I would have this big extravagant 18^th birthday. But, now that the time has come, I’m really just looking forward to spending time with the people I care about. I guess when your younger you don’t really know how to appreciate the good times like your birthday that comes once every year. Now that I’m older I can honestly say that the most important thing isn’t the gifts but, it’s the fact that you were given the opportunity to see another day that someone else was not able to have.

Field Trip #12

During my visit with my sponsor, Mrs. Hilinski, we discussed my presentation and my next visit to the Garden Project. Unfortunately, this is going to be my last visit to the Garden Project. But, if I have time in the summer I definitely plan on visiting a couple more times before I go off to college. Mrs. Hilinski thinks that it would be a good idea to incorporate each picture I take into my presentation. I believe that once I have all of my materials I will be able to do a practice run for my presentation.

Mingling With Moreland #12

During my weekly visit with my mentor, Mr. Moreland, we discussed my presentation and my meeting that I am going to have with my sponsor later on in the week. Mr. Moreland likes the ideas that Mrs. Hilinski, my sponsor, and I have come up with so far. I explained to Mr. Moreland that I may have to make a couple alterations to my presentation because there have been some minor problems that are conflicting with my initial plan for my project. Mr. Moreland believes that everything is going to work out and that my changes shouldn’t be too drastic. I hope that everything works out and I do believe that my presentation is going to be a success.

I'm so proud!!!!!!!!!!!

As I wrote in a previous blog entry I planted my very own cucumber plant and I must say within two days I already had a sprout pop up. I was so excited when I saw the seed that I planted not too long ago become its own. I felt like a proud mother that just taught her child how to ride a bike or put on her own makeup. When I told my mother she didn’t have quite the same reaction as I did but, I guess a feeling like that has to happen to that very individual in order for it to be significant. Either way, my little seedling is definitely on its way. I have to update my sponsor, Mrs. Hilinski, and my mentor, Mr. Moreland, with my plants progress. I now see what the women at the Garden project are experiencing when they plant something one week and see it grow the next. I find the gardening process to be a beautiful experience because it is evidence that hard work pays off in the long run.

Applicant failed to complete turn correctly.......SMH

Today I took my driving test and I must say I am beyond upset that I didn’t pass. I feel as though taking the test was a complete waste of my time and I believe that I would have passed if the instructors weren’t so impatient with first time drivers. The worst part about the situation is that I have to wait a whole month just to take the test over again. For all of that I might as well not even take it. Just thinking about what happened today raises my blood pressure to a boil. Its times like these that make one of the most important days of a teenager’s life turn sour.

Making Connections

While at my meeting with my sponsor I was able to make a connection that I believe will help make my presentation a bit more interesting not only for the audience but, for me as well. During our meeting I planted a couple of seeds, cucumber seeds to be exact, that I intend to grow. I must say I was pleased with the activity and I can’t wait to see how much of a “green thumb” I really do have. If I did everything correctly I should see a sprout in 5-10 days. It seems as if this wait is going to be endless.

Field Trip #11

During my visit with my sponsor, Mrs. Hilinski, we talked about my research paper and some details for my presentation. While in our meeting we were able to do a little trail run for an activity that I am suppose to do during my presentation. As of right now everything went smoothly now we just have to wait for a couple of days to see if there is any progress. Mrs. Hilinski believes that it would be a great idea to take pictures of my “activity” to show growth and hopefully after a couple of weeks I will be able to use my trail run and incorporate it into my presentation.

Mingling With Moreland #11

During my visit with my mentor, Mr. Moreland, we discussed my research paper and my presentation. Mr. Moreland was able to add a couple of revisions to my paper after we came back from our spring break. I spoke to Mr. Moreland about my presentation date and some ideas that I had for it. Mr. Moreland gave me a few tips about some sources that I could use and to make sure that I have alternate ones just in case. Our meeting was pretty brief but, on the bright side it was very productive.

Mingling With Moreland #10

During my meeting with my mentor, Mr. Moreland, we discussed my research paper and my presentation. I told Mr. Moreland that Mrs. Pricilla, the founder of the Garden Project, emailed me the answers to my interview questions and that I could put the body of my research paper together. I also explained to Mr. Moreland that I plan on completing my research paper over the break and that I wanted him to revise it before I turned my paper in. Mr. Moreland suggested that I use other sources in my paper besides the interview questions. He also thinks that it would be a good idea to use the interview questions in my presentation as well. I informed Mr. Moreland about the date of my presentation and I also told him about my visit to the Garden Project this weekend.   

Field Trip #10

During my weekly meeting with my sponsor, Mrs. Hilinski, we discussed our visit to the Garden Project this weekend and taking the proper precautions to get ready for my presentation. I thought that our visit to the Garden project was a little dry but, it wasn’t pointless. I was able to hold a baby chicken a couple of times and I must say it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. We noticed how people that we met in the beginning of the program are starting to leave and new people are beginning to show up. Mrs. Hilinski thinks that it would be a great idea to do a test run for my presentation just to make sure everything runs smoothly during my actual presentation. I believe that the test run is going to give me a pretty good idea of the things that we are going to need to change and during my presentation and the things that are going to stay the same.

My Good Friend Pete!!!!

I wrote in a previous blog that I took my monthly visit to the Garden Project and although we were unable to do actual gardening on Saturday, I still did a couple of activities that I enjoyed. One of the activities allowed me to make a paper pot that was good for the environment and was a great way to water any type of plant. The second thing that I did and enjoyed the most at the Garden Project was my alone time that I had with a baby chicken. I think I am going to call him Pete (lol). He was one of the more mellow chicks that were brought to the Garden Project by a frequent volunteer who actually breeds and farms different animals. I tried to show Marrisa some pictures of Pete and me but, that didn’t really work out. I can see why she loves animals so much especially after I got a chance to bond with my little buddy. I just hope that my next visit will allow me to get my hands dirty because I’m really looking forward to planting in the Garden.

INS?!?!?

While in art class first period this morning, I was talking to a friend of mine and she was telling me how April is supposed to be the month that immigration takes all of the immigrants out of the U.S. While listening to her story, she explained to me how a young woman’s boyfriend was escorted out of the court house not to long ago after his custody hearing. He was there to receive visitation rights to see his child so that he could be in its life. Unfortunately, he will not have that privilege anymore because he is no longer in the U.S. The part that really caught my attention was that Hispanic people that were born in the U.S or obtained citizenship here have to carry around their papers so that they are not rushed out of the country. I feel terrible for the child that is involved in the situation because the baby no longer has the opportunity to get to know its father. Situations like these really make you wonder about the “land of the free and the home of the brave”.

Out of Commission!!!

Today I was supposed to take my driving test!!! But, unfortunately that didn’t work the way that I planned. It turns out that my car is messed up and it has to go in the shop. The car would be out of commission when I need it the most. I think that deep down my mother didn’t get the car fixed on purpose. She keeps trying to make it seem like I’m not ready for the test but, I think that she’s not ready to see me grow up (lol). I guess it is a good thing that I had to reschedule my test because it was raining all day anyway. I just hope that when the 26^th of this month hits, it will be a bright beautiful sunny day. But, more importantly, I hope that the car is fixed so that I will actually be able to take my test.

Mingling With Moreland #9

During my weekly meeting with my mentor, Mr. Moreland, we talked about my field trip with my sponsor and my visit that we are taking to the Garden project this weekend. I explained to Mr. Moreland my plans for my presentation and my paper. He thinks that my horticultural therapy session is a great idea and that the information that I receive from Mrs. Pricilla will help make the information more accurate for my paper. I believe that everything is going well so far and that everything is coming together like I planned for a change. I can’t wait to get in the dirt this weekend and I hope that I get that feeling that I had when I planted in the garden when I was younger.

Grandma's Garden

While writing about my “field trip” with my sponsor I had an epiphany and came up with my connection for this week. In my previous blog entry, I mentioned that it has been a while since I’ve been in the garden. My grandmother was the one that turned me on and off to gardening because she used to make us plant flowers with her in the splintering hot summer each year. At first, it was a lot fun because my sisters, my aunt, my cousin and I were able to bond and have fun while my grandma sat back and sipped on her iced tea. But, toward the end we all started getting older and we began to realize that we didn’t really get much out of planting the flowers but a serious tan and no pay for all of our hard work. It took me all of this time to realize why my grandmother made us do all of that hard manual labor all of those summers. She wanted to teach us that bonding with family was important and that hard work benefits you in the long run. I’ve noticed that since all of that “tough love” stopped our family has been a little distant and we don’t really have that bond that we use to have. It turns out that all of the hard work wasn’t just to make grandma’s garden look beautiful. It actually helped shape us into the people that we are today. I don’t think that I would ever want to take back those long hot summers simply because it was the glue that helped keep us all connected. Another lesson learned from Momma Lou. 

Field Trip #9

During my meeting with my sponsor, Mrs. Hilinski, we discussed the materials that I need for my presentation and how I am doing on my research paper. Mrs. Hilinski suggested that I make sure that I gather all of my information for my research paper so we will be able to work on it the next meeting that we have. We also talked about our visit that we are going to take to the Garden Project this weekend and how we are finally going to get the chance to get our hands dirty. I can’t wait to actually get into the garden and plant something. It’s been quite some time since I’ve planting something to be quite honest, the last time I actually got my hands in the dirt was when I was about eight years old. It is going to be an exciting and a little strange to get in the garden again after all of these years.

Skid Row

Last night I went to bible study and during our lesson my teacher started talking about a show called Secret Millionaire. He told us how he was watching an episode about a man that went to skid row in California and pretended that he was a homeless man in order to help the people that lived in that area. While I was in class I began to make a connection between the homeless people in Camden that live in the “Tent Village” and the people that live on Skid Row. I thought about the government and how they have had the perfect opportunity to help these people but don’t. It’s gotten so bad that the deprived areas are beginning to get nick names and attention from the media. Clearly, there is not enough being done to help these people because I’ve known about the Tent Village for quite some time now, I can only imagine how long Skid Row has been around. I believe that the system is way more concerned collecting money from people instead of using that money to help improve the U.S. I hope that more can be done to enable these people to bounce back from the position that they are in.

Mingling With Moreland #8

During my weekly meeting with my mentor, Mr. Moreland, we talked about my presentation and some problems that I am having while trying to balance my school work and other activities that I have outside of school. I told Mr. Moreland how I was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed because all of my school work plus the other frustrations of senior year are starting to build up. I explained to him how there is a lot going on right now between the school work, prom, senior trip, and starting to prepare myself for college I am beginning to become a little stressed out. Mr. Moreland suggested that try to think of the most important things and allow the other things fall into place. He said that I have to come up with a routine that is efficient because I am going to have to learn how to balance everything in college so learning a system now will give me a head start. Mr. Moreland and I also discussed the different supplies that I need for my presentation and my next visit with my sponsor to the Garden Project.

Field Trip #8

During my weekly meeting with my sponsor, Mrs. Hilinski, we discussed what we needed to do in order to prepare me for my presentation and the next time that we would be visiting the Garden Project. We also talked about the hostility that’s been in the air due to the fact that spring break isn’t approaching fast enough. We both agree that everyone is a bit off edge because we are sick of looking at the same people. To be quite honest, I am counting down the days for graduation let alone spring break. Mrs. Hilinski believes that both the students and staff have had enough of one another. I tacitly agreed and began to discuss the different ideas that I had for my project. For example, this weekend I plan on getting some materials for my presentation and I also plan on receiving the answers to the interview questions with Mrs. Pricilla. Mrs. Hilinski said that she would also be on the look-out for the materials and if I had any questions I should simply send her an email. We ended our meeting with a couple jokes and came up with a day that we would be attending the Garden Project.

Mingling With Moreland #7

During my weekly meeting with my mentor, Mr. Moreland, we talked about my interview questions that I emailed to Mrs. Pricilla, the founder of the Garden Project. We also discussed him commenting on my blog entries so that I could get as much credit as possible for my blogs. Mr. Moreland said that he was definitely going to start commenting on my blogs and that he was glad that I emailed my interview questions to Mrs. Pricilla. As of now, I am waiting for Mrs. Pricilla to email me back with her answers to the questions and hopefully she has some questions to ask me in return. I believe that my project is coming along better than I expected simply because I thought that I would have a harder time obtaining legitimate information. I think that I am going to have all of the scoop that I need in order to complete my paper and enlighten my audience about social work and horticultural therapy.

Anthony Wellington

While I was visiting my sponsor on Monday, the entire Senior Project Class was having somewhat a mini life session with an artist named Anthony Wellington. Although I missed this honor, I was told some inspiring information about Mr. Wellington and his beliefs. For example, Ms. Money told me about his theory of passion and his definition of it. Mr. Wellington said that if God were to come down and tell you that you would not get paid for your job, the urge to still do it without pay somewhat classifies as passion. I found this to be something that can be proven true simply because some people only do their job to get a pay check at the end of the week. But, if someone can do a job and not worry about the pay I can tell that they truly love and have a passion for their work. A person that I thought of when I heard this was Mrs. Pricilla, the founder of the Garden Project. I know that the Garden Project is a program funded by donations and money out of Mrs. Pricilla’s pocket. I’m sure that Mrs. Pricilla doesn’t look for a material compensation for helping the women at the Garden Project but, a spiritual one instead. I believe that Mr. Wellington’s life lesson and Mrs. Pricilla’s actual life style relate in more ways than one.  

Stockton

On Sunday, March 27th, I will be visiting the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. Ever since I found out that I was accepted into Stockton, I’ve been anxious to visit and see what my life will be like once I actually attend. I’ve heard a lot of talk about Stockton some of the information being good, bad, false, and true. But, I believe that the only person that will be able to determine my opinion about Stockton would indeed be me. I feel that once I go to Stockton on Sunday sit in the classes and have a little tutorial in the life as a college student, I will be able to make my own conclusion about the school. I highly recommend that any students in our Senior Project Class and or any graduating high school senior visit a school before they decide that it is the school for them. My biggest while on my little journey would be attending a school that I simply do not like. I believe that Stockton is definitely my number one school but, I feel that once I visit and experience a little of what I will go through every day I will be able to make that very first down payment with ease. 

"Field Trip" #7

During my weekly “field trip” with my sponsor, Mrs. Hilinski, we discussed the different aspects of my project and the topic for my research paper. Mrs. Hilinski came up with a couple of ideas for my presentation and for my paper for example, she wanted to know if I wanted to make April my last visit to the Garden Project. I explained to her how I wanted to continue visiting the Garden Project simply because I will have more information for my presentation at the end of the year. I believe that visiting that Garden Project will enable me to obtain as much information as possible for my presentation and for my research paper as well. Although my paper will be done before my final visit to the Garden Project, I think that my continuing my visit to the program will allow me to have a better understanding of social work and horticultural therapy.

"Field Trip" #6

During my “field trip” with my sponsor, Mrs. Hilinski, we discussed our visit to the Garden Project over the weekend and my interview that I am currently setting up with one of the founders of the Garden Project. Unfortunately, I was home sick with the stomach flu this weekend but, I managed to visit the Garden Project anyway. The minute I arrived I saw a couple of familiar faces and a number of new ones as well. The activity assigned for the day was yoga and I must say that it was one of the most relaxing yoga sessions that I’ve had yet! After yoga, I went outside and took pictures of the dormant garden before the women begin working on it. Mrs. Hilinski suggested that I use the pictures for my blog entries and for my presentation as well. While in our meeting today, Mrs. Hilinski and I came up with some questions that I could ask Mrs. Pricilla, one of the founders, during our interview. I believe each question will contribute to my research paper and enable me to obtain accurate information directly from my most reliable source.    

Mingling With Moreland #6

During my weekly meeting with my sponsor, Mr. Moreland, we discussed my visit to the Garden Project this weekend and a couple of details for my presentation. Mr. Moreland thinks that the surprise I have for my presentation is a sensational idea simply because it will grab the audience’s attention immediately. He also suggested that I use my interview questions for Mrs. Pricilla, founder of the Garden Project, and incorporate her response inside of my paper and my presentation. Moreland believes that with the information that I have so far, I will be able to make a descent research paper. But, I think that I need a bit more meat and potatoes in order to have a solid paper. At the end of our meeting Mr. Moreland asked if I needed him to do anything for me and when I would be visiting the Garden Project again.

Criminal Minds.......Best Show Ever!!!!

While sitting home sick and tired of being under the weather, I watched my favorite show called Criminal Minds. As I watched, the episode was about a couple of agents posing as social workers in order to save the children inside of this little community in the middle of nowhere. The agents were held captive throughout the episode but, I received a little more out of the show than I expected. I pretty much connected the characters inside the show with real life social workers and how they put their lives at risk every time they enter a new home. I’m sure social workers aren’t held captive whenever they go into a home. But, I’m certain that they are aware of the danger that they put themselves each and every time they have to visit a new child’s home. Although the outcome is enough reasoning to jeopardize my safety, it is a little questionable why I’m so willing to help someone while risking my life. If the truth be told, everyone wants at least one person to do something heroic for them throughout their lifetime. A social worker risking their life is indeed that heroic action.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!!!

This weekend my grandfather celebrated his 50^th birthday!!! It was definitely a party to remember simply because he had all of the people he loves around him on his very special day. I recall the day perfectly; he walked through the door from a long days work looking as if he was a bout to pass out. 5, 4,3,2,1, Go, Happy Birthday Grandpa!!! His wife, children and all of his grandchildren shouted as a smile appeared on his face in such surprise. “Hahaha you got me”, he laughed as everyone blew their little horns with their birthday hats on their heads and smiles upon their faces. We could tell that he was so overwhelmed with joy that he could barely stand on his feet. All of the hard work and preparation that we did paid off in the end after all. He was happy, that was all we really wanted. We ended up getting that and more simply because we were able spend time together as a family on my grandfather’s birthday, something that we haven’t been able to do in a while.  

Bitter Sweet

Last Sunday a women with a set of twin boys revisited our church after my aunt, a social worker, helped her and her children receive a home through the homeless prevention center that she works at. When she walked through the door I could see a difference in her demeanor. She seemed as if she was at ease and as I listened to her tell my parents her story I began to get a little teary eyed. She never really mentioned how she ended up in the shelter but, she did say that she felt uncomfortable there. The young woman told my parents that the homeless shelter wasn’t a place for her children or any of the women’s kids. Although the shelter was placed there to help young independent mothers, she felt as if she deserved more. I can only imagine the joy that she felt when she was told that they found a place for her to live outside of Camden. I know she wasn’t really worried about her wellbeing but, the wellbeing of her children. If the truth be told, no child should have to endure that type experience at that young age. I wouldn’t know how to act if I were told that I had to stay at a halfway house let alone a shelter. I really hope for the best for the young lady and her children. I believe that this experience will not only inspire her to work hard to maintain a stable and healthy environment for her kids but, for herself as well.   

Mingling With Moreland #5

During my weekly meeting with my mentor, Mr. Moreland, we discussed my visit to the Garden Project this weekend and what I expect when I get there. I told him that I am looking forward to seeing how much the women enjoy doing yoga and how they are going to feel after the yoga session is complete. I think that I would rather pay attention to the therapeutic effect that the yoga may or may not have on the women. I believe that yoga can be a relaxing and stress relieving experience and I’m curious to see if the women will feel the same as I do. I explained to Mr. Moreland that I would be interviewing Mrs. Pricilla for my research paper and we discussed questions that I could ask her so that I could get some solid information for my paper. Mr. Moreland thinks that it would be a good idea to incorporate the different activities that we do for the next couple of visits to the Garden Project into my presentation. I believe that in order for me to have a legitimate paper I must think of all of the things that play an essential role not only in my paper but, in my presentation as well. I plan on doing my interview sometime this week so that I can begin looking at the other aspects of my paper.

Cheesecake Factory

This weekend my cousin celebrated her 18^th birthday weekend and while we were out, we visited the Cheesecake Factory. The moment we arrived, I thought of Miss. Money and how she chose to be a Pastry Chef for her project. I began to think of all the tedious work that she would have to go through in order to keep her customers happy if she wanted to obtain a thriving restaurant. Kudos to Miss. Money for actually taking the initiative to be someone that services others in the growing food industry. It’s not everyday that you hear about someone aspiring to be a pastry chef. I’m sure that entering this field may be a challenge but it is one that I’m quite sure Miss. Money is up for. I can not wait to see and hopefully taste the many delicacies that Miss. Money will have during her presentation. Good Luck!!!

Field Trip #5

While on my “field trip” with my sponsor, Mrs. Hilinski, we discussed our visit that we will be taking to take to the Garden Project this weekend. We talked about doing yoga with the women from the Garret House and how performing yoga may be therapeutic for all of the women. I am really looking forward to taking part in yoga with the women just to see how they react to the activity. I know that when the women are at the half way house they are not given the opportunity to do activities that keep them active. I believe that allowing them to experience something new would be good for them all to partake in together. I feel that the women would be more likely to participate if they see majority of the people there participating in the activity. I believe that this visit to the Garden Project will be one that really makes the women get out of their comfort zone and will allow me to get out of mine as well.

Mingling With Moreland #4

During my visit with my mentor, Mr. Moreland, we pretty much had a recap of our last powwow session. We talked about using more than just the Garden Project as my resource for my paper and my presentation. Mr. Moreland suggested that I research more about people that founded and influenced social work. After that we talked about my field trips with my sponsor, Mrs. Hilinski, and how smoothly they have been running. At the end of our meeting he asked me if there was anything I needed from him and when was the next time we would be visiting the Garden Project. I left our meeting with more information regarding social work and a better idea of how I could use my simple aha moments as a resource for my project.

"Spare Change Anyone?"

This weekend while on my way home from church I noticed a homeless man sitting on the corner with a sign that said “Homeless will work for food”. Once I saw this sign a feeling of grief came over me because I had no food or money to give to this unfortunate man. Although this was not the first time I’ve seen this man, this time really hit a nerve inside of me. I began to make connections between my project and this older man and I felt as if I was failing this individual just like the system has been doing all of these years. I also began to think about all of the other homeless people out there not only in the streets of Camden but, all over New Jersey and the U.S. I don’t understand why people are more susceptible to rescuing animals with no homes when there are human beings out in the street without a pot to piss in and a window to throw it out. The mentality of some has never seized to amaze me when it comes to someone being less fortunate than another. Instead of helping the person in need and making it a win win situation a person would rather get over on the next and make it a lose lose. In reality neither of the people in the situation wins when the objective to the game of life is to see others fail while you succeed. Wise words from Ralph Waldo Emerson “It is one of the most beautiful compensations in life….that no man can sincerely help another without helping himself.”

Emmett Till

In my A.P History class my teacher, Mr. Moreland, assigned us a research paper about the civil rights movement (1950-1970). While in his class, I decided that I wanted to write my research paper about Emmett Till, a young man that was murdered at the age of 14. I believe that his story in very tragic but, also a key element in the beginning of the civil rights movement. The moment I heard about Emmett Till’s story, I was immediately interested and enraged at the same time. I couldn’t understand why people in the south during this time period were so cruel to African Americans. While listening to Mr. Moreland speak about Emmett, different ideas rushed through my head at once. There were so many questions that I had regarding the people that allowed the murder to happen and the two men that actually committed the murder. I wanted to know more. Therefore, when the time came for us to write our research paper, it was only right that I write my paper about Emmett Till’s story. Although my paper is not complete, I know that once I begin to put my thoughts about the trial on my paper there will be closure for me concerning Emmett Till.      

Field Trip #4

During my “Field Trip” with my sponsor, Mrs. Hilinski, we discussed my presentation at the end of the year and how I could use my surroundings as a contribution to my project. We talked about changing my thesis statement so that I could write a paper that pertained to me visiting the Garden Project in Camden. Mrs. Hilinski suggested that we find activities that make the audience more comfortable while I present. We both agreed that it was a definite must that we get the audience as involved as possible throughout the entire presentation. This will not only benefit the audience but, it will benefit me as well because I would be much more in my element if I know that the people that are in the audience are actually listening to what I say. During my next visit Mrs. Hilinski and I will prepare for another visit to the Garden Project. I believe that the next visit is definitely going to be a success.  

"Field Trip" #3

During my meeting with my sponsor earlier today, Mrs. Hilinski and I discussed my presentation and my thesis statement for my research paper. Mrs. Hilinski thought that it would be a good idea to get the audience involved by allowing them to do an activity that would make them feel comfortable while I present. She also suggested that I use the concept of the Garden Project as some what a metaphor for the growth of the women that are involved in the program. We talked about using the Garden Project as the meat and potatoes of my paper and finding other things that would contribute to the completion of my presentation and my research paper. During our meeting, Mrs. Hilinski and I also discussed other ideas that will remain a surprise until the day of my presentation. I am looking forward to beginning my paper so that I can use it to help come up with more ideas for my presentation. I hope that my presentation will be all that I dream of it being and much much more.

Mingling With Moreland #3

During this weeks meeting with my mentor, we discussed the basics for my project. Mr. Moreland and I pretty much talked about the topic for my research paper and how I could incorporate my visits to the Garden Project into my thesis statement and my paper. We came up with a couple of well known people that contributed to the production of social work. For example, Dorothea Dix played a major role in the establishment of social work along with Ralph Waldo Emerson and other people in history. We then discussed my meetings with my sponsor and how she is helping with my project and my presentation. Mr. Moreland suggested that I use all of the different ideas that I receive from the Garden Project and anywhere else that inspires me to write a descent research paper. Our meeting ended after we talked about the next date for my visit to the Garden Project and any needs or questions that I had regarding my presentation.

We All Need a Little Dirt

While listening to my I-Pod on the bus ride to school this morning, I realized that I was listening to a song that pertains to my project. The song is called “Dirt” and it is by the gospel artists named Mary Mary. I found it ironic that song started off talking about a garden and how my field trips with my sponsor are to the Garden Project. The song then goes into how we all need a little dirt to grow and how underneath a garden there are a number of unpleasant things that make up this beautiful garden. I began to see how this song could be encouraging to the women at the Garden Project and how it actually relates to the many things that they’ve been through on their journey of life. To be quite honest, this song has helped me get over some problems that I’ve endured this past year. I believe that this song could actually help me come up with some ideas for my project and hopefully you’ll find it as encouraging and inspirational as I have.

Enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg4JCVaKPE8

Roger That!!!

Sunday, February 20, 2011, a friend of mine was falsely arrested for a crime that he did not commit. Sunday night Rashad, a friend of the family, was seen walking with one of his relatives to the store. Earlier that day someone that supposedly “resembled” Rashad committed a crime. I find it sad how a man that rarely ever goes out the house is automatically accused of a crime the moment he is seen in public. Yet, I am not surprised that the police can be so shallow & assault a man because they assumed he was the right guy. After all of the commotion they caused the police ended up letting him go free after saying “Oh sorry, you’re the wrong guy”. I’m shocked that they apologized but, I’m upset at the fact that it took them so long to realize that they were wrong. This incident proves to me how stereotypical and unkind the police officers can be not only in Camden but, all over New Jersey. I believe that these officers should be ashamed of themselves because they should have been certain before they decided to arrest anyone. When Rashad got home later that night pictures of the cuts and bruises that were inflicted on him from a broken pair of hand cuffs were taken. Due to the ignorance of these officers a lawsuit is about to take place. It turns out that justice will be served after all.  

Social Butterfly

On Monday, Valentines Day, my mother gave me a heart shaped box full of chocolates that reminded me of my project. The name that was written on the box said “Social Butterfly”, how ironic. I found it very cute how on Valentines Day, one of the most dreaded days of the year for some, my mother found a way to incorporate my project. I thanked my mother and demolished the chocolate treats third period in school. Of course, like many women do, I bit into every last piece of candy until I found a piece that I enjoyed. Needless to say, I ate about two pieces of candy out of the entire box and gave the rest to my friend who enjoys the exotic flavors that they put inside of the chocolate in the spirit of Valentines Day.  

The box of chocolate meant much more to me then a day that I received a “token of love” from my mother but, it meant that my mom acknowledges what I do and believe in when it comes to social work. I believe that the box of candy was the highlight of my day due to the fact that any other second I was disgusted by all the bear and hug giving of every other person in the school. Some may say that I was the “Scrooge” of Valentines Day but, I believe that you shouldn’t pick one day out of the year to express your love to someone. I think that if you really cared let alone loved for that significant other you should take a little time out of everyday to prove it.