Additional Blog: Pictures of Events/Volunteer Days

 

These photos above were from our International Food Festival where we promote vegetarian cuisines.

 

These photos are from our Beach Clean Up!

 

Blog 10: EQ

1. I reviewed the rule of three for writing an EQ

2.

A) What is the most important factor in weight loss?

The answer to this EQ would become a list. The question seems a little too broad and open-ended. This EQ should be rephrased in order to be able to have multiple answers.

B) What is most important to securing a conviction in a criminal investigation?

This EQ does follow by the rule of three. It's broad enough to have more than one answer and it allows for more thinking. The EQ is also very clear on what is being asked.

C) What is most important in creating a hairstyle that best satisfies a customer?

The wording of the question is incorrect, this may confuse the reader (It definitely confused more for a second). This EQ does not follow the rule of three due to the wording and confusion.

D) How can an anesthesiologist best treat chronic pain? 

I feel this EQ does follow the rule of three. Its very short and sweet but allows for multiple answer to be present. It also is worded in a way that is very easy to understand.

3. My second EQ is...

What is the best/fastest way to rehabilitate the rainforest?

Blog 9: Lesson 1 Reflection

1. Positive Statement

What were you most proud of in your Lesson 1 Presentation and why?

I am most proud of how I was able to calm myself down by speaking about my experiences. I was pretty nervous towards the beginning of my presentation and knowing I can relax myself in the middle of it makes me feel a lot more confident. Its another useful tool in my pocket.

2. Questions to Consider

A) What assessment would you give yourself on your Lesson 1 Presentation (self-assessment)?

AP

B) Explain why you deserve that grade using evidence form the Lesson 1 component contract.

I feel I deserve an AP because I gave information on where,who, and why I work at. I was able to give experiences that I faced. I feel that I had good hook activity. I gave general information on the environment. I explained what my topic and EQ were about and how they were connected as well.

3. What worked you in your Lesson 1?

I felt that explaining what I went through while mentoring was definitely a very interesting topic for the audience. They seemed to enjoy what I was talking about. It also calmed me down because in the very beginning I was pretty nervous.

4. (What didn't work) If you had a time machine, what would you have done differently to improve your Lesson 1?

I would have focused more on my topic rather than my experiences. I felt like I could've gone into more detail with my topic. I also could've organized myself more too. I did feel like I was sort of jumping around to different sub-topics a lot.

Additional Blog: Experiences

While working with Planet Rehab, I have had many unforgettable memories. Volunteering has has helped me create bonds with the animals, as well as the people I work with. The people I work with feel very strongly for the environment as I do. It immediately allows for us to make a connection and we will educate each other on things we really didn't know about. I once came across a girl while volunteering who taught me about the practice of collecting fur from bunnies. It is very inhumane to kill rabbits for their furs so instead the person doing this practice rips out large portions of the rabbits fur. This happens to several thousands of rabbits. Technically this practice is humane due to the fact that the rabbit isn't being killed. When I heard this I was very angry and felt like they should've just killed the rabbits instead. When she was done explaining, I saw her crying and I had no clue what to do or say so I changed the topic quickly.

When I volunteer, we tend to spend a lot more time with the animals. I think its the most fun to approach the goats because I, myself, own goats. I like to compare their personalities to mine, as weird as that my sound. I find this very interesting and fun to observe.

My goats tend to be more mellow, but they do "talk" a lot more than Gary's goats. His goats tend to be more active, meaning they run around more and they play with each other a lot. This is just some things I've observed. I find observing the behaviors of both groups of goats is very amusing.

After doing the work that needed to be done, everyone would meet in the family room, where we usually talked about the many problems of the environment. This is where I would learn all the information I know about our ecosystems. Gary was so passionate about saving the environment, it got me thinking that I should really try making a difference myself. Thus, the reason why I continued to go and volunteer for Gary.

Everything I have experienced within my four years of volunteering has really changed my views for the better. These memories I hold are things that I would never want to forget.

Blog 8: Research and Working EQ

1. What is my working EQ?

My working EQ is, "What is the best way to balance equilibrium between man and nature?"

2. What is my possible answer to my working EQ?

What is the best way to balance equilibruim between man and nature?

• Finding equilibrium between man and nature is something not everyone feels is important. Educating people would definitely make a huge difference in helping the find this balance.
• 
  

3. What is the most important source you have used that has helped you come up with an answer to your EQ?

My best sources are my own experiences with people, also what information and examples that Gary has given/told me. I feel that if being able to find a balance than it will allow for us to coexist with our environment, without any troubles. I also feel that its EXTREMELY important to help the environment because humans have put it in the state of trouble that is only getting worse by the minute.

4. Who is your mentor, or where are you doing your mentorship, and how does what you are doing relate to your EQ?

My mentor is Gary C. Mitchel, who is the leader of "Planet Rehab." Which I have been working with for four years. I usually show people who are new to Planet Rehab, how to feed all the animals. Also to interact with some. Being able to interact with animals from many different places around the world can bring a sense of sympathy. Letting the newcomers know what is going on with these specific animals and their habitats can motivate them to come more often. They will commit more of their time to Planet Rehab, allowing us to have more help and having educated one more person.

Blog 7: Independent Component 1 Approval

What is my Independent Component?

I plan on volunteering with another organization named "Lily Sanctuary," that only rescues birds. Most of them originating from all around the world. I know I can learn a lot more about the rainforest due to the animals they rescue. I will definitely ask their opinions on the environment and what they feel the rainforest needs in order to become more sustainable. I will be doing my thirty hours with them, also to become more knowledgeable and confident about my topic. I plan on recording my hours on an I-Poly hours sheet, which shows the amount of hours done and the signature needed. I know in helping this organization, I can learn more about the rainforest in ways I'd never be able to think of or even consider.

Additional Blog: What I've Learned So Far

While being mentored by Gary Mitchel, I've learned many things that not the average person my know about the world. I feel the things that I've been educated on, everyone should know this. It's something everyone should know and care about.

I've learned that there are five Gyres, which are when two currents of an ocean meet and create a giant whirl pool. All five of these Gyres are full of garbage, filth, and plastic. The Gyre between California and Hawaii is one and a half times the size of the U.S. Also about ninety-seven feet deep and counting. Trash is everywhere in the ocean, it is even washed up on islands that aren't even close to civilization. An island named Midway is in between Japan and Hawaii, very far away from civilization. The plastics that we use everyday wash up on its shores and is killing birds native to that island. One type of bird being affect by plastic is the Albatross, which is basically a seagull on steroids. It's wingspan can reach almost to twelve feet! Their babies are begin affected because they see the plastic and mistake it for bugs other small lizards. There are pictures with baby albatross skeletons and where their stomachs once sat, is now a pile of plastic. We have no connection to that island and yet we are affecting it. It's absolutely nuts to think that WE can have that kind of affect on our environment. 





Blog 6: Second Interview Preparation

Who is your mentor and where do they work?

My mentor is Gary C. Mitchel and he is the leader of an organization named, Planet Rehab. He has been working for ten years. Allowing him to make great connections and to educate thousands of people on environmental issues. He's been to environmental meetings and speeches by very renown scientist and experts.

What five questions will you ask them about their background?

1. What made you start Planet Rehab?
2. Have you come in contact with others that are in your line of work as well?
3. How did you become so educated about the environment?
4. Have you felt you've improved as a person as well as an organization leader, knowing what you do?
5. Did you ever see yourself moving into this sort of work throughout your life?

Blog 5: Mentorship and Research Reflection

1. Mentorship question: Describe your experience in how you found your mentorship?  If you haven't found one yet, describe your experience so far in the search of a mentor.

I met Gary Mitchel through his organization, Planet Rehab. When I attended Damien High School, he presented in a my gym. He was handing out cards and mingling with some students about his goals and how they could help in volunteering. I didn't approach him but I made sure I put my email down on his list. Within the next couple of weeks he sent me an email asking when I'd be available to volunteer. I made my mom call him because I was really afraid to call, for some reason. As soon as she finished talking to him on the phone she told me that I would be able to go over and volunteer on a Saturday morning. Then Saturday came, and a whole other adventure began for me at Planet Rehab.

2. Research question: What has been your most important article you have read so far and why?

I can't really pick a single article because there are at least two or three articles that have provided me with TONS of information on my topic. They showed me and taught me things I would have never even thought about.

Additional Blog: Rainforest Management

Why did I choose Rainforest Management for my topic?

Many people do not know that we loose approximately 150-200 species of plants, birds, insects, and mammals every day. I had no idea about any of this until I joined a non-profit organization named, "Planet Rehab." It was created by Gary C, Mitchel and he welcomed me into the family when I was just a freshman. I've helped and supported the organization till this day. He informed me of many environmental issues we are having, but no action has been taken. I was shocked that I didn't have a clue about any of these issues. I found it hard to believe that not many people knew about this either. The reasons I chose this as my topic so I could share the issues of our ecosystems, this is something I'm passionate about, and I find it very interesting.

What do I mean by "Rainforest Management?"

Planet Rehab has a mission to go into the rainforest of Costa Rica and to purchase several acres of rainforest. We plan to protect it from deforestation and to also make an area for tourist to be able to see wildlife and to educate them as well. We felt being able to allow the tourist to connect with animals and to educate them about their homes, would give them a better understanding of these issues. We also want to breed species that are in possible danger of extinction as well. After we have gotten everything settled and things running we plan on purchasing more, allowing us to protect more of the rainforest in Costa Rica.

Blog 4: Interview Preparations

1. Who I plan to interview and why.

I am interviewing Gary C. Mitchel. I've known him for many years and I've been part of his organization, "Planet Rehab," for three years. He is also extremely knowledgeable in his line of work and very reliable for a mentor.

2. My questions are:

1. What is your mission for your organization, "Planet Rehab?"
2. How do you plan to complete or reach these goals?
3. Where, do you feel, is the best place to manage several acres of rain forest?
4. What are some responsibilities when running a rain forest?
5. What do you feel would be the most difficult job in managing a place so big?

Blog 3: Topic Choice and Working EQ

1. List your topic here:

Rainforest Management

2. Write a question that helps to focus your research this month.

What is the most capable way to keep a sustainable environment for man and animals to live in harmony?

3. Post the working bibliography (WB) on the right hand side of the blog and share it so anybody can view it. 

Working Bib



Blog 1: Two-Hour Presentations

 1.  What presentations did you see?

The presentations I was able to see were: Karate, Gracie Jujitsu, Criminology, Body Building, Military Leadership, Studio Photography, EMT (First Aid), Surfing, No Kill Rescue Shelters, Land Scaping, Fire Fighting, Physical Therapy, Fire Protection.

2.   What questions do you have that haven't been answered about the senior project? This can be about the senior project in general, any components or about a presentation topic you saw or what they said.  

I'd like to know if it's true that, if you don't make time for your presentation do you still graduate? I would also like to know how long the activity can be within your presentation. Another question I have is, does the activity count for time, or is it just strictly talking your time?

3. What has the most important part of the senior project based on what you are seeing in the 2-hour presentations?

I feel that the essential question and answers where the most important because the seniors whole presentation was based upon the essential question. It was also important to explain what their essential question meant and to be about to go into depth with it as well.

4. What topic are you considering doing and why?

The topics I would like to do are Child Behavior or Paramedics. The reasoning is because I go to camp every summer to help counselors with children and I get to participate in a lot of awesome activities. I'd like to do my topic on paramedics because it's something I'm looking into as a career and its something I'd be very passionate about.

5. What are you doing for your summer mentorship?

I am going to camp again this year and get my mentorship with the camp director. Another mentorship I'm looking into is speaking with a friend of my mom, who is a paramedic, and asking them if they take me under their wing.