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