Blog 4: Project Reflection and Working EQ

The Pentagon: 
(1) Positive Statement: What positive thing happen as a result of what you have completed so far?

• I've a better visual of how to go about taking on a writing career. My initial fear was being thrusted into the working world with no idea how to even begin working, at least as a writer. Fast food restaurants seem easy enough. I like having a goal, but more often than not, I have trouble taking the proper steps to reaching that goal, so knowing where to begin and what steps to take will really help me succeed.

(2) EQ Content:  Pick a piece of research or your interview.  How has it helped you improve your understanding of your topic?

• I really like Michele Pariza Wacek's artlice "How to Succeed As A Writer" because it eased my nerves at attempting writing. Although it is a passion, there was always that doubt that I would not do it properly or that people wouldn't like it, but Wacek's article addressed the fact that you don't need to be that well of a writer to succeed. Not that you should slack off, just don't be too hard on yourself. That being said, there is less pressure to be the best, which in the writing world is quite a challenge given how much competition there is.

(3) What has worked for you so far in the senior project?

• I'm not so sure what this question is asking.... I guess what has worked for me is the research. At any other given time, I wouldn't have looked up such specific things, like the requirements of becoming a writer, the different fields, or even the issues of becoming a writer.

(4) What hasn't worked so far?  

• I'm having a bit of an issue thinking of what I'll ultimately do during presentations or for Science Fair. I don't have much access to professional writers as I would like and not everyone enjoys writing, so when the presentation comes up, I'm nervous my activities won't be effective.

(5) Finding Value:  Based on your experience so far,

What possible question or questions come to mind regarding what you would like to study this year (don't list questions about the instructions relating to the senior project)?

• As in core classes? I'm still not sure what topic of math Ogden is teaching, but I guess I'd like to know what exactly we'll be studying in English. Aside from poetry, I really like English class and it's usually one of my favorites.

 What is your end goal this year with your senior project (don't say get a good grade or gain knowledge, put specific things you want to accomplish in your senior project this year)

• Ultimately, I want to be able to apply what I've learned these last three years into my final year, my final project. I won't lie when I say I never wanted to come to this school, and multiple times I've near begged my mom to let me leave, but I made it three years in and I feel that's an accomplishment. I want to do my senior project justice and prove I can (sorry) get a good grade on my own. I guess I just want that sense of accomplishment that I managed to graduate.

Who would you like to talk to you next? Why?

• Maybe a published novelist. I spoke to Doug Spoon, my first interviewee, and he pointed out that newspaper writing is not the same as novel writing. While I don't mind doing either, I would like to focus a little on novel writing because that's the path I'm looking for. Eventually I'll get in contact with a published novelist, I hope.