Today I assisted a non-profit organization called Chore Chops, which is an extension of interfaith ministries, and assisted two elderly people with household and outdoors work which they would have been unable to complete on their own. This activity was a service event which was organized for National Honor Society, and I worked with a group of other students to rake the leaves in one Houston residents's front lawn, and to organize the kitchen of another residents home. This experience taught me about the struggles which people face on an everyday basis, which often escape my mind, and it was emotionally difficult to imagine what it would be like to experience poverty in similar ways as the people we experienced. Additionally, this taught me the impact which can be made when people take a limited amount of time out of their days to assist others who are in need of both help and empathy. This event fulfilled the service aspect of CAS and the following learning outcomes: Recognize and consider the ethics behind choices and actions, and Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively.
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Storytelling Through Photography CREATIVITY LO1
14 November 2019
Today in Photography club, I worked alongside the other members to study how the elements of a series of photos can express meaning, connect to each other, and convey a story. We began this activity by looking at some examples of photos which express messages such as oppression, human nature, and divisions between people. I learned that taking repetitive photos while making slight changes to each frame can be used as a tool to express a process, and adjusting the angle of a photo can express connotations of power or vulnerability. Following this we completed an exercise where we took screenshots at various moments of music videos, and placed them in orders which could convey the story of the artist, or stories of our own design. This activity fulfills the following learning outcome: Identify own strengths and areas for growth, as I have had limited experience with how the objects and points of view of a photo can tell a narrative story. Also, this fulfills the creativity aspect of CAS.
Today in Photography club, I worked alongside the other members to study how the elements of a series of photos can express meaning, connect to each other, and convey a story. We began this activity by looking at some examples of photos which express messages such as oppression, human nature, and divisions between people. I learned that taking repetitive photos while making slight changes to each frame can be used as a tool to express a process, and adjusting the angle of a photo can express connotations of power or vulnerability. Following this we completed an exercise where we took screenshots at various moments of music videos, and placed them in orders which could convey the story of the artist, or stories of our own design. This activity fulfills the following learning outcome: Identify own strengths and areas for growth, as I have had limited experience with how the objects and points of view of a photo can tell a narrative story. Also, this fulfills the creativity aspect of CAS.
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Aesthetic Photography in Montrose ACTION LO1
October 17 2019
Today in photography club, we walked as a group around the Montrose area to practice our aesthetic photography skills. We each brought a camera, and took pictures of plants, signs, spray painted pieces, and other aspects which people may be drawn to overlook. Following this, we used editing techniques such as selective color, and lighting adjustments to give out photos a whimsical, artistic feel. This experience taught me that it is possible to highlight ordinary aspects of the world is ways which can cause people to have a better appreciation for them. This activity fulfilled the following learning outcome: Identify your own strengths and develop area for growth, as I have been practice photography for several years, however, this experience allowed me to experiment with aesthetic photography; something which I have limited experience with. Also, this activity fulfills the action aspect of CAS as we walked through the neighborhoods near our high school as a group, which required physical activity.
Today in photography club, we walked as a group around the Montrose area to practice our aesthetic photography skills. We each brought a camera, and took pictures of plants, signs, spray painted pieces, and other aspects which people may be drawn to overlook. Following this, we used editing techniques such as selective color, and lighting adjustments to give out photos a whimsical, artistic feel. This experience taught me that it is possible to highlight ordinary aspects of the world is ways which can cause people to have a better appreciation for them. This activity fulfilled the following learning outcome: Identify your own strengths and develop area for growth, as I have been practice photography for several years, however, this experience allowed me to experiment with aesthetic photography; something which I have limited experience with. Also, this activity fulfills the action aspect of CAS as we walked through the neighborhoods near our high school as a group, which required physical activity.
Friday, September 20, 2019
Photography Club Camara Basics CREATIVITY LO1
September 20, 2019
In photography club this past week, we spent time as a group learning how to adjust the manual setting of a camera to achieve certain effects. For instance, we learned that depending on the speed of the photo's subject, the shutter speed of the camera should either be adjusted to be slower or faster. Also the ISO should be adjusted based on the quality of the outside light, and the aperture should be adjusted based on how close or far the subject is from the lens of the camera. This fulfills the creativity aspect of CAS as we spent time as a group practicing how to use the manual setting of out cameras around the school, and toke some artistic photos. Also this fulfills the following learning outcome: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth, as I was already knowledgeable about how to use the manual settings of a camera, however, practicing solidified my skills.
In photography club this past week, we spent time as a group learning how to adjust the manual setting of a camera to achieve certain effects. For instance, we learned that depending on the speed of the photo's subject, the shutter speed of the camera should either be adjusted to be slower or faster. Also the ISO should be adjusted based on the quality of the outside light, and the aperture should be adjusted based on how close or far the subject is from the lens of the camera. This fulfills the creativity aspect of CAS as we spent time as a group practicing how to use the manual setting of out cameras around the school, and toke some artistic photos. Also this fulfills the following learning outcome: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth, as I was already knowledgeable about how to use the manual settings of a camera, however, practicing solidified my skills.
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Renovation of Savannah Apartment SERVICE LO5
1-17 August 2019: 85 Hours
Over the course of the past two weeks, I spent time working with my family to renovate the one-bedroom apartment that my older sister will be staying in during her time in college. At the beginning of our time in Savannah, we spent our days purchasing furniture and gathering enough items to make the apartment a functional living space. This was eye-opening as I had never truly realized the complexity of creating a working living space, and all of the products that are required. Following this, we began to work on some cosmetic projects, and I helped by repainting the apartment's utility room, and helping to remove the baseboard around the floors. Over the period of around a week, my whole family pitched in to install new vinyl flooring in the apartment, as wood can easily root due to the city's humidity. This was the most time consuming and laborious project that we took on. We were required to work as a team when measuring some of the irregular pieces of vinyl, and needed to use a jig-saw to cut many of the pieces. This was also challenging as sometimes we would cut pieces incorrectly, and needed to be persistent in terms or trying again to recover from errors. During the last few days, we spent time adding final touches such as assembling furniture, painting the walls, touching up the new baseboards with silicon to hide the nail marks, and installing some beautiful light fixtures. Currently, the apartment looks like a modern and place which reflects my sisters amazing identity and style. This activity fulfills the service aspect of CAS, and the following learning outcome: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively.
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Tour of Rice University ACTION LO3
24 July 2019: 2 Hours
Today I visited Rice University to gain a more articulate perspective in regards to their identity as a whole, how students experience the campus on a day to day basis, and their admissions process. Having the opportunity to visit spaces including the library, some of the classrooms, the dining hall, and student residences allowed me to realistically imagine what it may be like to attend the university if I decide to apply. Further, I found it interesting to walk through the campus and learn about many impactful people who have visited and worked with the university. Also, the many pillars and intricate buildings at the center of the campus were beautiful to walk through. Overall, this experience fulfills the action aspect of CAS, as we were taken on a walking tour throughout the campus. Also, this fulfills the following learning outcomes: Demonstrate how to plan and initiate a CAS experience.
Today I visited Rice University to gain a more articulate perspective in regards to their identity as a whole, how students experience the campus on a day to day basis, and their admissions process. Having the opportunity to visit spaces including the library, some of the classrooms, the dining hall, and student residences allowed me to realistically imagine what it may be like to attend the university if I decide to apply. Further, I found it interesting to walk through the campus and learn about many impactful people who have visited and worked with the university. Also, the many pillars and intricate buildings at the center of the campus were beautiful to walk through. Overall, this experience fulfills the action aspect of CAS, as we were taken on a walking tour throughout the campus. Also, this fulfills the following learning outcomes: Demonstrate how to plan and initiate a CAS experience.
Friday, July 12, 2019
Kirksey Architecture Tour CREATIVITY LO6
July 12 2019: 3 Hours
Today I toured the office space which is occupied by Kirksey Architecture, an architecture institution which is based in the cities of Houston and Austin. My original intention was to gain experience with what it may be like to work in an architecture firm by requesting an internship opportunity at Kirksey, however, the interns which they accept are usually college students who are attending their third or fourth year of study. Although this was the case, I managed to stay in contact with Janis Brackett, who this the executive vice president of community architecture projects, and I we arranged to meet up at Kirksey for a tour so that I could gain some insight regarding the atmosphere and work culture within an architecture firm. This tour was a unique opportunity as I visited on the same day that some students from the University of Texas were also receiving a tour, and presenting a project that they have been preparing for a community center along the Galveston coast. During the tour, I found it interesting to learn about how the firm is divided into the types of projects which they receive. For instance, different groups work on hospitality buildings, while others design schools, hospitals, community centers, and office spaces. In addition to solely designing the overall structure of the buildings, it was interesting to learn about the process of designing the interiors of buildings by compiling varying sample materials from a large storage room which seemed similar to a library.
Following the tour of the workspace, the students from the University of Texas, their professors, Janis Bracket, and Catherine Callaway, another senior associate who focuses on community projects, gathered together in a large conference room to discuss the student's current project. I found it interesting to listen in on this, as this experience provided me with the opportunity to observe what architects consider when they are given a project to create. Specifically, the students presented a gathering area for the Galveston community center, which provides shade, toilets, water fountains, and places to sit. They plan to place their structure adjacent to the coast, as it is open to the environment, and the ocean will provide a breeze to compensate for the lack of air conditioning. Also, placing this type of structure by the coast allows people to enjoy the sounds of the water and the view while they are inhabiting the space. Further, the students ensured that their structure was oriented in a way that would provide optimal shading for visitors, by designing the roof to extend beyond the structure's outside pillars. This way, people located in the center of the structure would receive more protection from sun rays which are come in on an angle.
After the occurrence of this presentation, some designers who work for Kriksey architecture presented some plans that they have been working on for the rest of the community center. It was interesting to listen to how they think through the design process, as they took into account the possibility of flooding by making one of the education centers elevated, and dedicating the open space below for storing recreational equipment. I also learned so much about how architects work alongside civil engineers and environmentalists to make sure that they using the land in a way which are most beneficial to hydraulic systems, and native plant life. For instance, they plan to create many retention ponds, each located on different sections of the land depending on its elevation above the coast. Also, they plan to place native plants around these ponds, with plants which require high levels of salt water near retention ponds closest to the coast, and those which survive in freshwater near ponds with higher elevations. Not only will these plants be beneficial by adding to the biodiversity of the area, but children who visit the center will have the opportunity to explore the grounds with discovery programs lead by botanists. Further, the designers plan for these ponds to be connected to the drainage system located in the adjacent parking lot, so that water which runs off from the pavement will fill these ponds rather than the streets, which benefits the area as a whole.
Overall, this experiences broadened my horizons to a large extent as I learned so much about all of the different environmental and humanitarian factors that are considered when any plans for a building are created. Further, I got the chance to talk with some of the UT architecture students after the tour, as they each had a different story to tell, and they each had different advice to share in terms of higher education. This fulfills the creativity aspect of CAS as listening to the presentations from both Kirksey and the students caused me to come up with some of my own ideas. For instance, it might be a better idea for the parking lot to be raised so that in the case of flooding, cars would not be damaged, and larger portions of the ground could be left unpaved. In terms of fulfilling Further, this fulfills the following learning outcomes: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance, as during the tour we discussed how to make buildings more environmentally sustainable.
Today I toured the office space which is occupied by Kirksey Architecture, an architecture institution which is based in the cities of Houston and Austin. My original intention was to gain experience with what it may be like to work in an architecture firm by requesting an internship opportunity at Kirksey, however, the interns which they accept are usually college students who are attending their third or fourth year of study. Although this was the case, I managed to stay in contact with Janis Brackett, who this the executive vice president of community architecture projects, and I we arranged to meet up at Kirksey for a tour so that I could gain some insight regarding the atmosphere and work culture within an architecture firm. This tour was a unique opportunity as I visited on the same day that some students from the University of Texas were also receiving a tour, and presenting a project that they have been preparing for a community center along the Galveston coast. During the tour, I found it interesting to learn about how the firm is divided into the types of projects which they receive. For instance, different groups work on hospitality buildings, while others design schools, hospitals, community centers, and office spaces. In addition to solely designing the overall structure of the buildings, it was interesting to learn about the process of designing the interiors of buildings by compiling varying sample materials from a large storage room which seemed similar to a library.
Following the tour of the workspace, the students from the University of Texas, their professors, Janis Bracket, and Catherine Callaway, another senior associate who focuses on community projects, gathered together in a large conference room to discuss the student's current project. I found it interesting to listen in on this, as this experience provided me with the opportunity to observe what architects consider when they are given a project to create. Specifically, the students presented a gathering area for the Galveston community center, which provides shade, toilets, water fountains, and places to sit. They plan to place their structure adjacent to the coast, as it is open to the environment, and the ocean will provide a breeze to compensate for the lack of air conditioning. Also, placing this type of structure by the coast allows people to enjoy the sounds of the water and the view while they are inhabiting the space. Further, the students ensured that their structure was oriented in a way that would provide optimal shading for visitors, by designing the roof to extend beyond the structure's outside pillars. This way, people located in the center of the structure would receive more protection from sun rays which are come in on an angle.
After the occurrence of this presentation, some designers who work for Kriksey architecture presented some plans that they have been working on for the rest of the community center. It was interesting to listen to how they think through the design process, as they took into account the possibility of flooding by making one of the education centers elevated, and dedicating the open space below for storing recreational equipment. I also learned so much about how architects work alongside civil engineers and environmentalists to make sure that they using the land in a way which are most beneficial to hydraulic systems, and native plant life. For instance, they plan to create many retention ponds, each located on different sections of the land depending on its elevation above the coast. Also, they plan to place native plants around these ponds, with plants which require high levels of salt water near retention ponds closest to the coast, and those which survive in freshwater near ponds with higher elevations. Not only will these plants be beneficial by adding to the biodiversity of the area, but children who visit the center will have the opportunity to explore the grounds with discovery programs lead by botanists. Further, the designers plan for these ponds to be connected to the drainage system located in the adjacent parking lot, so that water which runs off from the pavement will fill these ponds rather than the streets, which benefits the area as a whole.
Overall, this experiences broadened my horizons to a large extent as I learned so much about all of the different environmental and humanitarian factors that are considered when any plans for a building are created. Further, I got the chance to talk with some of the UT architecture students after the tour, as they each had a different story to tell, and they each had different advice to share in terms of higher education. This fulfills the creativity aspect of CAS as listening to the presentations from both Kirksey and the students caused me to come up with some of my own ideas. For instance, it might be a better idea for the parking lot to be raised so that in the case of flooding, cars would not be damaged, and larger portions of the ground could be left unpaved. In terms of fulfilling Further, this fulfills the following learning outcomes: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance, as during the tour we discussed how to make buildings more environmentally sustainable.
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Walking Through the Experimental Farm in Ottawa ACTION LO7
15 June 2019: 2 Hours
Today I spend the evening walking with my older sister, grandmother, and uncle near downtown Ottawa, Canada. We spent time at the experimental farm viewing the gardens and walking through what felt like endless rows of lilac plants. Additionally, we walked through several labyrinths and took some beautiful pictures of the many vibrant and fragrant flowers. This fulfills the action aspect of CAS and we spent about two hours physically walking, and the following learning outcome: recognize the ethics of choices and actions, as the theme of the farm was thought provoking, and made me realize the importance of learning to cleanly produce food for generations in the future.
Today I spend the evening walking with my older sister, grandmother, and uncle near downtown Ottawa, Canada. We spent time at the experimental farm viewing the gardens and walking through what felt like endless rows of lilac plants. Additionally, we walked through several labyrinths and took some beautiful pictures of the many vibrant and fragrant flowers. This fulfills the action aspect of CAS and we spent about two hours physically walking, and the following learning outcome: recognize the ethics of choices and actions, as the theme of the farm was thought provoking, and made me realize the importance of learning to cleanly produce food for generations in the future.
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Senior Graduation Stole Decoration CREATIVITY LO2
Friday May 29, 2019: 5 Hours
In preparation for last week's graduation commencement ceremony for Post Oak's senior class, I decorated a stole for Cassandra Wilson, my older sister. This required creativity, thought, and work, as it was my intention to ensure that the stole genuinely reflects her personality, and looks beautiful. I first needed to be resourceful by using watercolor paint as a means of dying the stole green and gray. As I have minimal experience with dying fabrics, this definitely required me to think outside the box by mixing the paint into bowls with different levels of water, and dipping different section of the stole into those bowls. After this, I embroidered Cassandra's name on the top of the stole, as well as the crest of Savannah College of Art and Design, where she will be attending. Further, I added the logos of all of the schools she had attended, as well as the Disney castle, a dragon, and the tree of life. This experience was emotional for me, as Cassandra has always been part of my life, and the need for this stole to be created marks another great change in both of our lives. I know that her identity will allow her to have an incredible impact on the world, and I believe the the final product of the stole I designed and worked on reflects that. This task fulfills the creativity aspect of CAS, and the following learning outcome: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process.
In preparation for last week's graduation commencement ceremony for Post Oak's senior class, I decorated a stole for Cassandra Wilson, my older sister. This required creativity, thought, and work, as it was my intention to ensure that the stole genuinely reflects her personality, and looks beautiful. I first needed to be resourceful by using watercolor paint as a means of dying the stole green and gray. As I have minimal experience with dying fabrics, this definitely required me to think outside the box by mixing the paint into bowls with different levels of water, and dipping different section of the stole into those bowls. After this, I embroidered Cassandra's name on the top of the stole, as well as the crest of Savannah College of Art and Design, where she will be attending. Further, I added the logos of all of the schools she had attended, as well as the Disney castle, a dragon, and the tree of life. This experience was emotional for me, as Cassandra has always been part of my life, and the need for this stole to be created marks another great change in both of our lives. I know that her identity will allow her to have an incredible impact on the world, and I believe the the final product of the stole I designed and worked on reflects that. This task fulfills the creativity aspect of CAS, and the following learning outcome: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process.
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Photography at the HMNS ACTION LO1
29 April 2019: 1.5 Hours
Today we spent time at the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences taking professional-style pictures alongside the museum's photographer for advertising purposes. This was an interesting experience as we learned about how to stage pictures of people in motion in a way that makes the attractions of the museum pop out more. Additionally, we experimented with the shutter-speed settings on the camera to capture images of people jumping, and butterflies in motion. We also learned about using lighting effectively to highlight certain areas of a person's face, or create the illusion of silhouettes. Overall, this was a great experience as we got to enjoy what the museum has to offer and take pictures for the benefit of the museum at the same time. This fulfills the action aspect of CAS, as we were active by walking across different areas of the museum while carrying photography equipment and lights. Also, this experience fulfills the following learning outcomes: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth, as we uses our prior knowledge of photography, but also followed the advice of photographers from the HMNS.
Today we spent time at the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences taking professional-style pictures alongside the museum's photographer for advertising purposes. This was an interesting experience as we learned about how to stage pictures of people in motion in a way that makes the attractions of the museum pop out more. Additionally, we experimented with the shutter-speed settings on the camera to capture images of people jumping, and butterflies in motion. We also learned about using lighting effectively to highlight certain areas of a person's face, or create the illusion of silhouettes. Overall, this was a great experience as we got to enjoy what the museum has to offer and take pictures for the benefit of the museum at the same time. This fulfills the action aspect of CAS, as we were active by walking across different areas of the museum while carrying photography equipment and lights. Also, this experience fulfills the following learning outcomes: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth, as we uses our prior knowledge of photography, but also followed the advice of photographers from the HMNS.
Monday, April 15, 2019
ISAS Arts Festival ACTION LO1
15 April 2019: 25 Hours
Last week I spent three days with some other students and teachers from my high school to attend the ISAS arts festival in Austin, Texas. We spent each day presenting various forms of art, and receiving critiques from experts who told us what we were doing well, as well as what we should improve. While attending the festival, I participated in the 2D art category, and the photography category; so prior to our departure date, I spent time preparing, framing, and labeling pieces of art. Additionally, I attended many workshops at the festival, where my friends and I got the opportunity to learn so many new skills including stage combat, ceramics, and watercolor painting. Further, we explored the festival, and watched the performances and critiques for other schools. This was a meaningful experience as I witnessed learned about forms of art which I have little experience with; such as rock music, the marimba, and theater. Also, I was able to deepen my previously established skills in relation to painting techniques, and the composition of photos. Overall, this event fulfills the action aspect of CAS, as we spent the entire time walking through the festival to participate in events, and it relates to the following learning outcome: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth, as the art critiques helped us to think through the creative process, our personal styles, and how to highlight them more prominently.
Last week I spent three days with some other students and teachers from my high school to attend the ISAS arts festival in Austin, Texas. We spent each day presenting various forms of art, and receiving critiques from experts who told us what we were doing well, as well as what we should improve. While attending the festival, I participated in the 2D art category, and the photography category; so prior to our departure date, I spent time preparing, framing, and labeling pieces of art. Additionally, I attended many workshops at the festival, where my friends and I got the opportunity to learn so many new skills including stage combat, ceramics, and watercolor painting. Further, we explored the festival, and watched the performances and critiques for other schools. This was a meaningful experience as I witnessed learned about forms of art which I have little experience with; such as rock music, the marimba, and theater. Also, I was able to deepen my previously established skills in relation to painting techniques, and the composition of photos. Overall, this event fulfills the action aspect of CAS, as we spent the entire time walking through the festival to participate in events, and it relates to the following learning outcome: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth, as the art critiques helped us to think through the creative process, our personal styles, and how to highlight them more prominently.
Sunday, March 31, 2019
30 DAY CAS PROJECT: London A-Term 2019 ACTION LO5
Callista Wilson
31 March 2019
Over the course of the
last seven months, I have spent time proposing, organizing, planning, leading,
and participating in the London A-Term course. This project fulfilled the
action aspect of CAS as we walked at least five miles each day, so the entire
group was active throughout the trip. This project fulfills the following
learning outcome: Demonstrate skills and recognize the benefits of working
collaboratively. (Overall this project was completed within the span of seven
months. It required me to dedicate 70 hours to preparation, and ten days
completing the course itself). What
follows is my reflection about the trip, which has also been posted on the
A-Term blog:
Traveling to London alongside my
classmates and teachers from the Post Oak School has been a significant
experience in terms of the development of both my knowledge and identity. Our
adventures in London allowed me to better understand the deeper meanings behind
many globally recognized landmarks. Also, spending time with the same group of
people for ten consecutive days caused me to become more familiar and
appreciative of each person’s characteristics. For instance, it was interesting
to hear each person's perspective about the places we visited, and my experience
of each site was made meaningful by not only my personal reactions, but also by
the people I shared each moment with. On top of this, traveling to London for
the first time since living there four years ago felt more sentimental than I
could have ever anticipated. For this reason, the A-term provided me with a
greater sense of closure regarding my previous time in London, which makes my
current life in Houston feel more firmly rooted and supported.
Many
of the sites we visited during the trip were completely new to me, and I am so
grateful to have had the opportunity to learn so much new information.
Specifically, this trip gave us all the opportunity to familiarize ourselves
with many interesting details about the history, politics, architecture, landscape,
and culture of a city which has had a major influence on the rest of the
world.
One
of the most interesting, yet unplanned, experiences of the trip was touring the
House of Commons and House of Lords on the same day that over one million
people from all across the United Kingdom gathered to march on Parliament in
opposition of Brexit. That day felt thematically perfect as we spent the
morning learning about the function of British politics, and we spent the
afternoon witnessing a significant political event unfold before our very
selves. We truly felt right in the middle of it all, and many of us has never
seen a protest in person before. For this reason, it was so was intriguing to
watch thick clusters of British people of all different ages march together
with bold signs, dignified flags, and spirited chants. In the evening, we
gathered in one of our apartments, and had an equally intriguing seminar about
our impressions of the protest. This seminar was memorable and important as I
learned more about myself and others by discussing each of our personal
takeaways regarding the purpose and effectiveness of the protest.
In
terms of the city’s architecture, I found it absolutely breathtaking to explore
historic structures such as Stonehenge, St. Pauls Cathedral, Windsor Castle,
and Hampton Court Palace. I found these sites truly incredible as it is
mind-twisting to imagine how they were built with the relatively limited
technology of their time. At many of the historic sites, I found it interesting
to learn about some of the current preservation methods which are being
utilized to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to witness
historically important pieces of architecture. The current work being done to
save many of these sites is important because preserving history should be
viewed as preserving primary sources of knowledge. For example, the spire of
Salisbury Cathedral is so heavy, that it is visually obvious that some of the
interior support beams are bending. For this reason, engineers are
currently using modern technology to prevent these columns from continuing to
cave inwards.
In
terms of landscape, many people make the assumption that London is completely
concrete; however, there are in fact many parks which take up tens to hundreds
of acres. For instance, parks including Hyde Park and the Queen’s botanical
gardens at Kew serve as a great contrast to the constant motion and pollution
of the city. At both of these locations, there are so many blossoming flowers
and trees, many peaceful walkways, and many elegant swans (which are owned by
the queen).
Another
significant part of the trip was visiting the International Community School in
London, where my sister and I previously attended. For me, this school
represents one of the first major changes that I was required to overcome, and
it is a place where many parts of my current identity were formed. Similarly,
walking into the building immediately made me feel the impact of two worlds
colliding. For the first time ever, I got to stand in the same room as students
and teachers from both Post Oak, and ICS (and even some students from St.
Stephens Episcopal; another school I have attended). While at ICS, we had the
opportunity to interact with many of the students and teachers. Following this,
we exchanged presentations about how each IB school works, we compared
and contrasted the two schools, and we also sat in on one of their Literature
classes. My experience returning to ICS felt surreal, as although so much has
changed between when I attended and now, each of the corridors and winding
staircases stayed exactly the same.
Further,
it was impactful to visit the stunning White Cliffs of Dover, which are made of
chalk and located along the English Channel, as they played a significant role
throughout many British wars. For example, they served as a base during the
evacuations from Dunkirk during World War II, and many tunnels within the
cliffs were converted into bunkers during the Cold War. Experiencing the cliffs
was special as I had kept them in my mind throughout the planning process of
this trip as a symbol of motivation, and as a symbol of turning this trip into
a reality. Consequently, as we approached the shimmering white cliffs, I felt
nothing but elation. As we hiked down some steep and rigid pathways, we worked
as a team to ensure that we were all safe. Also, we took what felt like
thousands of pictures, and we each made sure to grab a small piece of chalk as
a souvenir. Relating to this, we got the opportunity to experience other sites
which also relate to WWII by walking through the many complicated floors of the
battleship: HMS Belfast, which was used during Winston Churchill’s “Operation
Dynamite”. We also went into the Churchill War Rooms: the underground base of
Churchill’s wartime administration.
Another
unique experience of this trip was having an evening of glamour by eating
dinner near Leicester Square, and seeing the longest running play in the world:
The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie (who is only out-published by the Bible). We
were joined by a friend that my sister and I have kept in contact with (her
name is Elena Gupta), and we engaged in lively conversation in regards to
catching up, and referring back to many memories we shared from four years
ago.
This
trip was also a great way for me to bond with other members of the Post Oak
community, as we participated in many unique activities such as reenacting the
“Canterbury Tales”- we did this by having a storytelling competition while on
the bus ride to Canterbury Cathedral. Additionally, we shared many memorable
conversations and discussions (some serious, and some comical), which gave me a
great opportunity to get to know each person on a more articulate level.
Lastly, Sierra turned sixteen on this trip, and North turned eighteen on this
trip, meaning that we had two mini birthday celebrations!
Overall,
I can easily say that this trip was the highlight of my year, and it felt truly
magical and incredible to share my love for the city of London with some of the
students from the Post Oak community. It is my hope that their experience in
London impacted them in a similar way that it impacted me while living there in
the past.
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Witnessing Put It To The People March in London ACTION LO7
March 23 2019: 2 Hours
Today while the London A-Term students and teachers were spending time in London, we encountered the Put It To The People march which was organized and led by those in opposition of the Brexit deal. While witnessing this march, I managed to film several parts of the protest which included large amounts of people chanting, walking together, and holding signs. This was an eye-opening experience as it made me realize the importance of free speech, and made me feel grateful that locations such as America and The United Kingdom allow their people to exercise their right to expressing what they believe. This experience fulfills the action aspect of CAS, as several other students and I were walking along the streets near Parliament, and the following learning outcome: recognize and and consider the ethics of choices and actions, as viewing the protesters made admire them for fearlessly choosing to express themselves on behalf of their beliefs.
Today while the London A-Term students and teachers were spending time in London, we encountered the Put It To The People march which was organized and led by those in opposition of the Brexit deal. While witnessing this march, I managed to film several parts of the protest which included large amounts of people chanting, walking together, and holding signs. This was an eye-opening experience as it made me realize the importance of free speech, and made me feel grateful that locations such as America and The United Kingdom allow their people to exercise their right to expressing what they believe. This experience fulfills the action aspect of CAS, as several other students and I were walking along the streets near Parliament, and the following learning outcome: recognize and and consider the ethics of choices and actions, as viewing the protesters made admire them for fearlessly choosing to express themselves on behalf of their beliefs.
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Photography Club Activities ACTION LO2
March 13, 2019
Today, photography club walked around the neighborhood near the school to practice using polaroid cameras. This was an enjoyable experience as we spent about an hour waking outside and taking portrait and nature shots. This fulfills the activity aspect of CAS as we spent time walking as a group, and this fulfills the following learning outcome: Demonstrate the challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills int he process, as using a polaroid camera was a new challenge which expanded my photography skills.
Today, photography club walked around the neighborhood near the school to practice using polaroid cameras. This was an enjoyable experience as we spent about an hour waking outside and taking portrait and nature shots. This fulfills the activity aspect of CAS as we spent time walking as a group, and this fulfills the following learning outcome: Demonstrate the challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills int he process, as using a polaroid camera was a new challenge which expanded my photography skills.
Thursday, February 14, 2019
Stop Motion in Photography Club CREATIVITY LO2
February 14, 2019
Toady in photography club, I worked with Cassandra and Emily to produce a hour stop motion video with small figurines, and a dry erase board. This was in interesting experience as this was a new challenge for the three of us, and we quickly learned the importance of holding the camera still, and about how we could use the school's dry erase boards to create backdrops. This fulfills the creativity aspect of CAS and the following learning outcome: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process.
Toady in photography club, I worked with Cassandra and Emily to produce a hour stop motion video with small figurines, and a dry erase board. This was in interesting experience as this was a new challenge for the three of us, and we quickly learned the importance of holding the camera still, and about how we could use the school's dry erase boards to create backdrops. This fulfills the creativity aspect of CAS and the following learning outcome: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process.
Friday, January 18, 2019
London A-Term Planning, Gala Project, Article for Bellaire Buzz CREATIVITY LO4
January 18, 2019
A few weeks ago I helped out on the junior's gala project for this year by designing poker chips which were to be printed out on the later cutter. I have also been working on planning for the London A-term trip by refining the itinerary and helping to design a sweatshirt that each member of the trip could have. Additionally, I attended my internship this week at Justice For Children and compiled some case notes for one of the advocates. Lastly, I wrote an article about my internship for the Bellaire Buzz magazine to encourage people in my community to donate to Justice For Children over the holiday season. These activities fulfill the creativity aspect of CAS and the following learning outcome: Shown commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences, as I have continued to work on projects such as the London A-Term and my internship.
A few weeks ago I helped out on the junior's gala project for this year by designing poker chips which were to be printed out on the later cutter. I have also been working on planning for the London A-term trip by refining the itinerary and helping to design a sweatshirt that each member of the trip could have. Additionally, I attended my internship this week at Justice For Children and compiled some case notes for one of the advocates. Lastly, I wrote an article about my internship for the Bellaire Buzz magazine to encourage people in my community to donate to Justice For Children over the holiday season. These activities fulfill the creativity aspect of CAS and the following learning outcome: Shown commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences, as I have continued to work on projects such as the London A-Term and my internship.
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