Marine Biology

April 1 - April 11 2014, 2015
Action

I chose to spend my spring break both my junior and senior years of high school in the Florida keys. This was no vacation, but the views were wonderful. I participated in the marine biology trip at my high school. This involved a lot of pre-spring break classes that prepared the other students and I for the trip. We learned about the importance of the ocean to the earth from a biological standpoint and learned about the ethical and moral responsibility of humans to take care of it. We learned about all of the species we would encounter and the proper care needed to keep the animals we caught healthy and alive. During one of the last seminars, we are required to learn about the multiple species in the Florida Keys that pose a threat to our health and how they can harm us. This seminar scared me from ever wanting to get into the water once we arrived in the keys. Overall, however, the ocean was wonderful and I experienced no fear or problems what so ever.

The first new experience I enjoyed while in the Florida Keys was learning how to snorkel. I had never done so before. At first it was like learning how to breathe again. The pressure that my lungs experienced made it a little difficult to resist the urge to breathe through my nose like normal.

The next experience I'd like to talk about is learning how to communicate with and engaging in a group project with students from other schools. This happened both years I have experienced the trip. Each group of students is meant to carry out a lab in order to learn something about the environment. My first year, this challenge was easy and I developed skills needed to carry out a lab in a field-research environment. My group studied the effect of distance from shoreline on the population of sea snails in Layton, FL. My second year on the trip, however, I had to use my more intuitive senses and problem solve when issues arose that group members were unable to collect data and our time constraints became evermore tight. After two changes to the design and research question of our project, we managed to pull off an acceptable presentation for our peers. Our final decision was to measure he effect of air and water temperature on the pH balance of the ocean at high tide. We did find that there may be a sight correlation, but there are too many other factors that could have caused a change in the data. Weather might be one example of this, human activity another factor. I had to work with my group to reach the final product.

We gained a lot of on field research information from the variety of locations we were taken on. One of which was a short trip to the Waste Water Treatment Plant. We were given a persona tour of the facility. During this tour, we learned how the Florida Keys process their water and the history of water treatment in the area. There was an emphasis put by our tour guide on the importance of treating the water and not dumping waste into the ocean. This affects the climate in many ways, but all ways negative. In this scenario, our group engaged in issues of global importance. We also considered, like in all situations when dealing with biology, the ethical implications behind using all natural resources for treating the water and how the micro organisms used during the process are treated.

My first year, I also conducted my own experiment. I had to complete the design nd write the entire report myself. I decided to test the photo taxis of upside-down jellyfish in response to different light intensities. Because of the quick nature of my experiment, it is my theory that the jellyfish were not used to their environment and became sluggish, lazy, and felt the need to swim rather than sink to the bottom and rest in the sunlight. For this reason, the results of my lab were inconclusive. However, I did gain some skills as far as taking control of my own research goes. I learned how to write a professional lab report and design an experiment. I also learned the protocols behind using animals as test subjects and considered the ethical implications for caring for my subjects while conducting my experiment.

I also tried photography while on the trip. I am not very skilled with this form of art. However, some of the shots I gained are beautiful and ready to be drawn in my sketchbook (in my opinion).It was a new challenge thinking of taking photos as a work of art rather than just getting a photo of something to remember how it looked. An example of my work is shown below:

Outcomes from this activity:

• Increase awareness of your strengths and areas for growth.
• Undertook new challenges.
• Planned and initiated activities.
• Worked collaboratively with others.
• Engaged with issues of global importance.
• Considered ethical implications.
• Developed new skills.

Drawing with Adobe Photoshop

August 2013 - May 2015
Creativity

I have a Wacom Bamboo tablet at home. What this allows me to do is create images and perform simple commands on my desktop computer. When I bought the tablet, my first intention was to use it to expand the range of skill I have in the field of art. My father also bought Adobe Design Suite for me as a gift. Photoshop CS5 was one of the programs included. It took a full year to gain my first perfect image; a character sketch of a wolf from my novels. However, there are still many tools on Photoshop I either have never used or simply do not know what they do. I have since created several images on the computer and post them online to a site called Deviant Art for feedback, critique, and display myself to the art community and introduce myself to art as a possible career. Deviant Art allows artists to collaborate, trade art, and commission artists from around the globe. My skills in the field of art have increased because I am now familiar enough with the Photoshop program to use it for art on a regular basis. My skill has also drastically increased from the pictures I had rendered in my early learning stages. I have developed a style as an artist and every day I find out more about the areas I can improve and which aspects I am very good with working with when doing art on my desktop. Because of the tremendous amount of time I used to learn the program and still use it for art today, I am showing perseverance and commitment to my art. Photoshop was a challenge since I had not worked with a program on the computer at all before to create art. Below are some examples of my recent work:

Some of the artwork above has a watermark with the label "Rockheart the Wild". This is my internet alias for Deviant Art i order to protect my identity. All artwork is original.

Outcomes from this activity:

Increased awareness of my strengths and areas for growth.

Undertook new challenges.

Showed perseverance and commitment.

Developed new skills.

Symphonic Orchestra

August 2013 - May 2014

Creativity/Action

Every year auditions for symphonic orchestra are held at my high school. Symphonic orchestra is one playing skill level below Camerata Chamber Orchestra, making symphonic the second highest playing level you can achieve in your high school career. In order to be accepted for this group, you must obtain a minimum score out of 100 points. After practicing for my audition and performing, I received a 91 out of 100. Naturally, this meant that I received admission into symphonic orchestra. It was interesting to go from being such a great player in the lower level orchestra to only being an adequate player compared to other symphonic players was an interesting and new experience. For the first time in my life, I began seriously practicing my violin skills so that when concert time arrived, I would feel as though I tried my best. The orchestra also held Monday night practices after school. I attended each of them. During practice, we ran through the music we were assigned and worked on issues we had as a group. Individual playing issues were to be handled on one's own time. All practice was dedicated to concert preparation and improving playing performance. Being a part of a group improved my skill as a violinist and gave me experience being a member of our high school's premiere group. I also worked with many different students helping them to improve their skill, stay in tone, and execute proper performance etiquette. I have learned where my skill is as a violinist at a more professional level and where I stand compared to other player. This includes knowing the strengths and areas for growth for my skill level. Overall, a  very rewarding experience.

Outcomes from this activity:

Increased awareness of my strengths and areas for growth.

Undertook new challenges.

Worked collaboratively with others.

Showed perseverance and commitment.

Developed new skills.

Basketball

May 2014

Action

On my journey to becoming healthier, the best decision I made was to enter a life of athletics once again. At the Boys and Girls Club of Goshen, basketball is offered for girls of high school age. Since I have been playing basketball all my life and have six years experience from younger years I felt as though basketball would be an easy transition. For the most part basketball was easy to relearn and become better at. Beginning practices for we are about reconditioning myself for the sport. It was tiring at times because my body was not used to expending that much energy before. I really enjoyed being able to know what my skills were and how I could help the team. It turns out I am an extremely good point guard! It was a new challenge to play on a team that played against other teams from around the area rather than being in a league where you played against other students from your school. It was exciting to feel great about myself for doing some physical activity. During my basketball period my energy was higher than it was before I started playing. Each game was very quick and I had to tune in to my team's voices. Otherwise, we could have lost the game. The game plans proved the greatest challenge for me as I didn't understand all of them right away. I am usually great at something from the moment I start, so basketball allowed me to see myself as a team player rather than the start of the team. It turns out that athleticism is not my strongest attribute. However, despite my lack of skill I kept playing until we made it to the championships. This sows my commitment to the sport. I also practiced with the basketball hoop I have at home.

Outcomes from this activity:

• Worked collaboratively with others.
• Showed perseverance and commitment.

Trick or Trunk

October 31, 2013
Service/Creativity

I participated in the trick-or-trunk at the Boys and Girls Club of Goshen as a Keystone member. Keystone members help to regulate and initiate many community service projects around the local area..The purpose of this activity was to promote the Boys and Girls Club of Goshen and invite children to gather more candy for their treat bags during Halloween. A friend and I dressed up as medieval princesses and stood along a path in the main gym of the Boys and Girls Club handing candy and other treats to guests who walked by. The experience was rewarding. I had the chance to see many new faces and some faces I already knew, gaining myself a better understanding of the people in my community. I also love playing dress up, so the princess costume was a plus. Before the event had started, my friend and I took a cardboard box and painted a castle pattern on it from scratch. We also glued flags to the corners and cut out a drawbridge to complete the makeshift castle. This was a collaborative effort between my friend and I. Being able to represent the keystone club at the trick-or-trunk allowed me to see Halloween from the perspective of a candy distribution adult rather than a trick-or-treating child.

Outcomes from this experience:

• Undertook new challenges.
• Planned and initiated activities.
• Worked collaboratively with others.

Novel Writing

August 2013 - May 2015
Creativity

I am an artist of many genres. One of the many art forms I enjoy practicing is creative writing. I have developed my skills to the current point I am at, which allows me to begin writing my own novels. While the eventual goal is for my novels to be published, I am taking the time to develop each story to perfection. Character development and writing the ending of novels are some of my favorite things to do. I often visit the local coffee shop or any location where there is both peace and quiet and food and begin typing on my laptop. Most of my inspiration comes from my dreams and life experiences. Since most of my stories also involve animals, I take a large portion of my inspiration from my pets. Music is the last large component of my inspiration, but I take inspiration from anywhere. Most of this inspiration involves the use of animals.

I write a majority of fantasy and science fiction. I was inspired to write by the Warriors series by Erin Hunter. It is not only because of Erin that I write about animals, but because I have always had a fascination with animals. Their forms are so unique and creating your animal can be fun. Trying to develop an entire novel is a new challenge for me because the length and time required for a novel can be pressing when one has a job and schooling to take care of like myself. I have also never completed a novel before, but continue to continue to work on many different starting novels. However, I m dedicating the time for my craft and developing new techniques and skills to improve my writing.  Because I strive to improve my work and eventually complete a project, I am showing perseverance and commitment to my writing craft.

Here is an example of my creative writing talent so far. The title is "Light of Kind and Not", the Prologue for my Maiden Tamer novel:

"The wind whispered songs of joy and love through the forest, and the trees shook in response to the wind's gentle tongues of melody. In the distance, a cheering of human shouts could be heard from the stronghold of Ahlmet. Trumpets blazed, and music danced through the air, causing the sweet melodies in the forest. Even the guards were replaced by a wall of magic no creature could get into. Only one occasion would be able to gain this much attention, and any creature who was not of normal history was in fear of this day. The princess of Ahlmet kingdom had been born.

With only a lantern to light the way, another mother watched the sky light up with fireworks. Reds, blues, and every other color of the rainbow busted, leaving her in awe, despite the great tragedy that she knew had now befallen her family, for she was one of the very few who knew what was coming. She could only watch and see her death. Behind her, her child opened his eyes, a look of pure excitement in his eyes. She always had admired her son's eyes. So wild, so free, so untamed yet gentle enough to pierce even the human's heart. His very heart was a weapon of trust. She tucked him under her wing and groaned slightly for him for follow her back into the darkness.

"Come on my child." She spoke. "We must travel far from here… very far. I cannot stand this much longer."

The dragon frowned, and shook himself away from her grip, opening his mouth wide and whining sorrowfully as if she was dragging him into death itself. The mother hesitated, the ground starting to burn hot from her talons.

"it is time to go, young one." She hissed, walking off a little farther. Still, the youngling did not move. His eyes were wide, calm and collected. One look and she knew he was not leaving, no matter what she did. She sighed, and nuzzled him with the side of her jaw. "You impress me, my son. You always have, and I hope you always will." He nuzzled her back, his tail wrapping around her and sliding across her scales. He purred happily, then trotted a little closer to a lantern. The mother put her tail in his way before he could go any farther. "no!" she said firmly. "There are those who wish to hunt us…and if you stay, I have to stay but I will protect you til my last breath."

Both of their eyes went wide in fear when they saw the lantern break and fall to the ground, glass scattered the forest floor, yet the fire remained, and moved along the ground, between their feet, into the hand of a human. One they both feared.

"Beasts of legend." A voice shouted. "Leave now or die!"

The mother looked at her child again, and he narrowed his eyes at her. He didn't like to challenge his mother, but he knew… he just knew he had to stay. Something bonded his very soul to the roots of these trees. He was born here, and in the short life that he had had so far, he wasn't willing to give up his own spirit to anyone who wished to take it other than the Lord himself. Many dragons did not believe in heaven, but he did, so strongly he would do anything to fight for it. He couldn't leave… but he would fight for his life, as well as his mothers'. She nodded, understanding his glance and roared at the human, a glow in her throat charging a fire. The man laughed, and a mark on his hand also glowed, red like the fire in a dragon's heart.

"Such beauty to go to waste… you amaze me, fire-breather." He said, "but I'm afraid you cannot stay." the fire from the lantern fused into his body. "One more chance. Leave now or die!"

She charged, roaring again and fire blowing out of her mouth in a burning blaze. The sight was blinding, winding around the trees, targeted specifically at their attacker. All the man had to do was snap his fingers, and it went out. He took out a sword, drawing the blade so quickly… the youngling didn't have much time to react. He jumped out in front of the blade, screaming out at the pain that pierced his heart. Tears began to slide down his scales, and with a separate scream from his mother, he knew he had failed. He felt the pressure of his chest collide with his, and he now knew the pain of being impaled… it was terrible. His mother gave nothing but her last cry, and fell silent.

I'm sorry, mother…

He tumbled to the ground with her, the smell of his own blood clouding his senses. Above him towered the man who murdered him, putting black gloves on his hands to bring out the fire he stole from the lantern. All the young one could do was stare defiantly at his eyes. He could feel his mother's body getting cold against his back. He opened his mouth to speak, but like the times before when he tried to talk, no sound came out. So much rage filled his body… he had let her die. He made her stay with him and she died. He whined, flinching as the man stroked his cheek.

"You have a strong spirit, my dear friend… you are a beautiful one. Out of all the beasts I've slayed. I am honored to have touched you with my sword. Your eyes are wild, you will be in a better place, I'm sure of it." He blew on the fire in his hand, and it crawled over him, singing his scales slowly, the dragon closed his eyes. So much pain. No, he would make it. He had to fight! He couldn't die. He wasn't done yet.

"Goodbye." the man bowed, disappearing back into the shadows, leaving him and his mother to burn to ashes. The dragon focused all his energy on his heart, closed his eyes, and willingly let death come, hoping that what he was planning would work."

Outcomes of this activity:

• Undertook new challenges.
• Showed perseverance and commitment..
• Developed new skills.

Face Painting

May 2014
Creativity/Service

As an extension of my volunteer work for the Boys and Girls Club of Goshen, I participated as a face painter at the West Goshen Neighborhood Block Party. This alone was a new experience for me because I had never painted on faces before, let alone have a substantial amount of experience painting in general. The morning of the event, I went to Michael's, a craft store, to buy both glittery and non-glittery face paints. It was important for me to have washable and non-toxic paints to ensure the kid-friendly aspect of the event. I arrived at the block party early to help the residents set up for the event as well. Setting up a tent to house the food and scattering tables around the neighborhood park was the majority of my duties at that time. I purchased the supplies to make posters for the face painting station as well as many other stations consisting of games and food around the park. Corn Hole would be one example. The event was a huge success in my opinion. Several children arrived to have their faces painted by a college and I. I painted tiger faces, butterflies, spider man masks, and a variety of other creatures on the faces of children. It was very enjoyable for me to work with the children and find out what they would like to have painted on cheeks, foreheads, or even noses. I had y phone on me at all times, looking up references for the designs I had more trouble with. Because I was constantly in touch with the children and attempting to deliver a satisfactory face design, I successfully worked collaboratively with others. This was my first time face painting, and proved a fun and relaxing new challenge for myself. After the event, I am honestly more confident in my ability to body paint and developed new skills to use in my career as an artist. I learned that I am not innately exemplary at all forms of art and that practice makes perfect. I also learned how to body paint with greater accuracy and how to work with children at an event. Since I was responsible for my own supplies, the location of my station, and gaining the interest of children in getting their face painted, I planned and initiated activities within the block party.

Outcomes of this event:

• Undertook new challenges.
• Planned and initiated activities.
• Worked collaboratively with others.
• Developed new skills.