1.

What were your expectations in doing this project and were these

expectations met? Did your goals change at all during the course of your

experience? Explain.

I was expecting to be more involved in the classroom but unfortunately that was not

possible because the teachers there could barely control their own students. I was expecting to

learn less from the teacher but Im glad I learned as much as I did! At first I was determined to

interact with kids but after the first day I realized it was a no go so I had to find things to do. In

the end, I occupied myself with the books Ms. Shean had and ended up learning a bit about fine

arts and impressionism, which I didnt expect to do. Since I still wanted the focus of my project

to be about art, I gave myself homework, which was to do something art related everyday after

school and that worked out great!

2. How did the project help you grow as an individual and prepare for the

future?

As immature as it sounds, after the first week at Lowell, I realized that I associated height

with power. I usually wear heels and I was reluctant to wear sneakers because I thought that if I

was shorter than any of the kids, then they wouldnt see me as an adult. After this discovery I

realized that I needed to do this for myself as height has nothing to do with how I carry myself,

so for the last three days I wore sneakers. It was difficult at first, but I thought nothing of it in the

end. Even though this isnt anything necessarily significant, I knew that if I let myself get stuck

in this mentality I would feel inferior every time I didnt wear heels.

I also realized that I am uncomfortable with change, and even though this is something I

was aware of before, Im just glad that I got through this project. At first I confined myself to my

desk at 108 and didnt talk to anyone besides Ms. Shean. After a few days, I said good morning
to everyone I saw and even talked to a few teachers and staff members. I am an introvert and

quite reserved and I know that Ill be meeting a lot of new people in the future so Ill be sure to

work on my social skills. Ms. Shean gave me a piece of advice that I think is quite important, and

that is dont be afraid to question the institution or the system, whatever it may be. I am aware of

rules and I follow them, but as she said, many times rules arent right or just. She said I dont

mean to turn you into a radical (which I found really funny), but know that you can and should

question the rules. This is something I think will be useful in the future so Ill keep that in mind.

3. What did you learn about yourself during the experience?

I think I have matured a little bit, because when people are bratty or rude, I used to feel

the need to respond and trump them. When these little kids kept taunting and insulting me

however, I just laughed to myself and ignored them. On the last day, one group of kids really

pushed my buttons and kept touching/poking me while I was reading. I got really mad and was

really close to cursing them out but restrained myself and instead gathered my things and left the

room (with permission of my mentor of course). It was just that class that teachers never want to

have in their classroom and unfortunately my table was right next to the table with the worst

kids, but I think I made the responsible choice, so Im really proud of myself.

In terms of art, I learned that Im a fast learner. In general, I naturally pick things up

really easily and the same can be said with digital art. I completed my first digital artwork

through this project and even though I obviously still have a lot to learn, Id say I did pretty well

for a complete beginner whos not learning from a teacher. I realize that I stopped doing art

because of my perfectionist tendencies (its not quite extreme, but its there), but because of this

project instead of worrying about the end product I just went ahead and did what I could, which
is not something I usually do. I think I went out of my comfort zone for this project, and Im glad

I did it.

4. How did this project change your view of society, culture, or yourself?

As I have stated various times, I became aware of our flawed education system and

realize that so much reform needs to happen. This project made me realize that I have in fact

grown as a person, and that reflects in my relationship with art. I used to draw freely but once I

hit my teens I began to worry about not being good enough and even though I had some talent, I

stopped doing art. I made maybe five pieces of artwork maximum from seventh through eleventh

grade, and although part of it had to do with schoolwork, I definitely couldve found time to

draw, which I certainly did not do. I usually am risk averse, but at the start of this project, I

decided to buy a drawing tablet, which cost $100 (which is a lot of money to someone without a

job).

5. Describe any successes, difficulties or surprises that you encountered.

It was mainly just sitting through difficult classes. Hearing profanities from little kids was

shocking, and the way they disrespected adults made me uneasy because respecting elders is a

big part of my culture. I would never act the way they act towards adults. They would also lie

and say that other kids bullied them when they were the bully and the whole experience was

almost like a culture shock. I couldnt believe the stories Ms. Shean told me about students

threatening and injuring students and even teachers.

6. What would you consider the most valuable part of this experience?

Id say that my decision to implement homework and buying the tablet was the most

valuable part of this experience. Ive revived my love and appreciation for art and creating, and

am now really considering becoming a graphic designer. Before this project, I only considered
studying optometry or graphic design, but I had already decided on optometry because the field

of graphic design seemed too risky. I wasnt confident in my abilities since I havent taken an art

class since seventh grade and rarely ever drew. At the start of the next school year, Ill be taking

graphic design and science classes and decide then.

7. Rate your project from 1 (not worthwhile) to 5 (very worthwhile)

Id rate it a 5.

8. Rate your project from 1(not enjoyable) to 5 (very enjoyable)

Id rate it a 4, only because of the behavior issues at Lowell, which made me dread going,

but I loved being able learn from Ms. Shean and create art!