Blog 23: Senior Project Reflection

(1) Positive Statement:
What are you most proud of in your block presentation and/or your senior project? Why?
During my block presentation I was most proud of the audience involvement and engagement that I had managed to acquire. I was happy about this particular aspect of my presentation because I was rather nervous that they would not be attentive or the least bit interested in my topic. In capturing their attention I was able to effectively convey my findings in depth (in which they successfully understood each answer) which helped guide the overall flow of the presentation.

(2) Questions to Consider
a.     What assessment would you give yourself on your block presentation (self-assessment)?
I would give my presentation a P+ because I was able to effectively explain my senior topic in depth and delve into the aspects that shaped each answer within the specific amount of time. Also, I was able to present my research as well as what I've learned from my experience at the Claremont Courier and Independent Components.  

b.     What assessment would you give yourself on your overall senior project (self-assessment)?
I would give myself an AE for the extensive research and content that I have acquired throughout the senior project down to the thorough breakdown of my knowledge in my final presentation.

(3) What worked for you in your senior project?
Upon reflection, I personally feel that my mentorship with the Claremont Courier was what worked best for me, especially in shaping my understanding as well as the significant answers to my essential question. 

(4) (What didn't work) If you had a time machine, what would you have done differently to improve your senior project if you could go back in time?
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to not reference my notes and powerpoint so often, this I feel, hindered my connection with the audience and their understanding that I knew my content. 

(5) Finding Value
How has the senior project been helpful to you in your future endeavors?   Be specific and use examples.
The senior project has been a crucial aspect in shaping and guiding my future endeavors because it allowed me the opportunity to intern at the Claremont Courier, in which I was able to experience the field of journalism as well as what it means to be a reporter. Also, my senior project has given me the basis and foundational information needed to further my knowledge. I now know what elements shape an article and narrative. In a nutshell, senior project has fueled me with needed tools to guide my passion for creative writing.

Blog 16: Answer 2

1.  What is your EQ?

What two techniques from journalism and fiction can best be combined in creative nonfiction?

2.  What is your first answer? (In complete thesis statement format)

The ethics of extensive research from journalism and the art of storytelling from fiction writing can best be combined when creating a creative nonfiction piece.

3.  What is your second answer? (In complete thesis statement format)
The art of immersion from journalism and the practice of character development from fiction writing can best be combined when creating a creative nonfiction piece.

4.  List three reasons your answer is true with a real-world application for each.In journalism it is essential to apply the art of immersion because in order to effectively convey a topic through the subjects eyes, a writer must obtain an understanding and this must be done through experience. For instance, at the Claremont Courier, reporters are sent out into the field when dealing with a occurrence and/or person of interest in order to perceive the world through their eyes. It's simply not enough to view a situation from the standpoint of an onlooker, in order for a journalist to present their findings in such a way that appeals to their reader they must go beyond telling a story and delve into the practice of showing it. 

As for fiction writers, character development is a crucial element of the production and progression process of the story. If not for characters, how would the author connect with their readers? A great example of character progression can be seen in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series. In the beginning, Sherlock is depicted as a cold-hearted sociopath who has no hope what-so-ever with ever being able to understand humanity and then upon meeting John Watson, there is a slight change in his perception of the world. As he develops feelings for his ever loyal companion, the reader's opinion of him begins to shift, until suddenly the audience is able to draw connections and sympathize. They are able to embark with Watson on the path that is understanding the complex mind that is Mr. Holmes. If there were no growth in the consultant detective nor the doctor at his side, then the story would remain at a standstill. 

Immersion and character development combined could create a great piece of creative nonfiction as seen in Truman Capote's In Cold Blood, where truman retells the story of the Clutter family and their brutal murder, detailing the family's personal lives and morals and delving into the twisted minds of their murders.

5.  What printed source best supports your answer?
Story Craft: The complete guide to Writing Narrative Nonfiction by Jack Hart.

6.  What other source supports your answer?
Good Prose: The Art of Nonfiction by Tracy Kidder & Richard Todd

7.  Tie this together with a  concluding thought.
"Every story has to be discovered twice, first in the world and then in the author's study. One discovers a story the second time by constructing it." -Tracy Kidder in Good Prose: The Art of Nonfiction (page 13).

Lesson 2 Reflection

1.What are you most proud of in your Lesson 2 Presentation and why?

I was most proud of the fact that I had my audience engaged in what I was saying. Since writing is such a complex topic to explain, I thought it was great that I was able to connect with my peers and show them an inkling of how I feel toward the topic itself and the process of what constructing a good piece of prose looks like.

2a. What assessment would you give yourself on your Lesson 2 Presentation (self-assessment)?

 I would definitely say that I deserved a solid P.

b. Explain why you deserve that grade using evidence from the Lesson 2 component contract.

Judging the contract I would say I met all the P requirements regarding professionalism. I think I spot loud enough and was engaging enough with the audience to the point where they understood why I chose my specific topic answers. I had enough sources that made my content expressed efficient and effective.

3. What worked for you in your Lesson 2?

I think the fact that I had a PowerPoint at the ready worked quite well. During lesson 1 I had trouble gathering my thoughts which put me in a rather problematic situation, however, during this time around the audience was able to get an idea what I was trying to convey by referencing my slides. 

4. What didn't work? If you had a time machine, what would you have done differently to improve your Lesson 2?

My only regret during this lesson was towards the end. I barely made time because I got nervous during the conclusion. I definitely had more to say but much similar to my lesson 1 experience I allowed myself to be intimidated by my peers. I think next time I need to take a breather and not be so quick to jump to the conclusion, I should take my time and thoroughly finish my presentation.

5. What do you think your answer #2 is going to be?

According to the new research that I am delving into it seems like the technique of immersion from journalism and character development from fiction will be my next answer.

Blog 9: Lesson 1 Reflection

1. Positive Statement

What are you most proud of in your Lesson 1 presentation and why?

I am most proud of the content that I presented and the fact I was able to cover the basics of the topic in the amount of time given.

2. Questions to Consider

A) What assessment would you give yourself on your lesson 1 presentation (self-assessment)?

I would give myself a P.

B) Explain why you deserve that evidence from lesson 1 component contract.

 I deserve a P, because I met all the requirements but did not go above and beyond in presentation, although I did create a poster with my discussion layout and include examples from my research such as quotes from books.

3. What worked for you in Lesson 1?

I  think the fact that I was able to effectively convey the basis of my topic and ethics in the allotted amount of time was great.

4. (What didn't work) If you had a time machine, what would you have done differently to improve your lesson 1?

I would definitely have presented my topic in a more entertaining way and provide more examples regarding my personal experiences such as my time at the courier and the various pieces of prose I construct in my downtime.