Time off at the Retreat

This past week the whole senior class went on a retreat at Windy Gap. It was really fun! There was so much to do. It was really relaxing to take a break from school and focus on the beauty of nature and on a stronger relationship with God. It also caused me to form a better relationship between my friends and classmates. This trip also really affected one of my biggest fears. Since I was little I have had a deathly fear of heights. However, to cure this fear I will go on high rides at theme parks and go up in tall structures and buildings. Well, during the trip there is giant swing which is about 100 feet up in the air and after doing it, I loved it. I also, had to do a ropes course that was up in trees about 50 feet in the air. This fear of mine was really tested during the trip, but It has helped me cooperate with my fear of heights better than ever. Along with the trip this week I had gathered more resources for my research paper. I changed my topic a little as well. I now am doing it on how the Charlotte Mason philosophy should be incorporated in teaching to help students with the different learning styles they all have. I now have about 6 or sources on this material, and I am quite confident that I can write about 8-12 pages out of this information. Overall, I really had fun at the retreat and am preparing myself to write the research paper, which is due in about a month.

The Beginning of the Paper

This week we had to write a thesis to begin our opening argument for the research paper. However, I did not do to well on my, but I decided to jump right back on the horse and write a new one that night. Now I have a more presentable argument and feel much more confident in my answer. I also found some research on my new argument. In addition to writing a thesis I edited my proposal as well, with the suggestions the board gave me.

Presenting my Project

This week I presented my project idea to the Oakbrook Board. I was really nervous about the proposal all week. However, it went very well. I was not nervous at all during the proposal. I also thought I would be asked a lot questions. To my surprise the proposal turned out to be more suggestions than questions. The board really helped me shape my overall idea of my project. They helped me especially with the fundraising portion. Before I call a company they told me that I should make a script. I did not think of that before, but I thought that was a great Idea and will really help me. My project overall was approved and this made me very happy. I will begin the shadowing portion of my project maybe next weekend and I will soon call the educational department at Spartangburg Regional.

Making my first calls.

I have come in contact with an education department at the Spartanburg Regional Hospital and will call them soon. They hand out grants to different schools for education purposes, and I have their phone number and will call them soon. I also did my mock proposal during senior project this last week. It made me feel more confident and it really helped. I am now not as nervous because once I started talking about my project in front of my classmates it made me feel way more comfortable. It is like what the book, Do Hard Things had said about teenagers being nervous about something hard and once they did it they felt relieved. The mock proposal better prepared me and it really helped.

Senior Project Beginning

I have finished my senior project proposal, and it has explained the overall picture of my featured project. In addition, I got my parent/guardian form signed by my parents and they strongly encourage my project plan. As well as the parent form, my mentor agreement form has been signed by my mentor, Mr. Timothy Odell, who also strongly encourages my idea.