Formal Reflection

My project's goal was to better understand self expression and why it is important to us. I wanted to do this because personally I put a lot of value on identity and expressing myself, and I want to help others teens understand that its okay to be different. And that its important to be yourself.


Some things that were successful in my process were the product and the research. I really sat down and put time into both, and they turned out with good results.  I feel more informed and motivated about the subject now. I also feel happy with the presentation of the product. It looks clean and interesting, and turned out as I had hoped. I only wish it were being graded, because now it feels like a wasted effort.  Hopefully it will still be useful in my TED style talk.


On the other hand, there is a lot of my project that is weak. The weekly posts are smaller than expected and the pitch never got done. I am still going to make an effort to improve both, but I  feel there is no time and thus no point.  I also wasn't able to complete the mentor interview and I understand that I will take a hard hit in grading because of it. All around, I truly wish I had spent more time on all of these writing portions and not the product and research.


The most important lesson I learned from this project is not to overestimate my own abilities. I realize now that I procrastinate often, and put too much effort into one thing and too little into another. I need to find balance. However on the bright side, I learned a lot about my friends through interviewing them. It helped me better understand them and have more understanding for our difference.


If I were offered this project again, I would probably choose an easier topic. Something that I already know a lot about, and focus more on the writing than anything. I would manage my time better, and have a broader range of focus. This is not to say that I haven't enjoyed this process, but I found it very difficult. I warn next year's seniors to start this project as soon as it is assigned, and really practice their essay skills.