More Journal Entries

#5
Today we had our first senior exhibit meeting with Mr. Eckerson. I think this is a really great idea because it’s a structured time, that is specifically designated for our project. It will help keep my on track and organized through this long process. During this time I also learned that we would be giving mini 5 minute presentations and we would be filmed so that we can see what we did or didn’t do – which will help us have a better final presentation.

#6
After our last meeting and speaking with Mr. Eckerson and Mrs. Nobles I decided to create surveys to help me pick out the right careers that people are interested in that way they come to the luncheons! What we finally decided on doing is: having 5 people representing different careers come in and have a luncheon and juniors/seniors will be able to attend and have the chance to ask questions and learn about something they are possibly interested in pursuing as they get older. Before hand, during a community meeting I will make a slideshow presentation giving them some background knowledge on the 5 careers I chose and then they students will be able to pick from that and they can sign up if they choose so. I will also ask them to come prepared with questions to ask during the luncheon.

#7
Today was our first day that we had to give our “5 minute update”, and I was so nervous! However when I got up there I was fine, which shows that I am becoming more comfortable talking in front of people. I wish I would have come more prepared, however I presented what I had and talked about my project pretty well. Next time I will make a powerpoint of my progress and present that. After this meeting I realized that I really need to get going on this project, I need to become more motivated and start!

#8
I met with Mrs. Nobles again after the surveys were completed. It was interesting to see what all the common interests were: actors, authors, different types of doctors, lawyer, education, etc. There were many great interests PLUS the one’s that I would love to come in that it is going to be hard to narrow it down to 5! But once I do that I will send that to Mrs. Nobles – then Mrs.Nobles, Mr.Eckerson and I will sit down and gather names and numbers of people that I should call.

#9
Today I narrowed my careers down! The five that I ended up choosing are an author, doctor, lawyer, elementary school teacher, and a dietician. There were so many interests and I wish I could do them all, but I just don’t have enough time! I’m really excited about getting this done.

#10
Ugh, I haven’t been working on my senior exhibit. I really need to get the ball rolling on this. I need to figure out 5 times that Juniors and Seniors could sign up and come to the luncheon then reserve them and get the word out. I also need to talk to the people that I am going to be interviewing and research information to make my presentation to get people interested in. Basically I just had an epiphany and realized that I am getting behind on things and I really need to step it up.

First Set of Journals

Journal #1
Tonight was my first actual look into what the senior exhibit project is. Sure, I have heard about the project from current seniors and those who have already completed the process – though, usually its always complaining. However, after this meeting I am actually excited to start this process! It’s a great idea and gives you the perfect opportunity to learn and expand your knowledge into something you’re interested in studying or that you would like to find more about. Also, if you choose the eight topic it could benefit you in the future. Coming to this meeting I had already given this project thought, so I have a few ideas that I am considering. The one that I am most interested in doing is, something to help students have an insight of different majors and careers. They would be able to come and learn about the different majors and how to apply them later when choosing a life long career. I got this idea because everyone is starting to ask me what college I am interested in, what am I thinking of studying, what I want to do when I get out of college. These are critical decisions to be making at such a young age, and I really am not sure what I want to study or what career I am looking into. This is frustrating at times because the pressure is on, its time to make the big decision and you look around and some of your friends already know the answers to all these questions. However, I know for a fact that there are a lot of people like me – with the answer, still unknown. By doing all the research and compiling the information, I hope this project will benefit me, as well as, others.

Journal #2
I have come to conclusion that the topic I mentioned in my first journal is that one that I am going to pursue. I am still excited for it, however I still need help in determining what my summer activity will be.

Journal #3
I had to call around to different career placement agencies to hopefully set up a time where I could learn more about the process and basically shadow them. I called UMW, and two other companies and I got a yes from UMW and am still waiting on the other two.

Journal #4
TURNS OUT that I got turned down by the other two companies. One just didn’t return my calls and the other said that there were privacy issues. This was extremely disappointing news to find out – because that makes me lost as to what I should do over the summer. Luckily University of Mary Washington is still allowing me to come and we set up a date for over the summer in June. The lady I spoke with, Crystal, was very nice and said she’d have everything organized where I could interview other people in her office instead of just one person. So at least I have that.

What a "Senior Exhibit" is...

"The Senior Exhibit is a graduation requirement at Fredericksburg Academy that requires a level of commitment beyond most secondary courses. It gives the students the freedom to be immersed in a topic they are interested in while learning important life skills such as time management and working cooperatively with others.

It is a process that begins in January of the eleventh grade year. Students select a topic of their choice and undertake a learning activity related to that topic such as taking a formal class, completing an internship, or travel. They work with a faculty mentor, and the scope of the topic evolves as the student applies that learning to another element related to the topic, finally giving a formal presentation to a panel where the student has the opportunity to showcase the struggles and successes of the Exhibit process."