My three scores today were 106 (first game), 68 (second game), and 146!!! Due to the 68, my average of the three games for today is 106, compared to my average of 109 from last week, so my averages are pretty consistent.
I feel great about today overall, despite the one bad score of 68.
Due to last night, which was drama-filled due to some former friends, I woke up very stressed and tense and I didn't even want to get out of bed, but I knew that I should go to bowling so I went anyway. I was so tense, barely in the mood to talk, and stressed out when I got there, so the fact that I was able to bowl a 106 right off the bat showed me that even in stressful times, I was still able to focus and concentrate.
HOWEVER after my first game, I received a call from someone, and the phone call bothered me so much that I was on the verge of tears. I bowled a 68 my second game, which is not one of my better scores. I practically cracked under pressure, and the bowling coordinator Violet came over to talk to me, she asked me what was wrong and told me I wasn't doing well my second game, and she gave me a helpful hint. I told her someone was bothering me and really getting to me today. She said, "If someone is bothering you and causing you stress and you can't get it out of your mind and this is causing you to do badly, pretend that every pin is their face. Think to yourself, I want to hit every single face and not just one, I have to get a strike." And sure enough, in the midst of my anger and frustration, I was able to bowl with the most accuracy and precision that I ever have. The first five frames, I got a spare each time. I got two strikes later in the game, and I was able to focus on the exact pins I wanted to hit, and I ended with a score of 146. The score of 146 made me realize that I AM capable of getting that score or even better in the future.
If I could get a 146 today, I can get one again in the future, or even strive to do better. I also did better the third game than either of the more experienced kids that were bowling in the same lane, which gave me the incentive to keep pushing myself to concentrate more, continue working on my aim, my posture, and to not settle for less than my best. And obviously, 146 has been my best and I firmly believe I can do this well in the future.
I don't have bowling again until January 9th. I have PLENTY of time to go and practice some more, which I intend to do :) :) I'm proud of my improvements, given that the first week my wrist hurt due to the weight of the balls, and I could barely even direct the ball in a straight line.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Bowling scores back in the 100s consistently.
I'm proud to say that today in bowling my three scores were 103, 110, and 116 in order from my first game to last. I have been working on my aim and Friday night I once again went bowling with my friends so that I could get more practice. I think the practice has helped me quite a bit, especially because it gives me the time to try using different bowling balls and to just have fun without the scores counting. One thing I've learned is to use the same bowling ball consistently and to find one that fits your hand perfectly, and I found one ball that I am comfortable with. In the past I alternated between different balls, some of which were harder to hold than others or didn't fit my hand as well.
I'm becoming less nervous around the other people in my group too. This is good mostly because I think the few weeks in which I had done badly, I feel as if for one reason or another I was more self-conscious either because of the people in the lanes next to me or the people in the general vicinity, who may have been very experienced, attractive (in which case I would have been distracted, nervous, or tense), or critical. Now that I have developed an "I don't care what anyone else thinks at all and if they want to criticize, let them!" type of attitude, I don't care if bowling slowly and precisely makes me look inexperienced, it gets me good scores and I have very precise control over the ball and much better aim when I take my time. I'm not ready to begin bowling faster with a lot more force yet, although a few times today I was able to release the ball with a little more force, trying to make sure that in doing this, my aim is still good.
As hard as it is to believe, for the first time this week I noticed that all of the pins are not in a row, but some are closer to me and some are farther away, therefore it really is necessary to hit the middle pin in order to knock down the ones behind it. Each time, I try to aim for the middle pin and hope that there is a domino effect and the rest of the pins fall, giving me a strike.
All in all right now I feel very comfortable with myself and my skills, and I am going to continue to practice during the week (most likely Friday nights). I've been learning more and more about bowling and the basic things, and becoming more observant, so that I can deduce subtle ways that I can improve. I know that going up there and flinging the ball and trying to bowl as fast as I can has not worked for me so regardless of my nervousness if certain people are around (attractive people particularly), I am going to have to get over this nervousness and pretend that the people around me that cause it are not there, so that it doesn't get in the way of my bowling. My average for all of the games thus far (from the start of the program) is 87 and I am determined to get my average to at least 100 by spring, and nothing is going to stop me!
I'm becoming less nervous around the other people in my group too. This is good mostly because I think the few weeks in which I had done badly, I feel as if for one reason or another I was more self-conscious either because of the people in the lanes next to me or the people in the general vicinity, who may have been very experienced, attractive (in which case I would have been distracted, nervous, or tense), or critical. Now that I have developed an "I don't care what anyone else thinks at all and if they want to criticize, let them!" type of attitude, I don't care if bowling slowly and precisely makes me look inexperienced, it gets me good scores and I have very precise control over the ball and much better aim when I take my time. I'm not ready to begin bowling faster with a lot more force yet, although a few times today I was able to release the ball with a little more force, trying to make sure that in doing this, my aim is still good.
As hard as it is to believe, for the first time this week I noticed that all of the pins are not in a row, but some are closer to me and some are farther away, therefore it really is necessary to hit the middle pin in order to knock down the ones behind it. Each time, I try to aim for the middle pin and hope that there is a domino effect and the rest of the pins fall, giving me a strike.
All in all right now I feel very comfortable with myself and my skills, and I am going to continue to practice during the week (most likely Friday nights). I've been learning more and more about bowling and the basic things, and becoming more observant, so that I can deduce subtle ways that I can improve. I know that going up there and flinging the ball and trying to bowl as fast as I can has not worked for me so regardless of my nervousness if certain people are around (attractive people particularly), I am going to have to get over this nervousness and pretend that the people around me that cause it are not there, so that it doesn't get in the way of my bowling. My average for all of the games thus far (from the start of the program) is 87 and I am determined to get my average to at least 100 by spring, and nothing is going to stop me!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Update on Key Club contributions
I have continued to attend every Key Club meeting, and I have to say that I enjoy being a part of Key Club. Of all my CAS activities, I feel that it is the hardest one to maintain commitment to, but I have made sure that I have continued to do so, which is helping me to achieve learning outcome number 5 - to maintain commitment to the activity and do my part.
Often times, on Monday I want to go out to lunch, and sitting in a classroom for my lunch period is not what I want to be doing, but I have been putting aside what I'd RATHER do and instead, attend every meeting. Each week I look for opportunities to contribute to the group and to do my part, and last week I did this by selling tickets during Friday's lunch period to the semi-formal dance. Volunteers were sought out to take their turn selling the tickets and I wanted to make sure I contributed one way or another, and I did. I made copies of the flyer advertizing the dance and hung them up around the school in different places, hoping that people would see the flyer and buy a ticket. I also sat at the table, with a couple of other people, to collect money for the dance which would then be given to Hyanna so she could keep track of it. It's still been difficult for me to find time to participate in activities over the weekend due to my busy schedule with work and other CAS activities, but I plan on making the time in the future and as of now I am looking for opportunities to participate during the school week in any way that I can, because I want to make a difference.
The way that this activity is helping me is that it is teaching me that sometimes, how we want to spend our time is not how we should be spending it, that is instead of going out for lunch with my friends on Mondays or last Friday for instance, I give some of my time to benefit the group as a whole and do my part, so that the work and effort will be more evenly divided and so that I will have done my part. I am learning to put first what is most important and give up my time where need be, and it's teaching me to be less selfish and to be committed to activities and tasks that I commit myself to. A year ago I probably would have gone to every other meeting so that I wouldn't have had to give up my lunches and I probably would have sat in the back and let everyone else take responsibility for tasks that need to be done, but now I want to step up and say I will do this or that, and that I will take responsibility for my share of the work and that I will volunteer when volunteers are needed. I'm learning to be less selfish with my time and put others and good causes first, because I KNOW that Key Club is a good cause and that everything we do is benefitting other people, and that's what I want to do. I want to make a difference in other people's lives and by maintaining commitment to the activity, I am hoping that somewhere down the line I will have (and will continue to) make a difference.
Often times, on Monday I want to go out to lunch, and sitting in a classroom for my lunch period is not what I want to be doing, but I have been putting aside what I'd RATHER do and instead, attend every meeting. Each week I look for opportunities to contribute to the group and to do my part, and last week I did this by selling tickets during Friday's lunch period to the semi-formal dance. Volunteers were sought out to take their turn selling the tickets and I wanted to make sure I contributed one way or another, and I did. I made copies of the flyer advertizing the dance and hung them up around the school in different places, hoping that people would see the flyer and buy a ticket. I also sat at the table, with a couple of other people, to collect money for the dance which would then be given to Hyanna so she could keep track of it. It's still been difficult for me to find time to participate in activities over the weekend due to my busy schedule with work and other CAS activities, but I plan on making the time in the future and as of now I am looking for opportunities to participate during the school week in any way that I can, because I want to make a difference.
The way that this activity is helping me is that it is teaching me that sometimes, how we want to spend our time is not how we should be spending it, that is instead of going out for lunch with my friends on Mondays or last Friday for instance, I give some of my time to benefit the group as a whole and do my part, so that the work and effort will be more evenly divided and so that I will have done my part. I am learning to put first what is most important and give up my time where need be, and it's teaching me to be less selfish and to be committed to activities and tasks that I commit myself to. A year ago I probably would have gone to every other meeting so that I wouldn't have had to give up my lunches and I probably would have sat in the back and let everyone else take responsibility for tasks that need to be done, but now I want to step up and say I will do this or that, and that I will take responsibility for my share of the work and that I will volunteer when volunteers are needed. I'm learning to be less selfish with my time and put others and good causes first, because I KNOW that Key Club is a good cause and that everything we do is benefitting other people, and that's what I want to do. I want to make a difference in other people's lives and by maintaining commitment to the activity, I am hoping that somewhere down the line I will have (and will continue to) make a difference.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Bowling scores improving again. December 5, 2009.
There are a few things I have learned from these past two weeks of bowling, both of which I am reflecting on in this journal entry since I did not post one last week. Several weeks ago, my scores were always good and in the 100s, because I had learned the technique of releasing the ball with my arm kept straight, and I had been taking my time and not trying to bowl really fast like the other people there were able to do. Of course they are more experienced so their abilities as of now surpass mine, but since I had gotten a lot better and figured out what to do, I thought I'd have been able to bowl well even if I started to go faster and release the ball faster and with more force. This was not the case.
I finally identified the problem that had caused my scores to begin decreasing again, which last week were 86, 63, and 75, ALMOST as bad as my scores the very first week, when I had no idea what I was doing. Last week and somewhat the week before, I had gotten so confident in my abilities that I thought if I began bowling faster like everyone else, I would be fine and that this would yield good results. I can't see myself when I bowl and I today was frustrated with the first game, in which I got a 64, and I didn't honestly know what I'd been doing wrong. I called Violet, the instructor, over to watch me and tell me what she noticed me doing, and she told me that I had gone right back to my old method of flinging the ball down the lane as fast as I could, losing track of my arm motions. I was surprised because I didn't realize I was doing this again but it made sense, that tactic was unsuccessful when I began bowling so it explained the decrease in my scores.
So I tried to bowl slowly, like I learned to do before, monitoring my motions once again, and I got better scores of 106 and 96 in the next two games, respectively. The problem that caused the decrease in my scores should have been obvious to me but it was not, until it was once again pointed out to me. I learned from this that I am still not at the level of everyone else but that I have found my comfortable place, which is bowling slowly and (although looking much less experienced than those who can whip the ball down the lane and knock down at least 8 pins off the bat), actually succeeding. I hope that I eventually will be able to bowl with more force and speed but as of now, trying to do so is not going to make me successful so I am going to have to wait on that one. I'm realizing that the meaning of learning objective 1, which is to gain awareness of my areas of strength and areas for growth, also means that I should become fully comfortable with my abilities before I try to change my methods. If I can still improve while bowling slowly and carefully (which I can, I still need to work on my aim and concentration), I should do my best to gain THESE skills before I try to bowl faster and with more force.
I just have to try and concentrate on immediate improvement and not think, 'oh well I have already improved enough, time to completely change my methods and tactics and hope it works!" I should probably go bowling during the week twice, which I have been going mystic bowling on friday nights with my friends so that I have practice for the next day, but another day of practice would be good, that way I can try and bowl faster but I can try and do so while keeping my motions in check, that way I have some practice for the next day. I think though that I need to remember that I am less experienced than the others that bowl with me but that only means I have to take it slowly and work my way up to their level, which I am trying to do, and it doesn't mean I will always be worse, because it's not a matter of worse, it's a matter of that I need practice and the more I get, the better I will get and the more comfortable I will be in my abilities.
I finally identified the problem that had caused my scores to begin decreasing again, which last week were 86, 63, and 75, ALMOST as bad as my scores the very first week, when I had no idea what I was doing. Last week and somewhat the week before, I had gotten so confident in my abilities that I thought if I began bowling faster like everyone else, I would be fine and that this would yield good results. I can't see myself when I bowl and I today was frustrated with the first game, in which I got a 64, and I didn't honestly know what I'd been doing wrong. I called Violet, the instructor, over to watch me and tell me what she noticed me doing, and she told me that I had gone right back to my old method of flinging the ball down the lane as fast as I could, losing track of my arm motions. I was surprised because I didn't realize I was doing this again but it made sense, that tactic was unsuccessful when I began bowling so it explained the decrease in my scores.
So I tried to bowl slowly, like I learned to do before, monitoring my motions once again, and I got better scores of 106 and 96 in the next two games, respectively. The problem that caused the decrease in my scores should have been obvious to me but it was not, until it was once again pointed out to me. I learned from this that I am still not at the level of everyone else but that I have found my comfortable place, which is bowling slowly and (although looking much less experienced than those who can whip the ball down the lane and knock down at least 8 pins off the bat), actually succeeding. I hope that I eventually will be able to bowl with more force and speed but as of now, trying to do so is not going to make me successful so I am going to have to wait on that one. I'm realizing that the meaning of learning objective 1, which is to gain awareness of my areas of strength and areas for growth, also means that I should become fully comfortable with my abilities before I try to change my methods. If I can still improve while bowling slowly and carefully (which I can, I still need to work on my aim and concentration), I should do my best to gain THESE skills before I try to bowl faster and with more force.
I just have to try and concentrate on immediate improvement and not think, 'oh well I have already improved enough, time to completely change my methods and tactics and hope it works!" I should probably go bowling during the week twice, which I have been going mystic bowling on friday nights with my friends so that I have practice for the next day, but another day of practice would be good, that way I can try and bowl faster but I can try and do so while keeping my motions in check, that way I have some practice for the next day. I think though that I need to remember that I am less experienced than the others that bowl with me but that only means I have to take it slowly and work my way up to their level, which I am trying to do, and it doesn't mean I will always be worse, because it's not a matter of worse, it's a matter of that I need practice and the more I get, the better I will get and the more comfortable I will be in my abilities.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Tag Sale a great success!
Today was the day of all the big fundraisers. It was a half day and there were going to be four main fundraisers set up - chili sales, tag sale, bake sale, and raffle tickets. Since I was the one who came up with the idea for the tag sale I was also one of the people who sat at the tables to help sell the items.
Oh and you better believe that when we first unloaded the items onto the tables in the back of the school today during break, there were A LOT of items. Each of the three tables was packed full with items of all kinds - books, stuffed animals, household items, kitchen utensils, gardening tools, and anything else you can possibly imagine, and when I took a step back and looked at all of the tables, it was hard to believe I wasn't in someone's attic. The amount of items and the space everything took up was overwhelming. I was worried that people wouldn't want to buy those types of items, that nothing would get sold, and the whole tag sale would have been a waste of time, given how much preparation and thought it took. I didn't want to leave today feeling like all of our effort was a waste of time.
Luckily, the end result was the exact opposite. Of all four fundraisers held today, the tag sale made the second-highest amount of money, with chili sales first of course. I went to the tag sale tables immediately when school let out, because parents were to be coming in right away to talk to their kids' teachers. As parents started coming in, we (Emily, Marissa, Deanna, Kiki and I) began to sell items for the prices that they were marked, depending on their colored tags, with an occasional dollar-off or buy-one-get-one-free here and there if giving a bargain meant the difference between the item being purchased or not. I feel that if we did not do this, people would have not bought as many items, and that a dollar off here or there made all the difference. I learned one of the secrets of selling items - it's better to sell more for less, than to not sell the items at all and sell fewer items for more.
At some point (around 4:00), we had sold at least half of the items on the tables. I didn't realize it until I stepped back and looked at all of the tables and realized that there were so many less items than when we had started out, and the whole area went from looking like a messy attic to a gift shop. It was now that I realized that we had to sell as much as we could in the next two hours and that meant giving items for free if necessary or even charging only $1 for an item or a group of items. Whatever could sell more items and get them out of our faces so that there would be less to cart off to the swap shop later, the better. I also tried to tell the customers that they could have a number of items and tell me what price they thought was reasonable, and I, in a subtle way, tried to convince the customers they needed specific items. "Oh, what a lovely Christmas gift for someone special!" or "Would you like to buy this as a gift for your son/daughter?" were not uncommon to be heard today. This worked pretty well, and by the time the day ended, only about 1/4 of the original amount of items remained, and Mrs. Botsford came and took as much as she could for her theater class, for free.
At the end of the day, around $250 was made! I was proud to see that the tag sale was more successful than originally anticipated and that a lot of items WERE sold. It felt good to know that something I had spent a lot of time planning and trying to make successful had actually been successful. I am glad that I in some way contributed to prom, but of course I can't take all of the credit because everyone who helped today did an excellent job and was just as committed as I was, and I commend their efforts sincerely. I was also glad to see that I can be trusted with responsibilities and that I am able to be responsible for something and to commit to it, because to be honest it was difficult at times to make sure posters got printed and hung up, that items were moved and tagged, etc, because it took up a generous amount of time to prepare. But I like having responsibilities and commitments because it lets me know that I am capable and that I can handle having a lot on my plate and not end up crushed by the pressure and workload. Most important to me is that I helped to make prom a better place, because how boring would it be if prom was just like any other school dance? It has to be special and as the prom committee it's our job to make sure it's en event to remember :)
Oh and you better believe that when we first unloaded the items onto the tables in the back of the school today during break, there were A LOT of items. Each of the three tables was packed full with items of all kinds - books, stuffed animals, household items, kitchen utensils, gardening tools, and anything else you can possibly imagine, and when I took a step back and looked at all of the tables, it was hard to believe I wasn't in someone's attic. The amount of items and the space everything took up was overwhelming. I was worried that people wouldn't want to buy those types of items, that nothing would get sold, and the whole tag sale would have been a waste of time, given how much preparation and thought it took. I didn't want to leave today feeling like all of our effort was a waste of time.
Luckily, the end result was the exact opposite. Of all four fundraisers held today, the tag sale made the second-highest amount of money, with chili sales first of course. I went to the tag sale tables immediately when school let out, because parents were to be coming in right away to talk to their kids' teachers. As parents started coming in, we (Emily, Marissa, Deanna, Kiki and I) began to sell items for the prices that they were marked, depending on their colored tags, with an occasional dollar-off or buy-one-get-one-free here and there if giving a bargain meant the difference between the item being purchased or not. I feel that if we did not do this, people would have not bought as many items, and that a dollar off here or there made all the difference. I learned one of the secrets of selling items - it's better to sell more for less, than to not sell the items at all and sell fewer items for more.
At some point (around 4:00), we had sold at least half of the items on the tables. I didn't realize it until I stepped back and looked at all of the tables and realized that there were so many less items than when we had started out, and the whole area went from looking like a messy attic to a gift shop. It was now that I realized that we had to sell as much as we could in the next two hours and that meant giving items for free if necessary or even charging only $1 for an item or a group of items. Whatever could sell more items and get them out of our faces so that there would be less to cart off to the swap shop later, the better. I also tried to tell the customers that they could have a number of items and tell me what price they thought was reasonable, and I, in a subtle way, tried to convince the customers they needed specific items. "Oh, what a lovely Christmas gift for someone special!" or "Would you like to buy this as a gift for your son/daughter?" were not uncommon to be heard today. This worked pretty well, and by the time the day ended, only about 1/4 of the original amount of items remained, and Mrs. Botsford came and took as much as she could for her theater class, for free.
At the end of the day, around $250 was made! I was proud to see that the tag sale was more successful than originally anticipated and that a lot of items WERE sold. It felt good to know that something I had spent a lot of time planning and trying to make successful had actually been successful. I am glad that I in some way contributed to prom, but of course I can't take all of the credit because everyone who helped today did an excellent job and was just as committed as I was, and I commend their efforts sincerely. I was also glad to see that I can be trusted with responsibilities and that I am able to be responsible for something and to commit to it, because to be honest it was difficult at times to make sure posters got printed and hung up, that items were moved and tagged, etc, because it took up a generous amount of time to prepare. But I like having responsibilities and commitments because it lets me know that I am capable and that I can handle having a lot on my plate and not end up crushed by the pressure and workload. Most important to me is that I helped to make prom a better place, because how boring would it be if prom was just like any other school dance? It has to be special and as the prom committee it's our job to make sure it's en event to remember :)
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Bowling - scores spanned a spectrum from 68 to 101.
Today, my scores in bowling spanned the spectrum, with my best game being 101 and my worst, 68. After each week I sit back and analyze and try to figure out what I did well, what I could have done better, and why I did as well or as badly as I did.
I was very tired when I woke up this morning, around 7. Bowling starts at 8. I stayed up a bit too late last night, until 2 in the morning, when I should have thought, "I have bowling in the morning so I should go to bed early so that I have the energy tomorrow when I need it" (yes, it does require energy to some extent). I was tired when I arrived at the bowling alley and I feel that if I was less tired, I could have been more alert and coordinated, and I would have been able to aim the ball right down the middle of the lane a lot better than I did today, or at specific pins if there were only a few to be knocked down in order so that I'd have gotten a spare. My final game was a 101, and by that time I was much more awake. Now that I have seen first hand what happens when I have too little energy to function at my best, I will be going to bed much earlier on Friday nights from now on.
My average is 89, and two of my scores today, 89 and 101, were therefore average or better, which is good as far as I am concerned. My first game was a 68, which could have been because I was tired, and because usually, my first game each week is my worst. I did get some practice last night, because I went bowling with two of my good friends. I also scored 101 on one of my games last night, and 109 on another, but these don't count for the purpose of this activity since they took place on my own time.
I decided to take this week as a learning experience instead of only seeing that a 68 is lower than the rest of my games. I will make sure I go to bed early enough on Friday nights so that I am awake and alert the next morning. I also want to go bowling again during the week for more practice, which I feel did help me.
I was very tired when I woke up this morning, around 7. Bowling starts at 8. I stayed up a bit too late last night, until 2 in the morning, when I should have thought, "I have bowling in the morning so I should go to bed early so that I have the energy tomorrow when I need it" (yes, it does require energy to some extent). I was tired when I arrived at the bowling alley and I feel that if I was less tired, I could have been more alert and coordinated, and I would have been able to aim the ball right down the middle of the lane a lot better than I did today, or at specific pins if there were only a few to be knocked down in order so that I'd have gotten a spare. My final game was a 101, and by that time I was much more awake. Now that I have seen first hand what happens when I have too little energy to function at my best, I will be going to bed much earlier on Friday nights from now on.
My average is 89, and two of my scores today, 89 and 101, were therefore average or better, which is good as far as I am concerned. My first game was a 68, which could have been because I was tired, and because usually, my first game each week is my worst. I did get some practice last night, because I went bowling with two of my good friends. I also scored 101 on one of my games last night, and 109 on another, but these don't count for the purpose of this activity since they took place on my own time.
I decided to take this week as a learning experience instead of only seeing that a 68 is lower than the rest of my games. I will make sure I go to bed early enough on Friday nights so that I am awake and alert the next morning. I also want to go bowling again during the week for more practice, which I feel did help me.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Key Club/Turkey Drive/Food Drive, November 19, 2009
I have consistently been going to Key Club every week, and I am determined to find time to do some of the weekend community service work as opportunities present themselves in the future. So far I have not been able to attend many due to a packed schedule, with other CAS activities over the weekend (such as bowling) and work, however I did trick or treat for UNICEF for Halloween and this week, I helped to coordinate a food drive for Thanksgiving. It is by the Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & Islands, and it is where food items such as canned goods, frozen turkey, or a gift card for $25 can be brought in as a substitute for the frozen turkey.
My job was essentially to spread the word to the different advisories and encourage them to participate. On Tuesday during advisory, I went to each advisory and checked to see who was participating and to encourage advisors to participate, and I made a list so that today, I could go from room to room and remind the advisories that said they were participating that on Friday, canned items can be brought in and on Monday, any perishable items can be brought in no later than noon. I made that much clear, and I also said that items were to be brought into the supply closet near the front office by Monday, but they could also be brought in on Friday. I went and talked to Ms. Carman after I did this, she asked me if I told the advisors that their advisory's collection of food items needed to be placed in a box specifically for their advisory's items before being brought to the supply closet. I forgot to do this, and I had 5 minutes before class was to begin and advisory to end. In a flash I ran to each advisory a second time and checked to see that each had their own box or bag so that their items could be kept separate and not mixed in with other advisories' items, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that this was already taken care of.
I learned something very important today. READ THE HANDOUTS I AM GIVEN VERY CAREFULLY before spreading the word. Of course, I did not pass on any inaccurate information but because I was in such a rush because of the time constraint of advisory, and the fact that some advisors kept me longer to ask questions so I could clarify, I was in a rush and forgot to mention about the boxes. Next time I volunteer to help plan something important, I will make sure I am 100% informed before I attempt to spread the word, to prevent any confusion for the people I introduce ideas to, and to save myself time so I don't have to explain more than once or go back and add in points that I forgot to mention the first time. It was a careless mistake on my part but luckily this time, my mistake didn't have any impact on any of the advisors or the good work their advisories have done - there were A LOT of people participating and items have already been brought in. I will just make sure that I read the handouts more carefully in the future, to increase my own understanding of the event in question so that I can pass on accurate information to others.
One of my learning objectives is #5, which is to maintain commitment to the activity. I have been trying my best to do this with Key Club, which is difficult at times because often times on Monday, I'd MUCH rather go out to lunch than go to a Key Club meeting, but I have not missed one meeting yet and I don't plan to. I have a busy weekend schedule and I cannot always participate in weekend activities, but I make sure I do as much as I can during the school week which is why I volunteered to help with the food drive. I wanted to make sure that I'm not a useless Key Club member and that if there's any way I can help, I will. I will try in the future to find a way to fit the weekend activities into my schedule, which is difficult, but it will help me in the end in terms of how I prioritize and can fit a lot into my day to day schedule. Learning objective #6, which is to engage in issues of global importance, is carried out here because the food drive is helping the less fortunate, and I want to do as much as I can to help those less fortunate. I take for granted all I have and I feel that I should be more sympathetic toward those in need, and what way is better to do that than to help them as much as I can?
My job was essentially to spread the word to the different advisories and encourage them to participate. On Tuesday during advisory, I went to each advisory and checked to see who was participating and to encourage advisors to participate, and I made a list so that today, I could go from room to room and remind the advisories that said they were participating that on Friday, canned items can be brought in and on Monday, any perishable items can be brought in no later than noon. I made that much clear, and I also said that items were to be brought into the supply closet near the front office by Monday, but they could also be brought in on Friday. I went and talked to Ms. Carman after I did this, she asked me if I told the advisors that their advisory's collection of food items needed to be placed in a box specifically for their advisory's items before being brought to the supply closet. I forgot to do this, and I had 5 minutes before class was to begin and advisory to end. In a flash I ran to each advisory a second time and checked to see that each had their own box or bag so that their items could be kept separate and not mixed in with other advisories' items, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that this was already taken care of.
I learned something very important today. READ THE HANDOUTS I AM GIVEN VERY CAREFULLY before spreading the word. Of course, I did not pass on any inaccurate information but because I was in such a rush because of the time constraint of advisory, and the fact that some advisors kept me longer to ask questions so I could clarify, I was in a rush and forgot to mention about the boxes. Next time I volunteer to help plan something important, I will make sure I am 100% informed before I attempt to spread the word, to prevent any confusion for the people I introduce ideas to, and to save myself time so I don't have to explain more than once or go back and add in points that I forgot to mention the first time. It was a careless mistake on my part but luckily this time, my mistake didn't have any impact on any of the advisors or the good work their advisories have done - there were A LOT of people participating and items have already been brought in. I will just make sure that I read the handouts more carefully in the future, to increase my own understanding of the event in question so that I can pass on accurate information to others.
One of my learning objectives is #5, which is to maintain commitment to the activity. I have been trying my best to do this with Key Club, which is difficult at times because often times on Monday, I'd MUCH rather go out to lunch than go to a Key Club meeting, but I have not missed one meeting yet and I don't plan to. I have a busy weekend schedule and I cannot always participate in weekend activities, but I make sure I do as much as I can during the school week which is why I volunteered to help with the food drive. I wanted to make sure that I'm not a useless Key Club member and that if there's any way I can help, I will. I will try in the future to find a way to fit the weekend activities into my schedule, which is difficult, but it will help me in the end in terms of how I prioritize and can fit a lot into my day to day schedule. Learning objective #6, which is to engage in issues of global importance, is carried out here because the food drive is helping the less fortunate, and I want to do as much as I can to help those less fortunate. I take for granted all I have and I feel that I should be more sympathetic toward those in need, and what way is better to do that than to help them as much as I can?
Monday, November 16, 2009
Tagging tag sale items is actually sort of fun!
So it's been a little over a week since items started being brought in for the tag sale, and many more items have come in than what I initially expected. There are now several boxes (at least 7) in the school basement of items that have been labeled by price (with little colored tags that represent a different price) ready to go for the tag sale. It's surprising that so many items could be tagged in about an hour, but it took a lot of teamwork to get it done.
I stayed after school with Mrs. Hyer and three of the girls from Prom Committee and we first took the items out of the boxes and made a key with the different stickers (red, blue, green, and yellow) and the price that each sticker would represent on an item. A $5 item would be tagged red, a $3 item would be tagged yellow, a $2 item would be tagged blue, and a $1 item would be tagged green. A white sticker would represent an item that is over $5 and the customer can bargain with us for a price over that amount, and items that were not tagged at all were under $1 and customers can also suggest a reasonable price for the item there too. I was told to tag only the very valuable items for $5 because we want to sell as much as we can for affordable prices and that we should sell items for less if it comes down to it. There were a lot of items and a variety of items too, with everything from pillows to pants, to coffee makers to books, and even vases, cups, mugs, containers, and more. Some of the items will probably sell fast, such as some of the mugs, books, and electrical appliances such as coffee makers and the hair straightener that someone brought in, but some of the other items might not sell, such as clothes and pillows, in which case those items will be sent to a swap shop. I tried to price most of the items for $1 or $2, but some items, such as some of the bigger books and vases and mugs I felt were more appropriately priced at $3. I rarely marked anything $5, but a good number of items were marked for that price.
After all of the bags and boxes of items were emptied and marked, we got boxes out and put all of the items marked $5 in one box, all of the items marked $3 in other boxes (more than one was needed), and the items marked $2 and $1 are now in a few boxes, and the boxes were moved closely together so that people who go in the basement will see that the items belong together and are for the same cause, so that nothing gets moved or misplaced before the tag sale.
Every time I contribute to Prom Committee I always remind myself why I joined in the first place. One of the reasons I joined was so that I can make some new friends who share a common goal (in this case, fund-raising), so that I might learn how to take on new challenges (learning objective 2) and so that I can learn to work collaboratively with others (learning objective 4 right there). I have definitely been trying to achieve both of my goals, and I am doing it more and more week by week. Today I was forced to work collaboratively with others, and to get a job done within a specific time constraint (an hour). We got the job done relatively quickly and were all on the same page and were determined to get it done. Two of the people I worked with today, Emily Setzko and Rachel Crafts, I have never really spoken to them much and wasn't sure what to expect, but they both turned out to be really nice. Before deciding on the price for an item, we checked with one another to see if we agreed as a group, and we worked together to place all of our tagged items in the same place in an organized manner. I am also taking on new challenges because the tag sale was my idea and I am ultimately responsible for its outcome. Without my commitment and hard work it would not happen, although I am not about to take all the credit as I have had much help from others, which I appreciate. This experience has helped me learn to be a leader and to step up to the plate and get a job done, and I am looking forward to the outcome of the tag sale, which I will make sure is a success. In addition, today was sort of fun!
I can honestly say that I didn't expect it to be as successful as it has been, but with my hard work and the hard work of everyone else involved, it has been successful.
I stayed after school with Mrs. Hyer and three of the girls from Prom Committee and we first took the items out of the boxes and made a key with the different stickers (red, blue, green, and yellow) and the price that each sticker would represent on an item. A $5 item would be tagged red, a $3 item would be tagged yellow, a $2 item would be tagged blue, and a $1 item would be tagged green. A white sticker would represent an item that is over $5 and the customer can bargain with us for a price over that amount, and items that were not tagged at all were under $1 and customers can also suggest a reasonable price for the item there too. I was told to tag only the very valuable items for $5 because we want to sell as much as we can for affordable prices and that we should sell items for less if it comes down to it. There were a lot of items and a variety of items too, with everything from pillows to pants, to coffee makers to books, and even vases, cups, mugs, containers, and more. Some of the items will probably sell fast, such as some of the mugs, books, and electrical appliances such as coffee makers and the hair straightener that someone brought in, but some of the other items might not sell, such as clothes and pillows, in which case those items will be sent to a swap shop. I tried to price most of the items for $1 or $2, but some items, such as some of the bigger books and vases and mugs I felt were more appropriately priced at $3. I rarely marked anything $5, but a good number of items were marked for that price.
After all of the bags and boxes of items were emptied and marked, we got boxes out and put all of the items marked $5 in one box, all of the items marked $3 in other boxes (more than one was needed), and the items marked $2 and $1 are now in a few boxes, and the boxes were moved closely together so that people who go in the basement will see that the items belong together and are for the same cause, so that nothing gets moved or misplaced before the tag sale.
Every time I contribute to Prom Committee I always remind myself why I joined in the first place. One of the reasons I joined was so that I can make some new friends who share a common goal (in this case, fund-raising), so that I might learn how to take on new challenges (learning objective 2) and so that I can learn to work collaboratively with others (learning objective 4 right there). I have definitely been trying to achieve both of my goals, and I am doing it more and more week by week. Today I was forced to work collaboratively with others, and to get a job done within a specific time constraint (an hour). We got the job done relatively quickly and were all on the same page and were determined to get it done. Two of the people I worked with today, Emily Setzko and Rachel Crafts, I have never really spoken to them much and wasn't sure what to expect, but they both turned out to be really nice. Before deciding on the price for an item, we checked with one another to see if we agreed as a group, and we worked together to place all of our tagged items in the same place in an organized manner. I am also taking on new challenges because the tag sale was my idea and I am ultimately responsible for its outcome. Without my commitment and hard work it would not happen, although I am not about to take all the credit as I have had much help from others, which I appreciate. This experience has helped me learn to be a leader and to step up to the plate and get a job done, and I am looking forward to the outcome of the tag sale, which I will make sure is a success. In addition, today was sort of fun!
I can honestly say that I didn't expect it to be as successful as it has been, but with my hard work and the hard work of everyone else involved, it has been successful.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Bowling, November 14, 2009 (Good consistency in scores)
While there was no dramatic improvement in bowling scores this week, my scores were still some of the better scores I have received and they are pretty consistent with my scores from last week. This week, they were 99, 109, and 117.
My first game (99) was due to in the last frame when we have three balls, I went too quickly and the ball ended up going into the gutter, causing my score to be one point away from 100, while the other games were more typical in terms of my recent scores. I have kept track of all of my scores up to this point and my averages for each week and after bowling ends in the spring, I am going to make a graph so I can see how my scores got better or worse (which hopefully they will not) from the beginning to the end. My capabilities have improved significantly since I began bowling but it's also due to the fact that I was able to identify where I was doing well and where I was not doing well in the beginning. I still have areas to improve, and I acknowledge that. That's what learning objective 1 that I chose for this activity is all about - identify areas of strength and areas for growth. My areas of strength are increasing because in the past I was able to identify my areas for growth and I have been working to overcome these areas for growth (which in the past were the flicking of my wrist, the fact that I have recently realized I was putting the wrong fingers in the holes in the bowling ball, and my concentration), and now that I have improved those aspects of my performance, I know where I can still improve now.
Most of the more experienced people that I bowl with are able to make the ball curve and I still would like to be able to do this. It'd improve my scores tremendously, and I have been studying their motions when they bowl so that I can do the same thing when it's my turn. I don't know exactly what it is they're doing, because from my perspective it LOOKS as if they flick their wrist, but they can't be flicking their wrist in the same manner that sends the ball into the gutter. I need to talk to the instructor/coordinator, who is herself very good at bowling, and see what she has to say that can help me learn this technique.
I would also like to touch on something else - my social skills are improving week by week. Learning objective 8 - learn new skills - doesn't necessarily have to only be about the bowling itself. I have been learning to adapt to working with new people, as they switch us around every week. I am forced to be with people far more experienced than I am, of different ages, although now they're placing me with kids my own age. I used to be afraid that I'd look like an amateur or like I was really inexperienced or shouldn't even be there since I barely knew what to do, but now I am more comfortable being around people that I don't know at all, who may be watching me and criticizing in their minds. I have opened myself up to the opportunity that I might even make some new friends, and I have been much more successful the less nervous I have become. My growth as a person from this activity is not only related to bowling skills, but my social skills as well. It's easy for me to be myself around people I have known for a while, but it's more difficult for me when I know no one, causing me to be much more quiet and reserved. But slowly, this is changing and I am opening up a lot more.
My first game (99) was due to in the last frame when we have three balls, I went too quickly and the ball ended up going into the gutter, causing my score to be one point away from 100, while the other games were more typical in terms of my recent scores. I have kept track of all of my scores up to this point and my averages for each week and after bowling ends in the spring, I am going to make a graph so I can see how my scores got better or worse (which hopefully they will not) from the beginning to the end. My capabilities have improved significantly since I began bowling but it's also due to the fact that I was able to identify where I was doing well and where I was not doing well in the beginning. I still have areas to improve, and I acknowledge that. That's what learning objective 1 that I chose for this activity is all about - identify areas of strength and areas for growth. My areas of strength are increasing because in the past I was able to identify my areas for growth and I have been working to overcome these areas for growth (which in the past were the flicking of my wrist, the fact that I have recently realized I was putting the wrong fingers in the holes in the bowling ball, and my concentration), and now that I have improved those aspects of my performance, I know where I can still improve now.
Most of the more experienced people that I bowl with are able to make the ball curve and I still would like to be able to do this. It'd improve my scores tremendously, and I have been studying their motions when they bowl so that I can do the same thing when it's my turn. I don't know exactly what it is they're doing, because from my perspective it LOOKS as if they flick their wrist, but they can't be flicking their wrist in the same manner that sends the ball into the gutter. I need to talk to the instructor/coordinator, who is herself very good at bowling, and see what she has to say that can help me learn this technique.
I would also like to touch on something else - my social skills are improving week by week. Learning objective 8 - learn new skills - doesn't necessarily have to only be about the bowling itself. I have been learning to adapt to working with new people, as they switch us around every week. I am forced to be with people far more experienced than I am, of different ages, although now they're placing me with kids my own age. I used to be afraid that I'd look like an amateur or like I was really inexperienced or shouldn't even be there since I barely knew what to do, but now I am more comfortable being around people that I don't know at all, who may be watching me and criticizing in their minds. I have opened myself up to the opportunity that I might even make some new friends, and I have been much more successful the less nervous I have become. My growth as a person from this activity is not only related to bowling skills, but my social skills as well. It's easy for me to be myself around people I have known for a while, but it's more difficult for me when I know no one, causing me to be much more quiet and reserved. But slowly, this is changing and I am opening up a lot more.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Prom Committee update, November 12, 2009
I was thrilled to see the number of tag sale donations brought in, they were piling up and there were MANY more items than I had initially expected! I was also excited because the tag sale was my idea and it looks to be having a successful start, but I also keep in mind that if I want the outcome to be successful and I want to sell a lot of the items and make a decent amount of money to contribute to prom, there is a lot more work that needs to be done, by me with some help from others as well.
There are more items that were brought in since lunch today, after the large majority of the donated items had been moved to the basement, so I volunteered to help move the remaining items down to the basement during break tomorrow, and I think I can handle it on my own. Next Monday I also agreed to help Mrs. Hyer tag the items according to price, and someone is making a poster that serves as a key so customers will see a certain colored sticker and know that means the item is a specific price, so it is easy to keep track of when choosing items that they want to buy. With a lot of commitment and effort on my part, and with some help, I am sure the tag sale will be successful, and I am excited for it so I can see whether or not my idea and our planning in prom committee for the event as a whole was successful.
I honestly can say I didn't expect that coordinating the tag sale would take as much work as it is, and I didn't even expect people to bring in that many items. I am actually happy that it's more work than expected because I get a sense of accomplishment when I do something well, and this experience is helping me learn how to better cooperate with other people and to incorporate my ideas into others' ideas and vice versa. I also like taking on responsibilities and getting things done, and seeing these ideas pay off in the end for the group as a whole. If there's any way that I can help make next year's prom a good one, I am more than willing to help in any way necessary :)
There are more items that were brought in since lunch today, after the large majority of the donated items had been moved to the basement, so I volunteered to help move the remaining items down to the basement during break tomorrow, and I think I can handle it on my own. Next Monday I also agreed to help Mrs. Hyer tag the items according to price, and someone is making a poster that serves as a key so customers will see a certain colored sticker and know that means the item is a specific price, so it is easy to keep track of when choosing items that they want to buy. With a lot of commitment and effort on my part, and with some help, I am sure the tag sale will be successful, and I am excited for it so I can see whether or not my idea and our planning in prom committee for the event as a whole was successful.
I honestly can say I didn't expect that coordinating the tag sale would take as much work as it is, and I didn't even expect people to bring in that many items. I am actually happy that it's more work than expected because I get a sense of accomplishment when I do something well, and this experience is helping me learn how to better cooperate with other people and to incorporate my ideas into others' ideas and vice versa. I also like taking on responsibilities and getting things done, and seeing these ideas pay off in the end for the group as a whole. If there's any way that I can help make next year's prom a good one, I am more than willing to help in any way necessary :)
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Bowling, November 7, 2009 (continuous improvement)
Today I got my best scores in bowling yet, and my scores were 112, 107, and 121 (my all time best score).
What I did this week was make sure I used the same ball every time for consistency, which was something I did not think to do in other weeks. I also made sure to bowl slowly and carefully and follow through every single time, and learn to stand in a certain place so that way I could send the ball right at the pins I wanted to knock down, rather than always standing in the middle and trying to aim that way. I am good at sending the ball in a straight path, so I used this to my advantage today when trying to knock down one pin in the corner - I am now able to do this WITHOUT sending the ball into the gutter.
I have not had any of the problems I had in past weeks and by now it's definitely a habit to release the ball correctly and not flick my wrist, and I also have become more confident in my abilities and less worried about what the people around me will think. I'm also adapting well to the fact that they put me with a different group of kids every week, and I don't let this make me nervous or intimidated.
My goal for next week is to try and raise my scores even more, and try and beat my highest score of 121. I also still would like to learn how to make the ball curve, but I have several weeks ahead of me to learn :)
What I did this week was make sure I used the same ball every time for consistency, which was something I did not think to do in other weeks. I also made sure to bowl slowly and carefully and follow through every single time, and learn to stand in a certain place so that way I could send the ball right at the pins I wanted to knock down, rather than always standing in the middle and trying to aim that way. I am good at sending the ball in a straight path, so I used this to my advantage today when trying to knock down one pin in the corner - I am now able to do this WITHOUT sending the ball into the gutter.
I have not had any of the problems I had in past weeks and by now it's definitely a habit to release the ball correctly and not flick my wrist, and I also have become more confident in my abilities and less worried about what the people around me will think. I'm also adapting well to the fact that they put me with a different group of kids every week, and I don't let this make me nervous or intimidated.
My goal for next week is to try and raise my scores even more, and try and beat my highest score of 121. I also still would like to learn how to make the ball curve, but I have several weeks ahead of me to learn :)
Monday, November 2, 2009
Key Club update & Trick or Treat for UNICEF
This is my first time blogging about Key Club in a while (although I have attended every single meeting), since I had not been able to participate in any of the weekend activities (of which there have so far been two on two different occasions), but I was finally able to participate over the weekend by trick-or-treating for UNICEF.
The goal was to collect money to send to Uruguay to help underprivileged children, and this money was to be collected in UNICEF donation boxes on Halloween. I took three of the boxes and my goal was to go with my neighbors when they went trick-or-treating and to collect money rather than candy. I figured that it'd have been rude of me to cause my friends to wait, since it would take longer for people to go and get their wallets to get some money than to just hand candy, so I went around my neighborhood by myself before meeting up with my friends, and I collected about $15, plus the $5 of my own money that I put in there before I left the house. I noticed that my neighbors were very eager to donate a dollar or two once I explained what I was collecting for, and it was great to see how eager they were to donate.
Each of my friends who I was going to go trick-or-treating with, donated a dollar and there were 9 of them, so by the time the evening was over I had about $29 total, plus some change that my neighbor's mom had that she wanted to get rid of. The truth is that none of my friends actually wanted to go trick-or-treating as we had originally planned, so that was the extent of my collection for the evening. However the next day at home I looked for change around the house and asked my family (mom, grandmother, aunt) if they had any spare change or money they wanted to donate and between the rest of us, about $20 more was collected, a lot of it was change. I filled all three donation boxes and I was glad that I collected enough money to make a difference, even though some of it was my own.
Today in Key Club, we had the option to make a card for a sick child in a hospital, and the names were written on the board. I decided to make one, because I feel bad for the children who are terminally ill and can't enjoy their lives and time with their friends, and I wanted at least one child to know that there IS someone out there thinking of them and who wants to make even the smallest difference in their life. I decorated my card and made it look nice and wrote a nice message inside for a girl named Heather, and then gave the card to Hyanna so it could be mailed out with the other cards. :)
One of my learning objectives is number 5, which is to demonstrate commitment to the activity. I have been showing up to every meeting, even if I am not able to participate in that week's activity due to a busy schedule, but I am going to make time for future activities, like I did for this one. I was originally scheduled to work on Saturday but to enable myself to have the time to go trick-or-treating to collect donations for UNICEF, I switched shifts with someone and ended up working Friday instead to give myself Saturday off, to have the time to participate. In the future I am going to make time for key club activities the best that I can.
My other learning objective is to engage in activities of global importance or importance to the community, which is objective #6. I did this in two ways (collecting money and making a card for a sick child) but I would like to continue participating in activities in which I am able to either help those less fortunate, or do something that is giving back to the community. I am fortunate to live in a decent community and to not have to deal with some of the misfortunes that others go through in poorer countries (such as Uruguay in this case) and I want to do my best to better the lives of others. I feel so ungrateful sometimes knowing that I have everything handed to me and if I can help to improve the lives of those less fortunate, I will feel good to know that I did the right thing but I will be even happier to know that the other person's life has been improved. I am normally selfish and only worried about myself and by continuing to participate in these activities, I hope to become less selfish and more grateful for what I have, and aware that others may not have as much as I do.
The goal was to collect money to send to Uruguay to help underprivileged children, and this money was to be collected in UNICEF donation boxes on Halloween. I took three of the boxes and my goal was to go with my neighbors when they went trick-or-treating and to collect money rather than candy. I figured that it'd have been rude of me to cause my friends to wait, since it would take longer for people to go and get their wallets to get some money than to just hand candy, so I went around my neighborhood by myself before meeting up with my friends, and I collected about $15, plus the $5 of my own money that I put in there before I left the house. I noticed that my neighbors were very eager to donate a dollar or two once I explained what I was collecting for, and it was great to see how eager they were to donate.
Each of my friends who I was going to go trick-or-treating with, donated a dollar and there were 9 of them, so by the time the evening was over I had about $29 total, plus some change that my neighbor's mom had that she wanted to get rid of. The truth is that none of my friends actually wanted to go trick-or-treating as we had originally planned, so that was the extent of my collection for the evening. However the next day at home I looked for change around the house and asked my family (mom, grandmother, aunt) if they had any spare change or money they wanted to donate and between the rest of us, about $20 more was collected, a lot of it was change. I filled all three donation boxes and I was glad that I collected enough money to make a difference, even though some of it was my own.
Today in Key Club, we had the option to make a card for a sick child in a hospital, and the names were written on the board. I decided to make one, because I feel bad for the children who are terminally ill and can't enjoy their lives and time with their friends, and I wanted at least one child to know that there IS someone out there thinking of them and who wants to make even the smallest difference in their life. I decorated my card and made it look nice and wrote a nice message inside for a girl named Heather, and then gave the card to Hyanna so it could be mailed out with the other cards. :)
One of my learning objectives is number 5, which is to demonstrate commitment to the activity. I have been showing up to every meeting, even if I am not able to participate in that week's activity due to a busy schedule, but I am going to make time for future activities, like I did for this one. I was originally scheduled to work on Saturday but to enable myself to have the time to go trick-or-treating to collect donations for UNICEF, I switched shifts with someone and ended up working Friday instead to give myself Saturday off, to have the time to participate. In the future I am going to make time for key club activities the best that I can.
My other learning objective is to engage in activities of global importance or importance to the community, which is objective #6. I did this in two ways (collecting money and making a card for a sick child) but I would like to continue participating in activities in which I am able to either help those less fortunate, or do something that is giving back to the community. I am fortunate to live in a decent community and to not have to deal with some of the misfortunes that others go through in poorer countries (such as Uruguay in this case) and I want to do my best to better the lives of others. I feel so ungrateful sometimes knowing that I have everything handed to me and if I can help to improve the lives of those less fortunate, I will feel good to know that I did the right thing but I will be even happier to know that the other person's life has been improved. I am normally selfish and only worried about myself and by continuing to participate in these activities, I hope to become less selfish and more grateful for what I have, and aware that others may not have as much as I do.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Bowling, October 31, 2009 (More improvement)
I am doing well in bowling, and I think that I have definitely gotten much better these past few weeks. Today my scores were 61, 106, and 98. 106 is the second highest score I have ever gotten, and 98 is my third highest score ever. I would say I am definitely improving and I am proud of myself also for being at almost the same level as some of the other kids that bowl with me, despite the fact that they have much more practice. I still have room for improvement though.
What I did this week was remember what I did last week that got me my best score ever (113). I released the ball slowly and didn't fling it down the lane. The good news is that now, it's no longer a habit or a natural instinct to flick my wrist and send the ball into the gutter! Almost every time that it was my turn today, the ball rolled right down the middle of the lane. My main downfall this week was that sometimes I would knock down every pin except the furthest one on each end, therefore making it impossible to have all of the pins knocked down after my second/last ball, leaving me with 9 pins knocked down. My other problem is if I knocked down every pin but one and the one pin was the furthest on either side, it'd be difficult to get the ball to hit that pin without rolling into the gutter before getting far enough down the lane. Either way, I have definitely improved, and many of the problems I had the first two weeks aren't problems anymore.
The reason I got a 61 the first game today was because I was initially very tired when I arrived at the bowling alley, having woken up exactly an hour before. By the time the first game was over, I was much more awake and able to bowl better, giving me scores of 106 and 98.
So my goals for next week are as follows; try to learn how to knock down the pin closest to the gutter if it is the only remaining pin which would give me a spare (without the ball rolling into the gutter), and to try to roll the ball with a little more force, so that more pins fall down when I bowl.
*Side note, I also missed Prom Committee this week to study with Ms. Singer for an algebra test that took place right after lunch.
What I did this week was remember what I did last week that got me my best score ever (113). I released the ball slowly and didn't fling it down the lane. The good news is that now, it's no longer a habit or a natural instinct to flick my wrist and send the ball into the gutter! Almost every time that it was my turn today, the ball rolled right down the middle of the lane. My main downfall this week was that sometimes I would knock down every pin except the furthest one on each end, therefore making it impossible to have all of the pins knocked down after my second/last ball, leaving me with 9 pins knocked down. My other problem is if I knocked down every pin but one and the one pin was the furthest on either side, it'd be difficult to get the ball to hit that pin without rolling into the gutter before getting far enough down the lane. Either way, I have definitely improved, and many of the problems I had the first two weeks aren't problems anymore.
The reason I got a 61 the first game today was because I was initially very tired when I arrived at the bowling alley, having woken up exactly an hour before. By the time the first game was over, I was much more awake and able to bowl better, giving me scores of 106 and 98.
So my goals for next week are as follows; try to learn how to knock down the pin closest to the gutter if it is the only remaining pin which would give me a spare (without the ball rolling into the gutter), and to try to roll the ball with a little more force, so that more pins fall down when I bowl.
*Side note, I also missed Prom Committee this week to study with Ms. Singer for an algebra test that took place right after lunch.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Bowling, October 24, 2009 (Major improvement!)
My bowling scores today reflected major improvement on my part. My scores this week were 91, 113, and 84. My lowest score this week, an 84, was better than my highest score last week, which was 81. I am proud of myself because I did better than I expected I would, and everyone there today commented on how much I had improved.
I believe the secret to my success was that I went very slow, like I didn't charge up there and fling the ball down the aisle like I had been doing in previous weeks. I walked up slowly, and released the ball and followed through with my arm every single time, and most of the time, the ball went exactly where I wanted it to go. Occasionally it would roll into the gutter but this was not a frequent occurrence like it was last week. I still am unable to make the ball curve but I think that if I continue to go very slowly and make sure I release the ball without flicking my wrist, I will continue to succeed. My average score this week was a 96, which is much better than my average overall for the three previous weeks combined, which was about a 74 if I remember correctly.
One of my learning objectives for this activity (number 1) - increase awareness of my strengths and areas for growth - is achieved every week. For example, I was able to identify in previous weeks that my scores were not as high as I'd have liked them to be, and then I identified why - I was releasing the ball too quickly and flicking my wrist to the side, sending my whole arm and the ball to the right side of the aisle. I was able to correct this problem this week by slowing down my motion and remembering not to flick my wrist and keep my arm straight, and it is becoming habitual now to follow through properly. However I have identified that I would like to be able to learn to make the ball curve, which is the next thing I am going to work on, to improve my scores even more. Through this process I am achieving learning objective 8 (learning new skills), or at least attempting to. These skills are not limited to bowling, as I am learning perseverence as well. I'm not about to give up on this activity or accept failure.
* a side note - I skipped the Prom Committee meeting this week so I could go to extra help for algebra with Ms. Singer, and also there was no Key Club activity this week. I did attempt to stay after on Wednesday to help decorate a window, but this didn't end up happening at all because the door to the room was locked and there was a teacher's meeting, so all of us key-clubbers went home.
I believe the secret to my success was that I went very slow, like I didn't charge up there and fling the ball down the aisle like I had been doing in previous weeks. I walked up slowly, and released the ball and followed through with my arm every single time, and most of the time, the ball went exactly where I wanted it to go. Occasionally it would roll into the gutter but this was not a frequent occurrence like it was last week. I still am unable to make the ball curve but I think that if I continue to go very slowly and make sure I release the ball without flicking my wrist, I will continue to succeed. My average score this week was a 96, which is much better than my average overall for the three previous weeks combined, which was about a 74 if I remember correctly.
One of my learning objectives for this activity (number 1) - increase awareness of my strengths and areas for growth - is achieved every week. For example, I was able to identify in previous weeks that my scores were not as high as I'd have liked them to be, and then I identified why - I was releasing the ball too quickly and flicking my wrist to the side, sending my whole arm and the ball to the right side of the aisle. I was able to correct this problem this week by slowing down my motion and remembering not to flick my wrist and keep my arm straight, and it is becoming habitual now to follow through properly. However I have identified that I would like to be able to learn to make the ball curve, which is the next thing I am going to work on, to improve my scores even more. Through this process I am achieving learning objective 8 (learning new skills), or at least attempting to. These skills are not limited to bowling, as I am learning perseverence as well. I'm not about to give up on this activity or accept failure.
* a side note - I skipped the Prom Committee meeting this week so I could go to extra help for algebra with Ms. Singer, and also there was no Key Club activity this week. I did attempt to stay after on Wednesday to help decorate a window, but this didn't end up happening at all because the door to the room was locked and there was a teacher's meeting, so all of us key-clubbers went home.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Selling Raffle Tickets, October 20, 2009
Today I went to Open Mic Night (I am actually there right now, everyone is performing and everyone who is going to be here is here so I have time), and I sold raffle tickets to raise money for centerpieces. I also handed out the flyers that advertise the tag sale.
I was a little disappointed, as only three sets of parents showed up. However I sold a raffle ticket to all three families, raising $60. I put the money and the stub of the raffle ticket with the contact information in the envelope provided. I handed out tag sale flyers to the same people who bought the tickets from me, so I accomplished as much as I possibly could have given the limited number of adults who showed up.
I am definitely learning how to give my time to do things that do not directly benefit me. My reason for volunteering to sell these raffle tickets is because I knew someone needed to do it, and I thought I should do whatever I can to help raise money for prom.
I was also happy to see that people have been bringing in tag sale items! I plan on bringing in a number of items from home as well, because I planned the tag sale and I want to do whatever I can to ensure that a tag sale does occur! I am learning how to be more responsible, as the money that I am raising by selling the raffle tickets is in my care and it's my job to ensure that people give the right money when buying the ticket, and that they fill out the correct information on the back. I like feeling like I am able to make a difference and be responsible for something that benefits others. I have also worked with others in the process, such as Lauren who was at the table helping me today. I have noticed that prom committee and the volunteer opportunities that come with it are an excellent opportunity to make new friends!
I am going to continue advertising the tag sale, it's in a little more than a month!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
No improvement in bowling so far :( 10/17/09
I went to bowling today. My scores are not improving, they are actually getting lower and lower each week. I am giving a sincere effort, and I think every week before I go, that my scores are going to improve and I will have figured out exactly what to do, but my scores are not reflecting much improvement.
I actually DO know what it is I am supposed to do, but then when it's my turn, I don't always think to do it. It's not even an intentional thing, it's just what happens. I know that I am supposed to not flick my wrist and follow through, with my arm releasing the ball so that my arm goes in the air in a straight line, following through with the whole motion. However, every time it's my turn and I try to do this, I flick my wrist to the side and send the ball toward the gutter. I don't realize that this is going to happen but it does, it's almost like it is a habit for me to release the ball that way. I have at least IDENTIFIED the problem - my wrist flicks, ALWAYS toward the right gutter. I don't know how to break this habit or even what I am doing with my wrist, I am not seeing myself bowling to identify the problem, but I know what the problem is because I am told by other people. When I do carefully monitor my motions when I bowl, the ball goes right down the middle and I apparently follow through correctly, with my arm going straight up and my thumb sticking straight up as well after the ball is released.
My scores this week were 51, 74, and 81. Also to take into consideration is the fact that the lanes were not greased, so the ball did not move as well for me or for anyone else. My score of a 51 reflects that the first game, I kept flicking my wrist, and by the second two games, for which my scores fall into the average range for me when compared to games bowled the previous two weeks, I had figured out how to NOT flick my wrist for the most part. In fact by the end of my final game, I had gotten two strikes in a row. It figures that I'd start doing well right before it was time to leave.
I think I need to go once or twice during the week and practice. When I carefully monitor what I am doing, I do well, but it's just a natural habit for me to flick my wrist when I bowl, and that is what is keeping me from being successful. Now that I have identified the problem, it's time for me to do all I can to correct it. I should probably bowl a lot slower, and watch what I am doing carefully so I can remind myself to follow through correctly. If I released the ball correctly EVERY time, my scores would be much higher, because I am much more successful when I don't flick my wrist. Learning objective 1 - recognize areas of strength and areas for growth - is what this is all about. I identified the problem and am going to attempt to fix it.
One solution to fixing the problem is to go during the week so I could try to improve without bowling under pressure, when my scores count.
I actually DO know what it is I am supposed to do, but then when it's my turn, I don't always think to do it. It's not even an intentional thing, it's just what happens. I know that I am supposed to not flick my wrist and follow through, with my arm releasing the ball so that my arm goes in the air in a straight line, following through with the whole motion. However, every time it's my turn and I try to do this, I flick my wrist to the side and send the ball toward the gutter. I don't realize that this is going to happen but it does, it's almost like it is a habit for me to release the ball that way. I have at least IDENTIFIED the problem - my wrist flicks, ALWAYS toward the right gutter. I don't know how to break this habit or even what I am doing with my wrist, I am not seeing myself bowling to identify the problem, but I know what the problem is because I am told by other people. When I do carefully monitor my motions when I bowl, the ball goes right down the middle and I apparently follow through correctly, with my arm going straight up and my thumb sticking straight up as well after the ball is released.
My scores this week were 51, 74, and 81. Also to take into consideration is the fact that the lanes were not greased, so the ball did not move as well for me or for anyone else. My score of a 51 reflects that the first game, I kept flicking my wrist, and by the second two games, for which my scores fall into the average range for me when compared to games bowled the previous two weeks, I had figured out how to NOT flick my wrist for the most part. In fact by the end of my final game, I had gotten two strikes in a row. It figures that I'd start doing well right before it was time to leave.
I think I need to go once or twice during the week and practice. When I carefully monitor what I am doing, I do well, but it's just a natural habit for me to flick my wrist when I bowl, and that is what is keeping me from being successful. Now that I have identified the problem, it's time for me to do all I can to correct it. I should probably bowl a lot slower, and watch what I am doing carefully so I can remind myself to follow through correctly. If I released the ball correctly EVERY time, my scores would be much higher, because I am much more successful when I don't flick my wrist. Learning objective 1 - recognize areas of strength and areas for growth - is what this is all about. I identified the problem and am going to attempt to fix it.
One solution to fixing the problem is to go during the week so I could try to improve without bowling under pressure, when my scores count.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Prom Committee, October 15, 2009
Today was another Prom Committee meeting. I volunteered to sell raffle tickets on October 20 at the Open Mic Night, and I also told Mr. Hyer that I will be part of the group that is going to focus on fundraising opportunities, of which there are 4 or 5 other members of prom committee that I will be working with. I am excited, because I enjoy volunteering and I want to do my best to help with the fundraising and contribute to the effort. I am going to admit that I do not like one of the people that also volunteered, but if I have to work with this person I will put my personal feelings aside and work cooperatively with them.
I also have been thinking about what to do to encourage people to bring in tag sale items. I was glad to hear that the office has sent out emails about it to the parents. I don't know if parents will send items in with their kids, but the most I can do at this point to help is to continue thinking of ways to advertize the event, and to gather items from home and from other family members to sell. That way, even if other parents don't have items sent in with their kids, there will still be plenty of items to sell. I have many household items that I don't need and I know my mom has some too, so I will start getting them together soon so they can collect over the next month before they would be sold.
I know that every time I volunteer to help with fundraising opportunities or every time I come up with ideas, I am getting closer to achieving the chosen learning objectives for this activity. I am going to keep in contact with Mrs. Hyer throughout the week so I can see if there is anything going on that I might be able to help with, and I still need to find out the date for the Open Mic Night so I can be sure that I can attend.
I also have been thinking about what to do to encourage people to bring in tag sale items. I was glad to hear that the office has sent out emails about it to the parents. I don't know if parents will send items in with their kids, but the most I can do at this point to help is to continue thinking of ways to advertize the event, and to gather items from home and from other family members to sell. That way, even if other parents don't have items sent in with their kids, there will still be plenty of items to sell. I have many household items that I don't need and I know my mom has some too, so I will start getting them together soon so they can collect over the next month before they would be sold.
I know that every time I volunteer to help with fundraising opportunities or every time I come up with ideas, I am getting closer to achieving the chosen learning objectives for this activity. I am going to keep in contact with Mrs. Hyer throughout the week so I can see if there is anything going on that I might be able to help with, and I still need to find out the date for the Open Mic Night so I can be sure that I can attend.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Bowling, Saturday October 10, 2009
I am not sure if I have made improvement since last week, or if I have not. My scores last week in bowling were 91, 67, and 105, and this week they were 73, 74, and 82. The obvious answer would be that I have not made improvement and that I still need to develop a technique, but my scores this week were much more consistent, rather than, a good game here, a bad game here, which would suggest that my good scores are due to sheer luck.
This week, I was with a totally different group of kids, most of which were closer to my age. There are about 30 kids of various ages that are part of the same bowling league but they divide us up into groups and put us in different lanes. I thought that the people I was with last week would be with me all the time but they do switch it up. This week, 2 of the kids in my group were MUCH better than I was, and close to my age. The rest were at the same level of ability as I am, but I still worried I was the weakest link. I did try my hardest, though. But often I would get nervous roll the ball too fast, and the ball would end up going into the gutter. What this is telling me is that I need to practice, by myself, at some point during the week when I am not competing against other people so that I can work on my technique and then when I go on Saturday, I will have some idea of what to do, rather than trying different techniques (like, position of the arm, the wrist, etc.) for the first time and having them either work, or fail miserably.
What I have realized is, when releasing the ball, it is better not to go so fast that it goes off to the side and into the gutter. It is best to release the ball right down the middle, and try to keep your arm straight, so that the ball is headed on a clear path down the middle of the aisle. Sometimes for me though, I just get something wrong and it still goes into the gutter or off to the side. Learning objective 1 - increase awareness of my strengths and areas for growth - tells me I need to go bowling with a friend or by myself during the week when I am not competing against anyone, so I can discover what works and what doesn't work, and so I can gain some awareness of what I am doing well, and what I still need to work on. I intend to do this soon, because if I am by myself, I will feel much less pressure and my scores will not count. To achieve learning goal 8 - develop new skills, I am going to need to practice by myself.
As frustrating as I was getting when I felt like the weakest link, it didn't stop me from trying, because that is the only possible way to succeed.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Prom Committee, October 8, 2009
I went to the meeting for Prom Committee at lunch. Basically, we discussed different fundraising opportunities and how much money has been made so far, and ways to make additional money. I am going to admit that I was a little bit nervous during the meeting and found it difficult to pay close attention, partly because I had a test in algebra next period and I did not know if I understood the material well enough, even though I had studied for several hours the previous night.
I was disappointed to hear that no items had yet been brought in for the tag sale. I have put a bit of effort into organizing the event and advertising it, but I am going to continue to advertise it, and even bring in some items from my own house to sell. Even if not a lot of items are brought in, I still will feel good to know that I did my best to help, and was able to plan something and go through with it. I am not ready to give up though, I am going to continue to commit myself into making the tag sale effective/successful.
I also reviewed with Mr. Hyer, the google spreadsheet that is keeping track of the expenses. As soon as I receive new information about expenses or profits, I will fill in the appropriate information.
I am enjoying Prom Committee, and being an active member, although I am going to continue to volunteer to help in as many ways as I can.
About Key Club, there was no meeting this week.
And tomorrow is bowling.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Bowling at Ryan Family Amusements first day, October 3, 2009
Yesterday I joined a once-a-week bowling league at Ryan Family Amusements in South Yarmouth, the "Saturday Strikers". We meet every Saturday at 8:30 for 30 weeks, and bowl 3 games. I was nervous at first, mostly because I didn't know who to expect to see there, and I was hoping that I wouldn't see a lot of people I knew, and I especially hoped that I would not be with mostly older kids. People might think, bowling is so easy, it's not a big deal, but that couldn't be further from the truth. After observing some of the kids who have been bowling consistently for a while (and they range from ages 10 to 17), I could see that it's not easy and not everyone is good and knows the techniques.
I arrived, and I signed in with the coach and had to fill out a paper, asking for my name, age, email, phone number, parents' phone number, etc. After, I was introduced to the other kids on the team and was pleasantly surprised to see that I was the second oldest. Most of them are between the ages of 12 and 16, with one girl who is 10 and the manager of the bowling alley's son who is 6. My first impression was, this is going to be a piece of cake. Let me say now, IT'S NOT. I did not realize until I showed up that we weren't going to do candlepin bowling. I mean the thought had crossed my mind but I assumed that because the ages of the kids varied and many of them were used to the bumpers that stop the ball from rolling into the gutter, that if we were bowling with the heavy balls, that we'd be using the bumpers. Surprise number 2; no bumpers.
I didn't realize just how heavy the bowling balls are; I have only done candlepin bowling, with the small green balls. When it was my turn, the ball rolled RIGHT INTO THE GUTTER the first time, and my wrist hurt from using the heavy ball. I figured I would get better. I talked to the coach and she showed me how to hold the ball properly, and the motion with the arm when letting the ball go. She told me that my thumb is supposed to be straight up after releasing the ball, so I tried it on my next turn. She was right! My score for the first game was 91, my score for the second game was a 67, and my score for the final game was 105. Sometimes I would remember the proper way of releasing the ball, other times I would not, and by the end, my wrist hurt so much that I was lucky if it didn't roll into the gutter due to my inability to follow through with the proper motion.
So I wasn't as bad as I thought; HOWEVER I'm not that good. I'm better than some of the smaller kids, but I fall way behind when you compare me to the others that are closer to my age. The 10 year old girl is really good too, and she beat me every time. My personal goal is not to beat everyone else on the team (we're competing against each other, not other teams), but to improve my own techniques so that my scores are consistently good, rather than me doing well by sheer luck if I just happen to remember the correct form and stance, or if I do without even realizing it. There is a definite method to bowling, and this can be seen when you see how some of the older kids are able to make the ball curve and roll down the aisle with such a force that the pins are all knocked down by a domino effect. This is where learning objective 1 comes into play - increase awareness of my strengths and areas for growth. I have identified my strengths (I get decent scores, I am beginning to recognize a method that I want to learn to improve my scores) and I have identified my area for growth, which is that I can learn the methods and techniques. Learning objective 8 - develop new skills, branches off of this. I can learn new skills after I identify my areas for growth, and then I will be able to later look back on my performances and see how much I have grown, or not, if I find I am not able to.
I am going to do my best to become more talented at bowling. And if you think it's easy, IT'S NOT!! I can definitely say that candlepin bowling with the bumpers will be a piece of cake after this.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Open House/Prom Committee - October 1, 2009
Today was the Open House at school for the parents, to go from room to room and meet the teachers, and for Prom Committee, tables were set up in different places in the school with various sales and raffles going on; there were raffle tickets being sold, cookies and brownies being sold, and I handed out flyers to parents and students about the tag sale that will be held during parent/teacher conferences, so parents and students would be informed.
These past few days I have done all that I could to be busy and an active Prom Committee member. I designed a flyer on my computer advertising the tag sale that we are holding on November 23, which was a bit of a challenge for me because I am not good at designing flyers, even on the computer. I have not one artistic bone in my body. However I did the best that I could, using the necessary information (date, place, time, asking for donations of household items to be sold), and the flyers came out looking nice. I also made 150 copies of the flyer, two per page, and then cut them perfectly so that they were all the same size and looked neat.
I did the best I could to help tonight at the open house. I sat at the sales table, and offered the flyer I made to parents and students who walked past the table, and I would tell them everything they needed to know about the tag sale, and I informed them that the money made from the tag sale will directly benefit the prom. It was difficult to hand out the flyer to every parent and student but I handed them out to as many people as I could. I also counted money at the table and decided to plan ahead and request that a copy of all of the profits could be given to me so when the time comes to organize the information on Google Spreadsheets, I would have the necessary information.
I was also a bit nervous when I first showed up tonight, because while I know just about everyone else who was there to help, very few are really close friends. I was wondering if I would fit in, seeing how many of the students who are on Prom Committee this year were on last year's as well and know exactly what to do, and how to do it. I surprisingly warmed right up to everyone and even think I made a few new friends. I learned about myself that ahead of time I have a tendency to think that my social skills will fare worse than they actually do, and I end up being relatively social, especially if with people who I have met and spoken to before. Had I been surrounded by people I didn't know at all, I would have been much more nervous. I definitely think that my social skills are improving, although a lot of the time I still feel like I say things that sound awkward to others or that I ramble on about something unimportant so it looks like I am more comfortable with the people I'm with than I actually am.
I feel like this week I have continued making progress toward achieving learning objectives 2 (taking on new challenges) and 4 (working collaboratively with others). Designing a flyer, making copies, handing it out, gave me a sense of responsibility and showed me that I can use my own ideas and come up with a plan and carry it out, as is the case with the tag sale. It was my idea and without me to ensure that everything gets done (advertising it, keeping track of the items brought in), it wouldn't get done. I feel responsible for the outcome of this event and I feel like that shows that I am making progress and learning a new sense of responsibility. I am already responsible in that I get my schoolwork done, but I am not used to coming up with an idea and going through all of the steps to carry out a plan, and I like it. I am also working collaboratively with others, more than I ever thought I would. I thought I'd be the reject member of Prom Committee, the one who didn't know what to do and sat off to the side but today I took part in the open house and did my best to help others with what they needed to do, and I did my best to make sure I was contributing to the group.
I find that I am capable of way more than I initially thought I was, but I still would like to take on more responsibilities, particularly more difficult ones, so I continue to challenge myself to do the best I can do.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Key Club - My first meeting (September 28, 2009)
Today was my first Key Club meeting. I didn't know what to expect. I originally decided to join Key Club because I thought that it would enable me to become a part of something bigger than myself (which learning outcome 6 refers to - issues of global importance), and I want to do something that benefits the community. In addition Hyanna had told me that it would look good on college applications so she thought I should join.
I went into the meeting and Hyanna began explaining what needed to be done. $15 needed to be brought in by next Wednesday (membership dues I believe) and then she said that every weekend, on either Saturday or Sunday, there is one community service opportunity available and that in the beginning of every week, starting with the meeting, she will ask for volunteers to participate.
It was then that I realized that my already packed schedule or so I thought (which consists of Prom Committee and anything related to it, homework, and work on Saturday and Sunday) is going to need to be reorganized if I want to do at least the requested 50 hours of community service for Key Club. Up until this school year, I had PLENTY of free time and was able to work every day after school (at Stop & Shop) and still manage to complete all my homework. This year however it's not that easy - I already work only 2 days at my job (the weekend) and after hearing that the Key Club activities are on the weekend, I realized two things; I need to prioritize (for example, put Key Club and my schoolwork before my job). To keep track of when the different community service activities are on the weekend, I decided I need a calendar of my own where I can write down the dates so I can plan ahead, ask for the required days off from my job, and therefore enable myself to participate.
My first thought by the time the Key Club meeting was over was, can I do this? Do I have enough time? Should I say I can't do it? I came to the conclusion that instead of giving up before even trying, I need to prioritize and make time for Key Club. I spoke to my manager at work and she said if I tell her on Monday what day I need off on the weekend for Key Club, she can work with me on it to find another time for me to work, which I was thankful for. I WILL be able to do it, and I am going to do my absolute best to prioritize, to organize my schedule so I have time for everything (particularly what is important), and show that I am committed to every responsibility that I undertake. Now that I've thought about it, it shouldn't be that hard; I can do Key Club activities every other week AND keep my job, do Prom Committee and get my homework done. I am on my way to realizing what learning outcome 5 requires (commitment to the activity) and I will do whatever it takes, fully acknowledging that it is not going to be easy but will pay off in the long run, for me and for others as well.
By the way when I say that I have a packed schedule, I am referring to the fact that I have homework in every class every night, work on the weekends, and little free time. It's a big change from what I am used to, but that doesn't mean that I can't make time for what is important.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Prom Committee - Getting Involved (September 24, 2009)
Today in Prom Committee I decided to get involved and to do as much as I could to make myself an active member. As a group we were discussing fundraising opportunities, so I saw this as an opportunity to get involved in two different ways. One of the ideas for fundraising is during the Open House next Thursday, selling raffle tickets, and Mrs. Hyer asked for volunteers to attend the Open House and take turns selling raffle tickets and handing out flyers at booths to the parents and students who attend. I decided to take this as an opportunity to help, so I wrote my name on the list of volunteers. I see this as taking my first step toward achieving learning outcome 4, which is to work collaboratively with others. I did not know for sure who else would volunteer, and to be totally honest, I am close with some people in Prom Committee, and others not so much. Volunteering to help at the Open House is what I consider to be my first step toward working collaboratively with others because I volunteered and promised myself and the group that I would work together with whoever else volunteered for that evening, and do my best to make the evening successful and productive with the help of other people.
The second way I pushed myself to get involved was to suggest an additional fundraising activity, which is a yard sale. I thought it would be a good idea to have students and teachers bring in items from home that they no longer want, and once enough items were gathered, we could ask for volunteers from Prom Committee to sell the items. I suggested the idea, and Mrs. Hyer told me that since it was my idea, I can help to organize the event. When I heard this at first, I decided to put on an enthusiastic face for everyone and begin immediately asking questions for clarification ("Who will I go to, to confirm that this can take place?" "When? Where?"), even though on the inside I was really thinking this; 'Oh god. I may be an outspoken person and I may talk more than my share, but I can't persuade people to do anything, I don't have the ability to convince people to do things. How will I persuade people to bring in enough items? How can I make my idea sound like a good one to the rest of the school so that they will get involved?' In the past I was always hesitant to do things I wanted to do, because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to make my ideas sound good to others, and that I didn't have a powerful enough voice to make a difference. This held me back from joining student government these past few years, but I need to become a leader. I need to be able to take on a leadership role and present my ideas to others in a way that works, and accomplish something. I saw this as my first step toward achieving learning objective 2, undertaking new challenges. Stepping into a leadership role, organizing an event, and presenting my ideas to many people and spreading the word is a challenge for me, even though it may not seem like it to other people. Part of it is because I am afraid that people don't like me, and therefore will shoot down my ideas and I won't get the support I need in order to get something done. However this time I really do think I have a good idea, and that it will benefit Prom Committee and raise some money, so I am taking this as an opportunity to spread the word to others, and carry out my idea and make the end result worth the effort.
I saw this week as me taking my first big jump into becoming an active member of Prom Committee, and by doing so, I am hoping to step away from being a quiet voice, and hoping to become a leader, a contributor, and someone who is able to put my ideas to action, and to help others do the same with their ideas as well.
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