1. What three lessons were most helpful for you to see, and why?
- Domestic Abuse/PTSD - Hannah Leonard
During Hannah's presentation, it was obvious she was extremely comfortable and passionate about her topic. What was really helpful for me about this lesson was that there are many types of domestic abuses that we might not be aware of. For example, her activity consisted of this scenario where we were dating someone who was extremely attached and didn't let us hang out with anybody else. The point of the activity was to see how long we would leave ourselves in such a toxic relationship. She explained how having toxic partners can really affect and change someone's social life. A lot of people close themselves out from others just for their partner, which is extremely unhealthy. This was only one example out of many she presented to us of domestic abuse. It was a lot more than just physical abuse. - Criminal Law - Givanti Chatapal
Givanti's presentation was a perfect example of a smooth, casual presentation that went extremely well in my opinion. When I think of my senior presentation, I would want it to run as smoothly and great as Givanti's. This lesson was really helpful because not only was the topic itself very interesting, but now I have this goal in mind and an idea of what a great presentation really is. Her activity was also very engaging and you could tell it wasn't a result of a last minute thing. From how her presentation went, I can really tell she worked really hard to prepare for her presentation. - Event Planning - Jessica Nesci
For me, Jessica's lesson was very helpful for me because it gave me an example of a much more social/interesting topic that could have a great outcome as a senior project. At first I was skeptical to whether something as interesting as Event Planning would really work out, but after watching her presentation, it showed me that as long as we try and are passionate about our topic, anything is possible. Event planning isn't a topic with straight-on facts and information we can look up; there goes a lot more thinking and personal thought into it which I really enjoy. It was relieving to see that people can have a lot of fun with their topics even if it's something outrageous.
2. List one that you learned about the senior project in interviews that will help you get off to a good start?
- One thing that I learned from my interviews with the seniors about the senior project is that we should always have more than one mentor in mind, or at least have a backup. From what I learned, mentors can be extremely unreliable sometimes, so it's important to have a backup we can turn to if we end up without a mentor at any point. It makes things easier to be prepared and not have to spend so much time looking for a new mentor.
3. What topic(s) are you considering, and why?
- Veterinary Medicine/Physician
I've always been very fond of animals my entire life, although, it wasn't until I got a cat of my own that I realized I would be interested in pursuing a career as a veterinarian. One challenge I think I would face using a topic like this is finding a mentor willing to dedicate their personal time to teach me and guide me through this journey. It might be easy to volunteer at places, but actually building a connection with a veterinarian might end up being a little difficult. - Event Planning
On career day, we had an event planner as a career choice to learn about. I went to the guy's presentation and really enjoyed it. I could honestly see myself being a great event planner. It would allow me to open up my mind and be creative with my job. I enjoy being given the chance to use my creativity. This was partially the reason I attended Jessica Nesci's presentation. Seeing her presentation convinced me that a senior project on a topic as creative as Event Planning really is possible.
4. What EQ do you think might be interesting to consider in guiding a project like this? (Please don't worry about any sort of formula...we want this question to come from your genuine interest).
- Event Planning
What is the best way to make an event successful?What element is most important in making sure an event doesn't fail?
5. What are some ideas you have about finding summer mentorship?
- I plan on visiting and emailing different pet shelters/pet hospitals around my area as soon as possible to try and see how it would all work out if I chose Veterinary Medicine/Physician. Like I said before, it worries me I won't find a dedicated mentor in this field but I'm ready to start looking around.
- Although this may be the easiest way out, I plan on trying to contact Jessica Nesci's current mentor to see if she'd be willing to mentor again this year. Also, although it is a long shot, I'm going to try and email the guy from Career Day, it's worth a shot. It all really depends on what topic I decide to stick with.
