It's All Over!

Well Friday was my presentation, the presentation, not a practice, but the real thing. I wasn't nearly as nervous as I thought I was going to be, and I pretty much had everything except for the sources memorized, but I still held on to my note cards. I think it went pretty well, I was excited at the end, but I guess the doubts are now settling in. I'm just going to have to wait for my grade, but at least I don't think I failed!

I'm Done! I did it!

Two Weeks Away

The countdown has begun and I'm starting to feel the pressure. Surprisingly my documentary isn't my biggest cause of stress. Actually I am only showing like the first 7 minutes of it, but I almost have the whole thing completed, except for final edits and music, which are minute compared to the whole project. And I need to add in the Epsy Campbell interview which I haven't written the script or uploaded the film for, so I just may skip that. The film is already like twenty minutes, and there's not that much to say about the interview anyways, and it will be boring just watching her talk. I don't know, it's important to the program though.

Anyways....I have my website pretty much complete. If I have time I am going to add another page before the presentation, and if not definitely after the presentation. Hopefully. And my literature has yet to receive a teacher edit, which I am confused if I need to ask for or what, but currently all of my attention is going to my presentation.

I currently have like all of my slides done, and hopefully will receive all of the necessary pictures, and then I just need to write out my note cards. I am extremely worried about not being able to memorize everything I want to say.

I am looking forward to the practice presentation because I kind of feel like I'm swimming in the ocean and I don't really know if I am on track or not. Hopefully I'll be able to make edits and have all set to go.

Wish me Luck!

A quick update

It has been a while since my last update, but I have been so busy working that I just haven't had the time to keep you informed.

So currently I am editing the film of my documentary, I know it's pretty exciting. I created the script, edited it like five times, and presented it. I then recorded the voice over, and now I am putting all of the pieces together into hopefully a successful project.

I have also completed a part of my action plan, the website. I now just need to add a few more pages specifically about my graduation project, and I'll be done with both websites.

I have also completed my Literature Review, besides the teacher edit, which I am unsure if we are doing, but as of right now, I am considering it done until further informed.
I'm still a little stressed because we only have three weeks, but at least I'm checking things off my list.

What I want finished by the end of this week:

• Graduation Project Website (A Page a Day?)
• Half of the Documentary Pieced together

Then next week I am going to finish the other half of my documentary, and work on my presentation. The final week will be editing my documentary for the final time, for a finished project, completing my presentation, and tying any other loose ends.

It's the last push, wish me luck!

Capturing the Footage

Lately I have been capturing the 15 hours or so of footage I shot while in Costa Rica. I am hoping to be able to receive all of the footage by the time I leave school today so I can begin working on my documentary over the weekend. I'm still a little overwhelmed with my documentary, but I'm just going to work on it and see where it goes. I just have to start working.

On a brighter not, my Literature Review is over halfway done. However, I am worried that as I continue to write I am getting less and less interested, so my paper is also getting less and less interested, but I'm just going to try to get it done, and then edit it later and make it more interesting because I have three edits to go.

So this weekends goals are to finish literature review (I know it's been my goal for a while), start on documentary (finally!) and finish homepage of website (I know, also a repetitive goal).

At least it's a five day weekend!

Chipping Away

Yesterday I worked the full two hours on my Literature Review and got another three paragraphs completed. I have pages upon pages of notes but I still find myself looking up research as I write my literature. Nothing major, but little things that will make the review flow better.

I have my outline and my requirements re-writes done for today, I'm still not sure if my re-write is what it's supposed to be but I guess it's too late to change it now. This weekend I plan on writing the entire footage script of my documentary, and hopefully, hopefully, have a complete first draft of my literature review for Monday. Also, I would like to complete the home page of my website for my action plan. I have yet to start the website required for class, but I still feel as if I have a lot of time to work on it.

I just got done capturing some footage, which is good because I felt like it would never happen. Hopefully next week I'll be working on my film!

It keeps piling up

I feel like everyday I am taking 10 steps forward but 9 steps back. This weekend I thought I had finished watching all of the Costa Rica tapes, but yesterday I found three more. So I watched two last night, and I am planning on finishing (Actually finishing) them tonight.

I stayed for Digital Media yesterday and I tried to start an actual laid out outline of my commercial, but then I realized I have no idea where to start. I don't know if I want it to be music mostly or if you should hear the sound on the footage. I think I'm going to have an overall music playing and have it be lowered for certain pieces to hear them speak. And instead of having a narrator, have like text on the screen, but I don't know. Then I need to decide if I want like heart warming music, or if I want like traditional Costa Rican music, or I just don't know.

This is way more difficult then I ever imagined. The bright side is that I think this is the most difficult part because once I have a plan, all I have to do is complete it.

I finished both of my requirement Re-Writes yesterday, I'm not sure if their what was asked but oh well. I finished and organized my outline completely, and I am hoping to have a rough draft of the entire Literature Review Completed by Monday. I also am planning on having my home page complete, and the outline of my Commercial Complete. Even if I'm not sure what I'm doing I need to start capturing the footage. I would love to start working on the documentary during the G20 summit to give me a lot of time.

And I have to apply for colleges. I don't even know what I'm doing but I guess I'm going to do it.

Bye!

Just Two Days...

I only had Two days of classwork to work on my graduation project this week, but I still feel as if I have accomplished a lot. Yesterday I conducted an interview with Mr. Oliver after school which will finish off my notes. He also suggested that once I have a more concrete idea of what I want my documentary/commercial to be I should maybe present it to those teachers who are involved in the Costa Rica program.
I think this is a good idea and will add a more professional and business like aspect to my project. After my interview with Mr. Duty Friday I feel better about completing my documentary, or at least a commercial.
Also yesterday was the first day in Digital Media that we worked with film, and I think I picked up on it pretty well, but better yet I enjoyed working with Adobe Premiere Pro. I think I should just make a list of what I have completed, and what still needs to be completed or at least I would like to have completed by next Monday.

Completed in Past Week

1. Interviewed Mr. Oliver, Mr. Duty, Ms. Arenth
2. Finished Notes Template and Outline
3. Began Watching Footage from Costa Rica and Outlining what was on each tape
4. A More Focused Idea for Commercial
5. Organized Outline in Categories for the Paragraphs when I write my Literature Review
6. Began Writing Literature Review
7. Got Flashdrive to take home Footage
8. Watched Documentary for Better Concept on What Mine Will Look Like

Goals for Weekend

1. Finish Watching all Footage from Costa Rica and Outline each Tape
2. Work more on Literature Review
3. At least get Home Page on Website Completely Done including Writing
4. Get Album for Presentation

On a different note I am retesting for my ACT's this Saturday and I have yet to study. Wish me Luck!

9 Hours Later

Hello Again,

It's the end of the first week and I've hit a couple bumps in the road. I'm still a little worried about my documentary but I know I don't have the time to worry and I just need to get it done. I am feeling better about the Literature Review, I think I can get that done, however I am unsure of the due date.

This week I scheduled three interviews and am going to complete two of them this afternoon. I also researched various documentaries and I am going to watch more this weekend and take notes on what I like and dislike about each one to hopefully give me a better idea of what kind of documentary I want to have. I am also going to outline my documentary so next week when digital media club starts I can hopefully jump right in, or at least jump right in by selecting the footage. I am going to finish my notes once I get the audio from my last interview.

There's a lot to do and a little amount of time, but I'll just take it day by day. Lets just hope this documentary will turn out well!

A Much Needed Update

Hello Again,

It has been a very long time since I have posted on this blog, and there's a lot to catch up on. I guess to begin with, I went to Costa Rica! It was a life changing experience, and I wish I could go on this years trip as well. I filmed a lot while I was there, like 25 hours of footage which is a lot apparently, but I felt as if having too much is better then not having enough. When we came back to school I was eager to give Mr. Duty the tapes, however not eager to find out I was not scheduled in his class.

Thankfully I do have digital media one this trimester, but this does worry me since I also have graduation project at the same time, but I hope it all works out. I am pretty much caught up on all of the work that needed to be done last trimester so next week I will be starting my literature review. I'm a little confused about what the review is, but I'm hoping once I get started it will just flow.

Meanwhile I only have really the layout for the website, but I like it. I don't want to start the writing on the website until I have my interview with Mr. Oliver, so I'm putting that on hold. This weekend I'm planning on writing out what I want my documentary to look like. Ms. Arenth suggested doing that and trying to think of like what footage at what parts and I think that this is a really good idea.

I am also going to watch at least two documentaries and take notes on what I like and don't like to hopefully clear the foggy image of what I want my documentary to look like. I am also going to print out pictures from Costa Rica and hopefully get a photo album because I'm planning on being able to show the panel the photographs.

I already mentioned my interview with Mr. Oliver, but to elaborate on this, it is next Tuesday and I am hoping to gain information about how the trip began and the process leading up to it.

My plan for the Digital Media Club is on Tuesdays I will go over the work I have done thus far with Mr. Duty and hopefully get his input, and on Wednesdays I will plan for what work needs to get done before the next Tuesday.

I'm a little stressed out and feel like I have too much with such little time. But I'm not letting it get to me. Mr. Duty has really been a big help, and I'm glad he is going to help me learn Adobe Premiere Pro. I just hope if I keep working at it everything will be okay.

Wish Me Luck!

Interviews, Proposals, and Notes

Hello Everyone,
I posted earlier today so this one is going to be short and sweet.
I feel better than I did earlier today, but I am worried that two cameras will not be enough. I guess because I really do not know what I am doing, I just want to be extra prepared so I wont miss anything. I think I want to sit down with Mr. Oliver and Ms. Wilds soon to talk again, just to make sure I'm on the right track.
My goal this week is to present my topic to the class, as well as finish my pre-write.
I don't really know what's going on with the Amy interview, I wrote DeAnna last week, but she hasn't written back, so I'm going to ask her later if I don't forget. I'm also worried about getting everything I need to know from Matt. I should probably e-mail telling him everything, but I guess I'm just nervous, and don't really know what to say.
I also need to create a journal recording each step, but with my other school work this just seems like too much. I definitely need one by the trip, but I think I'll be okay as far as the process leading up to it because it is all on Edline.
I guess I'm just getting a little stressed, but hopefully I'll have it all figured out soon.

There's so much to do!

Hello Everyone,

It's been forever since I've written, and I'm really starting to feel the pressure. I've conducted the interview with Mr. Duty last Tuesday, and found out about the Digital Media class. Now I need to finish all of my note taking templates and finish my pre-writing. I don't know how I am going to get this all done in like the two weeks that I have before the trip. And I still have to announce this to my Latin American Class.
Well I wish I had more time to make an update, but it's back to work.

Still Working

Hello Everyone,



I realize it has been a while since my last post, so I'm just going to give you a brief update. I have finished my webliography, and I have a good idea of what I need to get done. Hopefully on Thursday I am going to meet with Mr. Duty to give me the information that I need technology wise.
I have been taking notes to answer my foundation questions, which is a lot harder than I expected it would be, I know their due this Friday but I'm worried I will not complete everything in time. I have written down my questions for different interviews as well. I am going to interview Ms. Wilds, Mr. Duty, Matt from CASE, and Amy, a Pitt student who studied abroad in Costa Rica. DeAnna informed me of Amy and I'm really glad she did because it would be someone from the outside looking in, and her experience. A lot of my notes have to be answered in the interview, but I don't really know how I'm doing my interviews yet, so I'm just going to have to put them on hold.

Update!

Hello Everyone,

It's been a while since I have blogged so now I figure I need to update to where I have been.

I finally got to talk to both Mr. Oliver and Ms. Wilds about the project and got a better grasp on what I'm doing. Mr. Oliver suggested that I had other students do the filming, and I be more of a director, so I'm going to soon announce my project to the rest of the class. I still want to do at least a little filming anyways though. Besides the film, I'm going to create a website that informs students, parents, and sponsors about the trip. Then, hopefully if I have enough time, I'm going to try to improve the curriculum for future years.

Now that I finally feel better about that, I keep getting overwhelmed with work in this class that i feel isn't useful to my topic. I would rather just jump in and see what I need than do all of this background information on things that can't really be researched. I'm just becoming frustrated because everything requires the internet too, and I don't have that at home, and I run out of time in class. Hopefully everything works out.

Did You Knows

Hello Everyone,

After some research, I found some interesting facts about Costa Rica. I'm hoping to add more Did You Knows later about the documentary portion later, but for now here you go:

• Costa Rica does not have any form of military, and is the only country without one (Viva Costa Rica)


• 220 Reptilian Species(Viva Costa Rica)


• Capital of Costa Rica is San Jose (Viva Costa Rica)


• 9000 Plant Species (Viva Costa Rica)


• 34,000 Insect Species (Viva Costa Rica)
  
• Costa Rica's Geography is very unique, it contains Mountains, Rain Forests, Coast Lines, and Volcanoes (Latin American Studies, City High. January 30, 2009. Arenth, Christina)
  
• Local Costa Ricans are known as ‘Ticos’ (Latin American Studies, City High. January 30, 2009. Arenth, Christina)
  
• Costa Ricans are very proud, and get offended easily, you can be arrested if you offend someone for 10-50 days (Latin American Studies, City High. January 30, 2009. Arenth, Christina)
  
• Costa Rica is the most Visited Nation in Latin America (Wiki)
  
• Banana export earnings were at $531million in 1993 (InfoCostaRica)
  
• Costa Rica's Emergency Number is 911 (General Costa Rica Information)
  

Foundation Questions

Hello Everyone,

I'm going to stop working on my Key Terms to start working on my Foundation Questions.

So, as of now this is my essential question:
How can I promote the City High Costa Rica trip to sponsors and students?

Foundation Questions:

1. What is City High's purpose for the Costa Rica Trip?
2. What is the process leading up to the trip?
3. What activities will we participate in while in Costa Rica?
4. Why do students want to become a part of this experience?
5. What is the Costa Rican life like?
6. What role does Ecotourism play in Costa Rica?
7. What significance do tribal masks have in Costa Rica?
8. What is history about La Carpio?
9. What is Los Campesinos, what is it's history?
10. Who are Epsy Campbell, and Manuel Obregón?
11. What makes a good documentary or short film?
12. What are successful documentaries? And what made them successful?
13. What kind of film do I want to make? What's going to be my angle?
14. What software program should I use to edit my film? Or what is the best software program to edit my film?
15. What materials are available to me? What materials do I still need?
16. How do I make a documentary?

I'm starting to think up of more ideas, so I need to maybe make a story board or something.

Documentary

Hello Everyone,

I think I've decided on creating the film. I just now need to work out the specifics. I don't know if the last time I posted I mentioned I sent out e-mails to everyone involved, and they all seem supportive of this decision. I need to find out what I have to work with, and what the objective of my film is going to be. Although I continue to throw around the word documentary, I'm thinking it's going to be more of a commercial type film. I don't know though, I need to talk to everyone I guess and get it all worked out, because everyday is another day of work wasted.

I got my camera permission slip signed today, so I just need to turn it in. I talked to Mr.Duty and he said that there are meetings Wednesday and Tuesdays after school. I'm going to try to make it to a few Tuesdays, but I have robotics, so I'll have to talk to Mr.Check. Wednesdays I have Duquesne, so that's not going to work out either.

This weekend I'm going to buy a notebook to keep track of everything I'm doing, especially in my Latin American Class, that way I can remember what I did each day. And I'll take it with me on the trip, and won't have to worry about technology, so I can just write everyday, for another approach on how to document it. I also need to work out my plan on what I'm shooting, like write down a little outline or summary or something on the path I plan to take.

I'm feeling like I'm already behind, but at least I finally made the decision to do this topic. Oh, I finished my ten websites essential question, and topic today. But I really can't even remember what my essential questions was, I'm sure I'll change it 10 more times again.

Lights, Camera, Action

Hello Everyone,

I need to get my ideas down, so I'm going to blog before doing work today.
I talked to Ms. Wilds last Friday and she gave me some more suggestions on Costa Rica. She suggested I could make some sort of film on our experience there, and maybe a website as well. Mrs. Savido said Mr.Oliver suggested some how improving the curriculum or finding what we could look more in depth in.
The only problem is that I know nothing about filming or editing, or anything of that sort. However, she said that I could always learn. It sounds really interesting, but I think it's going to be harder to get started because I'm already feeling behind since class has started.
At Westinghouse this weekend I stayed late to talk to the speaker, and he was talking about how you should always just try new things, and be creative, think of new ideas, and it really made me want to pursue the film project.
So, I was thinking about two different views. I could either A, do a commercial like film which would be useful to promote the trip to students, sponsors, and anyone interested in our school in general. Or I could have a more personal approach as like my own experience, or log, and express my own feelings leading up and into the trip. I think this would be a more in depth look, and would probably have more meaning to me, but at the same time has a higher chance of not working out the way I planned.

If I do decide to do the film, I need to think of my essential question.

Frustration

Hello Everyone,

Today I completed my First 10 websites, which wasn't really that difficult.

I talked to my mom again last night about driving me to the animal shelter I had in mind and she said no once again. However, I did find another shelter that is no kill and that I wouldn't mind getting involved in. I found out that the Western Humane Society kills roughly 7,000 animals a year though, which is half the number of animals that come in. I could not volunteer at a place where I knew that was happening, so I really want a no kill shelter.

So anyways, this shelter is only 34 minutes away, which isn't too bad, and I could probably take a bus. But when I was doing my research I'm starting to become overwhelmed. I really don't know if this is what I want to do anymore, but I feel like I have to turn in this assignment Friday, and don't have enough time to complete a new one since I don't have Internet at home.

I just feel like my goals are unreachable, and I really don't know what I want to do.

Topic Deadlines

Hello Everyone,

Well I ran into a problem yesterday. The animal shelter is an hour away, and my mom said that she wouldn't drive me now and again to volunteer. This isn't a dead end though. I'm hoping I could still raise money for this shelter in particular, but maybe volunteer at a different one. I don't know though, I was hoping to focus my involvement on one shelter.

I'm stressing out about what topic to choose now, and becoming frustrated that nothing seems to be working out. Times almost up, so I'll just write tomorrow.

Animal Shelter?

Hello Everyone,

Last Friday shortly after I posted that blog, I started to research how I could help out at the Children's Hospital, and came across a bump in the road. Since I would be working with children I would need to have certain shots, I would need a criminal background check, and clearances. Although this may not be a complete halt, it's enough to make me look elsewhere.

Danielle gave me the idea of working with an animal shelter, and even had one in mind that didn't involve me having to see animals suffer, but just raise money to help them, and even volunteer. Today she brought in more information on the sight and her mom offered to help me out if need be. The only down side is that this particular shelter is roughly an hour away from my home. I really want to do this topic now and hope I can make a difference.

I think I'm going to research the need for shelters in America, and like abandoned animals, and create pamphlets to pass out. I was also going to have like a coin drive in school and at local stores hopefully to donate the money to the shelter. Then I was also planning on volunteering on some Saturdays is possible. I don't know, I still have to think of some more ideas and ask other people, and make contact with the organization. I hope this one works out because I just want to start my project.

Topic Update!

Hello Everyone,

I guess I'm narrowing down my idea more when it comes to my graduation project. But I still have a couple ideas.

My first idea (And the one I'm considering the most) would be to choose a disease that affects a lot of children. I would then start doing research on it to fully understand how it works, how you can catch it, and what the symptoms are, that way I can get a feel for what the patients are going through. After this stage I will either A. Contact the local children's hospital and find out what I can do to help out. B. Buy or try to collect something like maybe teddy bears or some other comfort object to give to the children. Or maybe even a mix of the two. My next step I think would be to create a pamphlet or brochure that I could pass out to help inform people on the disease, and possibly even try to collect donations to find a cure for the cause or to help kids receive treatment. I could also maybe get involved in Ronald McDonald's House? I don't know exactly yet.

My second idea would be to do something with global warming. I think I would first research the topic to fully understand what it is and how it's cause, and then maybe learn the steps I can take to make my part. I think I could again create a pamphlet with maybe tips for other people on easy ways to do their part as well. As far as my action I think I could either organize a group to do like a community clean up in my own neighborhood, or join up with an already pre existing organization to help them. But this idea is still being worked out as well.

Finally, I have four more general areas, but no plans yet. I really like learning about the brain and how it works, but I don't know what I would want to narrow in on, or even what an action could be. And, since I'm going to Costa Rica in a few months this would be a great opportunity to do something new, interesting, and unique. But I don't know, I was thinking maybe some sort of way to help Americans understand other cultures more, or at least with children. My final two ideas would be to do some sort of education because I'm really looking into education as an occupation, but I don't know a topic, and I like the idea of just doing a project on a hobby I already have, but I don't know a topic again.

I'm feeling better about all this since I'm narrowing down more, but I still don't know exactly what I want to choose. I think I'll begin researching each of these topics and then go from there. If anyone has any suggestions or ideas feel free to tell me.
Thank you!

First Assignment

Hello Everyone.

I haven't really heard that much about the Graduation Projects at City High, except that their a big chunk of your grade, and you can't graduate without one. I also haven't talked to any 12th graders about graduation projects. I'm pretty worried about the whole situation though.

I am interested in Animals, and Children. However I don't want to really get involved in like an Animal shelter if I have to see injured animals everyday. I also don't really know what to do with children, but I really like working with younger kids, and I am thinking about becoming a teacher as a career. Since I'm going to Costa Rica later on, I think that's a great opportunity to get involved, but once again I'm uncertain on where to specify.

I am really concerned about getting involved, not really once I start, but I guess getting started. I am also worried I'm going to become really stressed and try to make everything perfect, when I know it can't be done. Another thing I'm worried about is choosing a topic, or half way through getting tired of my topic and unmotivated. I guess I don't like any project that is worth such a part of my grade because I always getting really stressed out.

I think I just need to narrow everything down for my first step and choose a topic, that way I can just work on piece by piece, and soon I'll have a graduation project that I can be proud of.