Observation Assessment #20

 

Type of Observation: Final Product

Date: March 8, 2019

 

Assessment: 

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              Final product is merely a spring semester version of what is required of an original work, however, it seems to me that most everybody really pushes as ambitiously as possible in their final product. In the competitive spirit that I am, I really wanted to improve my original work and create something so much better. The Frisco ISD’s Independent Study and Mentorship Programs final product really is the culmination of one's research, extension of original work, a prototype, model, event, etc. So many different options are available for the student to utilize higher level thinking in order to develop that unique product. This year in ISM, I have chosen to plan and execute an event as my final product, and through this experience thus far I have learned so much more than I had ever anticipated.

            Initially, when creating my proposal and calendar, I thought of surface level concerns, ideas, and timing. It wasn’t until I had to put ISM in the middle of my other school work and extracurriculars as well as the professionals schedule and time to give. I learned how to make a budget, get sponsorships which also taught me how to ask for financial support, as well as contacting and networking with so many vendors and professionals in order to increase my outreach as well as opportunities for the events success. Networking has really been the largest part of this event, from getting contacts from my mentor, to going to meetings, and scheduling tours. I have met so many professionals I never could of imagined meeting. Their support through this process has been so encouraging. Furthermore, I found aa gallery and developed a legal contract and negotiations with them which was something I impromptuly learned. That deal got a $4,000.00 rental space for only $200.00. I have designed layouts and ordered in bulk to cater to this event.

            So what is this event? The benefit I am planning is in an art gallery that displays the artwork from patients in eating disorder treatment, and their struggle and journey through the entire process. Through this event they can buy paintings from the wall as well as place general donations, and all the proceed will go directly back to the cause. The goal of this event is to raise as much money as possible to help raise awareness and encouragement throughout the community of those that suffer from eating disorders. It is important to bring attention to the horror of eating disorders because it is such a hidden concept, yet is the number one killer out of all the psychiatric disorders which is tragically huge.

           All in all, the hardest part of the project is getting clinics on board to support, sponsor, or even participate at all despite their love of my goal. With that being said, the National Eating Disorder Awareness Week and Nutrition Month was in the month of February, so it was hard to even get responses in the beginning of work which has set me back on the deadlines I have set for myself. This has really taught me about time management and working with others, but moreover, it has taught me how to communicate online effectively and efficiently with professionals, corporations, and strangers. In conclusion, the final product deadline is following my tail shortly and there is still so much to be done, and I am merely trying to slow down and soak in all of the discernment and knowledge possible from this experience.