20-Time Final Reflection

Arlo Turpin

7^th hour

1)      I intended to prove the power of words and art. On a more personal level, I wanted to create spoken-word poetry, and a piece of art work to go along with it. In the end, I accomplished the poetic aspect, which went above and beyond my expectations. I got to present for an audience, which allowed me to reach my original goal. I tried and failed with the art, and so I learned that I had better stick to words. Haha.

2)      This experience had a huge impact on me. I was able to prove to myself that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. I learned that I am brave enough to speak my mind and share my ideas. Considering my goal of powerful words, I hope my presentation had an impact on others—I have been told that it did. I will use what I have learned to continue writing powerful poetry, speaking it, and hopefully changing the community positively through my words.

3)      My main roadblock was myself. I know that’s cliché, but completely true. As I began my project, I didn’t have the courage. Whenever I would sit down to write, I would tell myself that no one was going to be interested in anything I had to say. Nothing I created was good enough. I scrapped so many ideas, so many canvasses (literal and figurative). I stood in the way of my own success. This is the reason I did not present artwork. I wasn’t happy with anything I made. At the beginning, I knew that my self-confidence would be a problem. But it was far worse than I had expected.

4)      Once I recognized this roadblock, I took steps to overcome it. I pitched my ideas to people I trusted, and forced myself to accept and believe their praise. This changed the course of my project. From there, I composed my poem. And I was proud of it. I had rejuvenated motivation, to present something incredible, to teach a lesson.

5)      The thing about this kind of learning that works best for me is the freedom

6)      The thing about this kind of learning that is a challenge for me is the lack of guidelines.

7)      My project falls somewhere in between a success and a failure, but definitely closer to success. As far as failure goes, I didn’t accomplish my entire goal. I could not overcome my roadblock enough to be able to pick up a pencil and oil pastels. Well, I did on many occasions. I worried and wasted ideas, to the point that I gave up. On the other hand, my achievement of spoken-word poetry was a huge success. I reached past my goal, got up on stage, and I performed. That was a huge deal for me, and even more incredible? People listened.

8)      I probably spent around half an hour a day working on this, and near the fair, I spent three or four hours each day.

9)      Through the 20-Time process, the greatest learner profile quality I exhibited was being reflective. When I got jammed, or I wasn’t working hard enough, I was able to look back and see where I messed up. I stepped outside of myself to recognize my roadblock. Being reflective is to be open minded, and understanding. I was also caring, as I put so much passion in to my creation, and I gave interest and support to my friends in their journeys.

10)   Written communication was a huge English class theme that I encountered. The obvious, my poem. I struggled with it a lot in blogging, finding a way to express myself and my progress in a literal way, as opposed to creative. During the Project Fair, oral communication played a major role. I had a lot of difficulty with this, stammering and stuttering when I talked to people who came to my table. But it taught me a lot, and I improved as the evening went on.

11)   To teachers in the future, be passionate (like Mrs. H). Show your students that this project doesn’t have to be a “burden” or “just more homework”. Emphasize the aspect that is learning and growing as a person, not necessarily about reaching your goal, but about overcoming the obstacles on your way there. Be open minded and flexible.

12)   To students in the future, this is your chance. No assigned topic, no busy work, not another project. Spread your wings and fly with this opportunity to create, learn, and grow. Show everyone what potential you have. This is your chance to pursue that idea that has been lingering in the back of your head. This is your chance to have an escape from the restrictions of education, text books, and lectures. Don’t waste it, follow your dreams, and find the courage in yourself to take risks.

13)   I will most definitely continue to create spoken-word poetry, and I might take another stab at my artistic abilities! Haha. I have seen now the impact I can have, and I will continue to grow as a writer and as a person.