Reflection: Weeks 8-14

The second half of this semester went by so fast! I feel that the first half of the semester we learned more information and content and the second half was spent applying that information and being hands on.

Advocacy Project
I have never been very political and always thought of politics in terms of the big issues. I had never written to a politician and stopped my advocacy after voting for my representatives. I am glad we spaced this project out to take time to really understand what we were doing, dig into the issue, look up the facts, think about who it affects, and then write the letter. It was a way of summing up what we have learned. I enjoyed the Thomas website because it is a way of finding out what is going on in our country and issues that affect us. My project was on water quality of the Great Lakes which is where our drinking water comes from. I definitely want it to be kept clean!

Photo Essay
I enjoyed this project because it made me open my eyes to things I hadn't been paying attention to. I didn't realize how green UMD is and the steps the university is taking when building new buildings. I also am glad we learned about the ethics involved in taking photographs to save me from any trouble in the future.

Goodwill 
I loved going to Goodwill! I had no idea about how involved they are with bettering the community and offering jobs to people who may not be able to get them otherwise. I am glad they provide them additional training that will benefit them in the future. I was very impressed with the mattress machine and all the recycling they do with cardboard boxes, blankets, and stuffed animals!

Junk Project
This was my favorite part of the class. I liked being able to save something from the garbage and turning it into something I use on a daily basis. The best part is that the mirror I used to make the chalkboard was only $0.99 at Goodwill!




I have learned so much in this course that I am currently and will continue to use in the future!