WORK LOGS

January 14, 2016

We are finally starting our senior project! Mrs. Hackett had us sit down
in the computer lab today and begin our Letter of Intent. Needless to
say, I am stressed out and at a standstill. Luckily, my sister, Paulyn, is
home from college and currently helping me brainstorm ideas. I want to
do a project on something about social media, communications/ PR, or
talent management.

January 25, 2016

I watched the Bat Kid movie on the plane ride home and I am inspired. I
talked to Mrs. Reed today about my senior project and got some insight.
I decided that I want to do a project where I can actually help people
and make a difference. I feel like this project would not serve its
purpose if it didnt. My current research question is: How does
childhood disease affect a persons future income, education, and career
path?

February 1, 2016

During the Disneyland Leadership trip, I asked Mrs. Starr if she could
read my Letter of Intent and she was really excited about it. Today, I got
my letter back from her and it was not approved because of the wording.
Now, Im sad. :(( It should not be too hard to fix it though so I am
grateful.

February 2, 2016

GUESS WHOSE LETTER GOT APPROVED???! This girls!!! I

changed my question to: How does childhood disease affect a persons
future education, career path, and income? Because it is more
chronological than my aforementioned question. I have decided to have
a benefit concert in Northgates Little Theatre and have all the proceeds
go to the Make-A-Wish foundation.

February 15, 2016

A lot of people want to be in my benefit show and that makes me happy.

My dad cut up an old prom asking poster this kid from De La Salle gave
me so we could use it for my commitment poster and I cant stop
laughing. But I also feel really nervous because I oddly feel behind on
my whole paper. I found some research but I dont think its adequate.
Not that many articles are popping up online and now, Im feeling like I
made my topic too vague. Uh oh.

February 25, 2016

I finally got my mentor letter signed by Dr. Cristina Chua-Lim, my

pediatrician and godmother. She has had a lot of experience with
patients with childhood onset diseases so I know that she can help me
out a lot!

March 2, 2016

I feel like I am behind on my paper still. :) On the bright side, I booked

the Little Theatre for April 15, 2016 for my benefit concert. Ms. Lyndee,
Howerton, and I are putting in the permits this week!

March 4, 2016

So I found out choir is going to Disneyland on April 15th so the show is

a no-go on that day. Luckily, April 22 is available. I ran into Mr.

Hagerstrand in the library today and confirmed that I can use the theater
on that day! Woohooo!
March 8, 2016

Today, I had my first interview with Mrs. Mary Tsuboi, the Northgate
High School psychologist. She is such a kind-hearted, down-to-earth
lady. She kept saying the word kiddo in her interview and it made me
happy. She told me that kids with physical disabilities are often more
accepted than kids with mental disabilities and that as a society, America
has a long way to go to become more knowledgeable and accepting of
those people. Ive been thinking about that all day.

March 10, 2016

I was writing my introduction today and I started tearing up. My topic is

genuinely just so sad. My heart really goes out to all those with a
childhood onset disease. I feel incredibly grateful. Also, the proceeds of
my fundraiser are now going to a little girl named Maya who was
recently diagnosed with leukemia. After school, I went to the public
library and found some books on my topic. The librarian sat down with
me and helped me find articles and ways to properly word my topic so I
could find more information.

March 16, 2016

Thomas Lautenberger, another NG student, and I are teaming up for our

benefit show. He has everything figured out and is super on top of
everything. I am thoroughly impressed and I cannot wait to work with
him. I am also kind of concerned because he is almost TOO on top of
things and I want to contribute as much as possible.

March 20, 2016

Guess I wasnt so off task after all I finished my senior project at 3:30
pm today and now, Im sitting back and relaxing, ready to turn it in
tomorrow. Once I typed in the right keywords, I was able to find so
much more information pertaining to my topic and the words just started
flowing. Ive been able to balance having fun and doing my senior
project and Im proud of myself for that :)

March 23, 2016

Thomas and I are planning out our benefit concert right now and Im so
happy. We have the venue, crew, jobs, and performers set. We have
thirteen acts right now! I really hope that Mayah likes the show.

April 4, 2016

I have kind of reached a slump in the senior project. I havent really

done anything for it in a while but I know that I should be at least
planning for something. I know Im on track and everything will be
completed on time but I almost forgot that our project is nowhere near
being fully completed yet. AHHHHHHHH. Maybe I should start my
powerpoint presentation??

April 15, 2016

I made a flyer for the benefit show today and went to the office to make
a bunch of copies. A few Leadership students and I walked around

campus and stuck them up on the walls. Also, we made a few big
posters to hang from the railings. This show is slowly becoming a
reality and Im getting somewhat apprehensive. Mayahs sister reached
out to me today saying that her sister wants to be in the show! Fingers
crossed that it all works out.
April 16, 2016

Today, I went shopping for a dress for the benefit concert. Thomas and I
have been planning a lot for the show and are finalizing last minute
details. I have been trying to promote the show as much as possible on
social media and in person so that it can be a hit.

April 18, 2016

We got our papers back from Mrs. Reed today and I got a solid B on it
which I am definitely not complaining it. She only had a few remarks
about my spelling and grammar. She also said I should say more about
my sister and her condition and make it more relevant to the paper. I
really hope that I will be able to bring it up to an A. I think that once I
complete my mentored project I will be able to add more insight and
depth to my reflection.

April 19, 2016

I dropped my mentor critique form off at Dr. Chua-Lims office. I am

really curious as of what she thinks about my paper because she has
spent a lot of time around patients with chronic diseases. I really value
her input and I know that she will help me make my points more
explicit and strong.

April 20, 2016

I continued to put up and make posters for Mayahs Night today.

Additionally, we had our first and only dress rehearsal. Due to
scheduling conflicts with sports and Mr. Hagerstrand, a lot of people
could not make it, but the people that did show up absolutely killed it.
Northgate has so many incredibly talented people. I am getting more
and more excited for the show but also more nervous as the day
approaches. I really just want Mayah to enjoy the show and have an
amazing time. She is currently my main concern. Im actually a little
upset that more people couldnt show up for rehearsal today because
this isnt just any talent show. Its for such an amazing little girl and it
should be taken more seriously.

April 21, 2016

I received some input on my senior project essay from my mentor today.

She told me to mention the fact that a familys support is absolutely
crucial to a patient's recovery. Also, she noted that many children with
behavioral and mental issues receive lower levels of care, especially in
Walnut Creek as there are not that many youth psychiatrists in our area.
Aside from those points, she said my paper was factually accurate and
well written. I have to fix some spelling and grammatical errors than she
and Mrs. Reed pointed out, but other than that, I am good. :)

April 22, 2016

Today was the day of Mayahs Night, the benefit show Thomas and I

had planned. Nerves were running high the whole night. I ran to the
Dollar Store after school to buy gifts for Mayah and decorations for the
Little Theatre. I also had to go to Walgreens to break $75 down into
smaller bills for the cashbox. I was stressing big time. I met the Pisciotto
family before the show and they were so incredibly grateful. The
performers were incredible and aside from a few technical difficulties,
the show went smoothly. At the end of the show, Mayah and her family
joined us onstage for Mayahs performance of Let It Go and to say a few
words. We had raised around $900 for the Pisciotto family (half in ticket
sales, half in donations). I will never forget this day.
April 25, 2016

Today, we turned in our senior project papers. I am so relieved that I had

followed the deadline sheet that Mrs. Reed gave us and stayed on task
rather than waiting last minute to do it like a lot of my fellow students.
Otherwise, I would have been up all night doing my paper. Having
experienced Mayahs Night, I was able to speak more passionately on
the topic and add to my reflection. Overall, despite senior project being
stressful and hectic, it has honestly been one of the most rewarding
experiences.

May 2, 2016

Mrs. Reed gave us back our senior papers today. I was so nervous at
first because I saw that I got a 29 and 34 1/2 , but together, those scores
bring me to an A. Bless Mr. Wood and Mr. Gundelfinger for being super
generous. They both really liked my paper and that makes me so happy.
Im so glad that I dont have to rewrite it. WOOHOOOOO!