Photography

This semester in photography we came up with a system to post our photos on the Facebook group so we can critique each others style and spending out activity block in school as a workshop. This time is a chance to learn more about the camera's settings and options. We spend time actively experimenting with the camera, trying to gain a greater range of expression in our shots. As this club draws to an end, I'm glad I participated in it. I got a chance to express myself in my photos and learn more about how to manipulate the camera so as to not rely too heavily on post-processing. I will continue to be involved in photography next year. I was kind of sad that we weren't able to go on a photography trip this past year because it would really have been a great experience to actively shoot and get hands-on experience. Hopefully next year will be more productive, but this past year has been quite a good experience.

Book Club

This semester I'm more committed to Book Club with Ms. Zents. We organize a meeting once every 3-4 weeks. We reach a group consensus on which book to read and discuss and over our Facebook group we decide on the group coordinator and who will provide snacks and edible goodies. We have read 4 books so far: The Book Thief, On the Road, Dry, and Naked. When reviewing books and sharing our opinions, we have guiding questions asked by the designated facilitator, but conversation usually flows pretty smoothly when we connect with a book and its plot. This group helps me socialized and be comfortable with sharing my opinions. Normally, I'm quite withdrawn and prefer listening rather than talking, but book club helps me overcome that hurdle easily because I'm an avid reader. I hope to continue to be involved in this club next year.

Greenhouse Project

I joined Greenhouse Project this semester to get involved in an in-school service activity. I enjoy gardening and I want to be able to take part in a major school project and say I had a part in it. I wasn't that involved through the first part of the semester because of external issues. Halfway through the semester though, I've begun to spend my Thursdays afterschool at the greenhouse selling home-grown vegetables such as tomatoes and chili. Yesterday I helped dig and prepare dirt mounts where we hope to grow herbs before the end of the year. We layered fertile soil, manure, and compost. This activity helps me interact with people to achieve a common goal. I hope to continue this activity next year.

Hockey

I signed up for hockey tryouts and meets. Though I didn't make the team, I attended several meets to support my friends and improve my skills. I've never played field hockey before, but it sounded like a fun sport to be part of. I hoped to be able to gain some athletic skills as well as become a team-player. I enjoy independent activities and don't do so well in a team environment so playing sports forces me to confront my difficulties and learn from them. This activity taught me that even though I didn't make the team, I still had fun and enjoyed my time supporting my girls hockey team. I'm usually unable to participate in sports because of the commitment involved. My health also limits me, but I hope to be able to participate in more afterschool sports next year.

Zumba

I joined zumba with a friend to just try it out for a few weeks. Zumba combines aerobics and dance, so it's a real workout. It's quite difficult to follow the instructor's movements at first, but once you get into the rhythm it becomes a whole lot easier. Through this activity, I learn how to react quickly in order to follow the instructor, and I gained a lot of self-confidence dancing in front of people. I hope to gain even more confidence and be able to step out of my comfort zone. My friends help me a lot and keep me motivated to attend most meetings. I love this activity because I'm not much of an athlete so it allows me to be able to exercise as well as improve my dancing. In an abstract way, zumba is like life. There are some times when you have to react quickly to join the flow and enjoy it. I learned that I can enjoy activities that I was apprehensive about joining at first. I'm now a bit more open-minded towards clubs and activities.