E-Portfolio
The following is a collection of my work created in the Senior Seminar class during the Spring of 2018.
Senior Speech
My Senior Speech was on taking the right risks. I used to have a lot of anxiety, but understanding which risks to take can be very beneficial in life choices. I have since overcome many of my fears through a better understanding of the right risks to take. My speech used real life examples from my work with local stunt pilot Michael Wiskus.
The process of writing this speech was different from what I was expecting. Deciding on the broad topic was fairly easy for me. I wanted something that was important to me, but also could be applied to anyone in any situation. Narrowing my idea down to a five minute presentation was slightly more difficult. My speech provided a systematic approach to the difficult process of decision making. I also incorporated visuals in the form of video to accompany the speech. The short clips gave the speech a real and grounded point of reference for my examples. For any metaphor or comparison to happen, the audience first has to understand the starting point which is what the video did. I used the Keynote software for the presentation. PowerPoint does not work with video very well so I was happy to learn Keynote can do exactly what I was looking for. I had the five clips on individual pages with fade in/out to black so the transitions were seamless. I was not as nervous as I was expecting to be. This probably was because I was the second to last day of speeches and it felt like just one last thing to finish before I graduate. I felt respected while up on stage and I think the audience received the message well. If I got the chance, I would like to speak in front of a large audience again. I’m sure I will in the field I’m going into. This is one of the most critical skills to learn that often feels unnatural. I used to get super nervous just thinking about going up on stage, but now, I become excited to share my thoughts and opinions.
Senior Program
During my Senior Program, I will learn new filmmaking skills through real world production at West Metro Aviation. I will also start working on my private pilot's license which I hope to complete later this summer. Preparing my proposal and defense was easy for me. This is an activity I have a great deal experience with and enjoy. Giving the presentation was smooth and went well. I spoke with Mike about getting my pilot’s license. He is very excited for me. Mike often times has other people fly his show plane to and from events so he can rest and be at home with his family. Once I get my licence, I could help him out with this. Mike has many connections with pilots who can be my instructor for this process, although he has taught me a great deal himself. He also offered to provide me with his Cessna 150 for my flight training. He said I could use this aircraft whenever I wanted. Before working with Mike, I never saw the real value of connections and these relationships formed. Being an extroverted and social person has always been difficult for me, but if I don’t branch out and connect with new people, I would not have made these amazing connections and experiences. If you were to tell freshman Steven by the time he was a senior, he would have this amazing connection, numerous job opportunities and highly respected by his peers, he would think you were crazy. It’s not too often students get their dream job right out of high school much less in high school. While I hope to move on to even bigger and better things, the work I do with Mike right now I would classify as a dream job. It combines all of my favorite activities all in one. I can’t wait to start my senior program and continue my work with Mike.
Interpersonal Communication Assignment
Our Interpersonal Communication video was a tour of the Upper School. This also included the different social structures and common etiquette. The video covers the lounges, hallways, lunchroom, classrooms, and library. The situational responses activity included questions such as: How do you feel about the social expectations of each place? Is there anything they would change? Why?
Small Group Communication Assignment
Our Small Group Communication video focused on different types of group dynamics. In each of the four sort scenes, we used various types of communication and a debrief after each one of what worked and what did not. The scenes included: one person too quiet, one trying to control the conversation, nobody did the assignment, and everybody contributing equally.
Cultural Competence Essay
My Cultural Competence essay focused on my experiences abroad. During the Cuba global immersion trip, we 14 students were often the only Americans, much less, the only ones who spoke English. I had never experienced something like this before and it made me think about how we act with each other and people who differ culturally from us. In the US, we have a lot of diversity, but, for the most part, we think similarly and have the same opinion on most topics. It was pretty easy for me to write about my experiences and connect to what we have read in the packets.