Journal entry 2

1. What is the meaning of CAS to you? Why is it something that is required by the IB and the MEP? Why did you choose to do your project? What resources are available to help you succeed?

Cas for me is an opportunity to be able to do something tangible that actually has an impact, about something that I’ve cared about for so long, even as a kid. It’s independence, room for growth and a way to develop and evaluate our skills. Will allow me to learn and explore topics related to what I want my career and future to be. Cas for me is having a voice in our community, and creating a legitimate project that has actual real life effects stepping out of that academic comfort we have in high school where our work doesn’t have any real life implications. Resources available I have to succeed are my teachers, the mentors I have contacted, Leticia, Gilbreth and Doris, and the local vets they work at. Also my parents who have lived here for over 20 years and have connections with a lot of different people, this can be beneficial to create involvement, for fundraising and finding animals in need. 

2. How has CAS changed because of COVID? Or has it? Have the community’s needs changed? If so, how? If not, explain.

Each CAS project is personal to the student and will take their own path, depending on the way the student chooses to involve the community the effect of the pandemic might change. Projects that rely more heavily on funding, and group activities are restricted in those aspects because covid protocols and regulations are always changing. 

Additionally Covid has brought out new issues in our communities, creating the opportunity for students to identify more global issues and come up with new projects. Economically our community has struggled immensely, due to the fact that we live in Guanacaste an area that relies heavily on tourism. This creates an opportunity to help people most affected by this for example families that had parents working in tourism who have now lost their jobs. 

3. Evaluate the project that you are doing. Is there a way to start the project over the summer, at least lay the groundwork? If not, why? If so, how and what will you do?

The first step for my project is to organize the tennis marathon. This event will create involvement and awareness in the community and hopefully raise enough funds to kickstart my project. I probably won’t be in the country for most of summer so I can focus on the logistical side first and brainstorm new ideas to make the event more successful. I can begin organizing the event and setting up what I can, formulating a document to organize my ideas. I can collaborate with my parents to set a date and outline the event. I can also begin creating the pamphlets, contacting possible speakers, and even start to advertise the event. 

For my evidence today I put a picture of these baby dogs that have just been rescued. I communicated with my mom’s friend who is the person that found them to try and help them, bring them to Cavallini, get them vaccinated and adopted.