Journal Entry Geyra

July 2, 2021

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?

We know that CAS stands for creativity, activity, and service. CAS means to service the community through collaboration and participation by activities and projects where creativity is needed and our skills and strengths will be tested. To me CAS is an opportunity to get more involved in the real world and preparation for frequently encountered situations that require commitment, perseverance and responsibility. Personally, it is a project that will put aside individualism and reinforce sympathy, generosity and union when facing obstacles imposed by life.

I think it is a requirement for IB and MEP because it is recognized that the best way to learn is through experiences, there is no better way to develop IB learner profile and strengthen our skills and strengths than to use them through this experience. Self-determination is a very important value for success in our future life and the IB and MEP program implements a way to prepare this characteristic in a very enjoyable process, full of enriching adventures. This experience will impact not only the people that we are helping but also us, me. The use of the IB learner profile in the CAS experience will have the result of the 7 learning outcomes of CAS. All this personal growth will help each one of us to become the person we have hardly worked for. We just got started with CAS and we already demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience and engagement with issues of global significance through the IB skills such as: risk takers, caring and reflective. The IB and MEP are assuring young and fresh minds to strive for success in our future and make changes in our world.

The resources that are available to help me succeed are: the support of the community, the CEPIA program, and having my cousin as our mentor. Also when my partner and I did the feasibility study it was that our project is feasible. There are many economical resources such as The Wonderment, Go found me, etc. Thanks to the Snack Shack experience, I learned marketing skills in social media that will be a very useful tool for our project.

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

CAS changing because of COVID depends, as we are all harmed by the limits and barriers COVID has created. The visions of many have been forced to change (such as those that require activities that violate restrictions or protocols) because of the fear that many feel for the virus and out of caution. Depending on the project to be carried out, many are mostly disadvantaged compared to others. But it is also an opportunity to create and innovate, to look for ways and not let limits be obstacles that stop us. 

The needs of the community have changed and increased in the economic area. Covid19 negatively impacted the working class as many lost their jobs as they were the providers for their families. In some cases they did not lose their jobs but were exploited. The community’s priorities now are the basic food basket and their other needs, no matter how important they are, are put aside. 

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?

Yes, if there is a way to start the project during the summer to lay the groundwork as I was thinking of going to CEPIA or other associations like CEPIA in the area to do community service. I was thinking of taking advantage by communicating my CAS project, getting to know the people I will be able to count on and work with and if possible start my research about families. This will help me to set more specific goals.