Last HMW of the year – Journal Entry

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?

The meaning of CAS to me is to have a class, that is more than just a class. A time dedicated to helping the community, and helping someone/something larger than yourself or personal needs. CAS is completely focused on incorporating one of your passions into a project based on your community’s needs and helping out others in ways you haven’t done before. I believe it is required by the IB and MEP because it teaches students to leave good and lasting impacts on the communities they are a part of, and learn how to contribute to a project bigger than themselves. CAS teaches us to want to help, and to make a difference ourselves through our passion and learning, and the IB and MEP recognize that. I chose to do my project because I have always had a passion for our earth and how we treat it. Working with Ernst and Connect Ocean came naturally because I have a good relationship with them and already have my dive certification. The resources available to me to help me succeed are the people around me such as my teacher Miss Amy, my brother who has gone through CAS already, my friends who will support me and most importantly Ernst who will be my mentor and teacher. I know that this project will help me engage with issues of global importance (learning outcome of CAS) and that through the process I will develop many of the IB learner traits including being a risk-taker and very open-minded.  

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

The class of CAS has definitely changed because of Covid, in reality, everything has. Talking and coordinating with people and the community is harder, getting groups together is impossible and really everything to do with the service aspect has gotten a whole lot more difficult. The community’s needs have also definitely changed, with many people losing jobs, or not getting paid as much, there were/are countless families in financial need. The community not only struggles with its own well-being, but because of the Covid situation, many tourism businesses have been shut down, making it a lose-lose for everyone. Covid will not only be an immense obstacle for many students’ projects these coming years but will really drive through the CAS outcome of commitment and perseverance.

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

I am so excited to work on this project. I know that through the process I will struggle, but in the end, I will be so happy and proud of what I have contributed to our community and something I’m truly passionate about. Over the summer, my goal is to get in touch with Ernst and figure out the diving certifications I need to have ready so I can start the year off strong. I also want to make sure I am up to date with my diving skills and prepared to go out into the ocean so I don’t put myself or others in danger. This summer I will kick off my start into IB with this CAS class, which is crazy and scary to think about (demonstrating how to initiate and plan a CAS experience). Whew!!!