Summer Journal Entries

Creative 

This summer I challenged my creativity by creating several art pieces using different materials. I started by tracing images and then painting them using acrylic paint. After a while, I was no longer feeling challenged, so I decided to begin drawing my own images and using different materials. I began by looking at videos on how to draw portraits because that was what I was most interested in. I practiced almost every day and when I was bored. I then added color to them by using watercolors instead of acrylics. The switch was not easy. When I would use acrylic paint I felt more in control because watercolor spreads across the paper which I viewed as a mistake and a failure. Changing the type of paint challenged me to not view my errors as mistakes but rather as a way to improve my art. It reminded me that art is not supposed to be perfect and even though the outcome was not what I originally pictured it is still beautiful. This experience connects to multiple CAS outcomes, but the one I feel best represents my situation is Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process, and the IB profile trait Risk Taker because I encouraged myself to step out of my comfort zone and overcome my obstacles. Watercolor is now the type of paint I prefer and I learned new skills regarding drawing portraits such as shading, eyes, nose..etc. 

Productive: During the summer, I decided to try and get my driver’s permit in California. I had the privilege to spend half of the summer in Costa Rica and the other half back in the US. During my time in Costa Rica, I purchased the California Drivers ED course. Before taking the final exam at the DMV you must complete a certain amount of hours of Drivers ED depending on the state you are in. In California, the requirement is 30 hours. To achieve my certification, I used the IB learner profile trait Balance. I had to create a plan to finish the course before leaving for the US while still enjoying my summer with my friends. I ended up completing 1-2 hours of studying each day. With this schedule in mind, I was able to finish my course requirements and still enjoy my summer. Now that I passed Drivers ED, I had to study for the DMV test. I took the knowledge test later than I had expected because I faced a challenge. My Drivers ED certificate was not mailed. I had to contact the driving school several times and was unable to take my test when I had planned. I ended up taking the test on August 18. The test was 46 questions and you can only get 7 wrong. I passed with a score of 43 correct answers. Overall I think this experience relates to the CAS outcome “show commitment and perseverance”. Completing the course and exams was not easy, they took up a lot of time, I often dreaded doing it, and there were several complications and obstacles along the way. However, I managed to accomplish my goal and get my driver’s permit. 

Service: The service I performed was for my dad. This summer I was able to visit my dad but he had to work a lot. My dad is a tennis coach, which means he is constantly working in the sun and has to pay specific attention to each kid. For my service project, I decided to help him in many different ways while he was working. I started by babysitting my little sister while he was at his job so he did not have to worry about her. Additionally, I would pick up the balls around the court and help stretch the kids before and at the end of class. This way my dad was able to take small breaks to drink water, eat food, and get out of the sun. The sensation I felt related to the IB profile trait Caring and the seventh CAS learning outcome because I evaluated the situation and made choices and actions to better the circumstance. Providing this service made me feel very good about myself because it might not have been how I wanted to spend certain days of my vacation but it made my dad feel loved. I demonstrated empathy and respect for the needs and feelings of my father before my own and was able to create a positive influence. 

Active: Throughout the school year, I take dance lessons for roughly 10 hours a week. Over the summer my studio closed for vacation. While traveling I had the option to continue to dance by entering classes at another dance studio. I initially was going to sign up for a certain amount of classes but then came to the decision not to. This past trimester I had experienced a couple of injuries or old ones beginning to hurt again on my back, knee, and hip flexor. With this in mind, I gave my body a much-needed break and decided to focus on my flexibility. For the first month of vacation, I spent at home in Costa Rica. During this time I did some stretching and flexibility exercises. I mainly focused on stretching my hips. While in the US I didnt stretch as much but I did message and foam roll my muscles. This experience can relate to the seventh CAS learning outcome: recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions. The reason I chose this learning outcome is because I took the time to reflect on myself before pushing my body to its limit. I showed awareness of the consequences I may have if I don’t take the time to heal before starting dance again. Additionally, the IB learner profile trait I choose to represent this activity is reflective. I gave thoughtful consideration to my own experiences and I tested my strengths and limitations. By reflecting on myself I was able to support my personal development because in the past I would have kept going until I hit rock bottom.