12th Grade: 2021-22

This is an essay that I wrote in my English class. It is called the “conversation essay” because we had to present the conversation surrounding a topic of our choice. I chose the topic of aging out of the foster care system, because I learned that once kids age out, they are more likely to experience adverse outcomes like homelessness or unemployment. I wanted to explore the arguments that people have about this issue and their opinions on what we should do to help foster kids once they are out of care.

This artifact matches the “Recognize Perspectives” ISSN Domain because the entire essay was based on understanding the different viewpoints of various people and groups. I had to research what people thought about this issue, and then explain their perspectives in my essay. In the end, I was able to discuss four different views on this issue. Although I was not supposed to include my own opinions, writing the essay allowed me to think about where I stand on the issue. I was able to decide on areas where I agreed or disagreed with the perspectives outlined in my paper.

I started this essay by researching the different perspectives on this issue. I found articles from many sources including foster care and adoption agencies, former foster youth, and people who care about this issue. Then, I decided which articles to use and came up with the outline for my essay. I decided that I would present four different views that I saw people advocating for: extending foster care, giving foster kids money, ending the practice of aging out, and creating transition plans for foster kids. Next, I wrote my essay. I integrated quotes and information from the articles to support my claims, and I explained the different perspectives found in this topic.

This artifact changed the way I think by making me learn from other people before forming an opinion of my own. Sometimes I do not take the time to listen to different views, so it showed me that it is important to listen to many aspects of the conversation before you put your views forward. I did not have knowledge on this issue beforehand, so it also let me learn about the topic.

It was interesting to write this essay and investigate the different opinions that people have about this issue. I didn’t know anything about this topic before writing this essay, so it allowed me to broaden my own perspective on the bigger topic of foster care. I am passionate about helping foster kids, so it was beneficial for me to learn more about this prevalent issue.

To view the full artifact, click this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RyxxBI9krbRtF0WeP61-LCrRvXK77DDrxVSJ719nNCc/edit?usp=sharing

For this artifact, I chose my final paper from my political science class. I had to come up with a law that I thought should exist in the United States and write a paper about it. Within the paper, I had to prove my law to be constitutional, explain the process for it to become a law, and discuss which political parties and interest groups would support and oppose it. My law was to make abortion completely illegal in the United States.

This artifact matches the “Communicate Ideas” ISSN Domain, because I had to think about the different perspectives of my audience and write my paper accordingly. I knew that lots of people would disagree with my law, so I had to be objective in my approach when proving that it is constitutional. I could not bring in my personal beliefs; I simply had to state the facts of the issue. I also had to explain the process for it to become a law knowing that some people might not know the process already. I used clear language that was easy for anyone to understand.

I started my paper by creating my law. I am passionate about defending the unborn, so I decided to write my paper about a law making abortion illegal. First, I had to prove that the law was constitutional. I found information from experts that prove the unborn are human beings. If it is constitutional to make the killing of humans out of the womb illegal, then it is constitutional to make abortion, which is the killing of humans in the womb, illegal. Then, I used what I learned in the class to explain the process of the bill becoming a law. I also researched political parties and interest groups and explained which ones would support and oppose this law.

Writing this paper impacted me by allowing me to practice communicating to an audience that I wasn’t sure would agree with me. It made me think critically about my word choice and how I explained certain ideas. It also let me practice talking about a controversial subject in a respectful way and not pointing fingers at people who do not believe the same. Even though I believe that abortion is wrong, I do not want to shame others for having different opinions.

I was nervous about writing this essay since it is about such a controversial issue, but I am glad that I chose something that I actually care about. It was a great assignment that allowed me to practice the communication skills I have learned over the years in JAGS.

To view the full artifact, click this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/174qlj1YFZHCNU2fsGaJaGApF1i-yCeUv/view?usp=sharing

This artifact is my senior service project that I completed as a part of the JAGS program. I had to pick an issue that I wanted to help improve, come up with an action plan, and carry it out over the course of my senior year. I chose to help local foster kids by making blanket bundles for them.

This artifact matches the “Take Action” ISSN Domain because I recognized an issue, devised a plan for myself and others to help, and provided the opportunity for people to help. I decided that a good way to help foster kids was to partner with an organization called Children’s Toy Fund. The organization makes blanket bundles for foster kids, which consist of a fleece tie blanket, a stuffed animal, a journal, and pens. The bundles comfort kids when they enter new foster homes, so I thought that it was a great way to help them. I took action by asking people to donate fleece to make the blankets. Then, I held a blanket-bundle-making event so that people could assist in assembling the bundles.

To complete this service project, I started by choosing who I wanted to help and planning what to do. Once I decided that I would help foster kids and try to partner with Children’s Toy Fund, I emailed the organization. From there, I was in contact with Ashley Natale, the executive director of the organization. With the help of Ashley and my teacher, Ms Stone, I decided to collect fleece and hold a blanket-making-event. Throughout the year, I had meetings with Ms Stone and Ashley. I also made posters and spoke at JAGS community meetings to publicize my project. Finally, on March 4, I held the event at Jackson HIgh School. We made 31 blanket bundles for foster kids.

Completing this project taught me valuable leadership and organizational skills. I improved at creating plans and following through with them. I was able to practice taking initiative to get things done, especially when scheduling meetings, making posters, and finalizing the event’s date and location. This project made me realize that I can complete big tasks if I work hard. It also helped me become a more confident communicator, as I had to speak with many different people and in front of large groups.

I am glad that I was able to complete this service project. It allowed me to do something that I am passionate about while learning in the process. There were struggles along the way, but they helped me grow and taught me lessons that I can use in the future.

To view more pictures of my senior project, click this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-7CvidSFe555JSIDxKTtZM9_sXdzwuev?usp=sharing