Week 6

Monday, April 13th

Last week of senior project!!! Today, I set up my meetings with Robin, so I will see her on Wednesday and Thursday. Then, I looked into a term I found very interesting when I heard about it during my research: undifferentiated connective tissue disease. It is a term used to describe people who do not meet enough criteria to be diagnosed with a well-defined connective tissue disease, but still clearly have a systemic autoimmune disorder or connective tissue disease.

The most common symptoms of UCTD are joint achiness, arthritis, alopecia, oral ulcers, and a sensitivity to sunlight. The symptoms of this condition must be present for at least three years in order to be diagnosed. It has many lifelong effects, especially in pregnancy, as women with UCTD are more likely to have complications. As a result, it is important these women ensure their condition is closely monitored during this time and speak with their doctor.

I also went to the gym today.

Tuesday, April 14th

I missed today, and as a result, did nothing :(

Wednesday, April 15th

Today, I went to the Sweatshop and saw Robin. I started on the elliptical, hitting 400 strides. After the warm-up, we talked. We spoke about my fears in college and beyond. She asked me if I have yet walked all the way up Indian Hill (one of my goals I set to reach by the end of the summer at the start of this project). I told her I had not, as I still find it intimidating, but have been increasing the inclination on the treadmill at the gym to prepare. So, to prepare, we went outside and climbed her hill. As we walked, she asked me what I did this weekend, to which I replied with information about prom, Maria's paint night (yay senior project), and end of AP Exams. Once we reached the top after walking uphill at a leisure pace, she told me I'm ready; her question was a test, to see if I would be too winded to speak. I spoke and thus passed, meaning I was ready to take bigger strides and a little faster. As we walked down hill, she reminded me to keep my shoulders back and head up; I've been walking with my head down for years in order to make sure my feet were tracking and to avoid obstacles in my path. Now, that changed. She taught me about using my peripheral vision for obstacles, which we practiced as we walked.

Then, we walked uphill again, faster and with bigger strides. When I began to tire too much, I walked in smaller strides to exert less energy.

Then, I did some more core work, doing crunches normally, and side crunches as well. I also used a pilates-like machine (video below).

Thursday, April 16th

Today, I met again with Robin. And I had a surprise!! My inside mentor, Mrs. Bennett, joined us! Robin and I showed Mrs. Bennett around, so that she could see what we do. Robin told her that no one escapes from the sweatshop, so she passed Mrs. Bennett a ball to put under the small of her back, as she joined us in a core workout. Fun team bonding!

I went on the stationary bike with my feet locked in place, ensuring my knees were tracking (video below).

Then, I did some more work with the ball, placing it under my glutes and bringing my legs down slowly in a controlled manner, working my core. Then, we went outside and walked the hill with Mrs. Bennett, practicing the walking techniques I had learned the day prior. Mrs. Bennett left soon after to see her sons game, but Rob and I continued with core work before saying our goodbyes. She is such an amazing human who truly changed my life with this senior project. I am so thankful for her, as well as for Mrs. Bennett. They both helped me so much, encouraging me and helping me reach my potential.

Friday, April 17th

Today is the last day of high school! I went to most of my classes today and as a result, did little for the project. It's done!! Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me during this senior project and all throughout high school. I promise you, it never went unnoticed--good teachers and good people make a difference.