The criteria for receiving an A is this class is for everyone to agree that my project considerably improved the world. My project did improve the world considerably. My project enhanced society because it is a project that doesn’t stop. By carrying out this project I have touched the heart of someone directly or indirectly that will influence them to reach out to someone else directly or indirectly.

I typed over 1000 words per week even though it was fairly difficult some weeks. Despite being out of classes for two weeks I managed to catch up on my readings for class. I wasn’t able to do any work when I had Shingles, because the antiviral drug (Zovirax) has a side effect that causes the patient’s eyes to be extremely sensitive to light. My eyes were sensitive to sunlight, fluorescent light and any other type of light you can name. I couldn’t watch television, because the pain in my eye was so crucial. The lights in my dorm room didn’t even come on unless it was very necessary! Reading any type of literature only made my eye heart worse. So I think that I do deserve and A. Despite having to juggle catching up in all classes, with volunteering, working in the stressful pharmacy and being in new surroundings I think that I did rather well for myself.

Most of my blog entries contained quotes from my sources and for the most part I documented all the extensive work that went into my project. Sometimes it was difficult to do this, because I was frustrated with the progress of my original project and wanted to accomplish more in the time period given. I wanted my project to be more successful. I’m a person who likes results so I ended up changing my project from soliciting funds from corporations for the needy with my mother who works in Michigan, to involving myself in a new charter school’s tutoring/mentoring program.

Because kids are involved in my project I was asked not to post there pictures on line so I had to go around that issue and post pictures that were related to my project in the school that were already found on the internet. I made sure that I got my assignment done, despite encountering hurdles. I have posted a picture of students from the Langston Hughes Academy and a picture of the great Langston Hughes himself. One picture represents what the past wanted for the future and the other represents who now holds our future: the children.

In every blog I went into detail about what insightful question was asked about the weeks lesson. Through my answers I demonstrated that I had read, understood and valued what was taught in class. I even sought other resources to enhance my understanding of the material if it were necessary to do so.

Xavier’s mission is: Xavier University of Louisiana is Catholic and historically Black. The ultimate purpose of the University is the promotion of a more just and humane society. To this end, Xavier prepares its students to assume roles of leadership and service in society. This preparation takes place in a pluralistic teaching and learning environment that incorporates all relevant educational means, including research and community service.

My project and writings have definitely exemplified Xavier’s mission. Through my project I have promoted a more and just and humane society, by helping to engage youth in fight for their future. I have encouraged them, given them strength and helped to heal them emotionally. I have assumed a role of leadership the moment I walked in the Langston Hughes Academy and introduced myself as Samantha Hicks. From that moment I knew I held a responsibility to not just talk the talk, but to walk it. I wasn’t the only one asking questions. The kids saw mw and they wanted to know if I was a good student too. Being a good student and conveying to them why I took this mentoring positions is definitely a valuable representation of leadership. I make sure that I arrive on time, speak properly and look them in the eyes. Being punctual is something that few people value, but it is important to social growth. It shows respect for the one who is in fact waiting on you. Making sure that I don’t use inappropriate language or discuss suspect topics, which I have to do from time to time teaches the student to develop their character. I show them that you shouldn’t always conform to society. Majority rule is not always the best way to go. It is actually the cause of the fall of human race. When I look students in the eye I give them power, because it shows that I am focused on them and it shows that I have a deep respect for them. I have a vested interest in their future and they need to know that. Xavier’s mission functions to tell its students that it has a vested interest in our well being and out sought out for my project to do the same.

I have shown that promotion of a more just and humane society takes place in a pluralistic teaching and learning environment that incorporates all relevant educational means, including research and community service, because I make it know to the students that no one pays me for my services. This isn’t down to make them feel bad, but to make them appreciate me, because I’m showing them just how much I care. Instead of volunteering my time I could be at work. But I choose not to be. Spending time with them is far more important to me than work. The investment that I’m making in my mentee will benefit the world far more than the measly teen dollars an hour will benefit me! I have shown my mentee that education, self love, and love for others is what will truly change this world. This is what Xavier’s mission wants to convey for us. Xavier’s mission tells us not just to educate ourselves with book knowledge for personal gain, but educate our hearts with the flaws of society to make it more just.

This entry was posted on Saturday, December 8th, 2007 at 11:20 pm and is filed under Class Comments, Week 14: Grade. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.