December 24, 2015

On December 22, 2015 I volunteered at a Blood Drive for an hour and a half and then I gave blood. This blood drive was held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, the church I go to. While volunteering I worked in the Canteen. First I helped lay out the food. Then, when the blood donors were finished donating, they would come to the Canteen, sit down and I would serve them food and beverages. Also, I had to make sure all the participants sat and ate for at least 15 minutes before they could leave. I was also able to talk to some of the donors and other volunteers. I learned that one man works a metal factory where he builds things out of metal. A fellow volunteer has all her family coming home for Christmas and scheduled three appointments for her son in one day to try to get them all over with. Another man I talked to has his newborn grandson coming over for Christmas. He seemed very excited about that. I am very thankful I was able to work the Canteen because it gave me an opportunity to serve people, which I enjoy, and meet many new people, which I, also, enjoy.
After, volunteering I donated some blood. I went through the normal procedures where they ask you questions and prick your finger to test your iron. For me, the finger pricking is way worse than the inserting of the needle to draw the blood. Then I gave blood. I have a picture of me giving blood:

December 24, 2015

1st Blog Post for December

This December I have really gotten into the routine of going to Brooks Global to spend time with my buddy, Bailey,  every Friday. Each time I go I can tell she is getting more comfortable talking with me. At first when I went to visit she would always ask me to read. I figured this was because she was uncomfortable reading aloud. Lately, she now asks if she can read some. I took this as a good sign that she is more comfortable with me. My last visit was on December 18 and instead of reading we worked on a variety of classwork Bailey needed to complete. I always forget that Brooks Global specializes in Geography. She had some advanced geography questions that I was impressed a second grader was supposed to know. Unfortunately, I am not a geography wiz, so I attempted to help her by teaching her process of elimination. Hopefully, she learned that it is a very helpful trick to answering questions. I will continue updating y'all on my relationship with Bailey and reflecting on my experiences I have with her.

Questions 2-4: second blog post

2. Which social issues concern you?  What service activities could address these issues?

There are many social issues that concern me. Some of the most concerning are hunger, homelessness, and recycling and conservation. Hunger and homelessness can be addressed by donating food and necessities to organizations that help those who are homeless and hungry. Also, I am apart of the food pantry club that has many food drives. I am a huge supporter of recycling and conservation because I believe it is one of the best ways to help save the environment. A great service activity is raising awareness and then finding a way to encourage people to recycling. Also, cleaning up the sides of roads and creeks is a great way to help the environment. 

3.  What are your strengths that will help you complete your CAS requirements?

Some strengths I have that will help me complete my CAS requirements are I am very open to trying new things and I am creative and passionate about helping people and the earth. Also, I am determined to complete the CAS requirements.  

4.  What are your weaknesses that might interfere with CAS?

One of my weaknesses is I procrastinate a lot. Thus, it might lead to me trying to rush and do CAS last minute. This would be bad because CAS is a long project and would be difficult to deal with if I got behind. Also, if I am not passionate about what I am working on I might not complete the task to my full potential.  

1. First blog post:

IB Learner Attribute	What are you already participating in that matches this attribute?	With which experiences could you get involved with to develop this attribute?	What goals do you have?	Which learning outcome(s) does it most directly match?
Thinker	C
	A
	S	Having a bake sale and yard sale to raise money for Alzheimer’s care. I chose this cause because my grandmother has Alzheimer’s.	This money would go to help find a cure for Alhzeimers.I would have to be very organized and determined to achieve this event. It would involve a lot of planning and thinking.	3. Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience
Inquirer	C - This summer I went to an architecture camp at Virginia Tech. I explored a potential career I might want to pursue.		My goal was to figure out if I would be interested in studying architecture in college.	1. Identify strengths and areas for growth
	A
	S
Knowledgeable	C
	A
	S - I helped with the food pantry club's food drive by putting out boxes in the school to collect food.		The goal was to raise 1000 cans but we ended up raising 2000.	6.Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
Communicator	C
	A
	S - I went to Ashton Woods twice in October for 2 hours each time to help children with their homework.		My goal was to be as helpful as possible to the children that needed help with homework.	4.Show commitment and perseverance
Open-Minded	C
	A
	S -  I volunteer at Brooks Buddies every Friday.		My goal is to build a close relationship with my buddy. I want my buddy to feel comfortable talking to me and to know I am happy to listen to her.	4. Show commitment and perseverance
Principled	C
	A	I really want to start training to run a 5K in under 24 minutes.I would have to be very principled to achieve this.	My goal would to be to run a 5K in under 24 minutes.	4. Show commitment and perseverance
	S
Balanced	C
	A - I practice soccer three times a week for an hour and a half on a club team.		Our goal it to win our last game in the state cup.	5. Demonstrate skills and recognize benefits of working collaboratively
	S
Risk-Taker	C
	A
	S - I took a risk going to Ashton Woods because it is not in the safest part of town. I did not know what to expect.		My goal was to see if I could make a difference in the children's lives by helping them with their homework.
Reflective	C	I am learning how to create a art portfolio for college applications. But, I am also learning what kind of artists I am and how to draw.	My goal is to take what I learn and find a way to share and teach it with other.	2. Demonstrate challenges have been undertaken and new skills developed
	A
	S
Caring	C - I volunteered at a church music camp in August that taught children basic musical skills, including how to play a recorder. This was not a religious camp, we studied music from around the world.		My goal was to help teach children how wonderful music can be. Also, to help keep the crazy children under control. My next goal is to volunteer at this camp next summer.	5. Demonstrate skills and recognize benefits of working collaboratively
	A
	S