Blog 4: Working EQ

The Pentagon:

(1) Positive Statement: What positive thing happen as a result of what you have completed so far?

A positive result of what I have completed thus far is a better understanding of what I want to dedicate myself to. I literally decided on a topic I feel most passionate about only a week ago because of the research I found about my initial topic. By switching topics so late, I think that finding this understanding and direction in my project is the most positive thing as a result of what I have completed so far. 

(2) EQ Content:  Pick a piece of research or your interview.  How has it helped you improve your understanding of your topic?

Thanks to Ms. Ortega, the piece of research that has helped me improve my understanding of my topic was the first article of research (which was an AV) that became the deciding factor to where I wanted to go with activism. Clay Shirky's lecture was inspiring to me because of the examples of current events he provided to prove his point about the impact of social media as well as getting direction on where to go. Unlike the other articles of research I have so far collected, hearing and seeing someone talk so passionately about something truly gave me a unique understanding of social media. 

"Clay Shirky: How Social Media Can Make History." TED: Ideas worth Spreading. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Sept. 2012. <http://www.ted.com/talks/clay_shirky_how_cellphones_twitter_facebook_can_make_history.html>.

(3) What has worked for you so far in the senior project?

What has worked for me so far in the senior project is the massive amounts of research sources and outlets that is out there since my topic has been on the rise for the last ten years. With current events like the Arab Springs, censorship in China, or the current status of our conflicts between Egypt and the US, finding research about social media has been working out for me. 

(4) What hasn't worked so far? 

What has not worked for me so far is that I have not found a mentor or completed any service learning for social media networking. It really bothers me because I thought I knew what direction I was going in as far as where to volunteer, however because of changing my topic so late in the game I am having a hard time with this part of the project. 

(5) Finding Value:  Based on your experience so far:

A. What possible question or questions come to mind regarding what you would like to study this year?

• Am I going to focus more on censorship or social media?
• Am I going to focus more on the impact of social media or activism? 
• How am I going to find something that is important to my audience when I select my topic?
• What will stand out to the senior team?
• What type of careers could I pursue in the social media industry?
• How could I raise awareness to my student class about social media technology and the relevance that is has on their lives?

B. What is your end goal this year with your senior project?

My end goal this year with my senior project is to create a foundation of becoming active in my community and what it is like to be a journalist since it is what I think I want to major in college. Although these two things seems generic and unoriginal, I genuinely always wanted to become active in my community through activist groups and other means in the name of something I am passionate about. And, as far as journalism goes, I want to end this year achieving the basic foundation of journalism which is to tell a story. To me, journalism expands more than the written word and subjectivity, I want to be able to have the tools to research, discover, and understand the communication world that is ever-changing and becoming digital. Not only would these two goals motive me throughout this year, the most important thing to remember is to have fun and never lose passion of what I want to learn, research, discover, and understand.

C. Who would you like to talk to you next? Why?   

The next person I'd like to contact next is one of the listed contacts that Sean Hamilton provided me during our first interview. I want to take consideration of these contacts because I trust Mr. Hamilton's judgement and want to get more information on censorship and social media.