BLOG 1: SUMMER MENTORSHIP

L: Specific hour log and description 

Contact: 

Ms. Ellie Larez-Brault 

Head of parade committee of Hacienda Heights

Cell phone: (626) 665-0322 Email: ellie.hhjuly4parade@yahoo.com

• Mentorship Hour Spreadsheet

L: What questions were raised because of the 10 hours of experience? List them. 

• What kind of schooling do I need to design floats?
• Is it necessary to go to college to become a lead designer of floats such as the rose parade or Disney ones? 
• What could have been done to make the parade more extravagant? 
• How can I start a Parade Committee for my town?
• How much money did it take to sponsor the parade?
• How long does it typically take to organize the parade?
• What are the social impacts of parades?
• What could I discover by researching about the history of parades?

I: What is the most important thing you gained from this experience? Why? 

   The most important thing I gained from this experience was the actual  time I dedicated to my service learning. I chose this as the most important aspect because in the industry I wish to pursue, it requires me to have a lot of hours of experience under my belt. With these hours I practiced and trained my improv, creative, and thinking skills. I really enjoyed working on the cars for the parade and setting up and taking down the streets, although I wished I would had been designing more than anything else. However, this opportunity to work with Hacienda Heights and decorate what I had the chance to do and be around the other friendly volunteers was a great stepping stone to what I wish to pursue. 

A: How did what you did help you choose a topic? Please explain. 

 The topic I am considering to choose is scenic and paint design for parades. I initially was interested in the business side of it, such as mapping out and planning the float presentations by managing a team, however I realized that the business aspect of parades is not what I am interested in.  By completing the ten hours of service I did with Hacienda Heights, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the cars I decorated being photographed, driving in the line, and overall being showcased. Therefore, being a part of the finishing touches and the creative drive to floats is what I wish to pursue, however I need more research to conduct and professionals in the business to contact. 

7 am on the 4th of July... 

Updated 9/3/12