What is the Purpose of a Journal?
These journals are a way to see my personal reflections and insights regarding the Puzzle Piece Project. As I write journal entries, I will record a quote that I believes encompasses my progress, thoughts, and ideas. These journals allow you to see my thoughts and emotions at each stage.
10/27/2020
Journal 1
" In general, this project will come with many challenges. Not only will there be additional challenges due the pandemic but also attempting to make my project successful. However, I believe that communication is key. I need to be able to reach out to my community to share my message of awareness."
11/18/2020 |
Journal 2
"Community night offered me something that I was missing while I was planning my project inside my “bubble”: this is becoming a reality. My project is coming along slowly but surely, and I am beyond excited to keep making substantial progress. I hope that by January, I can begin to sell my sweatshirts and begin raising funds for donation of fidget toys as well as continue spreading awareness of Autism."
11/23/2020
Journal 3 |
"The Puzzle Piece project is going to come with many challenges-- some that seem impossible to solve right away. However, I will be able to work through them. It may take some time, but at the end of the day, a solution will arise that will ultimately result in success for my project. This single event has defined my experience because it reminded me of the importance of patience and resilience. "
12/22/2020 |
End of 2020 Mini Journal
" I am looking forward to a fresh start in 2021; a year I hope that will bring a lot of success and happiness. I get to begin my fundraiser at the beginning of January, so I am hoping I start the new year off to a successful start. I am also excited to celebrate my last year of high school and finding out where I will go for college-- the beginning to my new life as an adult. While 2020 has been a difficult year, it was a stepping stone into a year I hope will be successful."
01/05/2021 |
Journal 4
"Many people neglect the imperativeness of simply understanding a child with Autism’s sensory preferences or how allowing for modifications and adaptations can actually benefit the student. Yes, extensive therapy and social skills groups are necessary to reform behaviors but many are unaware that simply understanding the importance of inclusion and patience can make a big difference in the lives of children with intellectual disabilities and their ability to socialize. "
01/28/2021 |
Journal 5
"I was so overjoyed that my project received a lot of media attention and support because not only did it benefit my fundraiser, but it brought support to the autism community: the overall goal for my project...In general, fieldwork has proven to be very beneficial in this first half of the year. I learned a lot of information and tactics that I can use in my future classroom and I was able to have a successful fundraiser that brought support to not only elementary school classrooms but also the autism community itself. "
03/22/2021 |
Journal 6
" It was enlightening to see the different options of therapies, how inclusion can be added to classrooms, and other struggles that my own sister did not experience. I think that this is a lesson to anyone. Although you may already have extensive knowledge on a topic, there is always more that you can learn. From this paper, I gained an insight to knowledge I can utilize in my own inclusive classroom and the different necessities my future students may have. "
04/09/2021
Journal 7
"My initial thought in September was “spread inclusion and ASD awareness” and in hindsight, if you told me how my project would turn out back in September, I would have been shocked that it would gain as much support and success as it did....I am not an outgoing person and public speaking is one of my biggest nightmares, but this course pushed me to overcome these obstacles to present a project I care deeply about with my community, a project that turned out to be a success! I am so grateful for this opportunity to share a project that I care so much about and spread both awareness and inclusion within my community. "