Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Week of April 12th: Research
Well during this week, even though I wasn't journaling I was still making progress in my project. I completed a rough draft of my letter to the editor for the Ithaca Journal on Saturday, however I need information from my survey which I have not conducted yet.
Week of April 12&19: Reflection
Ugh. Unfortunately, I have NOT been keeping on my journal. I can't say why I would do this to myself. I was very proud of myself for getting out of red flag, and if I put myself back in it again I will be very disappointed in myself. I have not updated for two weeks, and I am just now coming back to write about the two weeks I have not updated. I think I was caught in the senioritis of the week before Spring Break. STILL: Not an excuse!!! I obviously am going to have to work hard to keep myself up to date, and show myself and others that I am responsible and deserve the freedom that the WISE class is based upon.
Week of April 5th: Reflection
Well the big thing that happened this week was I got out of red flag!! This means I will be on my own to keep up on my journal and research. I feel very proud of myself for this accomplishment, I have been working very hard to get out of red flag and it paid off.
Week of April 5th: Research
For research this week, I went through the interviews I have conducted so far and put together my survey. I also spent time at the library again, I think I am coming close to getting of the research that is useful for my project from the library. As far as my survey goes, I would like to go out in public at least once during spring break and collect data, preferably twice.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
In Class: Thursday Class
How much time have I spent on my project so far this week?
I've spent around 6 hours on my project this week. I have attended class, updated my blog, and have created a rough draft of my survey that I am bringing to class tomorrow.
What did you do that was hands on?
I notice a lack of hands on in my project this week so far, I have done a lot more research. In order to balance this out my goal is to finalize more interviews as well as start brainstorming my article I am writing to the Ithaca Journal.
What research did you do?
I was at the library a lot this week. It's a great resource, so far I have been able to find city records on many developments that have happened in the city of Ithaca. In particular, information on Lake Source Cooling, the Wal-Mart development, and proposed plans of the Southwest neighborhood development that has not happened yet. I also found city records of the Waterfront Trail and have been looking at how the political groups committees and government interacted with all of them.
Did you meet with your mentor?
I met with Ms. Shenk on Tuesday morning.
Do you have at least 3 journal entries?
Yes I do.
Were you in class this week? Did you have and use your journal?
Yes I was in class, and I answered the questions from "Happiness Revisited" that evening.
Do you think your fulfillment of WISE requirements was...?
Adequate. I spent the majority of the on research and would like to involve myself with more hands on. However I am pleased with the effort I put into the research and have now have plenty! of sources for my project.
What are your plans for next week?
My plans for next week are to:
I've spent around 6 hours on my project this week. I have attended class, updated my blog, and have created a rough draft of my survey that I am bringing to class tomorrow.
What did you do that was hands on?
I notice a lack of hands on in my project this week so far, I have done a lot more research. In order to balance this out my goal is to finalize more interviews as well as start brainstorming my article I am writing to the Ithaca Journal.
What research did you do?
I was at the library a lot this week. It's a great resource, so far I have been able to find city records on many developments that have happened in the city of Ithaca. In particular, information on Lake Source Cooling, the Wal-Mart development, and proposed plans of the Southwest neighborhood development that has not happened yet. I also found city records of the Waterfront Trail and have been looking at how the political groups committees and government interacted with all of them.
Did you meet with your mentor?
I met with Ms. Shenk on Tuesday morning.
Do you have at least 3 journal entries?
Yes I do.
Were you in class this week? Did you have and use your journal?
Yes I was in class, and I answered the questions from "Happiness Revisited" that evening.
Do you think your fulfillment of WISE requirements was...?
Adequate. I spent the majority of the on research and would like to involve myself with more hands on. However I am pleased with the effort I put into the research and have now have plenty! of sources for my project.
What are your plans for next week?
My plans for next week are to:
- Interview or e-mail interview a city official
- By next weekend have conducted my survey in Ithaca (the first time, I suspect I may go out more than once to gather enough data)
- Keep up with the at least 8 hours a week, and blogging.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
In Class: Tuesday April 5th
Today in class we read "Happiness Revisited". There are some follow up questions (in relation to our projects):
What do you feel most happy?
I am most happy when I am doing hands on research, and interviewing people. I like talking to people, and when you are in front of people talking there are things that you can talk about that you are unable too when it is, say, over the phone or e-mail. Surprisingly! I also really enjoyed myself when I have been going to the library to do hands on research. I have always thought that doing doing research was horribly boring, but the fact that I actually enjoy myself doing research for my project makes sense (as it should! I am doing this project because I want to, right?) There were oodles of references at the library that I did not expect, and still see myself going back at least a few more times.
React/Respond to this article.
This article was very thorough. "We feel a sense of exhilaration, a deep sense of enjoyment that is long cherished and that becomes a landmark in memory for what life should be like. This is what we mean by optimal experience." (Pg. 3) This quote was particularly intriguing for me. Of course, I want to live my life to the fullest and enjoy it every second I can get. I have felt optimal experience before, and it is a great feeling. In relation to my project, I believe I can obtain optimal experience from it if I keep up with my work, and reward myself with the things I love doing with it (talked about in Question 1).
Where are you on the flow chart? How has this changed/remained the same throughout your project?
At this current moment, I would say I am closer to the anxiety side of the flow chart, but not by much. I tend to get ahead of myself, and worry about the WHOLE picture at a time, not by steps. This is a matter of perspective I think. I created a WISE planner for myself which I think is very helpful, it allows me to look at goals I have for my project broken down into smaller pieces. This way, I can focus on one thing at a time, and it is helping me see that step by step the whole picture comes together, it doesn't happen in one fell swoop. This is completely opposite from where I was in my project a month or so ago. I was deep in the boredom section of the flow chart, abusing my responsibilities and robbing myself and my ability of "flow". I have come out of this now, and have been keeping up on all my work, and have been doing the things I enjoy doing with my project. All in all, I would much rather be anxious about my project then bored. However, I think it would be a good idea to keep flow in my mind as I continue my project, and try to find my happy medium where anxiety and boredom are not involved.
How can you achieve flow?
As I have already mentioned, I created a WISE planner for myself so that I can step back and work on things one at a time. I think this will also help me not leave things for the last minute. I put myself under unnecessary stress when I wait until the last minute to do things, and also cause boredom for myself when I'm not doing anything. Ms. Lord talked today about how some of us have to fall before we really know what it means to conduct an independent project. She was right, I can say that I fell before I knew what it meant. Having said that, I believe I am at an advantage for knowing when I achieve flow. I'm not there yet, but I am certainly working on it.
What do you feel most happy?
I am most happy when I am doing hands on research, and interviewing people. I like talking to people, and when you are in front of people talking there are things that you can talk about that you are unable too when it is, say, over the phone or e-mail. Surprisingly! I also really enjoyed myself when I have been going to the library to do hands on research. I have always thought that doing doing research was horribly boring, but the fact that I actually enjoy myself doing research for my project makes sense (as it should! I am doing this project because I want to, right?) There were oodles of references at the library that I did not expect, and still see myself going back at least a few more times.
React/Respond to this article.
This article was very thorough. "We feel a sense of exhilaration, a deep sense of enjoyment that is long cherished and that becomes a landmark in memory for what life should be like. This is what we mean by optimal experience." (Pg. 3) This quote was particularly intriguing for me. Of course, I want to live my life to the fullest and enjoy it every second I can get. I have felt optimal experience before, and it is a great feeling. In relation to my project, I believe I can obtain optimal experience from it if I keep up with my work, and reward myself with the things I love doing with it (talked about in Question 1).
Where are you on the flow chart? How has this changed/remained the same throughout your project?
At this current moment, I would say I am closer to the anxiety side of the flow chart, but not by much. I tend to get ahead of myself, and worry about the WHOLE picture at a time, not by steps. This is a matter of perspective I think. I created a WISE planner for myself which I think is very helpful, it allows me to look at goals I have for my project broken down into smaller pieces. This way, I can focus on one thing at a time, and it is helping me see that step by step the whole picture comes together, it doesn't happen in one fell swoop. This is completely opposite from where I was in my project a month or so ago. I was deep in the boredom section of the flow chart, abusing my responsibilities and robbing myself and my ability of "flow". I have come out of this now, and have been keeping up on all my work, and have been doing the things I enjoy doing with my project. All in all, I would much rather be anxious about my project then bored. However, I think it would be a good idea to keep flow in my mind as I continue my project, and try to find my happy medium where anxiety and boredom are not involved.
How can you achieve flow?
As I have already mentioned, I created a WISE planner for myself so that I can step back and work on things one at a time. I think this will also help me not leave things for the last minute. I put myself under unnecessary stress when I wait until the last minute to do things, and also cause boredom for myself when I'm not doing anything. Ms. Lord talked today about how some of us have to fall before we really know what it means to conduct an independent project. She was right, I can say that I fell before I knew what it meant. Having said that, I believe I am at an advantage for knowing when I achieve flow. I'm not there yet, but I am certainly working on it.
Reflection: Week of March 29th
I felt I spent a lot of time on my project this week. In total, I would round it to 9 or 10 hours. I was proud of all my work on my project this past week and I am going to make it a goal to work AT LEAST 8 hours a week on my project, hopefully more than that.
I thought my interview with Mr. Logue was very interesting. We met at City Hall, and he had BIG maps of the trail which were helpful in understanding conflicts in the trail and the construction of the trail. Mr. Logue seemed involved in Phase 2 of the trail more than anything else. I now understand what he had to go through (being the City Engineer of Transportation) in order for the Trail to connect Phase 1 and Phase 3.
I also found my research at the library extremely helpful. I talked to a reference librarian about my project and she was able to help me found tons of resources. There were many city documents on development projects that had happened in the past. I found of final draft of the proposal of the Waterfront Trail and copied that. I plan on returning to the library several more times to copy more resources, and investigating the politics of proposing and constructing a development like the Waterfront Trail or the Wal-Mart Development.
I thought my interview with Mr. Logue was very interesting. We met at City Hall, and he had BIG maps of the trail which were helpful in understanding conflicts in the trail and the construction of the trail. Mr. Logue seemed involved in Phase 2 of the trail more than anything else. I now understand what he had to go through (being the City Engineer of Transportation) in order for the Trail to connect Phase 1 and Phase 3.
I also found my research at the library extremely helpful. I talked to a reference librarian about my project and she was able to help me found tons of resources. There were many city documents on development projects that had happened in the past. I found of final draft of the proposal of the Waterfront Trail and copied that. I plan on returning to the library several more times to copy more resources, and investigating the politics of proposing and constructing a development like the Waterfront Trail or the Wal-Mart Development.
Process: Week of March 29th
By the end of next week I am aiming to have accomplished:
- Draft of survey done by Friday April 8th, and reviewed by Ms. Lord or Ms. Shenk, or both.
- Attend the library again to make copies of references I found last week.
- Secure two interviews before Spring Break.
- Spend 8 hours or more on my project
Mentor Meeting: Week of April 5th
Today, I had my mentor meeting with Ms. Shenk for this week. I handed her a physical copy of my third quarter evaluation (since I did not do so at our last meeting), and showed her my interview with Tim Logue. I also showed her the some of the research I had done at the library last week (Thursday and Sunday), and told her about all the resources I had found there. There was a Final Draft for the Waterfront Trail that was presented to the city in 1996 (which I copied). There were also several other resources that are I found too but have not copied yet.
Ms Shenk suggested that if I wanted in depth archives from the city I could call the City Clerk, and ask what was available to the public (minutes, public meetings, etc), which I plan on doing later this week.
Ms Shenk suggested that if I wanted in depth archives from the city I could call the City Clerk, and ask what was available to the public (minutes, public meetings, etc), which I plan on doing later this week.
Mentor Meeting: Week of March 29th
During my mentor meeting last week, Ms. Shenk and I went over my third quarter evaluation together. After her and I talked about the ratings I had given myself, I made a few minor changes. I took a point away from one category, and added a point to a category- so it evened out in the end.
Ms. Shenk also knew I was going to interview Tim Logue later that day, and conduct research at the library too. We planned on meeting earlier in the week so that I could go over what I learned in my interview and research. She gave me the idea of when I was at the library of researching other development projects that had/are happening in Ithaca (such as the Wal-Mart development, and the Southwest Neighborhood development), which I thought was a very good idea.
Ms. Shenk also knew I was going to interview Tim Logue later that day, and conduct research at the library too. We planned on meeting earlier in the week so that I could go over what I learned in my interview and research. She gave me the idea of when I was at the library of researching other development projects that had/are happening in Ithaca (such as the Wal-Mart development, and the Southwest Neighborhood development), which I thought was a very good idea.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
In Class: Thursday Class Journal
How much time have I spent on my project so far?
By the end of tomorrow I will have spent around 8 hours on my project. This includes class time (tuesday & thursday) planning out the rest of my project, mentor meeting, an interview with Tim Logue, writing my interview, research at the Public Library. As of right now I would round to have spent 4 - 4 1/2 hours on my project so far this week.
What did you do that was hands on?
My interview with Tim Logue is my hands on process for this week... the same as last week... in my project, I think interviews are the most beneficial hands on I can do. However, I will also be going to the library tomorrow to do hands on research.
What research did you do?
I have spent time planning the rest of my project out, and tomorrow is research day (even says so on my calender) I have an interview with Tim Logue, and will be doing research at the library. I have also looked into contacting a local community member to interview as well as information about the Ithaca Journal I will be using later on in my project.
Did you meet with your mentor?
My mentor meeting is tomorrow, Thursday, after school.
Do you have at least 3 journal entries?
Yes I do :) They are mostly all in class reflections however.
Were you in class this week? Did you have and use your journal?
Yes I was. I use my blog, obviously, for my "journal". I have a notebook I take notes in during class.
Do you think your fulfillment of WISE requirements was...?
Excellent. I really have moved forward in setting up the rest of my project! I have 3 very specific goals set for myself by the end of this project:
My plans for next week include hopefully conducting another interview, more research at the library, and if for some reason I can not secure an interview next week, I will conduct the survey I want to do for my project.
By the end of tomorrow I will have spent around 8 hours on my project. This includes class time (tuesday & thursday) planning out the rest of my project, mentor meeting, an interview with Tim Logue, writing my interview, research at the Public Library. As of right now I would round to have spent 4 - 4 1/2 hours on my project so far this week.
What did you do that was hands on?
My interview with Tim Logue is my hands on process for this week... the same as last week... in my project, I think interviews are the most beneficial hands on I can do. However, I will also be going to the library tomorrow to do hands on research.
What research did you do?
I have spent time planning the rest of my project out, and tomorrow is research day (even says so on my calender) I have an interview with Tim Logue, and will be doing research at the library. I have also looked into contacting a local community member to interview as well as information about the Ithaca Journal I will be using later on in my project.
Did you meet with your mentor?
My mentor meeting is tomorrow, Thursday, after school.
Do you have at least 3 journal entries?
Yes I do :) They are mostly all in class reflections however.
Were you in class this week? Did you have and use your journal?
Yes I was. I use my blog, obviously, for my "journal". I have a notebook I take notes in during class.
Do you think your fulfillment of WISE requirements was...?
Excellent. I really have moved forward in setting up the rest of my project! I have 3 very specific goals set for myself by the end of this project:
- Interview 10 people within the community by my projects end.
- Conduct a local survey of Ithaca (about the Waterfront Trail)
- Write to the editor of the Ithaca Journal (and hopefully have it published!!!!!)
My plans for next week include hopefully conducting another interview, more research at the library, and if for some reason I can not secure an interview next week, I will conduct the survey I want to do for my project.
Process Reflection: Week of March 29th
Questions from in class on Tuesday we were asked to answer:
3 Ways I have stepped out of my comfort zone:
3 Ways I have stepped out of my comfort zone:
- Having three entries a week, on time!
- Keeping up a steady pace on my project
- E-mailing people and taking the initiative in my project to make sure it is moving forward
- Broadened my project from beginning idea, I am now not solely focusing on the Waterfront Trail.
- Interviewing many more people than originally planned
- Looking at the history of politics in Ithaca
- 3 journal entries a week! I struggled with this at first...
- Had a better idea planned for my project (what to have done by when)
- Kept up on my journals throughout the whole process!
- Interviewed more people by now
- I rely WAY to much on others telling me what to do and when to do it :/
- The Waterfront Trail is a great step towards sustainable transportation in Ithaca
- Politics is the act of groups working together, sometimes things don't go according to plan.
- Planning is very beneficial and a huge step to staying organized and on top of things.
- I am a people person :) and I want to work with people no matter what.
In Class: March 29th
During this Tuesday's class we started off by listening to an audio clip, "Disrupting My Comfort Zone", told by Brian Grazer.
Reflection:
I would say I have gone out of my comfort zone for this project. I knew that the project itself was going to take me out of my comfort zone. I do not have a problem with talking to people, asking to interview them and actually interviewing them, I have gone out of my comfort zone on a personal level. I know I am one of those people who NEEDS organization and relies on being told what to do, and especially when to do it.
More people also shared their project process. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK EVERYONE!!! It was great to see more of what people are up too and how it's going. :)
Reflection:
I would say I have gone out of my comfort zone for this project. I knew that the project itself was going to take me out of my comfort zone. I do not have a problem with talking to people, asking to interview them and actually interviewing them, I have gone out of my comfort zone on a personal level. I know I am one of those people who NEEDS organization and relies on being told what to do, and especially when to do it.
More people also shared their project process. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK EVERYONE!!! It was great to see more of what people are up too and how it's going. :)
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Mentor Meeting: Week of March 22nd
This week when Ms. Shenk and I met she really helped me set my sights on how much time I had left for my project. Her advice to me was that I start working backwards. My previous goal was to have an average of one interview a week for the next several weeks. Ms. Shenk pointed out to me we only have 10 weeks or so left to work on our project, and that I might need to step up my expectations a little bit, which is reasonable.
Reflection: Week of March 22nd
This week I felt very good that I conducted an interview with Rick Manning. I was able to learn a lot more about the Waterfront Trail and found the interview itself very interesting. I was surprised to learn the sustainable transportation aspect of the trail, it makes sense to me now and I think it is a very valuable benefit to be gained. I was also glad to get Mr. Manning's input on what he would personally like to know from the public if I was to conduct a survey. I can now start making moves on this part of my project. I am looking forward to my interview with Tim Logue this week.
I was unable to attend Tunes for Trails at Castaways on Friday evening. There were scheduling conflicts for those that were supposed to come with me and I did not find out until Friday, and was not able to get a ride.
I was unable to attend Tunes for Trails at Castaways on Friday evening. There were scheduling conflicts for those that were supposed to come with me and I did not find out until Friday, and was not able to get a ride.
Process: Week of March 22nd
For next week, my project planning goal is:
*There is also a meeting on May 16th at the Library regarding the Waterfront Trail
- Spend more time on my project! Become more hands on, and take Ms. Lord's advice about not waiting for people to come to me and dig in deeper.
- Go to the library at least once before the weeks end. See what material and references they may be able to supply me with on the history of politics in the City of Ithaca, or the Waterfront Trail.
- Interview Tim Logue on Thursday
- Create a schedule for goals I want to have accomplished by a certain time. Look at the big picture, and figure out how many weeks I have left. Plan out interviews I want to have done, as well as when I should submit a piece to the Ithaca Journal and what information I will need to have in order to do that.
*There is also a meeting on May 16th at the Library regarding the Waterfront Trail
Research: Week of March 22nd
The big research I did for my project this week was my interview with Rick Manning. The interview was conducted at 4:00 P.M. on Thursday March 24th, at the Reis Tennis Center in Ithaca NY.
Below is a copy of the interview.
Q: How long have you personally been involved in the Cayuga Waterfront Trail?
A: 10 years. The Trail was proposed in 1997.
Q: What are your duties in the Waterfront Trail compared to the duties of others who are involved?
A: Project Coordinator of the Trail employed through Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce. Rick Manning was the one who brought the idea to the County Chamber, in order to build the trail there needed to be a non-profit sponsor which the County Chamber agreed to be. Rick is also head of the designing and planning of the Trail.
Q: Where has/does the funding for the Trail come from?
A: Local Funding: Foundation Grants, Park Foundation Grants, contributions from the community (include sponsoring the trail by purchasing bricks and benches along the trail). There is also a fair amount of government funding for the trail. Rick Manning is hired by the City of Ithaca to write grants to gain funding for the Trail.
Q: What have been some of the legal obstacles of the Waterfront Trail? In particular the situation with Puddledockers and Andre Petroleum?
A: There has been a case of eminent domain during the construction of the trail. The New York department of transportation has taken over the eminent domain case now. They have strict standards and guidelines they always follow.
Q: In your personal opinion, what are the most important things that people can benefit from the Waterfront Trail?
A: Rick Manning feels if you are going to live in a city, it's better to get around without a car. Also, it's better both environmentally and economically if people were to use alternate methods of transportation besides cars. There are also several health benefits to the people that use the trail, mentally and physically.
Q: On the Cayuga Waterfront Trail website it says the trail will "help Ithaca develop a sustainable transportation system", could you explain this a little more for me?
A: People are dependent on cars, and there are things that don't help to discourage this. Buildings and towns are very spread out, and the safety for non car transportation is not that great. The Trail will provide alternative means of transportation for those that live in the city.
Q: Have you received any negative response from the community about the Trail personally?
A: Yes. There have been assorted times when there are responses online from the Ithaca Journal website. However, Rick Manning has received a lot more positive feedback from the community which he prefers to focus on.
Q: What has been done to promote the Trail in the community?
A: The Cayuga Waterfront Trail website (http://www.cayugawaterfronttrail.com/), information in the Newsletter, and Rick Manning also believes the trail itself is great promotion. Many people know and love the trail (phase 1 and phase 3 are complete, phase 2 is estimated to be constructed this year or the next) and are excited about it being completed.
Q: What are the remaining steps for the Waterfront Trail?
A: Furnishing the trail, increasing the use of the trail, finish phase 2 of the trail, fund raise money for the trail. Rick Manning is also currently working on a grant which would provide funding to improve the crossing from Dey Street and Third Street across Route 13.
Q: Is there a projected completion date for the Trail?
A: The goal is in 2012 to have the trail constructed all the way.
I also spoke with Rick Manning about my idea to conduct of survey of the public, figuring out who knows about the trail and how they feel about it. I asked Mr. Manning if there was any information that he was curious to know or would benefit those working on the project. He mentioned a few things:
Below is a copy of the interview.
Q: How long have you personally been involved in the Cayuga Waterfront Trail?
A: 10 years. The Trail was proposed in 1997.
Q: What are your duties in the Waterfront Trail compared to the duties of others who are involved?
A: Project Coordinator of the Trail employed through Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce. Rick Manning was the one who brought the idea to the County Chamber, in order to build the trail there needed to be a non-profit sponsor which the County Chamber agreed to be. Rick is also head of the designing and planning of the Trail.
Q: Where has/does the funding for the Trail come from?
A: Local Funding: Foundation Grants, Park Foundation Grants, contributions from the community (include sponsoring the trail by purchasing bricks and benches along the trail). There is also a fair amount of government funding for the trail. Rick Manning is hired by the City of Ithaca to write grants to gain funding for the Trail.
Q: What have been some of the legal obstacles of the Waterfront Trail? In particular the situation with Puddledockers and Andre Petroleum?
A: There has been a case of eminent domain during the construction of the trail. The New York department of transportation has taken over the eminent domain case now. They have strict standards and guidelines they always follow.
Q: In your personal opinion, what are the most important things that people can benefit from the Waterfront Trail?
A: Rick Manning feels if you are going to live in a city, it's better to get around without a car. Also, it's better both environmentally and economically if people were to use alternate methods of transportation besides cars. There are also several health benefits to the people that use the trail, mentally and physically.
Q: On the Cayuga Waterfront Trail website it says the trail will "help Ithaca develop a sustainable transportation system", could you explain this a little more for me?
A: People are dependent on cars, and there are things that don't help to discourage this. Buildings and towns are very spread out, and the safety for non car transportation is not that great. The Trail will provide alternative means of transportation for those that live in the city.
Q: Have you received any negative response from the community about the Trail personally?
A: Yes. There have been assorted times when there are responses online from the Ithaca Journal website. However, Rick Manning has received a lot more positive feedback from the community which he prefers to focus on.
Q: What has been done to promote the Trail in the community?
A: The Cayuga Waterfront Trail website (http://www.cayugawaterfronttrail.com/), information in the Newsletter, and Rick Manning also believes the trail itself is great promotion. Many people know and love the trail (phase 1 and phase 3 are complete, phase 2 is estimated to be constructed this year or the next) and are excited about it being completed.
Q: What are the remaining steps for the Waterfront Trail?
A: Furnishing the trail, increasing the use of the trail, finish phase 2 of the trail, fund raise money for the trail. Rick Manning is also currently working on a grant which would provide funding to improve the crossing from Dey Street and Third Street across Route 13.
Q: Is there a projected completion date for the Trail?
A: The goal is in 2012 to have the trail constructed all the way.
I also spoke with Rick Manning about my idea to conduct of survey of the public, figuring out who knows about the trail and how they feel about it. I asked Mr. Manning if there was any information that he was curious to know or would benefit those working on the project. He mentioned a few things:
- How do people feel about the right of way acquisition?
- Do people see the trail as more useful for transportation or recreation?
- Is the trail seen as a green thing? In terms of sustainability and alternate means of transportation.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
In Class: Thursday Class Journal
How much time did you spend on your project?
This week so far I have spent about 30 minutes on my project. I was very sick Monday and Tuesday, so I did not go to our Tuesday class this week. I am going to see Ms. Lord when I get back to school. I have written up my mentor meeting from last week, and been in correspondence with Rick Manning and Tim Logue about interviews.
What did you do that was hands-on?
I am interviewing Rick Manning this week on Thursday after school at 4PM. Nothing so far this week.
What research did you do?
The interview with Rick Manning will be research.
Did you meet with your mentor?
I have not met with Ms. Shenk yet this week. We planned on meeting on Friday. Since we don't have school Friday, I have sent her an e-mail asking if we can meet tomorrow (Thursday), before school for 30 minutes.
Do you have at least 3 journal entries?
This has not happened yet, so far the current trend in my project is that I am meeting with people to do interviews later in the week. I prefer to wait to do my Research, Reflection, and Process journals until after this. This makes more sense to me because I can reflect on my whole weeks progression, and after interviews I may receive new ideas about my project from those that I interview that will go into my Process section.
Were you in class this week?
I was not in class on Tuesday due to illness, I will be attending class tomorrow (Thursday).
Do you think your fulfillment of WISE requirements was...?
Adequate. I have not conducted the interview with Rick Manning yet, but that will be a big step in my project. Again, much of hands on, and research of my project is done later in the week. Though I have not done much not, I have several things to do for my project during the later part of the week. On Thursday, I am interviewing with Rick Manning. On Saturday, I am attending "Tunes for Trails", a promotional concert for the trails. If the weather permits, either Friday, Saturday, or Sunday I am going to take pictures of the Stewart Park section of the Trails.
What are you plans for next week?
I have an interview with Tim Logue (City Transportation Engineer for the City of Ithaca), who is very involved with the trails, on Thursday of next week.
This week so far I have spent about 30 minutes on my project. I was very sick Monday and Tuesday, so I did not go to our Tuesday class this week. I am going to see Ms. Lord when I get back to school. I have written up my mentor meeting from last week, and been in correspondence with Rick Manning and Tim Logue about interviews.
What did you do that was hands-on?
I am interviewing Rick Manning this week on Thursday after school at 4PM. Nothing so far this week.
What research did you do?
The interview with Rick Manning will be research.
Did you meet with your mentor?
I have not met with Ms. Shenk yet this week. We planned on meeting on Friday. Since we don't have school Friday, I have sent her an e-mail asking if we can meet tomorrow (Thursday), before school for 30 minutes.
Do you have at least 3 journal entries?
This has not happened yet, so far the current trend in my project is that I am meeting with people to do interviews later in the week. I prefer to wait to do my Research, Reflection, and Process journals until after this. This makes more sense to me because I can reflect on my whole weeks progression, and after interviews I may receive new ideas about my project from those that I interview that will go into my Process section.
Were you in class this week?
I was not in class on Tuesday due to illness, I will be attending class tomorrow (Thursday).
Do you think your fulfillment of WISE requirements was...?
Adequate. I have not conducted the interview with Rick Manning yet, but that will be a big step in my project. Again, much of hands on, and research of my project is done later in the week. Though I have not done much not, I have several things to do for my project during the later part of the week. On Thursday, I am interviewing with Rick Manning. On Saturday, I am attending "Tunes for Trails", a promotional concert for the trails. If the weather permits, either Friday, Saturday, or Sunday I am going to take pictures of the Stewart Park section of the Trails.
What are you plans for next week?
I have an interview with Tim Logue (City Transportation Engineer for the City of Ithaca), who is very involved with the trails, on Thursday of next week.
In Class: Tuesday March 22, 2011
I was not in class today due to illness.
I have corresponded with Ms. Lord through e-mail, and will stop by the see her when I get back to discuss what I missed.
(* later entry to come *)
I have corresponded with Ms. Lord through e-mail, and will stop by the see her when I get back to discuss what I missed.
(* later entry to come *)
Mentor Meeting 3/18/2011
My most recent Mentor Meeting with Ms. Shenk went very well I thought. I brought up my blog, and went through it with her while explaining the research I had done this week, and my revived outlook on my project.
I talked to her how I was doing some of the reading assignments I gave myself to fill in the gap of my project I felt was present. My original plan for my project was to become involved in the Waterfront Trail, and that would take up all of my time. Then for my final presentation, I would explain how I became involved and what I did.
As I have continued through the project process I found there was a gap of time that I needed to fill up, so I was reading books by politicians and excerpts from textbooks. I really did not like doing this. Now for my project, I am going to start looking at my project with a wider spectrum and maybe focus on the history of politics in Ithaca, and all sorts of other aspects of local politics.
Ms. Shenk and I talked a lot our last meeting of what I could do to look into the history of politics in Ithaca. In the City of Ithaca, there has not been a Republican in office for several years. Ms. Shenk gave me good contact that has been part of local politics for 50 years or more. I want to try to set up an interview with this person, and get a look of how the politics in Ithaca has changed over time. Also, though there are not Republicans in office in the City of Ithaca, they are in the county. Ms. Shenk gave me the idea of trying to get interviews from both Democrats and Republicans in the county and getting their opinions of whether there not being a Republican in office in the City of Ithaca is okay, and if it isn't, why not?
I feel I have research and contacts to take up A LOT of my time now, and am feeling good about it.
I talked to her how I was doing some of the reading assignments I gave myself to fill in the gap of my project I felt was present. My original plan for my project was to become involved in the Waterfront Trail, and that would take up all of my time. Then for my final presentation, I would explain how I became involved and what I did.
As I have continued through the project process I found there was a gap of time that I needed to fill up, so I was reading books by politicians and excerpts from textbooks. I really did not like doing this. Now for my project, I am going to start looking at my project with a wider spectrum and maybe focus on the history of politics in Ithaca, and all sorts of other aspects of local politics.
Ms. Shenk and I talked a lot our last meeting of what I could do to look into the history of politics in Ithaca. In the City of Ithaca, there has not been a Republican in office for several years. Ms. Shenk gave me good contact that has been part of local politics for 50 years or more. I want to try to set up an interview with this person, and get a look of how the politics in Ithaca has changed over time. Also, though there are not Republicans in office in the City of Ithaca, they are in the county. Ms. Shenk gave me the idea of trying to get interviews from both Democrats and Republicans in the county and getting their opinions of whether there not being a Republican in office in the City of Ithaca is okay, and if it isn't, why not?
I feel I have research and contacts to take up A LOT of my time now, and am feeling good about it.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Reflection: Week of March 15th
This week I feel I have been doing much better with my WISE project. Though my interview with Rick Manning did not work out this week, I am very excited to be interviewing both him and Tim Logue next week (hopefully, allowing that their schedules permit). I have gotten excited about my project again, which I feel is very important.
Today in class I had a talk with Ms. Lord about how I was doing things to fill in the gap I felt there was with the research aspect of my project. Her suggestion was that I start looking at my project from a wider spectrum, such as talking to local politicians and learning about the history of politics in Ithaca.
I have also, sense I started this project, wanted to write into the Ithaca Journal. I am very interest in this part of my project. I am hoping after I conduct an interview with Tim Logue and Rick Manning, I can go around town and conduct a survey of the public: asking who knows about the trails, and how they feel about them. After I do these interviews, and this survey, I think I will be able to write an interesting letter to the Editor and have it published in the Ithaca Journal.
Today in class I had a talk with Ms. Lord about how I was doing things to fill in the gap I felt there was with the research aspect of my project. Her suggestion was that I start looking at my project from a wider spectrum, such as talking to local politicians and learning about the history of politics in Ithaca.
I have also, sense I started this project, wanted to write into the Ithaca Journal. I am very interest in this part of my project. I am hoping after I conduct an interview with Tim Logue and Rick Manning, I can go around town and conduct a survey of the public: asking who knows about the trails, and how they feel about them. After I do these interviews, and this survey, I think I will be able to write an interesting letter to the Editor and have it published in the Ithaca Journal.
Process: Week of March 15th
By the end of week March 22nd I hope to have accomplished:
- An interview with Tim Logue and Rick Manning
- Attend "Tunes for Trails" on March 25th, a promotion for the Waterfront Trail
- Walk the Stewart Park phase of the Trail and take pictures
- E-mail Barbara Lifton and try to set up an interview with her
Research: Week of March 15th
This week I was hoping to gain a lot of knowledge about the Cayuga Waterfront Trail by way of interview with Rick Manning.
Unfortunately I was not able to meet with Rick Manning today to do an interview due to a mix up in scheduling.
I have been in contact with Rick Manning since this and we have decided to do an interview next week, either Monday or Tuesday during a free period during school, or Thursday after school.
I also have heard back from Tim Logue who is involved in the Waterfront Trail and he has agreed to do an interview with me as well.
Though I was hoping to have information about the Trail to post this week, I will have a lot of new information about the Trail next week after I interview with Rick Manning and Tim Logue.
Unfortunately I was not able to meet with Rick Manning today to do an interview due to a mix up in scheduling.
I have been in contact with Rick Manning since this and we have decided to do an interview next week, either Monday or Tuesday during a free period during school, or Thursday after school.
I also have heard back from Tim Logue who is involved in the Waterfront Trail and he has agreed to do an interview with me as well.
Though I was hoping to have information about the Trail to post this week, I will have a lot of new information about the Trail next week after I interview with Rick Manning and Tim Logue.
In Class: Thursday Entry
1. This week I have set up an interview with Rick Manning, the Program Coordinator of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, and have typed up an interview and have sent an e-mail to Tim Logue and am working on setting up an interview with him as well.
2. I would say 3 hours.
3. I am conducting an interview today which is hands on.
4. I consider the interview with Rick Manning as research because he will provide me with inside knowledge.
5. Not yet this week, it is tomorrow. I missed my mentor meeting last week because I forgot last Friday, which I take complete responsibility for. I e-mailed Ms. Shenk and apologized to her. I also suggested that we look at my blog every time we met from now on, meaning I will have to have my journals done by at least every Friday.
6. I plan on doing those entries after my interview with Rick Manning.
7. Yes and Yes.
8. Adequate- I think I have been much better this week then in past weeks. I have done something with my project every day and will update my journal after my interview.
Monday: E-mailed Rick Manning and confirmed interview. I looked at the Cayuga Waterfront Trail website and oriented myself with his role and the current state of the Trail.
Tuesday: In-class journaling.
Wednesday: Wrote up an interview and showed my aunt and brainstormed with her for quite awhile.
9. Hopefully interview Tim Logue, contact Barbara Lifton for an interview, attend "Tunes for Trails" on Saturday March 25th, walk the Stewart Park phase of the trail that is under construction and take pictures.
2. I would say 3 hours.
3. I am conducting an interview today which is hands on.
4. I consider the interview with Rick Manning as research because he will provide me with inside knowledge.
5. Not yet this week, it is tomorrow. I missed my mentor meeting last week because I forgot last Friday, which I take complete responsibility for. I e-mailed Ms. Shenk and apologized to her. I also suggested that we look at my blog every time we met from now on, meaning I will have to have my journals done by at least every Friday.
6. I plan on doing those entries after my interview with Rick Manning.
7. Yes and Yes.
8. Adequate- I think I have been much better this week then in past weeks. I have done something with my project every day and will update my journal after my interview.
Monday: E-mailed Rick Manning and confirmed interview. I looked at the Cayuga Waterfront Trail website and oriented myself with his role and the current state of the Trail.
Tuesday: In-class journaling.
Wednesday: Wrote up an interview and showed my aunt and brainstormed with her for quite awhile.
9. Hopefully interview Tim Logue, contact Barbara Lifton for an interview, attend "Tunes for Trails" on Saturday March 25th, walk the Stewart Park phase of the trail that is under construction and take pictures.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
In class: Tuesday, March 15th
Today in class, the following people presented aspects of their projects and explained any difficulties they were having as well as the rewards they have gotten from their projects so far:
Karrie, Mary, Natanya, Dylan, Jordan, and Jimmy.
It was exciting to see the progress fellow students have made in their projects, and inspired me to do more with my own. I could relate with Jordan about how he was feeling discouraged about his project. I myself have been feeling the same way. However, I have an interview with Rick Manning (Project Coordinator of the Waterfront Trails) on Thursday, and I am very much looking forward to it.
Readings assigned in class: Two Tramps in Mud Time, and Practicing
How do these documents relate?
To me, I took these two documents to be about things that people chose as both their hobbies and their professions, and how can make a career out of a hobby. In Practicing, the author makes a point to explain that even if someone is proficient at an instrument and can pick it up and play a song, they are not truly an "artist" (perhaps this isn't particularly the word I'm going for...) unless they devote their time to overcoming the hard things that go along with playing the instrument. When someone can pick up an instrument, and then be handed a sheet of music they have never seen before, and be able to play it because they are comfortable with the instrument and the techniques of playing, they can consider themselves accomplished at their instrument. The author is illustrating the point of practice makes perfect. In Robert Frost's poem, Two Tramps in Mud Time, I see the author as someone who has been upset and is releasing his frustration on something he is good at. He is then approached by men who cut wood for a living, and feel imposed that he is merely doing their job in order to relieve stress. To me, this poem is an example that everyone is entitled to their professions and hobbies, but that they must differentiate between the two. Someone's profession is the thing that should occupy their practice time, and a hobby is something that should be done just for the enjoyment and doesn't need a particular outcome.
How do these documents relate to your project?
These documents relate in the way that most of us are conducting our projects based on something that we consider a hobby, or something we want to get better at. Of course, for many of our projects practicing is a key factor. For many projects, there is a final outcome that has already been decided and it is up to us to manage our time in a way that illustrates we have reached that final outcome that we set as a goal. In the sense of Robert Frost's poem, I can see that we have devoted ourselves to this project, but still have other things we must keep in order too, our professions so to speak (being a student perhaps?).
Karrie, Mary, Natanya, Dylan, Jordan, and Jimmy.
It was exciting to see the progress fellow students have made in their projects, and inspired me to do more with my own. I could relate with Jordan about how he was feeling discouraged about his project. I myself have been feeling the same way. However, I have an interview with Rick Manning (Project Coordinator of the Waterfront Trails) on Thursday, and I am very much looking forward to it.
Readings assigned in class: Two Tramps in Mud Time, and Practicing
How do these documents relate?
To me, I took these two documents to be about things that people chose as both their hobbies and their professions, and how can make a career out of a hobby. In Practicing, the author makes a point to explain that even if someone is proficient at an instrument and can pick it up and play a song, they are not truly an "artist" (perhaps this isn't particularly the word I'm going for...) unless they devote their time to overcoming the hard things that go along with playing the instrument. When someone can pick up an instrument, and then be handed a sheet of music they have never seen before, and be able to play it because they are comfortable with the instrument and the techniques of playing, they can consider themselves accomplished at their instrument. The author is illustrating the point of practice makes perfect. In Robert Frost's poem, Two Tramps in Mud Time, I see the author as someone who has been upset and is releasing his frustration on something he is good at. He is then approached by men who cut wood for a living, and feel imposed that he is merely doing their job in order to relieve stress. To me, this poem is an example that everyone is entitled to their professions and hobbies, but that they must differentiate between the two. Someone's profession is the thing that should occupy their practice time, and a hobby is something that should be done just for the enjoyment and doesn't need a particular outcome.
How do these documents relate to your project?
These documents relate in the way that most of us are conducting our projects based on something that we consider a hobby, or something we want to get better at. Of course, for many of our projects practicing is a key factor. For many projects, there is a final outcome that has already been decided and it is up to us to manage our time in a way that illustrates we have reached that final outcome that we set as a goal. In the sense of Robert Frost's poem, I can see that we have devoted ourselves to this project, but still have other things we must keep in order too, our professions so to speak (being a student perhaps?).
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Reflection: Week of March 8th
This week Ms. Lord contacted me and stated I needed to start attending Thursday classes as well, due to my lack of journalizing. I can completely agree with this decision, I have been doing a very bad job at updating three entries per week. I have been making personal progress, and though I know this Ms. Lord does not. She needs the physical proof of my blog in order to show her that I am making progress.
I am well aware that I have not been as committed to my WISE project as I thought I was going to be. I am actually relieved to be attending the Thursday WISE classes now. I believe this will give me a few weeks to set up a schedule where I journal at least 3 times a week, and the Thursday class will provide a time for me to do that. Also, I am having some problems with finding where to go from here... Thursday classes will allow me time to think particularly about my WISE project, and talk to Ms. Lord if I need any guidance.
Unfortunately, I was not able to conduct an interview with Rick Manning this week. I have been in contact with him and we are going to settle on a day this week to conduct the interview.
I am well aware that I have not been as committed to my WISE project as I thought I was going to be. I am actually relieved to be attending the Thursday WISE classes now. I believe this will give me a few weeks to set up a schedule where I journal at least 3 times a week, and the Thursday class will provide a time for me to do that. Also, I am having some problems with finding where to go from here... Thursday classes will allow me time to think particularly about my WISE project, and talk to Ms. Lord if I need any guidance.
Unfortunately, I was not able to conduct an interview with Rick Manning this week. I have been in contact with him and we are going to settle on a day this week to conduct the interview.
Process: Week of March 8th
By the following week I hope to have accomplished:
- 3 entries completed in a timely fashion (not including my in-class journal for Tuesday and Thursday)
- Completed interview with Rick Manning as well as an interview set up for the following week.
- Research 1 or 2 more topics from Issues in American Politics
- Contact the Ithaca Planning Department to see if there are any hands on experiences I can help with concerning the Waterfront Trails.
Research: Week of March 8th
This week I have started reading particular sections from Issues in American Politcs. I have decided I want to educate myself about aspects of our American government that I feel I know little or nothing about. This week, I learned a lot about our Health Care System.
Things I Learned:
I find the book Issues in American Politics to be very basic and helpful when it comes to explaining things about our government I have a hard time understanding.
Add-on to Bibliography:
Thobeben, Robert G., Donna M. Schagheck, and Charles Fenderburk. Issues in American Politics: Money, Violence, and Biology. 5th ed. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, 2006. Print.
Things I Learned:
- There are three different interrelated aspects: Cost, Coverage, and Allocation.
- The cost of Health Care in America is the highest in the world when measured either as a percentage of gross national product or as a cost per person.
- Most health insurance is provided by employers or government programs.
- Currently, 44 million American are excluded from having any kind of Health Care
- Many Americans receive their Health Insurance from their employers (57%).
- American's who are self-employed, or work in low-paying jobs have very limited coverage or no coverage at all.
- Elderly and Retired citizens are insured through MEDICARE (a government program)
- Health Care for an American citizen in 1950 averaged at $500, in 2004, an average person was paying $5,000 for Health Care.
- When a person has Health Insurance, they only pay a small portion of the cost of their total health care.
- New and improved medical equipment has caused the cost of Health Care to rise.
- As time as passed, Americans are tending to live longer and longer, thus increasing the cost of Medicare as well as the need for it. (Medicare is paid for by taxes)
- Nearly half of American adults are overweight. Since 1980, obesity has increased by 50%. Lack of nutrition in physical diet and exercise contribute to the increase rate of disease in the United States.
I find the book Issues in American Politics to be very basic and helpful when it comes to explaining things about our government I have a hard time understanding.
Add-on to Bibliography:
Thobeben, Robert G., Donna M. Schagheck, and Charles Fenderburk. Issues in American Politics: Money, Violence, and Biology. 5th ed. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, 2006. Print.
Reflection: Week of February 28th
I have not been fulfilling my duties as a WISE student when it comes to the general rule of 3 journal entries per week. This is something I need to work on very hard. I am disappointed in myself for not keeping a steady flow of journals for this week, and updating so long after.
I am very happy that I have been in contact with Rick Manning, he is one of the people who have a lot of say in the Waterfront Trails, and I believe he will be a very good source of information. I believe I could benefit a lot from interviews during this project. I am interested in politics, and politics is mostly about interactions with other people. I believe it would not be a bad idea to try to conduct an interview with a public official during this project.
I am very happy that I have been in contact with Rick Manning, he is one of the people who have a lot of say in the Waterfront Trails, and I believe he will be a very good source of information. I believe I could benefit a lot from interviews during this project. I am interested in politics, and politics is mostly about interactions with other people. I believe it would not be a bad idea to try to conduct an interview with a public official during this project.
Process: Week of February 28th
The following week I hope to accomplish:
- An interview with Rick Manning
- Pick a new book to read concerning politics in someway (possibly Sarah Palin's or Barak Obama's book)
- Find new contacts that I could interview with that are either involved in the Waterfront Trails or are somehow involved in Local Politics (conduct 3 interviews by the end of the week of March 28th)
Research: Week of February 28th
During the week of February 28th, I finished the book I was reading by Tip O'Neill. The book continued to be mostly personal anecdotes that he experienced himself (or people he knew experienced) and he would illustrate a point he was trying to make or a theme through these personal anecdotes. I believe all the advice Tip O'Neill gave was good, and it would be hard to pick a favorite from all the stories he provided.
One that particularly stood out to me, however, was: In Politics, Your Word Is Everything- Keep It and Good Things Will Happen to You. (Pg. 125) This story is about the first time Tip O'Neill met Jack Kennedy in 1946, and this was advice Mr. Kennedy passed on to Mr. O'Neill. A very admirable trait I believe, one that may be very hard to follow in politics.
During this week, I had been in contact with Rick Manning (Program Coordinator of the Waterfront Trails). We corresponded through e-mail and it was said that we could possibly meeting during the next week sometime (the week of March 8th, 2011)
One that particularly stood out to me, however, was: In Politics, Your Word Is Everything- Keep It and Good Things Will Happen to You. (Pg. 125) This story is about the first time Tip O'Neill met Jack Kennedy in 1946, and this was advice Mr. Kennedy passed on to Mr. O'Neill. A very admirable trait I believe, one that may be very hard to follow in politics.
During this week, I had been in contact with Rick Manning (Program Coordinator of the Waterfront Trails). We corresponded through e-mail and it was said that we could possibly meeting during the next week sometime (the week of March 8th, 2011)
Mentor Meeting: Friday March 11, 2011
I missed my mentor meeting with Ms. Shenk this week.
It is my responsibility to contact Ms. Shenk and apologize and reschedule.
If Ms. Shenk is able, I would like to meet with her twice next week.
It is my responsibility to contact Ms. Shenk and apologize and reschedule.
If Ms. Shenk is able, I would like to meet with her twice next week.
Mentor Meeting: Friday March 4, 2011
Though we usually meet on Tuesdays, during the week of March 1, 2011, Ms. Shenk and I met on Friday, due to the fact that I was sick and did not come to school on Tuesday March 1st.
During this mentor meeting, I informed Ms. Shenk that I had completed All Politics is Local by Tip O'Neill. I also informed Ms. Shenk of my plans to interview with Rick Manning. Ms. Shenk provided with the idea of contacting the Ithaca Planning Department (which I have a number for) as well as a name of someone I might try getting in contact with that might be able to help me with my project.
During this mentor meeting, I informed Ms. Shenk that I had completed All Politics is Local by Tip O'Neill. I also informed Ms. Shenk of my plans to interview with Rick Manning. Ms. Shenk provided with the idea of contacting the Ithaca Planning Department (which I have a number for) as well as a name of someone I might try getting in contact with that might be able to help me with my project.
In Class: March 10, 2011 (THURSDAY CLASS)
Review your last week of work:
I have continued reading small sections of Issues in American Political Life. I am still working on setting up an interview with Rick Manning, it was supposed to be this week, but plans did not work out well. My goal is too interview him this following week.How much time did you spend on your project?:
This week, I would say I spent about 3-4 hours on my project.What did you do that was hands on?:
The only hands on I did this week was reading more from Issues in American Political Life.
What research did you do?:
The research I did was involved in the American Health Care System. This is an aspect of our political life that I honestly had no clue about. After reading about the Health Care System, I am more aware of what goes into running it. I know a lot more about cost factors of Health Care, and what responsibility the government has in Health Care as well as what responsibilities an individual has when it comes to Health Care. (See Research: Week of March 8, 2011 for more)
Did you meet with your mentor?
This week, I did NOT meet with my mentor. A mistake on my part. Usually I have mentor meetings every Tuesday. However, last week Ms. Shenk and I agreed to meet on Friday. On Friday, I forgot.Do you have at least three journal entries?:
I do not have journal entries for this week at this time, I plan on doing them today.
Were you in class on this week?:
Yes I was in class, however, Thursday class was canceled this week.Do you think your fulfillment of WISE requirements was?:
Inadequate. Though I am making personal progress, I am absolutely doing a horrible job with my journal. I plan to explain this more in an entry to come. What are your plans for next week?:
For the following week, I plan to conduct an interview with Rick Manning, if his schedule permits. I do also plan on contacting other members of the community that are involved with the Waterfront Trails. I also plan on continuing to read excerpts from Issues in American Political Life.
In Class: March 8, 2011
On Tuesday March 8, 2011, we held our weekly WISE class. The previous class, we had received a journal of a student who had previously taken the WISE class. The journal I received was by a student who decided to do their project on business, and in particular becoming an entrepreneur in business.
I noticed GREAT research in this students journal, as well as updated entries every 2-4 days. In our WISE class, we got together in groups of 3-4, and discussed aspects of each journal we got from prompts that were given to us by Ms. Lord. The next coming WISE class, we are going to finish step three of this process, in which we will "make a manual or recipe of sorts for how to create the best journal".
Within our class personally, Jordan had a good idea of possibly each of us reading another students blog/journal once a week. I think this is a good idea, though it may be a little tough with the students who chose to do a physical journal.
ALSO, we received a list for COMMUNITY CONTACTS, personalized to each students project. This should be very helpful!
I noticed GREAT research in this students journal, as well as updated entries every 2-4 days. In our WISE class, we got together in groups of 3-4, and discussed aspects of each journal we got from prompts that were given to us by Ms. Lord. The next coming WISE class, we are going to finish step three of this process, in which we will "make a manual or recipe of sorts for how to create the best journal".
Within our class personally, Jordan had a good idea of possibly each of us reading another students blog/journal once a week. I think this is a good idea, though it may be a little tough with the students who chose to do a physical journal.
ALSO, we received a list for COMMUNITY CONTACTS, personalized to each students project. This should be very helpful!
In-Class: March 1, 2011
I was unable to make it to the Tuesday March 1, 2011 WISE class, due to illness.
After talking to Ms. Lord, I was informed that we received a journal by a student
who had taken the class in a previous year. We are to read this journal, and evaluate it.
The next class, held Tuesday March 8, 2011, we will talk about the journals we read as a class.
After talking to Ms. Lord, I was informed that we received a journal by a student
who had taken the class in a previous year. We are to read this journal, and evaluate it.
The next class, held Tuesday March 8, 2011, we will talk about the journals we read as a class.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Process: "First Mentor Meeting 02/15/2011" 02/16/11
On Tuesday, February 15, Ms. Shenk and I had our first mentor meeting. In the WISE process each student must chose a teacher or someone involved in the school district that they believe will be a good mentor throughout the 16 duration of the WISE class. Ms. Shenk is teacher at Ithaca High School. This past fall semester, I was a student in Ms. Shenk's government class. While in Ms. Shenk's government class, I felt she would be a great mentor throughout my WISE project. Ms. Shenk not only knew about politics, she was also a member of Ithaca Common Council for six years. Ms. Shenk will be able to mentor me through this process with personal experience.
At our first meeting, I told Ms. Shenk about All Politics Is Local, the novel I am reading by Tip O'Neill. I filled her in about why I thought Tip O'Neill's book was interesting, and specific points he made that I agreed with or found interesting. Ms. Shenk told me that she has a book given to her when she was on Common Council, and that I would be more than welcome to read it. I also filled Ms. Shenk in with my intentions to interview several public figures that are involved in the Waterfront Trails, she agreed this would be a good idea. In my "2 Week Plan", I mentioned that I wanted to conduct a survey of the public, asking whether people knew about the Waterfront Trails, and if they did whether they believe they are a good or a bad thing. Ms. Shenk gave me the idea that I should wait to conduct this survey until after I speak to one or two people that are involved with the Waterfront Trails. She said that I could ask them if there was any information they wanted to know from the public. If this is the case, I can conduct a survey that contains this information and would personally be involved with the Waterfront Trails. This is a great idea in my opinion! It incorporates both the interaction and research aspects I hope to gain from this project.
At our first meeting, I told Ms. Shenk about All Politics Is Local, the novel I am reading by Tip O'Neill. I filled her in about why I thought Tip O'Neill's book was interesting, and specific points he made that I agreed with or found interesting. Ms. Shenk told me that she has a book given to her when she was on Common Council, and that I would be more than welcome to read it. I also filled Ms. Shenk in with my intentions to interview several public figures that are involved in the Waterfront Trails, she agreed this would be a good idea. In my "2 Week Plan", I mentioned that I wanted to conduct a survey of the public, asking whether people knew about the Waterfront Trails, and if they did whether they believe they are a good or a bad thing. Ms. Shenk gave me the idea that I should wait to conduct this survey until after I speak to one or two people that are involved with the Waterfront Trails. She said that I could ask them if there was any information they wanted to know from the public. If this is the case, I can conduct a survey that contains this information and would personally be involved with the Waterfront Trails. This is a great idea in my opinion! It incorporates both the interaction and research aspects I hope to gain from this project.
Process: 02/16/2011
Continuing from my "2 Week Plan", by the week of 02/28/11 I hope to have accomplished:
- Finish All Politics is Local by Tip O'Neill. (currently I am on page 70)
- Chose another novel to read by a politician (Barack Obama, Sarah Palin, or possibly a novel that Ms. Shenk will provide me with that she mentioned)
- Have set up an interview with city official involved in the Waterfront Trails.
- Collect public information about the Waterfront Trails (examine extensive map on at cayugawaterfronttrail.com)
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Research: "Tip O'Neill and The Waterfront Trails" 02/15/2011
Tip O'Neill
Waterfront Trails
Link to cayugawaterfronttrail.com, this is a very detailed and extensive map of the proposed Cayuga Waterfront Trails and also existing trails now. I have no doubt this will map will be very useful numerous times throughout my WISE Project.
http://www.cayugawaterfronttrail.com/visit_map.php
(Look under Experience The Trail:, and then click view in the section Locate a Trail and Get a Map.)
Works Cited:
"Locate the Waterfront Trail." Cayuga Waterfront Trail. 2010. Web. 15 Feb. 2011. <http://www.cayugawaterfronttrail.com/visit_map.php>.
"ONEILL, Thomas Phillip, Jr. (Tip) - Biographical Information." Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Web. 15 Feb. 2011. <http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=o000098>.
"Tip O'Neill: Biography." Answers.com: Wiki Q&A Combined with Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus, and Encyclopedias. Answers Corporation, 2010. Web. 15 Feb. 2011. <http://www.answers.com/topic/tip-o-neill>.
- Member and Speaker of MA State Legislature (1947-1948, 1949-1952)
- U.S. House of Representatives (1952-1977)
- Speaker of House of Representative (1977-1987)
Waterfront Trails
Link to cayugawaterfronttrail.com, this is a very detailed and extensive map of the proposed Cayuga Waterfront Trails and also existing trails now. I have no doubt this will map will be very useful numerous times throughout my WISE Project.
http://www.cayugawaterfronttrail.com/visit_map.php
(Look under Experience The Trail:, and then click view in the section Locate a Trail and Get a Map.)
Works Cited:
"Locate the Waterfront Trail." Cayuga Waterfront Trail. 2010. Web. 15 Feb. 2011. <http://www.cayugawaterfronttrail.com/visit_map.php>.
"ONEILL, Thomas Phillip, Jr. (Tip) - Biographical Information." Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Web. 15 Feb. 2011. <http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=o000098>.
"Tip O'Neill: Biography." Answers.com: Wiki Q&A Combined with Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus, and Encyclopedias. Answers Corporation, 2010. Web. 15 Feb. 2011. <http://www.answers.com/topic/tip-o-neill>.
Reflection: "Tip O'Neill and Waterfront Trails" 02/15/10
"But there are some things about politics that never change: giving your word, and keeping it still is the bedrock. Loyalty to your party, faithfulness to your constituents and keeping your head..." - Tip O'Neill "All Politics is Local"
Tip O'Neill, was an interesting man. I have started his novel, All Politics is Local, and have read to page fifty so far. I am enjoying his book a lot. Tip O'Neill is a man who believes principals are "values combined with instincts" (Introduction, xi). Each section in All Politics is Local is an anecdote that highlights underlying morals that Tip O'Neill believes a good politician follows. An aspect about politics that has always intrigued me is; what are they? How do you know what a "good", or a "bad" politician is? Tip O'Neill's book is about the fundamentals of politics, and I find myself agreeing with much of his experienced advice.
"Asking is the most important part of a campaign. It's amazing to me how many politicians forget that." (Pg. 8)
Tip O'Neill appears an intuitive man, he presents his notions with a knowingness that convinces me that though there is not a written law of what a politician is, there are principals that a politician knows to follow if they are a good one. I'm looking forward to continuing Mr. O'Neill's book.
The Waterfront Trails continue to be a issue that I am working to become involved in. Though I have not physically conducted any interviews or taken a survey, I am currently very confident in the process I have worked out for continuing my research. Today, Ms. Shenk (my mentor in the WISE Program), and I had our first mentor meeting. After discussing with her how I believed I would move forward from here she helped me reach an effective and interactive path for my WISE project.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
"2-week Plan" 02/05/2011
For the following two weeks I plan too:
- Read All Politics is Local by Tip O'Neil, and reflect on his view of politics and compare and contrast them to my own.
- Acquire public brochures and or plans on the Waterfront Trails and gain a fully developed idea of what the Waterfront Trails are and how the process will be executed. I think doing a survey of the public would be a good idea too, to get a sense of who actually knows about the Waterfront Trails, and whether they believe they are a good or bad idea.
"Dear Reader" 02/05/2011
Dear Reader,
My WISE project is an experience I have been anxiously awaiting. As I have continued through this first semester, I have spent a lot of time thinking about what my project would be. I came to the conclusion that I want to become involved in local politics. I discovered my interest in politics after I was matched with a Political career after an extensive survey I took during my junior year for a Career and College Prep class. I have researched several careers in this field and have been extremely intrigued by more than a few of them, particularly a Political Press Secretary. I am embracing this opportunity to explore my possible career path, and a passion of mine.
In this journey I hope to become involved in a local issue on an intimate level. Currently, I plan on advocating for the advancement of the Waterfront Trails around Cayuga Lake. I want to interview several people who are involved in the trails, including but not limited too: Rick Manning, Carolyn Peterson, and the owner of Puddle Dockers. I want to be very knowledgeable on the subject and take measures to advocate for my position within the community.
I made a self realization with this project that I will be going out of my comfort level several times. However, I know all these things I will do in this project (such as interviewing people, conducting survey's, keeping specific deadlines and appointments) are things that would be expected of me on a daily basis if I do pursue a career in politics. I think this is a time better than any to go out my comfort zone, explore, and work on goals I have for myself. I am looking forward to the next 16 weeks, the trials and tribulations. Enjoy!
-Audra
My WISE project is an experience I have been anxiously awaiting. As I have continued through this first semester, I have spent a lot of time thinking about what my project would be. I came to the conclusion that I want to become involved in local politics. I discovered my interest in politics after I was matched with a Political career after an extensive survey I took during my junior year for a Career and College Prep class. I have researched several careers in this field and have been extremely intrigued by more than a few of them, particularly a Political Press Secretary. I am embracing this opportunity to explore my possible career path, and a passion of mine.
In this journey I hope to become involved in a local issue on an intimate level. Currently, I plan on advocating for the advancement of the Waterfront Trails around Cayuga Lake. I want to interview several people who are involved in the trails, including but not limited too: Rick Manning, Carolyn Peterson, and the owner of Puddle Dockers. I want to be very knowledgeable on the subject and take measures to advocate for my position within the community.
I made a self realization with this project that I will be going out of my comfort level several times. However, I know all these things I will do in this project (such as interviewing people, conducting survey's, keeping specific deadlines and appointments) are things that would be expected of me on a daily basis if I do pursue a career in politics. I think this is a time better than any to go out my comfort zone, explore, and work on goals I have for myself. I am looking forward to the next 16 weeks, the trials and tribulations. Enjoy!
-Audra
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