Goodbye

It's so strange. I can't believe this class is over. I can't believe that high school is over. It's such a big chunk of my life that's about to sail right out the window. This whole year has gone by so quickly. It's only a matter of days until we're done.

I did alright on my German exam so hopefully that's where I'll be next year. The thought of leaving my home country and studying in a foreign land is exciting but also a little scary. I think WISE has helped me with that though. WISE has taught me that's OK to deviate from the path and go at things from your own way. It's taught me that getting outside of your comfort zone is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

I don't know how else to say this, but thank you. This has been an incredible year.

Tchuss!

Grateful

Tomorrow is the day I turn in all my paperwork, so I'd like to thank some people who have helped me with this project:

I'd like to thank my mother for letting me do this project. It took a lot of convincing, but in the end you supported me and that's all that matters. I'd like to thank my dad for taking us to the Adirondacks, and providing me with cameras and fishing licenses. Many thanks to Isaac for his wonderful background music. Thank you, Mr. Nelson, for being a wonderful mentor. You kept me motivated throughout this process.

Most of all though I'd like to thank Clara for agreeing to do this with me. You've been one of my best friends since day 1, and this was quite a way for us to end our high school years together. I hope you have the time of your life at Northeastern next year and the years to come.

Coyotes or Raccoons?

The first night that Clara and I were in the Adirondacks we heard what sounded like coyotes- very loud and uncomfortably close to our shelter- probably 400 meters away or so. The yipping and yowling sounded somewhat distressed, as well, which leads me to believe that the sound we heard could have possibly been raccoons mating. Apparently, raccoons make these terrible noises when they mate, so it could have been that. The only thing that makes me doubt it is that it sounded like more than just two voices- although there could have been more than one pair mating.

Reflection on Project

Compared other English projects, my WISE project has been much grander than anything else I've ever done. Benefits of this project include that I could do something that was suited to my wants and needs. I could make something that culminated my high school experience that I could be proud of. This project also has been stressful- getting in to edit was always a struggle, but I could make it happen. My project was tough, but I made it through.

Reflection on Class

As an English class, WISE both was and wasn't so English based. Making a film was a traditional, English-type thing to do, but what Clara and were doing to make the film didn't really have that much to do with English. It should still count for English credit, but it isn't necessarily so much of an English class. You didn't have to do something English based, which I liked. Everyone could do something that excited them and suited them as an individual.

Presentation Ideas

Clara and I want our presentation to reflect our project, so we'd like to have an outdoor presentation. That said, we'd also like to show parts of the film, so we'll need access to electricity. Here's what we know we want to have:

• A fire
• Our flint & steel with us
• Food- good as well as stuff we brought with us on our trip.
• Clips from the film

We are trying to work out a location that will suit our needs. Perhaps the Ellis Hollow COmmunity Center could help us out.

Male Loons Fight For a Mate

On the morning of our departure from the Adirondacks two loons were fighting for a mate. My dad caught this video of it on his phone.

Wild- Cheryl Strayed

A book that I've been digging my nose into Wild, by Cheryl Strayed. In the book she talks about her journey on the Pacific Crest Trail, and the events in her life that lead her to the trail. Her writing is absolutely stunning, the way she captures the spirit of the trail and her own thoughts. I have yet to watch the movie with Reese Witherspoon, but I'd like to see the translation from book to film and see how that relates to my own experience.