Project Proposal

I have decided to do my project on Child Safety. Hannah and Kaitlyn also wanted to do the topic of children, so the three of us are going to work together on this idea. Here in Springfield yesterday, there was a young 10 year old girl who was abducted from her house. As of today, her body was found in the man's house and it broke my heart when I read about it. There is a part of me that can't even believe that someone is sick enough to hurt an innocent little girl. I think of her family, friends, teachers, and how they must feel during this terrible time. This whole event, as well as my beginning thought of doing this project on children, has helped bring this topic to my mind. A lot of people don't realize how much this happens on a daily basis, and it's so sad that we don't actually understand unless it happens to someone near us, and I am completely guilty of that. I worked with children and had a preschool class of my own during the summer. I will admit that it completely changed my perspective on children and their needs by learning first hand. I never knew how much responsibility it would be, and I realized how important each one of them was after spending everyday with them. Working at a daycare, you are given so many responsibilities and all ten children are in your care. I never realized that child safety was such a huge issue until I remember all I went through.

There are so many issues happening in the world right now and it is honesty terrifying. Learning more about child safety can change a whole lot if you are constantly aware. I am really interested to see what kind of research I will do on this topic because I know there will be plenty about it. I know there are teachers and parents that do their absolute best to keep their children safe. When instances such as kidnapping happens, everyone holds on to their children a little tighter. I believe that it should always be that way because you never know what could happen. Keeping children safe is a very huge deal and needs to constantly be on everyone's minds.

60 Minutes

After watching this segment on 60 minutes, it just blows my mind that a 15 year old was able to do something to this extent. At 15, I wasn't thinking of anything like this at all and it's crazy to think that he is intelligent enough to even come up with this idea. What really stood out to me was the part where he spoke of his parents and teacher not supporting his planning for this. Jack said that his parents and teacher aren't really encouraging of his project that he was going to take on. In my mind, I think that just proves that if you're truly passionate about something, that nothing and no one can stop you. They were doubtful that he would be able to actually create something like this, but because of his determination, he was able to prove them all wrong. The fact that they all thought he couldn't do it, I would think would create a desire for him to do it even more. They all simply underestimated him and I was excited to read that he was successful and that things went really well for him afterwards. This whole story inspired me, as well as it did to a bunch of other viewers. I can't even imagine coming up with an idea like that at just 15 years old.

My Passion

Thinking about the things that make me happy in my life are fitting in with my passions. First of all, I am very passionate about children. I worked with three year olds for four months and I loved every minute of it. I have always found an interest in teaching and helping out the kids who really need it. Working as a preschool teacher gives you a very different perspective on what exactly happens in a classroom filled with children that are to be learning. During the winter time, I volunteer with my church at Weller Elementary. We host a school-wide Christmas party for the kids and their families. There is the option of receiving a haircut for any child, letting them get their nails done and having a Christmas shop in order for them to buy presents for their families. Each volunteer has one child to take shopping and we keep track of their "money," which is what they have earned throughout the school year based on behavior. It's really a neat experience and I'm glad that my church has adopted that school in order to help our community even in this small way.
I also have a passion for teeth, which most people don't quite understand. I love the thought of the dental field and during the five years that I had braces, I became curious about teeth and how they all come together. I hope to become a dental hygienist after college and start in the dental field, hopefully outside of Springfield. The only thing I haven't decided on is whether I want to mix my love of children and teeth for my career. I know there is the possibility of being in the pediatric offices, but I think about how much kids hate the dentist and consider another option. If it weren't for the need of money, I would definitely wish to travel around the world and help those children who need dental care. I have always wanted to go to another country to see orphanages or any children who are in need. I hope to be able to go to such a place one day after I become a dental hygienist.