“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”. -Mahatma Gandhi
I’ve had the privilege of working with this awesome group to design a mural that represents the community of Paradise Hills.
"The unique layers in the hills before the sun represent how the traditions of past generations have built upon each other to gradually shape Paradise Hills. The center of the rising sun shows the intricacy, tranquility, and authenticity of this community; the mosaic pieces represent the unique individuals that form its unified culture. The rays above the sun depict the inspiring radiance of Paradise Hills and how it affects those that live in and around it. The rays above the sun depict the effects of Paradise Hills’ contagious radiance. The concept of the sun shows the community as a whole building upon each generation, showing that each one has its vibrance, harmony, and beauty."
Working with this group has been one of the single best collaborative experiences I've had. Even when we were in the brainstorming phase, it felt like all of our ideas came together seamlessly and energetically. I felt completely immersed in this project, and have learned a lot about myself throughout the process.
I think our group worked well together because we all genuinely cared about the quality of our work. Everyone in our group is a strong student and is commonly identified as a leader in class, making it slightly challenging to work with our group dynamics. As I look back on my work, I realize that I was much more mindful about my role in the group instead of automatically assuming the role of a project manager. I found myself being listening, helping others, and putting aside my own interests for the benefit of the team. My work on this mural made me more of a team player, which helped me to grow new perspectives.
Our exhibition took place in a small library in Paradise Hills, on a Tuesday evening. On the table of refreshments, there was a small pile of ballots where the audience of our exhibition could vote for the mural that will be painted on the side of La Palapa Market. I was initially nervous about how many people would take the time to come out to see our work, but was pleasantly surprised when I saw the amount of support we were offered. The deep meaning and professional quality of each and every mural displayed made me extremely proud to represent my class and our school.
The most striking thing about our exhibition was the feeling of unity in the room. Even though we were competing with each-other for our design to be chosen by the community, I felt an atmosphere of gratitude and support from my peers, my teachers, and our audience. We have yet to find out which mural was chosen, but I know that any mural we paint will be a lovely representation of Paradise Hills and us as students.
I am so proud of my group. The laughs, disagreements, and friendship we shared through this project are the kinds of memories that I will never forget.
Working with this group has been one of the single best collaborative experiences I've had. Even when we were in the brainstorming phase, it felt like all of our ideas came together seamlessly and energetically. I felt completely immersed in this project, and have learned a lot about myself throughout the process.
I think our group worked well together because we all genuinely cared about the quality of our work. Everyone in our group is a strong student and is commonly identified as a leader in class, making it slightly challenging to work with our group dynamics. As I look back on my work, I realize that I was much more mindful about my role in the group instead of automatically assuming the role of a project manager. I found myself being listening, helping others, and putting aside my own interests for the benefit of the team. My work on this mural made me more of a team player, which helped me to grow new perspectives.
Our exhibition took place in a small library in Paradise Hills, on a Tuesday evening. On the table of refreshments, there was a small pile of ballots where the audience of our exhibition could vote for the mural that will be painted on the side of La Palapa Market. I was initially nervous about how many people would take the time to come out to see our work, but was pleasantly surprised when I saw the amount of support we were offered. The deep meaning and professional quality of each and every mural displayed made me extremely proud to represent my class and our school.
The most striking thing about our exhibition was the feeling of unity in the room. Even though we were competing with each-other for our design to be chosen by the community, I felt an atmosphere of gratitude and support from my peers, my teachers, and our audience. We have yet to find out which mural was chosen, but I know that any mural we paint will be a lovely representation of Paradise Hills and us as students.
I am so proud of my group. The laughs, disagreements, and friendship we shared through this project are the kinds of memories that I will never forget.
Conceptual Connections
What relationship did you see between this week’s topic and other topics?
What was discussed in class this week that seemed to connect with what you are learning or have learned in other courses?
What relationship did you see between this week’s topic and other topics?
What was discussed in class this week that seemed to connect with what you are learning or have learned in other courses?
I love that High Tech High has an emphasis on culture and developing a wholesome education; we care about each other's well being, we care for our work, and we care about the people that it inevitably impacts. This past month, we have been designing and creating murals that will brighten and reflect the community of Paradise Hills. We’ve heard authentic voices from the community and experienced just a little bit of its harmonious beauty. In this project, I’ve found an indescribable sense of belonging and overwhelming love for my community in my group, my class, and my city. The community members from Paradise Hills have supported us and welcomed us with open arms. The action of putting thought and love into a piece that gives back to a community strengthens our relationship to one another and to our world.
This is why events like the terrorist attacks in Paris, Beirut, and Rancho Bernardino shatter my heart.
I have grown a deep love for many places around the globe, and I credit the caring people who have welcomed me and shared their lives with me. The love that I feel from several communities that has helped me develop a sense of belonging in the world. This feeling of connectedness transcends from my school projects to my life outside of school. I’m aware of my global presence because I recognize that my work and everyday actions contribute to its community, just as my school work affects my surrounding communities. The events of the past few weeks have hurt my global community, and as a result, they hurt me as well.
I’m saddened by the misunderstandings, hatred, and violence in our world. It feels like all the love and support in the world will never bridge the gaps and heal the wounds, and sometimes, I find myself losing hope. But, in the midst of my helplessness, I think about special places like High Tech High, where students are different, caring, and action-oriented. in this, I restore my hope. We are the youth that bring people together to improve a community through art, learn and take action on global issues, and work to understand each other's perspectives through discussions. We are change makers and warriors of peace, wether or not we realize it. We are beacons of hope for the future in a world that easily drowns it with hatred.
This is a vulnerable place to be. But, I’m willing to take the pain that comes with being deeply connected to my communities in order to provide our presence and message of who we are.
This is why events like the terrorist attacks in Paris, Beirut, and Rancho Bernardino shatter my heart.
I have grown a deep love for many places around the globe, and I credit the caring people who have welcomed me and shared their lives with me. The love that I feel from several communities that has helped me develop a sense of belonging in the world. This feeling of connectedness transcends from my school projects to my life outside of school. I’m aware of my global presence because I recognize that my work and everyday actions contribute to its community, just as my school work affects my surrounding communities. The events of the past few weeks have hurt my global community, and as a result, they hurt me as well.
I’m saddened by the misunderstandings, hatred, and violence in our world. It feels like all the love and support in the world will never bridge the gaps and heal the wounds, and sometimes, I find myself losing hope. But, in the midst of my helplessness, I think about special places like High Tech High, where students are different, caring, and action-oriented. in this, I restore my hope. We are the youth that bring people together to improve a community through art, learn and take action on global issues, and work to understand each other's perspectives through discussions. We are change makers and warriors of peace, wether or not we realize it. We are beacons of hope for the future in a world that easily drowns it with hatred.
This is a vulnerable place to be. But, I’m willing to take the pain that comes with being deeply connected to my communities in order to provide our presence and message of who we are.
This image shows the world in the shape of a broken heart. There is darkness being emitted from center, but the radiance of light overcomes it. The three hearts in the center of the sun represent the three continents that I'm connected to: North America, Europe, and Asia.