Blog Final

Hola Amigos,

Estoy un poco triste porque este es mi blog final para veinte-tiempo en Español. Este proyecto fue muy fantástico para mi. Una cosa que es bien es que mi proyecto, Freshman First, va a continuar en el próximo año. Yo tengo muchas memorias con este proyecto. yo recuerde cuando este proyecto comenzado. Yo recuerdo que yo estaba muy confundido porque no tuve un topico. Este proyecto me dio muchas lecciones en mi vida. Cuando yo empiezo este proyecto mi gol fue ayudar la gente en mi escuela con un club de cultura. Pero después de mis visitas a la sala de emergencia yo cambie mi proyecto. Esta decision fue el mejor decision en este proyecto. Yo aprendí que mi vida y salud eran más importante que una club.  

Pero el mejor parte de este proyecto es que mi proyecto no termine aquí. Mi proyecto empiezo en el próximo ano cuando los estudiantes del primer ano vengan a mi escuela. Este es muy importante porque yo voy a continuar mi pasion. Este proyecto me ha ayudado a aumentar mi amor por ayudar a los demás. Creo que este proyecto me ha cambiado mucho en muchas formas.  Pienso que ahora estoy una persona maturada. Yo encontré muchas personas quien son incredible.  Estoy Excitado para este viaje.

Hoy fue mi presentacion final para Espanol 3 y para este proyecto. Yo cambio mi discurso anoche porque hay problemas que yo encontré. Despues de mis cambios yo practicado mucho para este discurso. Yo practicado en mi espejo con mi Powerpoint.  Hice cambios de última minuto y esta no es buena para una presentación final. Cuando yo vine a la clase mi clase de espanol yo estaba muy nerviosa. Yo estaba temblando porque este presentación es muy importante para mi nota en este clase y mi GPA.

Cuando yo presentado con mi Powerpoint no hay problemas y en que momento yo no fui nerviosa. En realidad me gusta presentaciones en mis clases. Pienso que yo estaba más nerviosas para esta presentación porque este proyecto fue en espanol. Mis otras presentaciones son más fáciles porque ingles es muy facil y he hablado inglés desde un joven edad. Despues de mi presentacion pienso que yo estaba muy contenta para dos razones. Un razon fue que mi presentacion habia terminado y otra cosa fue que he pensado que mi prsentacion bien.

Una cosa buena fue que hay una persona que vine a nuestra clase y ella vive en España. ¿Es fantastico, no? En totalmente me gusta este proyecto. Pienso que este proyecto obligó a la gente a ampliar sus horizontes  y es bien para nosotros. Con este proyecto y encontré muchas nuevas personas que son mis nuevos amigos.

Este proyecto me ayudó con mi aprendizaje independiente porque esto es lo que la universidad será. Siempre es bueno ser independiente en la vida. Creo que algo que siento todo el mundo necesita saber es lo agradecido que estoy por el apoyo de mi familia, amigos y maestros a lo largo de este proyecto. Este proyecto no habría sido donde está sin ellos. Todo el mundo me ayudó cuando yo estaba teniendo problemas y caminó conmigo hacia el éxito. ¡Yo amo a mi familia, amigos y profesores tanto!!!

Con Amor,

Vrushangi

Final English Post

THIS. IS. CRAZY.

Today is the last 20-time and I still remember when I started the project. It has been a quite the adventure. I actually learned so many life lessons during this project and I am thankful that. When I started this project I wanted to start a culture club but after many things I had to let go of that idea. During this time I had health problems that made me realize the importance of taking care of myself and the importance of life. Even though I wanted to start a culture club my overall goal was to do something that would help others and create a lasting impact. So when I started a transition program called Freshmen First I knew that I would be able to help others and bring change for the betterment.

I think this project has changed me in so many ways. I have found an even stronger passion in helping others and meeting new people. I met so many wonderful people and I know I'll meet more next year. I am excited to take this journey. The best part is the fact that my project doesn't end. I think this project will be a positive influence on the freshmen, their parents and the mentors. This project creates unity and gives a sense of belonging. Helping others is such as great feeling.

Through this project I learned how to deal with people who have different personalities. I learned that my health and my life are much more important than a project. If it is in my destiny I might fail many times but one day I will succeed. The learning that occurred in this project was hard because at the beginning there was so much freedom and not enough direction. But the best part of this project was the fact that I discovered a new me. I failed many times this year including in this project but I succeeded in other ways. This project taught me that it is okay to not be perfect all the time and sometimes our imperfections are what make us perfect.

I think this project was a failure turned success. I had to start over about two weeks in but everything happens for a reason and this new project is something I fell in love with. Students who will be doing this project next year will have a lot of fun but I can say one thing to them, do something you love. This makes the project so much fun. I think my passion in life is helping others and bringing positive change and this project helped me do that for sure.

This project helped me with my independent learning because this is what college will be like. It is always good to be independent in life. I think something that I feel everyone needs to know is how thankful I am for the support from my family, friends and teachers throughout this project. This project would not have been where it is without them. Everyone helped me when I was having trouble and walked with me to success. I love my family, friends and teachers so much!!!

The best part of this project is the fact that my journey does not end here. I get to continue something I love and hopefully Freshmen First will be here after I leave. Thank you to everyone!

With love,
Vrushangi
 

Actualización

Hola Amigos,

Hay una semana completa para la escuela. Este año fue muy difícil para mí. Estoy feliz para una cosa ahora, mi proyecto de veinte tiempo va a continuar después de este año Mí gol en este verano es completar mi plan para Freshmen First. ¡¡El año próximo año es mi “senior year” y estoy muy emocionada!! Ayer yo hablé con Sra. Bonotto porque yo pensé que mi presentación final era martes pero mi presentación es lunes. Esta es un razón que estoy nerviosa. Una otra razón es que hay una límite de tiempo y no estoy seguro si puedo hablar para cuarto a cinco minutos. Y tener miedo que cuando hablar en frente de mi clase no voy a hacerlo bien.

Hay una cosa que va a bien. Yo completé mi PowerPoint para este proyecto. Yo completé más rápido de lo que pensaba. Mis fotografías son pistas para mi cuando yo voy a presentar. Pero este proyecto es muy diferente de otras proyecto que he tenido este año. En el proyecto todo el Power Point tiene fotografías y no hay palabras. Pienso que este tipo de presentación es difícil y este es mejor razón porque estoy nerviosa. Es muy importante que yo saco una nota buena en este proyecto y para la nota final en la clase de Español tres. Si no saco una nota bien entonces afectado mi GPA y mi autoestima.

En este proyecto hay muchas cosas que necesito hablar. Pienso que otros estudiantes pueden aprender de mis errores. Mi gol para este presentación es sacar una nota buena y informar mi clase que este proyecto dáme muchas lecciones en mi vida. Estos lecciones son muy importantes.

Yo tengo un idea para la primera reunión de estudiantes que son mentores y freshmen. Los mentores y los freshmen pueden encontrar durante la primera semana de clases en el próximo año. Cuando ellos encontran los mentores pueden introducir entre sí. Ellos pueden hacer “icebreakers” De esta manera el primer encuentro no será incómodo. Los mentores debería tener los freshmen excitados para la nueva escuela y eventos como magazine drive, semana de espíritos, partidos de fútbol americano y el desfile/la danza de Homecoming. Estos eventos son muy largos cuando la escuela comienza y es importante que los freshmen sepan acerca de los eventos. Espero que este plan funciona bien y todos los personas les gustan. Muchas personas especialmente a los padres de los freshmen esperan mucho de mi y este proyecto. Eso es intimidante y emocionante al mismo tiempo para mi.

Flashback to Freshmen Night and More!

Hi everyone,

Yesterday was such a busy day regarding this project and I was a bit overwhelmed but everything worked out fine. There is a famous line in one of my favorite Indian movies and I can really relate to it right now.
"Just like the movies watch, in our lives everything becomes fine till the end.... a happy ending." So I just need to tell myself not to panic and that everything will be okay. This is one of the last times we will be blogging for 20-time and for me it's crazy to think that everything is coming to an end, this project and junior year. Time flies when you are doing something you love and I can proudly say that I fell in love with my 20-time project.

So yesterday I did something crazy. In order to get ready for freshmen night I printed 300 copies of m flyer in color! I'm sure I killed like 40 trees. Just hitting the print button was painful, it felt so weird to do something like this. But I made sure with 5 staff members because no way would I be able to pay $300 for the unauthorized printing.

After school I also went to the Key Club meeting to talk about Freshmen First. I gave them a little synopsis on the program and said that any incoming junior or senior would be welcome. The Key Club board was so nice. They made a separate sign up sheet just for my program. Sadly, I couldn't stay for the whole meeting to see who signed up but I picked up the sheet today and I am really happy with the mentor list.

I arrived at school early because I was speaking to the parents about freshmen night. The teacher that was running the parent portion of the night is one of the best English teachers at Dow and she encouraged me so much before I went on to speak. Even when she introduced me she told the parents that they should be thankful for me and my program and that I was a great student. I was so honored, I have never felt so happy. I have my speech to the parents and at first my voice was shaking but then I looked at my parents. They both had smiling faces and my confidence levels shot up. I finished really strong and the cafeteria roared with applause. I got to spend the rest of the night with the freshmen helping them get around to each of the designated areas. It was a lot of fun!

When I came home my parents told me how many people had come up to them to tell them that my program was great. My parents were so happy and proud. That was a great moment for me. Seeing the glowing faces of all my family members was bigger than an award I could get. I knew they were proud of me, especially after all the struggles. I feel proud even as I write this blog. Failure is the key to success and my failures at the beginning of this project are what brought to one of the most proud moments of my high school career! I can't wait to see where this project takes me.

Now I really have to sit down during the weekend and plan everything in detail. I have a lot of ideas in my head but I actually have to think about an organization system and how I will implement the ideas. This part of the project will be hard. I have to pick the dates and time for the meetings as well as the purpose of each meeting. It is hard to do without the school calendar for next year but I think even if I have tentative dates it is better then having nothing. I also have to prepare and meet with the mentors before the end of this year. So much to do and so little time. I am glad to say that even though the year is coming to an end for school so many new things are beginning. This should be an exciting journey for everyone.

Shout out to the parents and the freshmen! I know coming to high school can be a life changing event for a whole family but I am hoping Freshmen First can relieve the stress a little.

La Noche de "Freshmen"

Hola Amigos,

Estoy muy emocionada ahora porque la noche para los estudiantes de primer año fue muy fantastica. Ayer el dia se fue bien.  En mi clase de Español, yo imprimí 300 folletos. Nunca he imprimido asi tantas papels. Despues de la clase, yo fui a la clase de la profesora que me ayudaria en la noche. Yo mostro mis folloetos a ella y ella le gusta. Despues de este yo le di mis folloestos a un miembro de la oficina.

Después de la escuela yo fui a Key Club. Este club es muy bien en mi escuela y todos los estudiantes en este club son buenas personas. Esta programa es muy bien para mi escuela porque habrá más participación de estudiantes.
En la reunion yo vi a muchas personas que yo conzco y las personas que son miembros de NHS. Yo hablé sobre Freshmen First y les dijen que este programa necesita mentores que son buenas personas y bien con los freshmen.


Cuando yo llegué a mi escuela, yo fui a la biblioteca porque después de mi discurso yo tenía que ser voluntaria para NHS y Student Leadership. Yo regresé a la cafeteria y la professora de inglés me dijo que mi discurso sería segundo. En este momento yo estaba nerviosa porque había muchas padres en la cafetería. Pero la profesora de inglés me dijo que yo haria muy bien. Mientras esperaba mi turno para hablar yo estaba temblando. La profesora de inglés me introdujo con palabras amables. Yo di mí discurso en tres minutos y despues todos los padres me aplaudieron. Mis pardes y yo estabámos muy contentos.

En mi clase de inglés yo tenía veinte-tiempo un dia temprano porque mi profesora no estarán la clase en el día normal de veinte-tiempo. Yo vi la lista de los mentores y me gusta mucho. Conzo a que la mayoría de la gente en la lista y ellos son fantásticos. Es el tiempo para la parte dificil. Yo no hago un plan concreto para este programa, yo tengo muchas ideas pero este no es bueno. No es bueno porque nesecsita que yo tengo un plan antes de el fin de año. Ahora mi plan es planear los detallas para mi programa.

Estoy nerviosa porque mi plan es por todo el lugar pero yo sé que yo tengo mucho supportivio de mi familia, mis amigas y mis profesores. Las personas en mi vida son muy importante y  las personas han ayudado me son mis inspiraciones.

Con Amor,
Vrushangi

Another Step to my Goal!

Happy Friday Everyone,

Yesterday I had to present my program at both the morning and afternoon NHS meeting and people actually signed up!  I can proudly say that I got 29 people on board and I plan on expanding to other organizations like Key Club. I think this is a great start but now I have to do all the detailed planning. Mrs. Hechlik suggested that I make a contract that the mentors have to sign in order to be a part of Freshmen First and I think this is a great idea. It will build more accountability so people don't just blow it off. I also sent the final flyer to Mr. Samocki, another one of my great mentors. After talking all week long I finally have a flyer all set to go. I am really proud of it and I hope the parents like it. This is the flyer I will be giving out when I give my speech at orientation next Thursday! It is crazy to think but I have to print 300 copies!!! 

As far as the planning goes for this year I need to have a set plan for the mentors. Mrs. Hechlik also suggested on training the mentors to make it a little easier for everyone. I have so much to do before the end of the school year. My next goal is to have a set plan for all the meetings with the mentors this year as well as the dates for the meetings with the freshmen next year. I also need to find a training method and implement it asap! Another mini goal is to have the contract ready before the meeting with the mentors. I am a little overwhelmed but I know once this is done I won't have much to worry about until August. I would love it if the counselors could set a time during the August Orientation where only freshmen can come. This would be really helpful because I can have the mentors come in on that day and meet with their freshmen and give them a tour with a question and answer session to. I just had another idea regarding the meetings with the freshmen next year, I could possibly set up activities based on the time of the year. For example at the meeting before exams there could be "study stations." I think once I get the mentors together, we can all brainstorm idea. 

I am really excited for this program but at the same time I feel a little nervous because things don't always go as planned. This whole program seems really nice and organized in my head and I really hope that once it becomes a reality it stays that way. Of course nothing is ever set in stone but it would be nice if most of my vision came alive. I finally feel so great about 20-time.

Today in Spanish I was introduced to the final assignment regarding 20-time and we have to give a ted talk about our journey and I realized how much I have been through to get to this point. I am excited for the ted talks in Spanish and English because I can talk about all my difficulties as well as what I have achieved. My journal with 20-time so far has been full of ups and downs but I am a strong believer of the saying, "everything happens for a reason" I know I had a rough start but all the hardships have made me appreciate this project even more. I honestly believe I have found more success in the short time that I have spent on Freshmen First then the long hours I spent on my first project. Now that I look back I see a much a different me. I am now someone has not only learned from her hardships and mistakes but also taken those mistakes and turned them into something better. 

With Love,
Vrushangi 

Big News!!!

Hi!


I have BIG news! Today I found out that the person who runs the official 20-time site tweeted my Spanish teacher. The website, 20-time.org, wants to do a feature on our classes! They also said they were very impressed with our blogs. I am so excited, this means we are going big! We are still waiting on information regarding what they would like us to do but either way this is an amazing opportunity. On the website there is a video from York School and all the students who participated in 20-time introduced their projects. It would be really cool to be able to do something like that. I know we have some really good candidates in our class who would be able to make a great video.

So I am finally in class for 20-time! I feel like it's been so long since I have sat down peacefully in my English class to work on my project and write my blog. Usually I write my blogs at home or on my phone and I don't feel like I have done things the "right way" But as I described in my previous post I have a million thoughts going through my head right now. There are two weeks until Freshmen Orientation. I have my speech ready and I usually don't get nervous speaking in front of people but this is so different. Usually when I give presentations it's in class for my teachers and peers. But now it's the real thing. I am presenting the program to the parents who are members of the community. It's great feeling seeing my project slowly come to life.

I gave my document which explains the program to the NHS adviser and I am waiting for him to read it and tell me what he thinks. I am actually hoping he does make changes so I can make this program the best it can be. The  NHS meeting is next Thursday and I just got permission from Ms. Hechlik to present my program at the meeting after school. I am also excited to see what Mr.Frye has to say regarding the document.

My next mini goal is to figure out all the dates that the mentors will meet with their freshmen and specifically what will take place at each meeting. This is going to be kind of hard but after everything I have been through regarding this project I know I'll survive. Plus I have so many mentors. I have my official mentor, Mrs. Outinen but I have all these other people that I can go to for help and I consider myself really lucky. A big shout out to my unofficial mentors: Ms. Hechlik, Mrs. Bonotto, Mr.DeBoer, and Mrs.Kastl. They have all helped me throughout my journey in so many ways. I love you guys all, I can say that we have great staff members!

As of now I have a small idea of how and when I want the mentors to meet with the freshmen but it all depends on the number of people that sign up to be mentors. I am really hoping to get a mix of 10th and 11th graders to ensure that this program goes on after I leave high school. My layout for the meetings includes the mentors meeting the freshmen during crucial times of the year. The most important time is the beginning of the year. It's going to be hard to arrange for times and small details since the beginning of the year is so busy for everyone but I am sure we will work something out. I am really excited to see who signs up to be mentors. In the end I want this to be a win-win situation for everyone. I get to see my dream come true, the freshmen feel welcomed at Dow and the mentors can use this as volunteer hours and even put this on their applications for college. This is a program that is meant to help everyone. Even teachers can feel at ease to know that there are upperclassmen helping the freshmen out. Hopefully the freshmen can follow the upperclassmen and join when they have a chance.

Thank you to everyone that has listened to me and guided me thus far.

With Love,
Vrushangi

Ahora Mi Plan Es...

Hola,

Ahora estoy muy emocionada porque to tengo mi plan final para Freshmen First. Yo voy a hablar a los padres de los Freshmen cuando Dow High tiene la noche por la Freshmen. Hay muchas emociones que yo siento. Estoy nerviosa pero un poco. Espero que mi plan va bien. Creo que cuando una persona empieza una cosa nueva hay duda: si va a trabajar o no. Yo sé que yo tengo el apoyo de mi familia y mis amigos. Y también mis profesoras.

Yo tengo una lista de documentos para la noche. He escrito un discurso para los padres. En el discurso voy a hablar sobre el proyecto, lo que es y lo que espero hacer con él. También hablo de los objetivos que tengo. Quiero que los padres sepan que su hijo está muy seguro en Dow. Freshmen First es un programa diseñado para ayudar a la gente. 

Estoy nerviosa por este discurso, porque tengo que hablar con los padres pero también tengo que hablar en la próxima reunión del NHS. Realmente espero que los estudiantes se inscriban para ayudar. Este programa es para los estudiantes de los estudiantes. Es muy importante que tengo el apoyo de los estudiantes de 10 y 11 grado.

Cuando hablo con estudiantes de NHS quiero decirles que este programa les ayudará. Pueden poner este en sus aplicaciones para la universidad. Pienso que este programa es buena para mentores también porque es una cosa buena cuando un estudiante es un mentor para otra estudiante. Especialmente cuando un estudiante es nueva en la escuela. Venir a la escuela secundaria es un cambio de vida grande y espero que Freshmen First puede liberar estrés para los Freshmen. 

Ayer yo vi a Sr.Frye en la biblioteca y le di mi documento para Freshmen First. Cuando yo vi a Sr.Frye hoy me dijo que no tenía tiempo para leer mi documento. Pero él va a leer lo “asap.” También he hablado con mi mentor de 20-tiempo, Sra. Outinen. A ella le gusta mi discurso y me dijo que n hay cambios necesarios. Creo que soy muy afortunada porque Sra. Outinen es mi mentor oficial de 20-tiempo pero tengo otros mentores que me ayudan todos los días. Un grande gracias a todos mis mentores, Sra. Outinen, Sra. Bonotto, Sra. Hechlik, Sr. Frye, Sr. DeBoer, y Sra. Kastl.  

Tennis and Twenty Time! Am I falling behind?

Hi Everyone,

I have missed so much 20-time in class because of tennis and that makes me sad. Even though I am school excused it still doesn't make up for lost time. I miss being in class and I have to leave early this Friday as well for another tennis match and the Friday after that. But next Friday is our last match! It's sad that the season is coming to an end but at the same time I'm happy that I won't be missing so much school. Its hard to get caught up but most teachers are very nice about make up work.

Anyways, I have finally turned in my final document to Mr.Frye, the NHS supervisor. I really hope he likes it. I told him to make changes. At this point I am going to use any advice I get. The more teachers that see my plan, the better. It's only for the betterment of the program and my school. I am going to be presenting my program at the next NHS meeting because all the 10th graders will be there. I am nervous because I don't know how many people will sign up. I am even more nervous to speak at Parent Night. I guess it's fair to say that I am feeling many emotions right now but happiness overtakes all of that.

I am really proud of myself because I have accomplished a mini goal with 20-time. I wrote out my speech for Freshmen Night. It's three paragraphs long but I want to make sure I get my point across. In my speech I start by welcoming and thanking the parents for coming and explain who I am and why I am there. Then I explain the program itself. In the last paragraph I thank them again and emphasize the point that Freshmen First is a program that includes all Freshmen. I even read the speech to two of my teachers and they really liked it. Now my next few goals include introducing my project to NHS members and parents in the community. Wish me luck, it's much needed.

In English I am still reading The Alchemist and I love the language in that book. I feel like it really relates to me and my project. Plus, there are so many wonderful quotes. I can't believe I am almost done with the book. I know I'll have to find a new book in the next couple of days but I do recommended this one. The book's main theme is following your dreams and that is what 20-time is, either following you dreams, or something you love.

I am hoping to be caught up by this weekend. High school can be overwhelming especially junior year but since I am doing something I love, I know I will do my best.

With Love,
Vrushangi

Un Noche QueFue Fantástica.

Hola Amigos,

Esta Noche fue "Pitch Night" y fue fantástica. Yo Conocí a muchas personas increíbles. Yo creo que pitch night fue una experiencia muy importante en mi vida. Me gusta cuando yo trabaje en mi pasión y otras personas vean mi trabajo duro. Freshmen First es un programa muy importante para mí porque con este programa yo puedo ayudar a nuevos estudiantes en mi escuela. Este año hay muchos estudiantes de primer año que desean que hubiera fue un programa de este año. Espero que este programa yo ayude a muchos estudiantes. Espero aydar a muchos estudiantes.

Mi parte favorita durante el pitch fue cuando la gente me dijo que a ellos les gustan mi idea y mi proyecto. Hay muchas personas que aprecian mi trabajo duro. La gente me pregunto, "¿cómo va a hacer este trabajo? Yo tuve una contesta para todos. Yo voy a trabajar con NHS así los estudiantes que van a ser mentores se puede ser honestos y mentores buenos. Era bueno que mucha gente dijo “hola” a mí, así yo hablo en español. Las personas eran buenos oyentes a pesar de que no hablen español .

Estoy emocionada por que durante la próxima reunión de NHS yo voy a introducir mi proyecto. Y todos que tienen interes pueden ser mentores. Mi "mini" gol para la próxima semana es  hablar con Sr.Frye, el líder NHS.

Durante Pitch noche yo hablo con una mujer y ella fue muy simpática. Pero una cosa tocó mi corazón Ella casi lloró: ella apreció mi idea y a ella le gusta que cuando su hijo venga a la escuela secundaria, Freshman First va a estar aquí. Yo siempre recordaré este mujer maravilloso. Creo que pequeñas cosas hacen la diferencia más grande. Con este programa yo puedo cambiar pequeñas cosas en mi escuela. Esta noche me recuerda de una cosa en mi clase de Espanol. Hay una cita que dice “el viaje de mil millas comienza con un paso.” Me gusta esta cita porque se relaciona con mi Proyecto.

Esta noche fue muy buena para mí y si puediera participar en pitch night una vez más me encantaría.

En este blog yo añadí las fotos de la noche de “pitch” que mi amiga, Samantha, tomó. Hay dos fotos de mi y otra foto de mi cartel. Gracias a Samantha, las fotos son fantásticas y profesionales.

A Night to Remember

Hi Everyone,


I just got back from pitch night and it was beyond amazing. The most amazing feeling in the world is being recognized and appreciated regarding work that you have done. Today I was honored to feel that way. From 6:30 to 8 I met so many amazing people. Pitch night was such a wonderful experience for me. I introduced Freshmen First to my community and received tremendous support. People even congratulated me and many people told me how great this was. But one person really changed everything for me.


There were three people who came to me together. I introduced my project in Spanish and then further explained it in English. I wanted them to know that my actual point in creating this program was to make sure every freshmen felt included and found their place in high school. The mom talked to me very nicely and even told me that she was tearing up because now she knew that her son would have support when he got to high school. I will never forget meeting this wonderful woman. I am so touched and honored to know that my project can help so many people. This meeting along with all the others were better than any award I could ever receive. When you see something you are passionate about come to life, it changes everything.


I would gladly do something like this again! I love talking and sharing my ideas as well as learning about others and I think Pitch night did that for me.  A question that came up a lot was how I would sustain this program. I think the best way to sustain this program is to introduce it through NHS to build accountability and that is exactly what I told everyone.


I also ran into one of the most amazing English teachers from school. She suggested I introduce this program during freshmen parent night in May. I felt so honored and I can't wait to talk to her in the near future to set everything up.


Even as I write this I am still thinking about all the wonderful people I met and will have the honor of meeting through this program. I want everyone to know that this program is to make sure everyone belongs and has the support they deserve when making such a big transition.  I can't wait to speak about this program at parent night and get mentors from NHS.


So if your are going to be a junior or senior in NHS next year make sure to attend the next meeting so you can learn more about this program.


If you are a parent I met tonight, I want to thank you for coming! It means a lot when we, as students, receive support from the community.
A big shoutout to Ms.Hechlik and Mrs.Bonotto for putting together pitch night. I love you guys!


If anyone has any questions, comments, or suggestions please feel free to leave your comments below. I would love to hear from all of you!


With Love,
Vrushangi

A New Road to a New Project

Hey Everyone,

I feel like I haven't posted in so long but now that I have a chance to tell you guys everything I am so excited. I have a new project! After going to the ER twice during spring break I have learned my lesson. I know how important health is, so here I am! I am starting a new project with a positive attitude and faith in my new vision. My new project is called Freshmen First, and it is a transition program for freshmen who will be coming to my high school this fall. Here is how I got the idea for this program.

Flashback:
I went downstate at the beginning of the school year and when I was visiting my religious temple I saw a boy wearing a shirt from my old school district. On the back of his shirt it is said Link Crew, I wondered what it was but I wasn't sure. That night I went a friend's house and when we were talking about school she asked me if I had heard of the link crew. She explained to me that her school had established the link crew as a transition program for incoming freshman and it really helped them. I really loved the idea and hoped that I could do something like that at my school. After researching what the link crew was I learned that it could cost hundreds of dollars for a school to establish it and train students and staff members. But I couldn't let money stop me!! I had an idea at that very moment. I could just start my own program that would be free of cost. So I started planning but it was all over the place since I never had no time to devote to it.

Now after everything I know I have time to make this program work. I hope to run this program through the National Honor Society and I have talked to the teacher who runs it. He loves my idea! Now I know I have a medium through which I can introduce and run Freshmen First. I have also been in talks with my mentor and she has helped me so much along the way. We have come up with a rough draft for the project outline. I am currently working on a final draft that I can turn into the NHS leader so we can have somewhat of a set outline for how this program is going to work. As of now I have a small plan for how I want to run FF. I want incoming juniors and seniors (members of NHS) to be mentors for the freshmen. My ultimate goal for this project is for the freshmen to feel situated at school. I want them to know that there are other students who can relate to them and help them with high school. I also want parents to know that their kids have a medium through which they can ask questions and feel comfortable at school. A transition into high school can be scary because it is such a new experience. I think having a mentor will give the freshmen a reassuring feeling.

So I really hope this new project goes well! I would like to acknowledge the continuous support of my family, friends and teachers. Thank you for all that you do, whether it is listening to me or helping me find new solutions. It really makes a difference to know that I have such a great group of people backing me up!

With Love,
Vrushangi

Nuevo Proyecto

Hola Amigos,

Despues de visitar la sala de emergencia dos veces durante la vacación de primavera, yo aprendí que estrés no es bueno para mi. Yo tengo tomado un decisión. Yo tengo un nuevo proyecto para mi veinte timepo. Se llama Freshman First. Aquí es como yo tenido esta idea.

“Flashback”:

Yo fui a Canton, MI con mi familia para visitar un templo religiosa y yo vi un hombre. El llevaba una camisa que dijo "link crew". En el momento yo no sé lo que estaba. Pero mi familia y yo fuimos a la casa de nuestro amigos y mi amiga me dijo que "link crew" es una programa para estudiantes que entran escuela secundaria. Cuando mi familia y yo volvimos a Midland yo investigando en el web porque yo deseado a empezar link crew en mi escuela. Había una problema, link crew cuesta mucho dinero. Es por eso que yo hice una programa para mi escuela que cuesta poco o ningún dinero.

Ahora yo tengo un plan para mi nuevo proyecto. Para mi proyecto necesito ayuda de estudiantes que será seniors o juniors en el próximo ano. Ahora yo trabajo en mi "vision y mission statements" Yo pienso que Mr.DeBoer es una persona buena. El me va ayudar con mis "statements." Porque el ayudado estudiantes en mi clase de student leadership este ano en septiembre.  El gol para este proyecto es para freshman sentir comfortable en escuela secundaria. Yo pienso que juniors y seniors son buenos mentors para los freshman.  

Yo hablo con mi mentor, Mrs.Outinen, y ella le gusta mi proyecto. Para mi proyecto yo quiero miembros de NHS ser mentors. Los estudiantes que entran NHS son buenos estudiantes y completar su trabajo  para ayudar a otros. Yo tengo hablado con Sr.Frye, el líder de NHS, sobre mi proyecto y el gustaba mi idea. El necesita una papel que explica mi proyecto. Mi next "mini" gol es a hacer un papel finalmente para Freshman First.

Este proyecto es muy importante para mi porque yo puedo ayudar la gente en mi escuela. Mi gol para viente tiempo es ayudar otros y traer el cambio. Yo espero que este proyecto es exitoso.

Everything is about to change!!!

Hi Everyone,

This post is very near and dear to my heart. At first I wasn't going to share my story with everyone. But then I carefully thought and realized that by writing this post I can help others in the future. The goal of this post is not only to help people with this project but also with life in general. This project has made me realize how valuable life is and that sometimes when you love something it is best to set it free.

On Thursday I felt light headed in English. After getting a drink, I felt fine. But later that night around 11:45 I felt light headed again. I was honestly scared to fall asleep, I thought if I fell asleep I wouldn't be able to wake up again. Every small movement made me dizzy. So I ended up in the Emergency Room. After getting fluids through an IV and getting many lab tests they told me the cause of my dizziness was uncertain. Although the doctor was sure that stress, sleep deprivation and dehydration were big factors. That whole week I hadn't slept before 1 am and my stress level was so high that drinking water was the last thing on my mind. After I went home at 2:45 am I slept in and relaxed for a few hours but most of my weekend was spent throbbing in pain to the point where I couldn't sleep at all. I felt like my head would explode.

It was a scary experience. I do understand that I had stress for many reasons but the biggest one was this club. I thought my idea was taken away after all my hard work. But now I have decided to let it go. My parents have always told me how important health is. I learned this the hard way. In one of my previous posts I said that changing my project was like giving up. But I understand that I couldn't be more wrong with that statement. I am not giving up on my project I am letting it go. It's like setting it free for something better. I know that whoever takes the lead in the already established culture club will do a great job, and I would like to wish them all the best! In my next post I am going to introduce my new project but until then it'll be a surprise.

So I have learned and I am posting this to help others. Please take care of yourself first! I stretched myself in so many directions that it was impossible for me to function properly. That is probably the worst thing I could do and the consequence for this was a risk to my health. I am still in pain, my head still feels like it will explode but my heart is no longer heavy. Whoever said follow your heart but take your brain with you was really right. I am following my heart now with careful consideration/thought. I am going to fulfill a new goal while protecting my health.

I am thanking God for giving me strength to make it through this tough time and giving me hope for a better tomorrow. Also a big shout out to my family, teachers, and friends who have supported me throughout this stressful journey. I love you guys!


With Love,
Vrushangi

Dos Caminos

Dos Caminos

Hola Amigos,

Hay muchas cosas en mi vida que no se van  bien. El tiempo es una cosa tan divertida. Cuando un necesita mucho tiempo no tiene mucho. Yo puedo ver mi sueño y mi veinte tiempo escapando como la arena se escurre de mi mano. Estoy muy triste y yo lloré cuando había un “mini pitch” en mi clase de Espanol. No sé por qué pero pienso que yo estoy muy estresada cuando  yo lloré el mundo paró. Yo vi las caras de mis padres y Sra. Bonotto y yo vi que ellos lo sentían mucho para mi. Ahora no sé que hacer. Puedo comenzar otro club, cambiar mi proyecto o ser presidente para otro club. Pero no puede aceptar que mi club no es mío. ¿Por Qué -Es- Mi- Vida- Tan- Difícil? Pienso que yo necesito ayuda. Yo estoy confundida. Hay muchos sentimientos y estrés en mi vida.  No me gusta este año a veces. Es por qué hay muchas cosas en mi vida que no se van bien. Pienso que yo necesito ayuda de ustedes.  ¿Qué piensan ustedes? Ustedes pueden ser mi inspiración.  ¿Estoy loco para hacer mi propio club? Yo pienso que mis lectores son mejores y van a ayudarme. Pensar en un momento en que te gustaba algo mucho, pero lo perdió. ¿lucharías por él o lo dejarías libre?  Estoy teniendo segundos pensamientos ahora y es mejor si ustedes me dan consejos. Comentan con sus pensamientos por favor.

The Struggle Continues...

Hi Everyone,

Did anyone ever say that nothing in life comes easy? If anyone has said that then they couldn't be more right! Life is like a roller coaster ride filled with ups and downs. As of now my life is mostly downs but I understand that this is all part of life, the part where I have to cope and find a solution is the hard part...

I had a plan for my club but the only thing pending was getting it officially approved by an adviser and my principal. Two days ago another student started a cultural club for my high school. I have nothing against that at all! But watching someone else start another club similar to mine was like watching my passion slip out of my hand like sand. It was a devastating and stressful feeling. Currently, I am in the process of trying to figure something out with both of my teachers. They have been my support system during all of this and I couldn't be more thankful!

I am a strong believer of not dwelling on the problem and looking for a solution. Instead of spending time thinking about my problems I can invest time in coming up with a solution which is the rational and right thing to do. In order to look for solutions I have been talking to people especially my teachers! I have also brainstormed alternatives such as starting my own club or changing my topic. For me changing my topic is kind of like giving up but under the circumstances I know that I have to make a rational decision. Anyone have any ideas? If so, comment below, I'd love to hear them! 

Even as I write this, waiting for advise from Ms. H, I know that in the end whatever happens will be for the best. I believe in God and know he has a plan because everything happens for a reason. Apart from that I believe in myself and my vision for the greater good of my fellow students. So until next time, I hope everyone stays healthy and happy!  


Trying to be positive,
Vrushangi 

The Struggle is Real

Hey Everyone,

As you can see I have titled this post "The Struggle is Real." To start off I am posting this at 12:40 am, so there goes the whole 8 hours of sleep rule...
High School can be a lot sometimes and this is one of those days or as I like to say I never got off the struggle bus.
Going back to 20-time. I think I am having trouble starting this club. I like to pay attention to the smallest details and organization is key for me so I don't really know where to start. My last Spanish post was about finding people to help me start my club because it is impossible for me to do everything even though I try to. So here I am on the hunt for people, those who want to be officers and those who simply want to be members. Anyone interested?!
 I read a quote on our 20-time wall put up by my English teacher. It read something like this, "It is okay to not be perfect all the time." This applies to me so much right now. Sometimes I strive for perfection and it leads to a mess. I think for this club I need to just believe in myself and hope for the best. Trying to make this perfect will only make my life hard. I think sometimes the most "disastrous" situations make the best memories! So here I am looking for people to join my club and help me get started. I'm excited to see what people think and who joins. I think I will start advertising, make an agenda and hold the first meeting. I am excited for this new journey in my life but I hope for the support of my family members friends, teachers and peers!

P.S- Sorry for any grammar mistakes...

With Love,
Vrushangi

La Gente

Hola Amigos,

soy muy emocionada porque tiene 98 vistas en mi blog. Gente! Para mi club de cultura necesita gente. Soy buscando estudiantes de mi escuela. Un club sin la gente es como una escuela sin estudiantes. Ahora soy preguntar mis amigos y otros estudiantes a participan en mi club. Cada vez que yo escribo un blog, pienso que  ¿por qué- estoy-loca? Comienzo un club es difícil pero es para mejor. Cuando yo investigando yo vi que cada club tiene una constitución y necesita uno también. En mi constitución yo voy a incluir así mi club es feria para todos.  Pero primo necesita la gente para mi club. 

Starting a Club

Hey Everyone,

As you know my last post was in Spanish, so in this one I will basically say what I said before and add some new information. In my last post I wrote about starting a club and how it is a hard process. I also talked about the things I want to see in my club. I really hope all of this works out well.

I know I have taken on a challenge for myself but I think that is the point of 20-time. I don't think going for something easy is the best option for me. Challenges are fun and the joy in accomplishing them is one of a kind because you get to tell people about your achievements and what you learned from your failures. Overall, this even applies to life.  I think this is the hardest part of my project, starting it! But I feel like once its all set up and running I will be able to enjoy this project a little more. But then again, starting anything is hard, the fun starts once you get into it! I am hoping for a club that will help my school become more aware about all the beautiful cultures there are. Culture is such a beautiful thing and it can bring us all together and that is my goal for this club. I want to show people that putting aside our differences we are really similar. I am researching a lot about other cultural clubs around the country. I think the research , while it is hard, will be worth while and helpful to get started.

I am also reading The Alchemist for my choice book. I wanted to chose something closer to leadership but then I came across this book and the book is a fable about following your dreams. That's when it hit me. This book is perfect because following my dream is exactly what I am doing and that's what everyone should do. I like the book so far because it keeps me wondering. Just like life! You never know what's  in store for you :)

With love,
V

Investigación

Hola amigos,

Espero que todos son bien. Estoy investigando para mi 20-time ahora y es un poco dificil para  mi porque haciendo un club es difícil. Pienso que este parte es más difícil de todos otras partes. Yo investigue mucha en el internet para mi proyecto y buscó que hay muchas clubs de cultura en Michigan. Espero que mi club es como IASA. IASA es Indian American Student Association. En Michigan IASA es un club en Plymouth Canton Community Schools en Canton, MIchigan. IASA es un grande parte de Universidad de Michigan también, y es el segundo mas grande club. Pienso que hay 500 miembros. Para mi club de cultura, quiero incluir todos personas. Pienso que necesitas ayuda a comenzar mi club.

Yo imagino un club para mi escuela que incluye personas de todos culturas. Espero hay un reunion para mi club uno o dos veces en un mes. Quiero que los miembros del club aprenden sobre otras culturas y enseñan para su cultura también. si nosotros venimos juntos y ayudar nuestracomunidadd, es muy bein.

The art of blogging

Hey Everyone,

My name is Vrushangi Shah and I am a junior in high school. I always had a curiosity for the art of blogging.  Somewhere I always wanted to do it but never found the time. Life kept on passing me by, and here I am almost done with junior year. All of this is a shock to me because I feel like I can go back to freshman year in the blink of an eye. As the craziness of high school surrounded me I couldn't find time to complete my simple pleasure in life like reading or watching movies. But when my English and Spanish teachers introduced the 20-time project I knew within the overwhelming amount of freedom of this project, there would be fun. I say overwhelming because when 20-time was introduced we were asked to find our passion. This project, for me at least, was way too much freedom and not enough instructions. So to be honest I struggled a lot picking a passion. I wanted to do everything but I knew that was irrational. So after talking with both of my teachers it finally struck me! 

I could combine two of my passions into one. If you know me you know I love talking and inspiring people but I also have an equal love for culture and spreading awareness. So as I was talking to my English teacher  told her that I had a desire to start an Indian Student Association for my high school. She told me that I should do that. As I told my friends and classmates my idea they showed interest and told me they'd join. So yet again I changed my idea to just starting a cultural club to include everyone.  So here I am, hopefully this is my final idea. I am in the planning and research phase. I can't wait to write again. 

With Love,

Vrushangi 

Mi Blog- Cultura

Blog 1 Mi 20-Time

Hola,

Me llamo Vrushangi Shah. Soy junior en la escuela secundaria. Me gusta escuela y yo quiero hacer el mejor de mi vida. Yo quiero asistir universidad y tengo una educación buena. Tener educar y aprender es muy importante para mí porque yo tengo un buen sistema de educación que otras estudiantes no tienen.  Yo pienso que yo puede cambiar mi vida y la vida de otras personas. Yo quiero tener una inspiración para la gente. Me gusta voluntario en mi hospital y escuela.  Ahora en mi clases de español y ingles nosotros trabajamos en un proyecto se llama 20-time. Para mí 20-time yo quiero a empezar un  club de cultura. Mi gol para este proyecto y en mi vida es “awarness”  y ayudar la gente. Yo quiero que hacer un club porque en mi escuela hay muchos miembros que tienen familia en otras países.

Para este club yo tengo muy ideas. Yo quiero incluyo muchos estudiantes en mi escuela. Espero que los estudiantes y yo trabajamos juntos y cambiar la comunidad de Midland como “spread awarness” sobre otras culturas. En mi club yo quiero tener actividades divertidos como películas, música, y comida de otras culturas. Espero que nosotros voluntarios en eventos de comunidad como “La club de cultura de Dow High.”

Ahora yo voy a buscar información sobre clubs de culturas en la red. Yo envió una persona de Canton Michigan. Se llama Paul Fisher. Él es la líder de IASA de Canton High School. IASA es Indian American Student Association. Es un club muy popular y pienso que Mr. Fisher voy a dame buena ideas para mi club.  

Con Amor,
Vrushangi