TED Talk Reflection
ITS OVER.
How did you
read that statement? Did you read it as "Aw she's sad!!! The project has
come to an end :( *wipes singular tear* " or "OH YEAH its finally
over let's get it woohoo!!!!"???????
I have to
say that I honestly did enjoy the idea of this project. Getting class time and
having motivation to explore something that you're really passionate about is
something that not a lot of people have the opportunity to do and I am very
thankful I had the chance to do so. But, if I were to do this project again, I
would definitely choose a different topic to study. Don’t get me wrong - I have
nothing against juggling!! It's been super fun to learn and I did really enjoy
it. Everything I have written on my blogs is 100% true and my feelings towards
juggling are accurately depicted. However, juggling ended up being just another
thing that I had to do.
I would come
home from school saying, "Okay. I have to read Les Mis, finish the
infographic, analyze a song, do my math homework, and complete the science lab.
Oh. And I have to learn a new skill for juggling". It became an assignment
for me and I started to lose motivation. While I was actually juggling, it was
fun and I enjoyed it. But it wasn’t something that I looked forward to or
wanted to do.
As the end
of the project neared, I began to think about what I had actually learned from
my experiences. It was really hard not to think of something cliché - I watched
dozens of TED Talks to study, and every single one had its own unique idea
worth sharing. This is what makes it so interesting. I didn't want my TED Talk
(and hopefully it wasn’t !!!) to be an ordinary, boring speech that just tells
people the same things they've already heard. Juggling was a unique topic, so I
tried to utilize its specific qualities to express a one-of-a-kind meaning and
presentation.
Prior to the
week of the TED Talks, Mr. Perlman had told the class that if we were going
away for an FBLA conference or spring break and were unable to present on
specific days, that we should tell him so he can guarantee us a presentation
spot on a day we are available (wow that was a really long sentence but I kinda
like it). I took this opportunity to inform Mr. Perlman that I wouldn't be here
on Thursday and Friday. Little did I know that he was going to sign me up for
Monday, the very first day of presentations. Even though. I was. Able to
present on. Tuesday or Wednesday. Too. The VERY FIRST day!!! This made me a
little stressed out (but it is okay because I just studied, practiced, and
applied ;) ). But honestly, I'm really glad I was locked into going the first
day because it shows ambition (even though it wasn’t my choice) and it allows
you to set the bar for the rest of the week. If
you're a future gifted student skimming through blogs and you're reading this,
sign up for the first day of the presentations!! It will pay off and a
relief once you're done.
I'm really
confident that I did my best regarding my TED Talk, and I hope that the
audience thought so too!! I juggled in front of everyone, which was something I
was hoping to just leave out of my presentation all together. But I figured I
had to - and I wanted to make my presentation as engaging as possible. I was
very proud at myself for not dropping the balls !! Huge accomplishment!
(disclaimer: of course I can juggle without dropping the balls, but stage
fright @Alyssa makes everything a lot more fragile!!!)
I am
actually surprised at how much I enjoyed giving the TED Talk. Writing the
speech, making the visuals, and presenting in front of a crowd. Maybe I am
finally starting to feel a little more comfortable and confident in the gifted
environment. I feel like all through elementary school and middle school I
created this scary idea that gifted is hell and it is impossible to succeed. My
two older sisters went through the gifted program, so I had already built
opinions before the school year began. Being a freshman that no one really
knows can be intimidating (STORYTIME: One time in the middle of the year in
gifted, students were passing back essays and the student who was passing back
my classes' essays had to ask all her friends who "Anna Alberti" was.
When none of 4 friends knew, she had to ask a table of freshman girls… When 25%
of your class doesn't know who you are >>>> #goals. Yeah, so that
was fun). And maybe I won't succeed, just proving my point. But I found
something I am starting to enjoy, so maybe that's all the success I need right
now.
Okay. Thanks
for keeping up with my blog!! Hmu if you ever want some juggling tips!!
Ugh this is
sad !!! For the last time….
Juggle it
up.
Anna :)
3 comments
Anna -
ReplyDeleteI'm so sad I missed out on your TED Talk but I heard it was great! I completely agree with you, I felt like coding became more of just another assignment I needed to check off, not that I actually wanted to do it when I was required to. Even though it freaked you out, I think going on the first day is always a good idea and you definitely always set the bar high! I hope you continue to gain your confidence in Gifted and continue to juggle for fun!
Hi Anna,
ReplyDeleteI agree with a lot of things that you said. I thought your approach towards the TED talk was unique and it really worked well with juggling. As someone who went on the first day as well, I feel that the good and the bad ended up canceling out. Presenting on the first day definitely made me push myself to get everything done a bit quicker, but seeing the presentations first was also a helpful tool for me during the brain presentations. Good luck on your journey with juggling!
Hi Anna,
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way! As soon as sign language was an obligation, I was less motivated to learn. Just like you said, it felt like another homework assignment. Your blog was so interesting to read over the last few weeks and even though I wasn't in school on Monday, I heard your TED Talk was great!