Finally Chose a Senior Topic!

I think the biggest problem I had entering this year was what to do for my senior project. I was so sure of one thing, then all of a sudden something else seemed better, then somehow after changing my mind, I was back to square one. A main reason why this seemed like such a struggle was that this year, both Stacy and I are Editors-In-Chiefs of Yearbook. That's never happened before, and it kind of made that requirement of "the Editor-In-Chief's topic is yearbook" change; how were we going to do the same topic? Another reason was that I personally didn't really know where my interests were focused on. I hate to say it, but I really didn't know what I wanted to do, and I was just frantically running in a giant circle.

About a week ago it pretty much dawned on me. Process of elimination. I know. And researching on the Internet for related terms and topics. I went through, "I don't like that," to "I can do that," to "I should do this," and on and on until I narrowed it down. Obviously, I knew I had to incorporate Yearbook. I also really wanted to do Graphic Design, because last year, I was Design Editor. However, we have a new Design Editor, so I figured doing Graphic Design wouldn't be a good choice. But, I liked the idea of incorporating my new position in Yearbook, and the elective as a publication itself.

Yearbook -> Publication -> (Co) Editor-in-Chief -> In charge of publishing the book -> Editorial Publishing.

I may or may not have patted myself on the back.

Blog 4: Interview Preparation

1. Who do you plan to interview? Why?

• I plan to interview my mentor, Mimi Orth. During my mentorship, she gave great advice and constructive criticism on my course work. I feel that the way she guided me is what is an essential character for an editor, and I would like to listen to her perspective on my topic. I would also like to ask her questions on her past work in publication, and what she has learned and experienced from them.

2. You have to ask 5 questions. What additional questions do you plan to ask?

• How long did you work in publication, and what was your most memorable experience from it?
• What were some common or reoccurring issues you would come across while working in publication?
• From your experiences, what are some important qualities that an editor should have while running a publication?
• How did you organize your staff, and how were you able to manage numerous deadlines in a publication?
• Where do you get inspiration for your product, and what do you think is the most efficient way of connecting your product verbally and visually?

*More additional questions I might ask:

• From your experience on working with so many schools, what do you think is a common thing that many staffs struggle with?
• Trends and styles are always changing, which influences the way a product looks. What do you predict will be popular among print publications this year?
• Did you ever experience a time where a publication's product was not executed well? What was that time like, and what can a publication do to avoid a situation like that?

Blog 3: Topic Choice and Semester 1 ESLR Goals

1.  List your topic here: Editorial Publishing

2.  What do you plan to do this year to show growth in each of the ESLRs?  Be specific and use an example.  Examples can come from senior project, model assembly, core, and/or participation in senior class ASB or other organizations on campus (clubs etc).

• iPoly Citizen

• In order to grow as an iPoly citizen, I will acknowledge the interdependence that I need not only as a student, but as an individual. I will definitely be active in class committees and engage with other classmates in the planning and running of events. I also will try my best to attend as many events as possible. I feel that holding a lot of events, parties, and whatnot is a wonderful way to bring our senior class closer as a whole, and build a lasting impression of the high school experience. Also, it's good to have some fun and enjoy yourself. Bonding, communicating, understanding, and learning with my graduating class will really help make my senior year memorable. 

• Effective Learner

• I understand that it is solely my responsibility to learn and understand what is being taught for my benefit. Throughout my time at iPoly, each course, component, and project has shown me the importance of application, awareness, and self-influence. For this year, I definitely plan to keep up-to-date on every assignment with my planner. I will also try to ask more questions, because detailed and thorough explanations do help me in the long run. Also, I'll try to study material at home as well. It's my obligation to use my creativity and understanding to set an example for others in my classes, as well as improve on myself as an individual student.

• Effective User of Technology

• Even though I'm a tech junkie, I still admit that I need to improve on my skills. With project-based learning, however, I find it much easier to apply technology into our components and so on. Using programs such as PowerPoint, Word, Photoshop, inDesign, and so on, not only visually represents the material being taught, but also helps me make a personal connection to what I'm learning. I'm a visual learner, and I love to take material and visually represent it in my own way. This year, I will use the best of my skills to integrate different technological mediums to further visually represent material, as well as allow for more creative freedom. I want to expand my knowledge on using certain technology, like the iPads. Integrating technology is something every student should be able to use.  

• Effective Communicator 

• An example where I can be an affective communicator can come from my participation in the Yearbook elective. As Co-Editor-In-Chief, it is my responsibility to represent the voices and personalities that iPoly has. Working with my yearbook staff has shown me that each staff member depends on me as a leader, and also on each other, while I depend on them and my editors. Teamwork is interdependent, and although it can be tough, it is highly important to be able to communicate efficiently. Being put into project groups for three years has also taught me that listening to what everyone has to say is fundamental in teamwork. This year, I will definitely work on my communication skills, especially scheduling and planning. Talking through email, Facebook, and texting is not sufficient in leading a group or getting things done. I'm a quiet person but this year I want to change that. I want to establish consistent and effective communication with my classmates, so that every person is comfortable with what is going on and what needs to be done.

Blog 2: Summer Mentorship Component

1. Mentorship Log
2. Mentor: Mimi Orth - (626)798-1680
3. What questions did I have during the mentorship?

• How do the various elements from the professionals (advertisements and magazines) impact the way a yearbook looks?
• How does today's print and electronic trends influence a yearbook theme?
• How can a yearbook theme be visually represented by its' spreads?
• How can the audience/student body of a school be best represented by a yearbook theme and its' design?

4. What is the most important thing you gained from this experience? Why?

• The most important thing I've gained from my mentorship is that no matter what a yearbook staff likes or doesn't like, their opinion should not ultimately affect the final theme of a yearbook. Throughout the entire experience, my staff and I were adamant on creating a theme that solely reflected the school and its' students, and not just our personal likes and dislikes. This is crucial in creating a yearbook, mainly because it is the theme that influences the rest of the decisions that are to come; for example, what tone of voice our stories would use, what design elements we would utilize, and how we deliver it all into a single spread. Because our school is so unique, our design and coverage should visually represent the characteristics that make I-Poly and its' students what it is. 

5. How did what you did help choose a topic? Explain.

• At first I wanted to do Graphic Design. But because my position and duties in Yearbook has changed, I now want to do Editorial Publishing. Also, what I did under my mentor did not only cover Graphic Design, but the influences that it has on visually representing a school. I learned a lot about what goes into guiding and editing what my staff does. I also got the opportunity to learn more about the backbone of a successful yearbook theme, with trends and inspiration from professionals being the first priority.