CRITICAL REFLEXION OF MY CAS EXPERIENCE

I got involved in a variety of projects and activities that fall in the creativity, action and service categories. I believe the CAS experience allowed me to participate in activities that enhance my school experience and prepare me for university. I hoped that through CAS, I would not only learn new skills and abilities, nut also I would know other people inside and outside of school. Moreover, I wanted to integrate in my community by contributing to service projects and competitions. Although, I encountered problems, I managed to solve them. This experience taught me skills and opened new opportunities to get involved in my community.

SUMMARY OF CAS

ACTIVITIES:

1. Helping Colegio Fiscal Pintag

2. Handcrafts

3. School Play: One flew over the Cuckoo's Nest

4. School Play: The Crucible

5. Tiny Piano Productions

6. Football

7. Dance Competition

8. Service Projects: Niños Felices

9. Painting the school mural

10. Malnutrition in hospital patients

11. Volunteer in PAE

12. School Newspaper

Total hours: 422

MALNUTRITION IN HOSPITAL PATIENTS

Number of hours: 15

I was involved in a thesis project of two university students in USFQ. They were investigating the level of malnutrition in patients in chronic conditions. The aim of this project was to obtain data to support that chronic patients, especially eldery people are not receiving an appropiate diet in the hospital. This data will allow them to suggest changes and improvements to the hospital committee.

I hoped that through this experience I will gain some knowledge about the medical system in my country and learn some basic skills as measuring the weight, the size, and the body mass index. I also hoped to contribute to a greater cause which is improving the health system in my country, especially in public hospitals.

It was very difficult for me to help them take some measurements, as I did not fully understand the medical terms used. I overcame these by reading about the topic and trying to familiarize with the terms. I believe I was successful as their thesis came out to be very strong and will make some changes in the patients' diet.

I learned that I can create a very friendly relationship with patients, who are always willing to contribute with the doctors and volunteers. Moreover, I learned many skills in the medical field and data processing. I learned to listen to other people so I can enhance my learning experience and follow instructions. I gained a lot of confidence as I was able to carry out this activity without much confidence in the field.

The two university students helped me in my learning process. They taught me some background knowledge in the medical field and in the topic and also tried to convey their cause so I can be more motivated in the activity.

This project will benefit the patients in public hospitals, as they will receive an appropriate, healthy diet that will improve their health. This project benefited the students who gained medical experience.

I will use the skills I learned, especially the data processing skills that I will use to tally and analyze results. Also I learned to be more open and treat people kindly.

SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

Number of Hours: 15

The first term of this year, the CAS coordinator created a school newspaper. I was one of the three editors, and I was also in charge of writing the service section in the newspaper. I also helped in the sports and events section of the newspaper with pictures and news.

I hoped to learn some skills that I will use in my high school and university career. Some of these skills are: creative writing, selection of sources, persuasive speech, organisation and punctuality. Moreover I wanted to be involved in this new type of activity in the school so I could learn more about newspaper publishing.

The most difficult task I had to face was finishing the articles on time. All members had time constraints as they were also involved in other activities, and could not manage to write the articles on time. We had delays and had to hurry even more to not have more delays. I had to concentrate and devote time to the newspaper so I could finish on time.

I believe the activity was successful to an extent, as we could publish a successful and interesting first issue. However, we had so many obstacles including the blackouts in Quito, so the activity was cancelled.

I learned many skills, that include writing effective and persuasive writing, selection of reliable sources, building-up my voice as a reliable narrator, designing and editing. I also learned to organize my time so that I can complete all tasks on time and dedicate them the time they deserve.

The CAS coordinator taught me many skills to create an effective newspaper article. The organisation I learned by myself as a result of the problems I had to face in this experience. I will use this experience in university and other similar projects that involve creative writing.

The school newspaper allows the school to develop into a bigger community as this is a form of communication to reach students, teachers and parents. Moreover it was a project which was done by students and for students and its success depended on students will.

HELPING FISCAL PINTAG

Number of hours: 15

Years 12 and 13 led by the CAS coordinator organised a service project: helping a school near ours. We helped them to restore desks and tables by painting them again. We also fixed the courtyard and some classrooms by organising them, cleaning them and adding some new furniture. We also gathered materials that could be used in the school like books, pencils, rulers, etc.

I hoped that through this project we could help this school develop and offer a better quality of resources, infrastructure to students so they can access a better education. I believe the project was successful as we repaired many of the school resources. However, we encountered some problems, especially the lack of funds to buy materials we needed to finish the project. Through a variety of fund-raising events, enough money was gathered to buy materials and resources for the school.

I learned to work in a team, cooperate with anyone in anything I can contribute. Moreover, I learned to have a positive attitude even if I am tired because this encourages others to continue working, and the children who attended the school got enthusiastic. Their enthusiasm made me work harder, acting as my motivation to work harder.

This project benefited the school, as it can offer a better infrastructure to students who attend school. This improves education quality in public schools.

Next time, we could raise more money so we can make a greater change.

I learned to use the resources effective, using wisely the funds. I also learned construction skills that I can use in the future.

TINY PIANO

Number of Hours: 30

This year I was part of "Tiny Piano", this is a group of students in charge of the school play production.
Members:
Isabela Green
Melisa Mantilla
Roberto Shu
Sebastian Serrano
Juan Suarez
Rachel Fowler
Marilyn Fajardo
Israel Sornoza
Juan Pablo Novoa
Nicole Luna
Antonella Parra

I was involved in a students' committee which is in charge of the play production like setting, costumes, lighting, props and theater reservations. I expected to put forward a successful play which would make our school recognized and learn about organisation, financing management and team work.

The play was very successful. The shortage of funds was the most difficult obstacle, as nothing could be bought without money, not even the theater. However, sponsors donated enough money to put forward a challenging, successful play.

I learned about organisation, managing money wisely, punctuality and team work. I learned to do plans and working schemes which eases the development of the activity.

My other teammates helped me by giving me suggesting how to solve any issues that rose. We tried to help each other and create solutions as a team.

This project is an opportunity for students to gain confidence and responsibilities in planning events and pursuing their goals.

Next time more money needs to be gathered before planning the play, so according to the budget an affordable play can take place. Also I will organize better and manage money more efficiently. I will use this experience in future projects that require planning.

SCHOOL PLAY: THE CRUCIBLE

Number of hours: 100

This year I was involved in the school play! We chose to do the famous Arthur Miller's play: The Crucible. It is inspired on the Salem witch trails that took place in Massachussets during 1692 and 1693. The play shows the human necessity for survival, and the lengths at which a person will go to save his life. I had one of the four leading roles, as Marry Warren. We practiced since January every Monday and Thursday from 3:30 to 5:30 pm, and Saturdays from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. We performed the 24th and 25th of March 2010 in San Francisco's University theater. Furthermore, I helped with make-up in the dress rehearsals and presentation dates.

Through the school play, I hoped to improve my acting skills and vocalization. I wanted to integrate with other students in the school who are involved in the school play. I also wanted to gain confidence to speak in public and open myself to new types of activities.

This activity was very successful, and the play was praised. However, me, as an actress encountered some obstacles. I was not confident enough when acting dramatic scenes and was sometimes very shy. In the production, I tried to think of myself that character and in that way my acting was convincing.

I learned that I can go beyond my own limits and overcome my fears. I learned to be tolerant with other, as it is not always easy to work with other people.

The directors of the school play an others involved in the play helped me to overcome my obstacles and difficulties by practicing with me and helping me build-up my confidence.

This project taught the students many skills, especially to lose stage fright. The directors learned an experience for future productions. The school is also gaining a reputation for doing successful play.

Next time, I want to challenge myself with a different type of character. I will practice my vocalizations so my speeches are more coherent.

I gained confidence to speak in public and lose stage fright, and this I will use in my university career in debates and seminars I will be attending.

PAINTING THE WATER TANK!

PAINTING THE FOOTBALL PITCH MURAL

In year 12, my class decided to volunteer to paint the new football pitch wall with the BSQ logo and the water tank! It was a hard team work that involved two whole noons in the school!

FOOTBALL

Year 12 and 13 I have taken part in the women's team of football. This means training every Tuesday after school and take part of competitions with other schools. Last March 26 we were awarded as champions of the COPAIN tournament.

PAE (Protección Animal Ecuador)

A teacher invited us to walk PAE's dogs. These dogs are found in the street, and PAE takes care and feeds them, until they find a new home, and someone adopts them. The intention of this visit was to allow t the dogs to go out to walk as they would do with their owners, get used to calm walks, and receive love. This experience allowed me to see that there are many defenseless animals that need our help.