Senior+Projects


 * __Information processors access and analyze information from a variety of sources for different purposes.__**
 * __They are students who__**
 * __• Effectively use a variety of information-gathering techniques and information resources.__**
 * __• Accurately assess the value and biases of information, and effectively interpret and synthesize the information.__**
 * __• Search for innovative and creative ways to improve the efficiency of existing processes and improvement of products__**

**__Knowledgeable individuals understand content necessary to be successful in a variety of endeavors. __** 
 * __They are students who__**
 * __• Understand and apply essential content in all academic areas.__**
 * __• Use efficient learning techniques to acquire, connect, and apply new knowledge and skills.__**
 * __• Recognize knowledge and skill requirements necessary to transition to the next stage of life__**

**__Collaborative individuals value teamwork and the results achieved from multiple viewpoints and talents working together toward a common purpose. __** The Upward Bound TRIO Program/College Bound Club (CBC) helps students who are first generation and low income prepare for college. CBC is not a club you can just join but have to apply for and show that you want to go to college and will take every opportunity with an open mind. CBC has helped me in so many ways, such as my time management, study skills and preparation for tests. During our after school time, the program provides teachers to help with math, science and English along with basic study habits. This has helped me improved my grades. When I'm struggling in a class, I know that during study time I can ask for help from the teacher mentors or other CBC students. By taking advantage of this support, I was able to either maintain or improve my grades. In college I will utilize the skills learned during my time in CBC when I don't understand something. Being a member of the College Bound Club taught me how to help not only myself but others. We often work together on our advanced math assignments and English essays. I know how to work well with others and achieve academic goals that I set for myself because of my time spent with the College Bound Club. **__Effective communicators apply their reading, speaking, writing, and listening skills to communicate effectively. __** Volunteering isn't about the hours you get for school or to look good on a college resume, it's about the feeling of helping others that are in need. I have done a lot of different volunteering from ringing bells for the Salvation Army to volunteering at Wel-Life Senior Home. Volunteering at the senior home helped alleviate some of the nursing staff's stress, even if it's just serving dinner to the residents. The nurses are able to take care of the medications and health of the residents while I serve them their food. I have to make sure i have good communication skills because if i don't the residents would not understand me and helping the residents would be very difficult.  My family immigrated from Vietnam a year before I was born and I started to learn English in kindergarten. My family has worked hard to get where they are in America. I have to take the responsibility over and work hard towards my goal of attending college. My family has shown me that I shouldn't take anything for granted and be grateful for every opportunity I get especially my education. I know for a fact that I wouldn't have the best education in Vietnam, which is why my mom made sure her children were raised as Americans. My mom has made many sacrifices for her children, like leaving her family in Vietnam. Family is very important to me and who I am as a person. I want to make my mom proud of me and help others at the same time. 
 * __Critical thinkers and problem solvers assess the situation, gather important information and develop relevant, effective alternatives to reach a solution or decision.__**
 * __They are students who__**
 * __• Are open to a wide range of input and opinions related to the problem or issue and entertain multiple possibilities for its solution.__**
 * __• Predict future actions by analyzing data from past events or practices.__**
 * __• Draw upon their unique insights, talents and backgrounds to offer new perspectives, innovative solutions and influential ideas that lead to positive outcomes__**
 * __They are students who__**
 * __• Respect individual differences and multiple perspectives.__**
 * __• Understand and process the input and feedback from others to accomplish the desired outcome.__**
 * __• Know that their success is dependent on the ability to establish and maintain positive, productive relationships with others.__**
 * __They are students who__**
 * __• Convey and respond to thoughts, feelings, and beliefs in a socially appropriate way for different audiences and purposes.__**
 * __• Understand the verbal and nonverbal communications of themselves and others.__**
 * __• Creatively express their thinking in a clear, concise manner using a variety of media and modes.__**
 * __Self-directed learners take the initiative to actively and independently inquire and apply learning to new and different situations.__**
 * __They are students who__**
 * __• Develop habits that will enable them to learn independently and seek what they want and need to know at any point in their lives.__**
 * __• Demonstrate independence in their learning by setting goals and making plans to achieve those goals.__**
 * __• Seek opportunities to take risks and pursue new learning ventures in order to find enjoyable ways to express and develop talents.__**

In addition to extracurriular activies I have done a lot of different volunteering from ringing bells for the Salvation Army to volunteering at Wel-Life Senior Home. Volunteering isn't about the hours you get for school or to look good on a college resume, it's about the feeling of helping others that are in need. Volunteering at the senior home helped alleviate some of the nursing staff's stress, even if it's just serving dinner to the residents. The nurses are able to take care of the medications and health of the residents while I serve food. Due to my experiences at Wel-Life and the medical academy, nursing became my career goal and anticipated college major. **__Quality producers create products and performances that reflect high standards. __**
 * __Active, responsible citizens are well-informed and apply knowledge and skills to improve the quality of their lives and communities.__**
 * __They are students who__**
 * __• Value the community in which they live and work and are committed to civic responsibilities and services.__**
 * __• Interact positively with a wide variety of people with different backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs.__**
 * __• Understand that they live in a global market place and that cultural diversity and international interdependence are part of the basics of today’s society and economy.__**
 * __They are students who__**
 * __• Know the accepted criteria for the product or process they are creating and make sure the product or process meets or exceeds those criteria.__**
 * __• Strive for quality results through continual, thoughtful evaluation of their product or performance.__**
 * __• Are receptive to the input and feedback from others to improve the outcome__**



Being in band was the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I was able to meet new friends who I would have never thought I would have been friends with in high school. During my freshman year I was never confident in my playing. I would always play behind others when it came to playing in a group. When I’m alone I know I can play well, but when it comes to people hearing me I freeze up. In a band its all about playing together. Not just one person covering up for another person but everyone as a whole, as a team. During pass offs and juries I knew I could not be shy and hide behind another person, I have to show my section leader and band instructor that I knew how to control my instrument and not let my instrument control me. Even if I did not play well in front of them I learned how to take the advice and constructive criticism they gave me to improve my playing. As the years went by, I improved significantly and got the confidence I needed to play out and not hide behind someone else in my section. Something I will always remember is when, during senior year, my friend told me she heard me playing the National Anthem from the stands. This made me smile and gave me a lot of confidence in my playing. I was able to keep that confidence through my whole senior year in band and out side of band. This also helped with my stage fright when it came to playing in front of an audience. Before, when I would be playing in front of others, one could hear my nervousness by the shaking in my tone. The change could be observed my senior year when I was able to play with total confidence at the State Music Convention at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. There have been so many adventures and memories and so much excitement that has made band so much fun. Band is like another family to me who has helped me gain more confidence and has also given me the chance to grow and help others. <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">


 * __Personally and professionally responsible individuals take responsibility for their own physical, intellectual, emotional, and social well-being.__**
 * __They are students who__**
 * __• Understand the importance of a healthy life style by practicing behaviors that emphasize personal, physical and emotional health and safety.__**
 * __• Demonstrate high standards both personally and professionally through honesty, fairness, and personal initiative.__**
 * __• Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and qualities necessary to make future personal, career, and social decisions in response to a changing world and workplace.__**

I was born with hemangioma, which started out as a scar under my left eye, then began to grow into a reddish lesion that covered the left side of my cheek. Surgeries to address this lesion began when I was a toddler and have continued to occur once a year. The surgery is called facial expansion and it helps the appearance of my scar. Having this surgery changed me in many ways; it made me feel like a normal girl even though I had several surgeries to completely fix the skin damage that the birth mark caused. This made me realize what I will set out to do in the future: nursing. I want to help others feel safe and provide care to those in medical need. I am familiar with the work environment of hospitals and am able to relate to patients. <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">

They are students who__**
 * __Individual leaders have a strong sense of vision, have passion and are able to inspire commitment.
 * __• Excel in the art of communication and motivation, demonstrate mutual respect; instill confidence and enthusiasm, and show credibility and integrity on a consistent basis.__**
 * __• Take the necessary action to see that vision become a reality.__**
 * __• Capitalize on personal strengths, talents, education, and experiences to bring value to the setting and the community through their performance, skill, diligence, ethics, and responsible behavior.__**

Growing up with a medical condition has shaped the person I have become. At a very young age, I started to worry how people would judge me. I experienced the cruelties of youth and worried about fitting in the group. Gradually I became more outgoing and stopped worrying about how I looked. Now having great friends allows me to break the emotional challenge of being different and not worry about what people think of me. Being in the hospital for periods of time changed my outlook on my future, from being unique physically to having a unique personality. Gradually I realized that helping others is the career path for me. I want to give back to the community that supported me as a child through difficult times. I love working with others and aiding people in their time of need. I believe I could be an excellent nurse and work with families to meet their medical needs. My bilingual skills will be used quite often as well.