Sophia's Reflection
Project Citizen was one of the first times I was given the
opportunity to actually do a project that mattered in the real world. We were able to look into our community and
point out all of the faults and the things we wished to change. It gave me a sense of autonomy to see that as
high school students we could have a voice.
We all had these pre-existing feelings but this was the first time we
were given the chance to act on them.
PARCC testing was an issue that was controversial from the start. Quickly petitions arose between parents and students, all advocating to the removal of the newly implemented test. My grade in particular had grown up taking our state test, the NJASK. We were familiar with its set up, question types, length and dates of the test. So for us to adapt to an entirely new test with little information on what it would actually be like frustrated everyone. Due to this feeling our group quickly jumped on the idea to make it our topic. Not only was it something popular at the time, but it directly affected our lives.
The process was long and extensive, but it really helped me gain insight to the policy making process. It taught me all the steps that need to be put into place, and all the different perspectives you have to think about in order for your point to come across. It also gave me access to a world in our town that I never knew existed. Every month they had public policy meetings which were more like large discussions-and they were discussing PARCC. This was an atmosphere completely different from structured town meeting with roll call. Instead people would just speak their voice for hours on end. It showed me that we can make an impact on a nation. We have all these rights of freedom to petition and speak, but now I was actually exercising these rights. It showed me how important the constitution is, and how thankful I am to have this right. Freedom of press even comes to part due to the fact I can create this website to actively voice my opinion in a community where it may not be accepted. Overall, these helped me be a member of my democracy- a power we are so lucky to have.
On a smaller level it showed me how to collaborate better with peers. And if you do have the opportunity to work with peers it makes the whole process a lot easier. To have a support system of 7 other people who share the same feeling as me made the project much easier. But even with this all said there are some changes I would make if I had to complete the process again. Changing public policy is a big deal, not something you can joke around with. It requires a strict timeline that you should try to follow. If you do not put deadlines you can easily fall behind. And nothing is worse than cramming in information at the last minute. As well, I would want to increase the productivity of everyone in the group. It is difficult to work with people who do not do their fair share of the work so I wish to stop that next time before it occurs.
Participating in Project Citizen was very rewarding to see that my voice has the chance to be heard in public policy. I was able to learn so much about a topic that is controversial so now I feel comfortable participating in debates discussing it. I think it was a great way for us to really learn about the law making process and be an active member in our community. Since who knows, I may have a job in government doing this in the future!
PARCC testing was an issue that was controversial from the start. Quickly petitions arose between parents and students, all advocating to the removal of the newly implemented test. My grade in particular had grown up taking our state test, the NJASK. We were familiar with its set up, question types, length and dates of the test. So for us to adapt to an entirely new test with little information on what it would actually be like frustrated everyone. Due to this feeling our group quickly jumped on the idea to make it our topic. Not only was it something popular at the time, but it directly affected our lives.
The process was long and extensive, but it really helped me gain insight to the policy making process. It taught me all the steps that need to be put into place, and all the different perspectives you have to think about in order for your point to come across. It also gave me access to a world in our town that I never knew existed. Every month they had public policy meetings which were more like large discussions-and they were discussing PARCC. This was an atmosphere completely different from structured town meeting with roll call. Instead people would just speak their voice for hours on end. It showed me that we can make an impact on a nation. We have all these rights of freedom to petition and speak, but now I was actually exercising these rights. It showed me how important the constitution is, and how thankful I am to have this right. Freedom of press even comes to part due to the fact I can create this website to actively voice my opinion in a community where it may not be accepted. Overall, these helped me be a member of my democracy- a power we are so lucky to have.
On a smaller level it showed me how to collaborate better with peers. And if you do have the opportunity to work with peers it makes the whole process a lot easier. To have a support system of 7 other people who share the same feeling as me made the project much easier. But even with this all said there are some changes I would make if I had to complete the process again. Changing public policy is a big deal, not something you can joke around with. It requires a strict timeline that you should try to follow. If you do not put deadlines you can easily fall behind. And nothing is worse than cramming in information at the last minute. As well, I would want to increase the productivity of everyone in the group. It is difficult to work with people who do not do their fair share of the work so I wish to stop that next time before it occurs.
Participating in Project Citizen was very rewarding to see that my voice has the chance to be heard in public policy. I was able to learn so much about a topic that is controversial so now I feel comfortable participating in debates discussing it. I think it was a great way for us to really learn about the law making process and be an active member in our community. Since who knows, I may have a job in government doing this in the future!