Portfolio: Hallmarks

'

Hallmark One

The artifact chosen for Hallmark One is a photograph that I took when I went to church.There is a great significance with the photograph because I have not attended mass in about four years. While I was there, it brought back memories of when I used to go with my family every Sunday morning. It is a great reminder that dedicating one's time is important to one's faith.

Hallmark One emphasizes the importance of our commitment to God. The photograph shows the dedication of many students and other members. Because the large majority of the members were college students, it represented how firm believers do not lose sight of their spiritual beliefs, even with the amounts of influence that is directed at younger generations. Throughout our spiritual lives, we practice the word of God, whether it be by going to Church, or simply helping one another when in need.

Hallmark Two

The artifact chosen for Hallmark Two is a brochure from a Keynote Event, A Brave Heart. This brochure is significant to me because it is a great reminder of the experience of the event. During the event, I watched A Brave Heart which tells the story of Lizzie Velasquez's struggle with being bullied for having an unknown disease. After the film, Lizzie came to the stage and gave a speech about how unique each individual is. I have seen powerful motivation videos before, but when I was able to see her in person it made everything seem so "real".

Hallmark Two present the message that people should honor the dignity and sacredness of each person. Lizzie Velasquez is a motivational speaker and activist in the anti-bullying campaign. She encourages people from around the country to respect each individual, despite how "different" they may seem. She is constantly dedicating her time to lobby for an anti-bullying bill that is currently pending in Congress.

Hallmark Three

Though it is just a simple pamphlet, it is significant to me because it provides useful information for a situation I may encounter one day. It describes some of the main signs of how to tell if a child if being trafficked. It also provides the hotline to call or text if there may be a potential case. It is very concerning how common this occurs in multiple areas, even in Belmont.

The event clearly embodied the message of Hallmark Three, to education for and act on behalf of justice and peace in the world. Representatives from organizations, such as UNICEF USA, came to inform students and other attendees about the significant dangers that anyone could come across, but specifically young children. The speakers emphasized to take a course in action. This act did not have to be drastic, but as simple as watching out for any of the warning signs. There were other events later on in the week that portrayed the same information, but I was not able to attend them. Instead, I told friends about the events and encouraged them to go. It was a very memorable teaching experience that changed the way I viewed certain issues.

Hallmark Four

The artifacts chosen for Hallmark Four are all the informational flyers I obtained at the Volunteer Fair that occurred at NDNU. These flyers are significant because they presented me with multiple opportunities. Normally, I see volunteering opportunities that do not peak my interests; however, these ones did. They had volunteer options, such as working at the Marine Science Institute, that showed that volunteering can be explored in many fields. It encouraged me to volunteer more.

Hallmark Four proclaims that people should commit themselves to community service. These flyers gave many students awareness of opportunities to work for a field that suits their strengths. Within each of these events, there is an academic aspect that is incorporated into the job.

Hallmark Five

The artifact I chose for Hallmark Five is a screenshot from a video my roommate took of me. I had just gotten off a sailboat with a group of children at the Treasure Island event. This photograph is a significant reminder of the wonderful experience I had. Not only did I get to sail for the first time, I got to experience the children's first time as well.

Hallmark Five embraces the gift of diversity. At Treasure Island, we were aware that we would be mentoring a diverse group of children; however, I did not reflect on this thought until I was on the boat. The group of girls I went with were all unique in their own way. Whenever one told a story, the others would share ones that were similar and it was possible to see all their different backgrounds. When we had to go indoors to work on the next activity, it was evident how differently each of them learned.

Hallmark Six

This artifact I have chosen is the playbill from my very first production at NDNU. It is significant because it was the first time I was not performing in the show; instead, I was the assistant stage manager (asm). As the asm, I had to be there for every rehearsal, write down blocking, read lines, step in whenever an actor was missing, and had more responsibilities. While it was stressful in the beginning, I discovered how much I enjoyed being apart of the tech crew.

The experience of being in the production as a technician serves the message of Hallmark Six. I had established many new friendships with students while working in the show. Each of them were very helpful and insightful about the program. My teachers, who were also the director, technical designer, and lighting designer, create hands-on learning experience. One part of my responsibilities were to participate in building the set. I have never had to do such a task before, but all the students and teachers were willing to teach me how to perform the task. Another factor was the comforting environment that the theatre held. If any of the actors of technicians were having difficulties in regards to the production or personal life, our director would comfort them. The production was an educational experience as well as an opportunity to establish friendships.

Hallmark Seven

This artifact is a photograph of my friends and I studying for finals. While the actual studying was stressful, it became enjoyable because I was with them. They were able to help me with my essays and I was able to provide whatever help they needed with their work. Our bond has grown stronger since the semester because we always encourage each other to strive in school and succeed with our goals.

This photograph represents Hallmark Seven because our studying group values the importance of our academics while still focusing on one another. We have established ways to help one another succeed in school, even if we all have different assignments. If the workload is too much, we allow each other to vent. We have supported one another through our transitions as freshmen in college.

Inside Out!

In this wonderful animated film, Disney presents its imaginative view on how our emotions work. Now that I have taken a class on happiness, I now realize that Joy is misinterpreted in the film. Everyone favors Joy, believing that she is the primary source of Riley's happiness; however, Sadness can actually be seen as the main protagonist.

Joy is continiuously forcing people to be "happy". From her point of view, this means constantly smiling and having fun. Like the majority of people, Joy believes that happiness only comes from positive emotions. In the scene where Bing Bong's rocket is thrown into the abyss, Joy tries to comfort him so he could move on from his feelings. In a way, Joy is trying to have him"fake it till he makes it", one of the Secrets of Adulthood by Gretchen Rubin. However, when Sadness talks to him and acknoledges his sorrows, he is able to continue forward. Having sadness in our lives makes us more grateful for when we are happy.

Happiness does not only rely on Joy. At the end of the film, she realizes that one of Riley's memories is happy because Sadness had occurred. Like Victor Frankl's Man's Search For Meaning, there is meaning within suffering. When Riley missed the winning goal, causing her team  lose the championships, she was overwhelmed with sadness. But then her parents and teammates came to comfort and appreciate her efforts. This made Riley very happy. 

Another factor that is needed for Riley's happiness are the aspects of PERMA. In the film, each island can represent PERMA. For example, Goofball Island is related to the positive emotions while Hockey Island is engagement. Seligman suggested that we need to embrace PERMA in order to achieve well-being. This evidence is depicted in the film when Riley loses her core memories. Without them, she felt nothing. 

The overall meaning behind the film is that people cannot only rely on positive emotions. Instead, sadness is needed to make people appreciate how happy they were before.

Freshman Research Conference

The Freshman Research Conference gave a better understanding of what the other two sections in our pod are working on. I did not even know that the two other sections were about altruism and the brain, specifically cognitive learning. I thought both the sections were interesting and related to happiness in a certain way. I believe that each of the sections had presenters that were prepared and most gave a large amount of background information on what they have been learning in their class. As an audience member, I had to be courteous and pay attention to each presenter, take notes, and participate in asking questions. Because I had to take notes, I prefer to have a powerpoint presentation instead of a poster board. Powerpoints are easier to read and more visually appealing. However, I understand how the poster boards were helpful. When I had to visit the library to visit the other pods, the poster boards they created gave me some insight on what they were learning. I enjoyed the Freshman Research Conference and hope that there may be another way to learn about the other pods.

A Cali Girl Who Doesn't Tan?

California girls are known for having nice tanned skin. Many of my friends and family members love to go tanning whenever they have a chance to. However, I am one of the few people who dislike tanning.

I have gone tanning before and it seemed enjoyable, but I recently realized it was fun because I was with people I cared about. I always agreed to go with my cousins and my aunt to the river to tan. Getting ready to go was fun, so was the car ride, then it got boring. We would lay there, listen to music and read magazines - if we remembered to bring them. It is relaxing; however, I can recall that I would rather be playing volleyball or go swimming.

As a personal choice, I prefer to have a lighter complexion. I have been judged before for not wanting to get “bronzy” skin, but it just did not appeal to me. Looking back on these memories, I believe I was so influenced to be like the majority that I tanned to fit it. Now, I realized it did not mater what people thought of me. If a friend asks me to join them I will agree only to hangout with them. I will wear normal clothes instead of a bathing suit, and I will put on sunscreen instead of tanning lotion.

A Child's Perspective

Though I had a great time volunteering at Treasure Island, many of my classmates did not. I was one of the very few lucky ones who got to go sailing. From my classmates’ point of view, I can understand how non-engaging it was. However from the children’s perspective, it was a memorable day that can be valued in the future.

Of course sailing was the cherry on top that made the children’s day, but there was an underlying meaning to the day. From their eyes, they saw us as an illusion of their possible future selves. When I was sailing with a group of girls, I discovered some of the hardships they were dealing with. They asked if I was really in college. After I responded, they were amazed as though college seemed impossible to get into. Next, they were shocked about my age because they claimed I seemed too mature. One girl did not express her feelings by her outer appearance; however, her self-doubt showed when she commented on how she needed to “grow up” and not be “silly”. I explained to her that even I was a “goofball” at times and that all it takes is finding a balance between the two. This seemed to reassure her.

Though the day may have not been eventful to us, it had a profound value for the children which was all that mattered.

The Best Of Each Day

Sept. 1~ completed my first audition

Sept. 2~ had the dorm to myself

Sept. 3~ danced around my room

Sept. 4~ beat my friend three times at Call of Duty

Sept. 5~ went to Half Moon Bay

Sept. 6~ finished homework early

Sept. 7~ finally got Theatre textbook

Sept. 8~ watched Disney's Mulan

Sept. 9~ went back home to see family and friends

Sept. 10~ got closure

Sept. 11~ spent time with both my parents

Sept. 12~ old friend messaged me

Sept. 13~ got invited to go camping with old co-workers

Sept. 14~ took a nap

Sept. 15~ rehearsals ended early

Sept. 16~ talked to my dad on the phone

Sept. 17~ went to the city with my roommate

Sept. 18~ finally worked out

Sept. 19~ found out homework had a later due date

Sept. 20~  ate a doughnut

Sept. 21~ classes ended early

Sept. 22~ ordered pizza

Sept. 23~ friend called me to tell her about her job acceptance

Sept. 24~ went to a party with friends

Sept. 25~ helped build the set to NDNU’s The Amateurs

Sept. 26~ got slapped by a piece of turkey

Sept. 27~ mom sent me new face wash

Sept. 28~ bought brownies

Sept. 29~ cleaned my dorm

Sept. 30~ kickback with friends

Friday, the ninth, was my favorite day of September but it was not because I went on some crazy adventure.

Beginning that morning, my mother came to pick me up from school and surprised me with a gift. She had bought me a vacuum for my dorm. On the drive home, my mother and I sang along to songs from the sixties and eighties. It was a great time. After spending two hours with her, I finally went over to my father’s house. He was busy preparing my grandmother’s house to be painted, but just our small interactions made him happy, which in turn made me happy.

During the night, I went over to my one of my best friend's house where she was having a gathering for me. I was able to hangout with all of my old coworkers and friends and catch up on their lives. Though all we did was sit outside in her backyard and talk, it filled me with joy to be with the people I consider my “second family”.

I do not need a huge, adventurous trip to have an amazing day. Just being with my family and friends is all I really need.

It Could Have Worked

Next time I offer my assistance, it should be within my capabilities.

The goal for last weekend was to apply my signature strength, teamwork, to the task of building the set for NDNU’s play, The Amateurs. While I had the enthusiasm to test it,  it was difficult to apply it. I felt ill that day and more people decided to volunteer. Most jobs were taken by the time I arrived at the theatre. I was left with being in charge of organizing props that were brought down by the director. However, it only took me a short amount of time. Trying to be a part of actual construction, I inserted myself into the process. Unfortunately, it did not go as well as I hoped it would. I ended up holding set pieces together and delivering tools. The worst part was that I did not know what the tools were called; I was thoroughly embarrassed. Eventually, I just presented myself as if I were doing something, but I knew I was not.

Reflecting on this, I realized that I could have had a better experimental experience if I was not sick and had knowledge of how to build and the tools to use. However, I do believe that I succeeded in testing my teamwork strength, even if it was not fully completed. Though I was not as useful as I was hoping to be, I was still apart of the crew and I did the share of the work that was given to me.