Final Reflection

                   For my senior project I decided to work with FOCUS, a nonprofit organization that helps children with disabilities and their families.  I envisioned a “007” themed “gala” for their teens and young adults.  I was hoping to serve others while allowing my morals to expand.  I hoped to learn about myself during the process, and give them a night to remember!  I also hoped that if not anything else I would learn how to turn something in on time, work with people, and plan accordingly in a work atmosphere. 

              The best parst of my project included  during the week leading up to the "gala", when my email was flooded with people asking if they could volunteer for my project.  It took a really long time to get to that point, it had been two weeks of little commitment prior to that so i was overjoyed.  My favorite part during the event was when everyone made a congo line, it was a really cool thing to see.  As well, after the "gala" and still up to now people are emailing me asking me information on my project and wanting to know more.  People have personally taken the time to find me and thank you, and some of the kids from FOCUS who attended my gala, parents have wanted to personally thank me!  Those are some awesome memories that I won't forget! 
          My senior project meant that I got to help people, something I'm very passionate about.  Prior to the actual event everyone was telling me what a great thing I was doing, but it wasn't until after the gala that I realized how true this statement was.  When everyone was thanking me, I realized that my project was a success.  It reached people in a way I didn't think would happen.  For the "kids" they got a night to be normal and not worry about doctors and hang around other kids their age.  For the volunteers, they had an awesome time and got to see how great it feels to put someone else in front of you.  For me, I got to watch all of this go down, and see that light click in someone else's head.  When I saw my friend, Ross, crying because the gala was over I realized that it truly was a great night.  I got to develop my skills in a professional world, but more importantly I got to help other people.  On a professional standpoint, I got to work in an office with great people.  I had to turn things in on time and check my email regularly.  I also had to be flexible, and know that my suggestions and hard work preparing information would not always be needed.  I also had to put my own views of what I wanted behind someone else, who had an even better plan.  I got to see how busy working in a non-profit is as well. At FOCUS they are constantly doing work, planning the next event, and improving the life of their kids and their families.  I got to see how appreciative people are, if you put in the time and effort others will recognize that.  My project was a huge success- at least I think so- and I hope that I have started a tradition.  Hopefully I've managed to create a lasting connection between Lovett and FOCUS.  Multiple people have talked to me about making sure this happens next year, and how we can get more involved with FOCUS.  I also realized how many people go into a project, I could not have completed this project without the help of Mrs. Alig, Elizabeth Hewell, Brian Darden, and Mrs. Morris-Long.  They were all imperative to the success of the gala.  I also learned that just because you don't see someone doing something, doesn't mean they are not helping.  One of my friends kept telling me how cute she thought the emails were that she was receiving from FOCUS, and mentioned how nice Brian is.  Although Brian is very nice, she did not know that I actually created those emails (he would change some things) but the overall design was me.  Just because she didn't see my name on the paper, does not mean I did not contribute to it's success.  I will take what I learned from my project and apply it in college and overall in life.  It's already lead me to a possible internship with another organization who is looking for someone to basically organize events, which is what my project was at the most basic level.  Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to do a Senior Project, I will never forget my experiences, and how much it meant to me and all the people involved with it as well.