Humanities Portfolio 2012

Final Portfolio: Sterling Perry

Throughout this year I’ve learned a lot in Mr. Block’s English and History class. So much so that I’ve broken it down to three general understandings. The three understandings will show take you on a journey through our year here at SLA in terms of diversity, change and struggle. I chose the three because they all have to do with everything that happened this year. I struggled with many things along the way like my grades, home life, projects given in class and with performances done for the school. I also chose to talk about change because change is the outcome of struggle, diversity and whatever i aquire or make out of the situation. Diversity can be talked about in so many ways which is why i chose it. I experienced diversity in the way I learned, what I learned, the different experiences I’ve gotten to participate in and with racial culture. With our different learning styles and curriculum we learn a lot of life lessons as well as what we need to further our learning at a higher level.

First general understanding I would like to present to you is that change comes with diversity. Not only racial diversity, but diverse and different experiences as well as cultures. In our classes here at SLA we experience diversity everyday by the mixture of racial ethnicity and curriculum.

One program that we had the privilage to participate in was the Art in the Open (Aio) Festival along with the Leah Stein Dance Company. In this festival we went through a process of learning a new culture and way of dance to actually making our own pieces. In a reflection I wrote I stated “ This style of dance is something I wasn’t used to. I wouldn’t even call it dancing. It’s more like being one with your environment.” I said that because all pieces that were performed were molded and inspired by the surroundings around us.

“This project has taught me a lot of things that i can use in my daily life. Although there is a lot to talk about I learned a lot about playing your part, teamwork and perseverance.” In the end of this experience it changed my personal mindset on not only dance but life in general. By being kicked out of our spot and not having our dance ready until the day of taught me about perseverance and helped me fight through my struggles.

Now that the Art in the Open Festival is over my group and I can just look back and laugh at all the hardships we went though. This brings me to my next understanding that everyone struggles with something in life. The outcome is on you, it’s what you do with the experience. In the end a struggle/ hard time can be something you look back at and laugh or let it be an obstacle to your success.