Transformation project ideas

One idea I have for the transformation project is to make my journal entrees into a map. The way I look at the journal writing process is like a tool to both track my progress over time and help me make that progress by showing me where I've been. I like to use the metaphor of life being a journey and all parts of life that get me there as finding my own way. Similarly, I find that all events that happen are learning experiences and can be translated as road blocks, forging new paths, remembering certain terrain, how to use new resources to get through new situations, etc. Journaling has been an irreplaceable source for me to "map out" my life experiences in order to learn and grow and find my way so I feel like showing that transformation as a literal map would be fitting. How I imagine the map to look is as one that I draw out with my course thus far since being the project that shows in picture metaphoric landmarks that coincide with journal entries that I will write in next to them which will end in a place that represents where I feel that I am today.
Another idea I have for the project is a short story. One way I was thinking it could go would be to use my journal entries to write the story of what I've done and how I've transformed over the course of the journal writing. This version of the story would follow my journaling very precisely and base the story on only that with an ending that leaves off where my last entry has. Another idea for a story would be more of a creative and descriptive piece based on my entries but from a more embellished introspective point of view that looks at the journal from an outside perspective. The first version would show more literally the journey I've been on whereas the second idea gives more room for interpretation and analysis of the journey.
My last idea for the project is a poem. I would go through my journal and take parts that I like and that are representative of my transformation and piece it all together. Depending on what I find when going through my journal I would decide on the format and length of the poem and whether or not I want to add parts here and there that wasn't said in my entries but might tie pieces of it together or clarify the message it is going to portray, once I figure out what that is!

Week Four Response

Kahn's piece wasn't too bad to read. It gave some helpful insight into ethnography that I didn't know and opened possibilities up that I hadn't thought about before as far as resources for writing material. I hadn't thought of using ethnography for the type of writing I like to do and I see now ways that it would be very beneficial.
The part about learning more from firsthand experience than secondhand stood out to me because it put gaining insight into writing material through participation more clearly. It's one thing to read and know, but another to do and understand. That's what leads to remembering and writing that comes from deep connection always turns out more eloquently and profound.
The experience Kahn had when writing about the professor was a good example of the importance to get everyone's perspective. It is something I've been trying to do in my personal life and it makes sense in writing as well. Even if a story is only going to be told from one perspective it will be more authentic if the writer has the proper background.
The information in Kawulich's article gives context to ethnography today by sharing its history and progression. I know from my own experience that simple observation can only tell so much of the story, although the want to understand rather than judge does allow more discovery. But the true story cannot be told without participation. Many changes in society have been accomplished by becoming involved enough to understand the need for change. Similarly, the want to help can be misguided with a lack of truly relating to someone's needs.
Unless writing from only my own feelings, and even so, the need to gain perspective is crucial to writing a relevant story. Although the readings on this subject were lengthy, the content was an important element to strengthening my writing.

Week Five Response

Pausch

His writing was very enjoyable to read. Put into context of when he was writing this gave his words even more credibility. Talking about gratitude and paying it forward, these stories could be seen somewhat as patting himself on the back, but knowing that he dedicated his last moments to pass on his wisdom takes that element away completely.
The short chapters made it easy to read, as did his style of writing. It felt like sitting with someone telling stories that were spontaneous yet well remembered and purposeful. His advice was applicable in both specific and general scenarios and I found it easy to visualize what he said and using those new images as my own memories to guide me in the future.
I read Rubin's chapter awhile ago and I think I already wrote about it. Interestingly, her journey to find more happiness in her daily life might be more relatable to most than the advice of a man who's spent his whole life, which is nearly over, dedicated toward bettering himself, but his words are the ones that will stick in my memory. I suppose that a book written by someone who is clueless about a deeper meaning to life might be helpful because many people are probably in the same boat, yet it seems to me that Pausch's words carry so much more weight, as do many of the authors that Rubin read, that it might be worth reading them directly. Rubin asked at some point if it is selfish to want to improve one's own happiness, in effect work toward one's own goals. Pausch pointed out that helping others achieve their own goals might turn out to be even more rewarding than that. What I have concluded at this point, and maybe I'll change my mind someday or else forever stay the same, is that my happiness and anyone else's is one in the same. I will succeed at making happiness grow regardless of who I am helping because an increase in positive energy is bound to have a domino effect, just as negative energy would. As long as people are working on happy, good, positive, joyful goals for themselves or for others, good will follow!