Overview #1

Despite the numerous different types of projects, companies, and people that I have already gotten the privilege of working with in this class, the early stages of work I am doing with BUILD and OFC have already affected and taught me the most. 

Walking in to this project, I knew a few things. I knew that things related to public schools are difficult to change. I knew that having a large number of connections would lead to a more convincing argument. I knew that these were two companies that could improve and build off of each other if they agreed to jump in to this project with me. All I needed to do was develop these connections, and present my idea.

Christina and I approached the presentation to Ms. Bayer fairly confidently. Little did we know, we would leave the presentation feeling disappointed and as though we did something wrong. We learned that even the greatest and most perfect of plans in the world, can be shut down if not presented in the correct way, by the correct people. We came to realize that two academically inclined girls from the main stream at the high school talking about ways to improve a smaller program at the same school doesn't come off as helping, like we were trying to do. 

A few saves were made during, and directly after the presentation by Christina and myself. We made sure to clarify that the students BUILD works with are very extreme versions of what would be dealt with in the high school. We also suggested that Ms. Bayer speak directly with the executive director of BUILD in order to establish more of a personal connection with someone who is higher up in the program.

Overall, I think coming to this realization of the emotional aspect being just as (if not more) important as the idea itself was a huge learning experience. Regardless, I am proud of the work that went in to that presentation and look forward to digging myself out of the situation I am now in.