As I write this blog, listening to Mary Jane’s Last Dance on Spotify Web Browser and contemplating the impending turn-in date of my chrome book, I find myself feeling bittersweet ending this blog. It’s been so much fun to explore my random ideas or unexpected sources of inspiration through the challenges of filling this word count every two weeks, and I hope I carry on my creative writing and idea development in the future. This year has taught me so much about myself, and here we are at the end.
I’ve just finished the voices research project, and I have to say I’m proud of the site I put together. My research was surprisingly interesting and helpful in thinking more deeply about my research question, which explores immigration in literature. I think that the most influential thing I’ve learned from my research is that while the immigrant experience is such a common one, I actually know very little about the personal experience and have rarely seen an immigrant’s voice in literature. Americanah is the first book I’ve read with an immigrant protagonist since perhaps middle school, and it definitely showed a new, more nuanced perspective than I’ve ever seen on the issue. More than this, though, is its honesty about the current cultural attitude towards immigrants regardless of race or nationality; Americanah and my other research sources showed me much more personal and meaningful experiences and thoughts than I have ever learned from the news. Another influential idea I’ve learned from the research project is the blend of personal belief with learning from others and an academic lens. I had personal power in choosing my research question, voice, and sources – and this power led to me drawing personal conclusions about what I found; I was also led to my conclusions by the sources I ended up absorbing new ideas from, and from the analysis that comes with reading these from an academic, less personal point of view. This combination in my research strategy allowed me to feel both freer in my interpretation and work – so much more self-led than impersonal essays in past classes – as well as the enriching experience of researching something I’m genuinely interested in learning more about. I’d like to approach more of my work in the future from this strategy.
I think that from my project, people will learn about the diverse perspectives and backgrounds that immigrants bring to America. A lot of immigration in the news is focused on the Mexican border, but my research opened up the lens to a broader world of migration and experiences, from people all over the world and experiences both positive and negative. It’s interesting to hear from people with stories that delve into the everyday experience of being an immigrant, rather than the general obstacles I’ve heard in history class or on TV. I hope that my project will help people keep a more open mind about immigration and their contributions in our culture.
This has certainly been a theme throughout my time at NNHS. There have been some defining moments throughout my years here that have taught me to keep a more open mind, and to learn things for myself. I’ve also learned a lot from the everyday moments, like how to be truly, authentically myself, and how to navigate the stresses life poses both academically (and eventually professionally) and socially. I think that the most important thing I’ve learned during my time at NNHS is that confidence in myself doesn’t just make me happier – it makes me a better person. In my first couple years at North, I struggled with my confidence and belonging with my classmates, but I’ve learned slowly that allowing myself to live with less restraint, to have confidence in who I am, helps me not only let go of my fears, but also helps me take steps toward helping my community better. I’m more willing to lend a hand, take risks, and put myself out there to take opportunities I would otherwise be hesitant to, and I’ve loved each moment I did so. I’m not only enjoying my time more, but I’m also making a greater impact at North and in the world by reaching out to more people and doing what I think is right.
My advice for future seniors would be to take every chance they have to have fun, put themselves out there, and engage with new people / activities. Take advantage of the fact that you’ll probably be in person. Make this year one you’ll look back on and remember happily, instead of one you regret missing out on. I had so much fun trying new things, taking chances like trying out for Varsity instead of JV2, pushing forward our first MUN conference despite the challenges of the pandemic, and grabbing every chance North offered me to participate in senior activities, community service, and academics. It’s a year to remember, and a year to make the best yet.
And now, farewell to my loyal readers. I hope all of you have an amazing summer and even better time in the fall at college or whatever else you’re doing! Thanks to everyone who commented on my blog and made me smile, and helped me grow into my voice as a writer and as a member of the global community.
Please check out my Voices Project!!!: https://sites.google.com/stu.naperville203.org/watson-voice-project/home
