Willow’s World

Last blog post, here we go 🙂 

Voices Project: https://www.wevideo.com/view/2688057662

Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1slFflNDqCeeIBhoVwMhP3F6qvpE7tT9LVe8WU8yUl60/edit?usp=sharing

For my project, I was researching the neurodiverse community. In the beginning stages of research I had gone back and forth on the precise language to use. I considered  “brain conditions” and “neurological disorders” but ended up choosing the word neurodiverse because it seemed to encompass a central point to my project. The point is this: the experiences of people within the neurodiverse community even if they have the same diagnosis may have similarities, but are ultimately shaped by an unfathomable amount of factors, both intrinsic and extrinsically. This was the most influential idea for me during the research process because it helped me to reframe the narrative of a singular experience, for example that all people with autism experience XYZ, which I went into the  process with. Reflecting back on my mindset before starting the project I can see that before I was making some blanket assumptions about certain neurological conditions which were exacerbated by the representation of those conditions in the mainstream. 

The second most influential idea that I came out of this project was the widespreadness of the neurological phenomenon that the main character in my inspiration text has, called alexithymia. I explain more about this in my video, but the gist is that alexithymia is one’s inability to recognize emotions in themselves and/ or others. When I was first reading the summary of this book, I assumed that alexithymia was some sort of highly rare condition because I had personally never heard of it. While I was doing research however, I found out that approximately 1 in 10 people have alexithymia, however the vast majority go undiagnosed because alexithymia is highly under researched. This was such an influential idea to me because statistically speaking, I have most likely met several people who have alexithymia. It really made me assess the preconceived judgements I have made within my life about people who maybe came off cold, when in actuality they may have been making a strong effort to be friendly. I think that it says a lot about human nature to judge and write people off based upon first impressions. 

What can YOU learn from my project?

The biggest insight I hope people take away from my project is that the fictional presentation of neurodiversity in literature and media can give a unique perspective into the minds of the neurodiverse, but will be flawed no matter what, and should not be used as a singular jumping off point for informing opinions about the community itself or the people in it. Neurodiverse people are much more than just their condition, and a book, play, or movie shows the reader or audience member what it is like to have that condition for the length of the movie or book. Living as a neurodiverse person is a lifelong endeavor and never takes the shape of a neatly packaged character arc. 

Nostalgia is starting to kick in… 

I turn 18 this week, so the “what have you learned about yourself?” The question makes me feel extra nostalgic. I think that the biggest lesson that I have learned about myself is that I need a balance of social and alone time. I love being around my friends and doing fun activities, but at the end of the day, I recharge my social battery by spending some quality time with myself. I think my takeaway about community is somewhat universal and is this: community is all about involvement. Naperville North for example, is a community. But the most rewarding part about being a part of the NNHS community at large for me was finding the smaller, and more close knit communities within the larger NNHS community and being highly involved in those smaller communities.

My world. The biggest lesson I learned about my world is quite simple: Naperville has been my entire world for the past 18 years, and I am so thankful that I have had the opportunity to grow up here, but it’s time to get out. I feel like I have a lot of learning to do about the world. 

FUTURE SENIORS… It’s your time! 

I have 2 pieces of advice for you little beans

1. It’s NEVER too late to join an activity. It might end up being the best decision of your high school career! (That said, don’t pack on TOO many activities because you still want to leave some time for sleep)
2. Classes are important, and you should not slack off because colleges DO look at your mid year transcripts… but DO TAKE TIME TO HAVE FUN AND ENJOY YOUR LAST YEAR AT NORTH. A single B is not going to make or break your college admissions decision. 

I feel old.