A look into HRA's Senior Project tradition
Pursuing independent study has been a tradition for Hampton Roads Academy students. While Senior Projects are a requirement for graduation, they also present an opportunity for students to learn about a subject that sparks their curiosity, passion or interest. This year’s Senior Projects were wide-ranging. We will take a closer look a number of this year’s senior projects.
“Window of the Heart – Children’s Artwork” by Yilin (Linda) Li
About her project: Art plays a significant role in my life. Since the first art class I took here at HRA three years ago, it has helped me to see who I am in a more creative and clear way. This past summer, I volunteered as an art teacher for ten days in a remote village of China, where children are shy and introverted, much like I was during my childhood. During the ten days there, I guided the 43 students in my class to use drawing as a tool to express their emotions. After I came back from the village, I designed a photo memory book for those students as a gift for them.
What was learned during the Senior Project experience: Watching them become confident and happy through the process of creating their own art, I learned one of the most significant lessons in my life. I learned how to see things from another person’s perspective and treat people around me with compassion. Those students have become my friends now. Before I leave school, I promised them that I would return.
Senior Project advice you would give to younger students: For the children, I hope that drawing can be the window to their hearts. I wish for students to realize that drawing can be a way to tell their story from their mind, and encourage their interest in drawing. If they feel sad or angry, they can just grasp a piece of paper and paint whenever they want.
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About her project: Art plays a significant role in my life. Since the first art class I took here at HRA three years ago, it has helped me to see who I am in a more creative and clear way. This past summer, I volunteered as an art teacher for ten days in a remote village of China, where children are shy and introverted, much like I was during my childhood. During the ten days there, I guided the 43 students in my class to use drawing as a tool to express their emotions. After I came back from the village, I designed a photo memory book for those students as a gift for them.
What was learned during the Senior Project experience: Watching them become confident and happy through the process of creating their own art, I learned one of the most significant lessons in my life. I learned how to see things from another person’s perspective and treat people around me with compassion. Those students have become my friends now. Before I leave school, I promised them that I would return.
Senior Project advice you would give to younger students: For the children, I hope that drawing can be the window to their hearts. I wish for students to realize that drawing can be a way to tell their story from their mind, and encourage their interest in drawing. If they feel sad or angry, they can just grasp a piece of paper and paint whenever they want.
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