SENIOR PROJECT SELF-EVALUATION

Directions: Utilize this worksheet to help evaluate yourself and your project. Be as complete
and descriptive as possible. This self-evaluation should give the scoring team a clear picture of
what you accomplished in your project.

Name - ​Evelynn McNamara ​Project Start Date​ – Second Semester, 2020

Title of Project​ - Adversity in Adolescence ​Project Completion Date​ - May 15, 2020

● In 40 words or more describe who your project benefited and how. In other words, what
was the impact of your project?

I believe that this project most benefited minors in the system across the United States
who struggle day after day and aren’t getting the help they need. The goal of my project
was not just to give more attention to the issue at hand but also offer a means to help,
something to advocate for, and to overall educate the community as a whole.

● In at least 40 words explain how the project challenged you. How was this a stretch for
you?

I'd say that this project challenged me in many ways, considering the fact that I had never
done anything like this, I had a lot to learn and I had to exhaust a lot of skills that I
wouldn't regularly exercise. One of which was communication through emailing and
meeting with businesses professionally. Another big challenge was staying persistent and
keeping up the energy when things didn't go to plan, there were a lot of follow ups when
it came to get in contact with art teachers at different schools, a lot of being told no by
venues rather it be through email or to my face, and a lot of compromise I had to find to
make things work.

● List and then describe ​5-8 fundamental ideas/concepts/skills of your project, which you
learned/enhanced during your project.

Persistence​: This project has taught me that as long as you stay consistent with effort and
don’t stop at the first no eventually you can achieve anything
 Compromise​: My initial idea for my project was a bit too specific and though I tried hard
to make it work I had to accept that in order for my project to play out as smoothly as
possible I had to compromise with a broader concept.
Communicating with Professionals​: This project has helped me to better communicate
with professionals in person and through formally written emails.
Digital Design​: This project has enhanced my ability in digital design through both
making fliers and laying out a website.
Adaptability: ​As my project was being planned I faced many obstacles, rather it be
changing my concept or shifting to a digital platform, I had to quickly adapt to the
circumstances to find the safest and most efficient way to execute my art show.

● List and describe ​4-8 problems/obstacles/issues you encountered in your project, and
briefly describe how you solved each.

Getting art submissions​: Perhaps one of the biggest obstacles I faced throughout my
project was getting artists to submit pieces. I didn’t realize how big of an issue it was
until the last few weeks because I had so many artists saying that they were interested in
being a part of the show before COVID-19, but as the pandemic hit I had either lost
contact, they had forgotten, or more serious things happened. In an attempt to get more
submissions, I reached out to the people I knew were interested with friendly follow ups.
Broadening the concept​: Once I had reached out to art teachers across the city about my
project and talked with both Mrs. V and my consultant Mr. Henry, we decided that my
initial concept was a bit too narrow. I then had to alter my concept in a way that it still fit
the message of my show but was open enough for artists to understand and interpret on
their own. This took a bit of brainstorming which set me back a day or two, but I
eventually came up with my concept that was fitting.
Securing a venue : Before COVID-19 I had carefully crafted 6 individualized letters to
potential venues explaining who I was, what school I attended, what my senior project
was, why it was important to me and the community, and the reasons why I was asking
that particular establishment to host my event. From there I took my letters and hand
delivered them to the different locations, which 5 out of the 6 times did not go in my
favor. Let down after let down I finally made it to Zeke’s who was the first venue excited
to help me.
Making the switch to a digital exhibit​: By mid March the venue was secured, I was
working out logistics for my display, making some personal pieces for the exhibit and
everything was lined up when it was announced that schools would not be open for
another 2 weeks, then again that schools would not be opening for the rest of the
 academic year. At this point I had to figure out what platform I was going to use to carry
out the show and how I was going to get submissions from people. After running through
my options I figured the best option would be to individually contact the artists and have
them submit to me their pieces through email, text message, or Instagram DM .

● List materials used.

Communications and Publicity

- Email
- Instagram
- Instagram Direct Message
- Canva
- Google Docs
My art pieces
- Cardboard
- Mixed media paper
- Acrylic paint
- Paint brushes
- Color pencils
- Copic markers
Additional
- Camera
- Printer

● List ​all​ people who helped you on the project and briefly describe the help given.

Mrs. V offered me not only support, but also guidance on how to move forward when I
found myself at a stand still. Mrs. V also helped get me in contact with Mr. Buhner, the
director of arts for VBCPS.
Mr. Henry helped me to filter through my plans, work through all the holes in my
project, offer better solutions when things didn’t work to plan, and was a very large
support system.
Mrs. Duvall helped me to get in contact with other art teachers and allowed me to
promote my project in her AP Studio classes.
Mr. Buhner helped me by approving my fliers and having them sent to art teachers
across the city to promote submissions for my show.
 Zeke’s Beans and Bowls​, though I did not get a chance to do my exhibit at this venue,
Zeke’s agreed to let me set up and have my project there which I am incredibly grateful
for.

● How does your completed project compare to the picture you had in mind when you
started the project? ​Explain the reason behind any changes from your proposal.

My project has gone through quite a bit of changes from my proposal. Though the
underlying message of my show remained the same, I had trouble making the concept
specific to Juvenile Justice. Before I started the project I had explained to people what I
was researching for my legal analysis paper, and I was shocked by how many people
came forward saying they knew someone or someone in their family had been caught up
in the system and how it affected them and that person. This is what initially inclined me
to make my project a social commentary/topic specific show. I wanted a platform where
people could express their emotions, their stories, or stories of someone they knew. I had
a list of people who agreed to make art for me but as I reached out to different schools
across the city it occured to me that in order to get more submissions I had to make the
concept more generalized. When Corona hit, many people had larger issues which
prevented them from submitting pieces and I didn't exactly have the in person presence to
gain more attention for my show. Aside from that, the next big issue was shifting from an
in person exhibition to a digital platform, which was necessary due to the nations
shutdown and quarantine rules preventing social gatherings.

● If given the opportunity, explain what you would have done differently now that you
speak from experience?

I’m not sure what I would have done differently since my project experienced a lot of last
minute changes in order to adapt to our situation; however, I do wish that I had gone to
talk to more classes or schools earlier because one of my biggest struggles was gaining
attention for my display. Even though I couldn’t have known this virus was going to hit,
my mind was more focused on planning than promoting which hurt me later.

● Beyond the project itself, what did you learn about yourself?

Reflecting on myself at the end of this project I’m surprised to learn my own capabilities.
My fear for this project remained the same freshman through senior year, but after
putting in the amount of time, effort, and devotion I did, I was surprised by where my
efforts got me. I learned that I am a lot more patient and persistent than I thought, and
that (perhaps if circumstances were different) capable of creating an impactful show.
 ● What grade would you give yourself on the project? Justify the evaluation of your grade
in at least 25 words.

Grade: A-

Justification: ​I tried my hardest, and though the end product wasn’t exactly what I imagined it
to be I can proudly say I have created a display of compelling pieces that pushed a message that
is very important to me.