PhotoVoice Eagles With Cameras: “Project on Identity” Who Are We? Session One

PhotoVoice Eagles With Cameras: “Project on Identity” Who Are We?

Session One

Wednesday was my first day back in front of a classroom of children since my Japan English teaching days. Honest, I started off a bit rusty, I was nervous, tight and a bit on edge. As the class went on I’d like to think my performance improved. The students were there to learn and have fun and I hope that’s exactly what they received out of it. A HUGE thank you to my assistants, Diana, Jessica, Jackie, Domonique, Mr. Stowell and a parent I never had a chance to introduce myself too.

We started off with an overview of the project as a whole and moved into trying to understand how complex identity can be. It was my goal to inspire interactions and dialogue. There were no wrong answers.

The students really seemed to open up during the slide show session where we discussed perception and what stories photo’s were telling. We used everything from the historical photo of JFK in the drop top, Martin and Malcolm’s first meeting and Ali’s triumphant stance over his opponent. I also found current photo’s as well, LeBron James dunking as the Laker team sits back in awh, pictures from the Egyptian revolution, Malala, and a photo from the typhoon in the Philippines. I was surprised at how engaged they were and while I knew they were smart, but still some of their answers blew me away.

Above all the best part for the students seemed to be going into other classrooms at the school and take pictures of other students hard at work, capturing the identity of the classrooms and the entire school. Hands on for the win!

It is my opinion that when we speak about social change it starts from within with identity. Next week we will examine their photo’s and dig deeper into their personal identities and allow students to write out what they believe represents them, their school, and their community. We will also start thinking about what pictures students will want to take for their projects. Stay tuned.

***CREDIT****
The idea for calling the project Eagles With Camera’s was inspired by Prometheus Brown (Blue Scholars) and Thig Nat’s (The Physics) Rappers W/ Camera’s. Northgate Elementary Eagles.

Domonique Meeks
AmbassadorNique Productions
www.AmbassadorNique.com

PREVIOUSLY:

My PhotoVoice Project at Northgate Elementary (Starting November 13, 2013)

I Vow… (Written By AmbassadorNique)

For the past few months… maybe even years… I’ve been in search for ways to apply the knowledge that was placed upon me via a college education, my environment, and life experiences. With the economy only getting worst since my graduation the dream that myself and many of my peers bought into becomes less possible as each day passes. The dream that we would be able to take our diplomas into the real world and change it for the better, and not starve while trying to make this happen.

Over half of recent college graduates are either unemployed or underemployed. Wow… Post undergrad I expected to be greeted with open arms with options of where I could take my talents, however I was met with a student loan debt that I hadn’t begun to understand. Wishful thinking I suppose. A private loan from Wells Fargo that I still cannot afford, and a government loan. 

3 1/2 years later the struggle continues. After a day of listening to hiring managers from some of Seattle’s largest employer’s, it became clear that they to had no new answers for recent college graduates.

I never like to bring up a problem without doing my best to create some sort of solution. I’ve looked high and low for answers, hints and tips of how I can use the talent and knowledge that I work so damn hard to accumulate. After listening to so many people, their opinions, their stories, and points of views it is time I focus more of my energy and time on ways I can create an answer of my own. I must work harder, work smarter, work longer, and increase the level of passion. Fears must be faced, sacrifices must be made, and money must not be a main objective. I must do what I want, how I want too. I must surround myself with like minded individuals who too are dedicated to their passions. I must Invest in entrepreneurs, inspiration, and most importantly myself.

As the stop watch on life continues to get closer to its point of expiration what is important to me is legacy, knowledge, happiness, my message, truth, longevity, and equality. I cannot promise that it will always be pretty, but I will give my all… In a world where ugliness and perception is valued more than love and truth, if it is meant for me to go against the grain, than I must. It is my right to live life, with liberty, in pursuit of happiness…

-Ambassador