Reflection

Luke Buehrer
Written Reflection
May 4th 2010

Reflecting on my culminating project I realize what I have learned, how I have grown and what I have accomplished. I came into the project not expecting to learn anything. I had this expectation because I received my AA in Building Construction (Running Start, BTC). Seeing how my project revolved around building it seemed like there wasn’t much more to learn. I didn’t learn too much about building methods, although I did learn how to glaze windows (lots of fun). The big thing I learned however, is the Green building methods and technologies available. With Green building becoming an ever increasingly popular choice in new construction, it is very useful to have this knowledge and understanding.
My project did not have a huge or noticeable community impact. However, there could be some more indirect impacts. Since my parent’s house is much more Green and energy efficient there will be a savings on both ends, the money in their pocket and the consumption of outside energy. This could help our local economy, with my parents having a little more cash around they would be more inclined to buy; which would help businesses. Also, there would be an environmental impact. With the savings of energy the environment would possibly be better off because there would be fewer green house emissions, which would slow the rate of Global Warming ( Assuming Global Warning even exists, despite the overwhelming evidence against it, and the fact that there has been proven to be no link between green house gases causing Global Warming).
The one regret of mine is that I was unable to do the project I truly wanted to do. The High School said that there had to be a community impact, which after explaining the relatively low impact mine had, is a little confusing to me. My original plan was to build a house with Squalicum Builders (The boss being my community advisor). But some how building a house, which is quite literally building the community was unacceptable. I did end up working on that house but as a side project. Another reason why I was not allowed to do my original proposal was because I would be paid for it. It seems like this project is partly to help spark students passions and help them pursue their passions so they know what to do after they graduate. But when I get in to a spot where I am passionate, being paid and directly helping the community it is not okay. Instead I have to slightly benefit the environment. And why is it bad to make money while doing this project. I am not a very greedy person, infact I volunteer all the time. It’s just I don’t like the idea of being forced in to volunteering, which is rather contradictory. I am not trying to come across cold and rebellious, I just would like to see this project be a little more flexible to help match all the students’ passion. I did enjoy doing my culminating project, but I would have been happier doing something I feel passionate about, that more directly relates to the career path I have already chosen.
Other than that I think this has been a good project, however it is a bit weird coming back to the High School and doing a project since I haven’t been here for two years