This week was very successful. Although I had hoped to complete my first draft by now, I am very confident that I will have my research paper complete by January 4th (the Monday we get back from break). I am still getting information from the book, "Cancer and the Family Life Cycle" and it is helping me out so much. This week I focused on getting my other sources and now I have about 5 sources documented, from the internet and from research books. I need 3 more sources which I will be looking for over break. There were some more internet sites that seemed interesting but I wanted to make sure that my sources were all very helpful to my specific topic. Right now I am working on finishing my rough draft. I will be emailing my mentor my progress throughout the break so that I can have some feedback. I will also have my older brother edit my draft so I can have a final copy by the time break ends (January 4th). I hope to be completely done with the essay by then so that I can focus on siting my sources properly when I get back to school. This paper has been extremely hard for me to write because the topic I chose (how a cancer diagnoses impacts the entire family) is so emotional and heartbreaking to read/write about.
Volunteering at Camp Sunshine really changed my life, and I am so glad to have had this opportunity to support them and raise awareness/money to this amazing place. I plan on volunteering there again in February and will continue to find ways to give back and help Camp Sunshine provide their services. It is so important to realize how much of a difference places, like Camp Sunshine make on families who are struggling. Families who are watching a loved one fight for his/her life need hope, and places like Camp Sunshine do not only give families an unforgettable experience, but also the opportunity to rebuild relationships, find support in such a welcoming community. Spending time at Camp Sunshine, researching my project topic, and planning/organizing a carnival fundraising event has taught me so much and I am really happy to have chosen this as my senior project.
After break is over, I will have my final paper complete and ready. Though this topic has been really sad for me to read about, I know that this information will give me a much better understanding as I continue to work with families in places like Camp Sunshine in the future. This senior project has been a great experience for me and I am really happy with what I have accomplished :).