Final Reflection

Well, its finally here. My final reflection. Can’t say I am necessarily excited to be writing this because it means my senior project experience is over. However, I want to look back on what a fun time I had while participating in this program. 

When Eli initially approached me about doing a senior project together back in November, I have to admit I wasn’t entirely on board. Would I enjoy doing a senior project? Did I need a mechanical background in order to do this project with him? However, as I look back, I clearly made the right choice. It is so amazing to think about what he and I accomplished together. We took two ordinary bikes, and modified them to go thirty miles per hour, each! I would have never thought I would do anything like that when I was a freshman. I am so glad I decided to put myself out on a limb and learn about something new.

  Looking back on my experience, I have come to a whole lot of realizations. First, I didn’t realize how much I would grow as a person through this project. I discovered my ability to overcome obstacles through critical thinking. I learned how much I enjoy working in a garage. I also realized how fortunate I am to go to Lovett where the senior project program exists. While working on the project, I would tell my friends from other schools what I was doing, and notice how jealous they were. If I didn’t go to Lovett, I may have never realized what fun building something with my own two hands could be. 

Eli and I became much better friends after this experience, and I have Lovett to thank for that. I think this is because of the amount of time we spent together, as well as our amazement at what we built. We have grown to understand both ourselves and each other more than we could have ever imagined. I am going to miss working every day with him. 

As we prepare to head back to school, I think of this moment as bitter sweet. I can’t wait to see my friends and teachers again, but this means I don’t get to hang out with Patrick anymore. The joy I felt everyday when I walked into his garage is unlike anything I have ever felt before. I gained a sincere admiration for him because of the constant wisdom he gave us about life in general. One thing he told us really stuck with me. He said that he originally trained to be a chef, but had always loved cars. Once he moved to Atlanta, he decided to follow his passion of working with cars, and said it was the best decision of his life. He told us to do what we think we will love in life, because otherwise you will be miserable. I think of Patrick as a strong mentor to both me and Eli, and am thankful I had the opportunity to meet him. 

Looking back on my senior project, I realize that the whole experience is a chance to expose yourself to new things. If I made a list of what I wouldn’t have experienced without the senior project, I would be writing for days. I honestly can’t believe it is over. This experience has honestly been life changing, and I would choose to do a senior project again if I had the opportunity. This project has shown me a different side of me, and prepared me for life in general. Being tossed into the world with this project really opened my eyes and showed me the world in a different life. As I am preparing to graduate and head off to college, I think I am more prepared than my peers for life on my own, thanks to my choice to do a senior project.