6th Grade: Building the Foundations
When Ximena joined ALA in the 6th grade, she was placed in the Recycling Art advisory. This year was all about scaffolding, where Ximena was equipped with the necessary soft skills to tackle more complex and independent projects. The class undertook a project where they repurposed canned goods into decorative cans that could be filled with Halloween treats. This project not only taught Ximena the importance of recycling and creativity but also gave her a taste of project management, teamwork, and problem-solving.
7th Grade: Stepping Towards Autonomy
In 7th grade, Ximena moved to the Girls Inc. advisory, which focused on empowering young girls. Here, Ximena and her peers took the lead on their projects, with teachers serving as guides. A notable field trip to the Mother’s Milk Bank of North Texas saw Ximena and her classmates learn about the operations of the charity and actively participate in preparing gift bags for donors. This experience further honed Ximena's organization and teamwork skills, as well as her understanding of community service.
Portfolio Development and Real-World Experiences
One of the most impactful projects Ximena was involved in was the "Period Talk" sessions organized by Girls Inc. Recognizing a gap in education about body hygiene, Ximena and her peers created a safe space for young girls to discuss and learn. This initiative not only showed Ximena's growth in communication and civic advocacy but also became a powerful component of her portfolio. This portfolio, along with her experiences, is a testament to her development through applied learning.
Ximena's journey through ALA's applied learning curriculum has been transformative. From building soft skills in the 6th grade to taking initiative on community projects in the 7th grade, she has grown into a confident learner, ready to face any challenge. Her portfolio showcases her journey and the skills she has acquired. Ximena's story is an inspiring example of how ALA's applied learning approach can shape a student's education and prepare them for the future.