LJMS Values...Character Education Commercials (Grade 8)

Student Reflections on the Creative Process

This project was different and way more challenging than any other project I have ever done. I have learned how to become a visionary. Jacqueline

I learned about how hard it is to create a meaningful commercial. You have to come up with the right idea, the right slogan, and the right logo to grab viewer attention and get through to them. It takes time and a huge group effort to have all those elements come together and stand out, just like other memorable commercials (Nike, Gatorade). Hassan

This was the most real-world project to date. I want to be prepared for the real world and this challenge gave me a better idea how. Brennan

The real value of this kind of creative process is that the hard work and perseverance we put into the production makes the production even more valuable than it already is. Christian

I learned that the process of defining our vision and technique in this project was not for the weak-hearted. But when we applied our knowledge and our deeper thoughts, and maintained a positive attitude, our project really started to come together. Our project is very clean-cut and strong. It's great! Valerie

I learned the value of having a Plan B. In fact, having more ideas than one is essential. I also learned to really be engaged in the work, because when you have developed your best idea, and the project is complete, you feel very accomplished. Caroline

The process of dealing with so many expectations, and to think of ideas that would meet these expectations (finding the right word to describe Trustworthy, a logo that wasn't limited, a script that was short and very concise) was a struggle. We revised everything and videotaped many times. We finally got our message across. We succeeded. Quynh Anh

I was really excited working on this project. I learned a lot about citizenship, and I became more creative. With time management, working together, and really thinking through ideas, I realized that everyone in this program is capable of creating great work. Andie

This project was so challenging. At first I thought "psshh, easy." In fact, we all had lots of ideas, but we had to think over and over again to get the right one. When the boss told us "this is good," but "nah," "rethink," and "redo this," we were relieved and discouraged at the same time. But I'm so glad she pushed us through, or our project wouldn't be this great ! Penelope

I learned how important it is to help others with elements they are not as good at. I learned that I absolutely love to teach others and help them. As a result, I was part of everyone's project. I earned trust. The pressure from Ms. Holst to reach high expectations was an opportunity for me to help others find success, too. Jasmine

I learned a lot about perseverance and a positive attitude during this creative process. We had a lot of pressure from our peers and teacher, right to the last minute, to make this project the very best. I realize now that the work we thoughtfully and responsibly produce is going to be the best work we will ever do. Thy

In this project, everything had to have meaning, and that made it harder. I was frustrated at how long it took to achieve meaning, but that also motivated me to keep going. Joe

I learned a huge lesson from this project. I learned to step up and be a leader. I also realize that I can go beyond what I think. I appreciate the pressure we were put under, because it made us look at ideas from different angles, and realize that struggle is an essential part of the process to create a project with strong emotional impact. In the future, I will always look back at the creative struggle we faced, and be proud that we didn't let it defeat us. Wade

This challenging project really helped us mentally. It opened our minds to think much broader and deeper. Ashley

This project really made me think. It showed me how something small can make a huge difference. We worked hard to make sure every detail came together so that our project clearly communicates our message. Lynne

In the beginning, we weren't paying attention to the right concepts, and our lack of focus minimized our creativity and efforts. We finally realized we needed to really analyze the big picture of our concept, establish a unique and concrete plan, and follow through. For me, our commercial is insightful, powerful, and very meaningful. Henry

When I really started to think about this challenge, it kinda took over my mind. It wasn't any normal project. You had to have a vision, and you had to use the perfect creative technique to communicate the vision so that people would grasp it. I learned that I can no longer think safe. I need to go above and beyond to make an impact. Kitty

The ups and downs of this project just pushed me harder to make it the best that I could. I think our project is fantastic. Kathy

Wow. No other project will ever define for me the words "vision" and "insight' like this one did. Our creative process was excruciating. But looking back, I'm starting to realize what an experience this was. We needed to see what we wanted and then make it come true. It was the most all at once Big Picture I've ever had to consider. Thanks to this project, I'm closer to understanding the Big Picture. I know that I can expect this kind of challenge in the real world, and I'm more prepared. Sofia

Working on this project really helped me understand what it is like to have a boss. It made me feel like I was working in the real world. In order to accomplish our task, we had to consider everything, but focus precisely. When we didn't rise to our potential, our boss let us know ... and while that was frustrating to hear, we put those emotions aside and looked straight ahead. I feel like I now have more perspective for real life work. Christina

Vision drives everything. You need to see your idea in your mind before you can make it happen. It is a great feeling to turn what you have envisioned into something real. I'm really glad I had the opportunity of this truly challenging project, because it showed me that I can handle the real world. Wilber

I had a vision for our project that I thought would work, but setbacks showed me that sometimes your visions can't happen. I learned that you always need a Plan B. Liviu

In this project I had a vision that was different from the expectations. It was about creatively applying a specific idea simply. I like to create highly visual projects, and I thought this approach meant bland. So when I attempted to spice it up, I lost the purpose of our task. I see the value of what this project was about, but I guess that I just wanted to create another free-form presentation. Mustafa