matyldawroblewska

[matyldawroblewska]

Final reflection on CAS experience

What I enjoyed most about CAS was the freedom to choose diverse experiences, whether it was engaging in creative endeavors or serving the community. This flexibility allowed me to tailor my activities based on my mood, abilities, motivation, strengths, and interests. Whether I was creating jewelry, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, or doing strength training, each experience enriched my CAS journey in its own way.

One of the greatest challenges I faced was maintaining activity while balancing school responsibilities. To overcome this, I set reasonable goals for daily steps (8,000-12,000 steps) and incorporated movement throughout the day (choosing stairs, leaving the bus one stop earlier). By reframing physical activity as self-care and drawing on positive memories, such as enjoying podcasts or seeing my dog happy, I found the motivation to stay active even during busy times.

Through CAS, I achieved greater resilience and persistence in tackling new challenges. Whether it was learning new skills or pushing through difficult tasks, I learned the importance of perseverance and determination.

I developed a range of abilities and skills throughout my CAS journey, from empathy through service activities with Habitat for Humanity to cooking and baking for creativity, as well as flexibility through practicing yoga and aerial silks.

Undertaking new challenges and developing new skills came relatively easily to me, as I've always enjoyed trying new things, even when they're challenging. However, recognizing the benefits of working collaboratively proved to be more difficult. As someone who prefers working independently, learning to appreciate the value of teamwork was a gradual process that required conscious effort and open-mindedness.

Overall, my CAS experience has been incredibly rewarding, offering valuable lessons, personal growth, and unforgettable memories. It has equipped me with skills and perspectives that will continue to benefit me long after my CAS journey has ended.

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Evidence of reflection on significant CAS experiences

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Evidence of recognizing and considering the ethics of choices and actions (LO7)

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Evidence of engagement with issues of global significance (LO6)

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Evidence of demonstrating the skills and recognizing the benefits of working collaboratively (LO5)

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Evidence of commitment and perseverance in CAS experiences (LO4)

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Evidence of initiating and planning a CAS experience (LO3)

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Evidence of undertaking new challenges and developing new skills in the process (LO2)

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Evidence of identification of strengths and areas for personal growth (LO1)

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Evidence for completion of CAS project

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Learning outcomes

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Signature

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Creativity

Since our bagel-making success last month, my family and I have been going full steam ahead. We were really getting the hang of it this month.

I have been practicing shaping the dough, and now our bagels look much better, nice and even. We also switched to a different yeast, which makes them taste even better and grow bigger. My family have gotten a system now for making them faster and easier. And to stop them from sticking, we're using more flour. Plus, we've nailed the chewiness and texture we like.

Every time we bake a batch, it's a reminder of how much we've learned. It's been fun for all of us, and we're excited to keep experimenting with new flavors and techniques. Hopefully, to making more delicious bagels in the future.

[matyldawroblewska]

Activity

In February, I stayed committed to my daily routine of walking with my dog in the forest. I made it my goal to stay active throughout the entire day by aiming for around 10,000 steps. Whether it meant taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going for an extra stroll around the neighbourhood after dinner, I found ways to keep moving.

It hasn't always been easy, but the benefits have been worth it. Not only do I feel more energized and refreshed, but I also cherish the special bond I've formed with my dog Dunia companion during our daily walks. By prioritizing my physical activity and spending time outdoors, I'm not just improving my health, but also I'm also nourishing my mind and spirit.

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Service

With the amount of studying, work and entrance exams to universities this month, I found a small way to lend a hand to my friendly neighbor. Knowing they had a lot on their plate, I offered to walk their dog, Sprocket.

Each day, I took Sprocket out for a stroll around the neighborhood, giving them some much-needed exercise and fresh air. It was a simple gesture, but it made a big difference for my neighbor and their pet. As I walked with Sprocket, I couldn't help but enjoy the peaceful moments and the joy that comes from spending time with a lovable pup. It was a win-win situation for everyone involved, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to help out in a small but meaningful way.

[matyldawroblewska]

Creativity

This February, I got back to learning something the new Irish language and it has been still a bit tough, but I've been using Duolingo to help me along the way.

Every day, I have spend some time practicing on the app. I have learning new words and how to put them together to make sentences. Even though it's hard sometimes, I'm excited about every little bit of progress I make. Learning Irish is like solving a puzzle because of how different it is grammatically from any language I have learned, and I'm enjoying the challenge. I'm looking forward to seeing how much I can learn in the coming months. It's have been a fun adventure, and I'm glad I decided to keep going.

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Activity

For this month, I came back to my love for strength training with Caroline Girvan on YouTube. I dove into her EPIC I series, which offers intense 40-minute workouts targeting the entire body.

Despite facing a setback with a sore ankle from a previous injury, I was determined to keep up with my training routine. I modified the workouts as needed to accommodate my ankle, ensuring that I didn't push myself too hard but still challenged my body.

With each session, I felt myself getting stronger and more resilient. Caroline's workouts not only helped me build muscle but also boosted my confidence and mental resilience. It wasn't always easy, but I persevered, knowing that consistency is key to progress. And as February comes to a close, I'm proud of how far I've come on this journey back to strength and fitness.