Marelle+C.

Phase I: Who Am I? What's My Place?

What __really__ makes up your identity? My name is Marelle, and I am a seventh grader attending Exploris Middle School in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. I live here most of the time, but on weekends, I travel to Rocky Mount (a town which is about a 50-minute drive from Raleigh). This was where I lived full time until I was three. My parents figured that it was best for my mother to be there alongside her parents, or my grandparents. Since my father needed to keep his job as a judge, he kept the house in Rocky Mount. He is accustomed to the long drives back and forth as he comes to Raleigh when his workload is light. I enjoy art (especially lettering and calligraphy), languages, school, violin, traveling and especially friends and family. These are what truly make up my identity. Without them, I would have no one to guide me through tough times and comfort me when I am feeling stressed or lonely. Family and friends are the ones who I turn to when something bad has happened to me. Also, they have definitely made me into the kind, happy person that I am.

What __really__ makes up your sense of place? I think that anywhere at home is my sense of place. Not just my house, but anywhere anyone I know well lives. I believe that people should be close to everyone, and that is why I treat these places like home. It comforts me to know that the owner of that home wants me to be there, knows me, and cares about me. Even so, I like to travel to new places. It reminds me that I can meet new people and have a ‘home’ where they live. Basically, I feel secure and at home wherever people are kind and get along well with me.

What roles do your identity and sense of place play when you work with others in a group project? In a group project, my identity helps me respond to people in the right way, and how to listen to others. Since I feel comforted when I am with people who are good to me, this makes it easy to get along with them. Also, my family and friends have taught me how to act in a way that is good to others. Getting along is important when working with others, but I think it is most important to listen to one another. My family and friends have listened to me, so I follow this example and listen to others. It is frustrating when no one wants to hear what you have to say. I also know that it is important to treat others as you would want to be treated because of them. In a group, all of this is extremely important.

What are the qualities that you bring to the GLIP conversation that will help you make a contribution to your global group? Again, I know that other people want to be treated the same way that you would. Therefore, I always listen, disagree politely if necessary, and am kind in all ways. Curiosity is also a quality that I will bring. I love to ask questions to learn about other people! It really feels good when people care to ask questions about you. I am always genuinely interested in them! I really enjoy meeting new people, and my enthusiasm will trigger questions that I will ask about others.

What is one local problem (where you live) that you believe needs to be addressed? Suggest some steps could you take to try to solve it? I think that the lack of homeless shelters is a big problem in Raleigh. I always see people outside, hungry and uncomfortable. They can’t just beg and get no money! People should simply donate for the purpose of building more. In the meantime, people can donate clothes, toiletries, and food.



Phase II: Sense of Place

Upload image (s) here:

Use these questions to help you determine which picture shows someone else why your “place” is so special to you.
 * Does a scenic picture represent the beauty you believe that your town has?
 * Does a picture of a group of people represent and show a warmth and friendliness that your town has?
 * Does a statue or building convey the feeling of history that makes your place important and unique?
 * Is there a cultural event that represents the values of your home location?

What are your initial thoughts about how your image addresses the questions above? Later, you will be working with the members of your group to create a travel package that includes visits to each group member's home location (see Phase II)

Phase III: Identify Local Issue:

What is your local issue?

What can you do to be address the issue?

What is the global impact of your local issue?

Add these thoughts to your Group's Discussion Forum on Local Issues