Writing the Introduction

This is where I will start my project by writing an introduction. The introduction is a more complete area rather than what most or some have seen in the Getting Started, Topic Form, or Planning Help page. The introduction will be a part of my report of my project, and this page is where I will post it online. This is just a rough introduction. The finalized results will be posted on August 21, 2009.

Background, Goal, Areas of Interaction

For my personal project, I have come to a decision to create a photo book containing photos of nature concerning the environment. I have resolved to do this as my project due to the fact that no one really cares if the world they live in dies slowly because of their own doing. What makes me really sad is how this country, my country of Indonesia, can’t afford to take care of its diverse and beautiful nature. It’s just a shame how it was known as a paradise and now it is known to be one of the world’s nation that is undergoing speedy destruction to its own.

However, what inspired me the most into doing this project was my country and its easy going not caring people. I even wondered, do they even know that they are living in a world that is suffering because of their doing, or do they not care about their next future generations. I have come to known about how the world suffers when I was just sitting in fifth grade. I wanted people to at least know and care about the environment. It was these queries that lead me into creating a photo book. I hope I can reach through their heart and make them be aware.

My goal for this project is to bring an awareness to the community regarding the issue of the environment by creating a photo book. Through this, I have make another contribution to the environment.

This personal project of mine reflects on both Community and Service (CAS), and Environment (E). The AoI of CAS mainly focuses on contributing to the community, while E stresses on taking care of the environment. If I was required or limited to only choosing one AoI, I would definitely choose E. Even though CAS and E has something in common, E is closer into saving and taking of the environment, and my project is principally regarding I myself and other people having responsibilities of this planet. Also, I’m reflecting upon the three questions of E:

• • Where do we live?
  • What resources do we have or need?
  • What are my responsibilities?

Planning

For the shake of time management and eventually completing my personal project, I have set up plans to accomplish my objectives of the project. The table below is an activity schedule made by me for my personal engagement in the project. Again, this was to enhance my time management and organization skills.

	Task Name	Time in Hours
Task 1	Research on natures reserve near Jakarta on the Internet.	1
Task 2	Research on natures reserve near Jakarta by books.	2
Task 3	Investigate the results of the natures reserve from the sources.	0.10
Task 4	Analyze information on the natures reserve and pick the best ones.	0.30
Task 5	Perform pre-interviews on the selected natures reserve	0.15
Task 6	Making arrangements and appointments with the people cooperating	0.30
Task 7	Prepare questions and equipments needed for the natures reserve	0.30
Task 8	Interview the local people of the natures reserve	2
Task 9	Take pictures of the local people and the natures reserve	24
Task 10	Select the best quality photos taken from the natures reserve	1
Task 11	Creating the creative designs and layout for the book	72
Task 12	Compile and select the best designs and all photos to be printed	1
Task 13	Leave the designs and photos to the printing store and wait for result	72

1. I will need to find out the following things to achieve my plan
2. This was the best way to create my product because even before creating this plan, I already think ahead. I have revised and considered unexpected things to come.
3. For now, I don’t have any other ways to use to make my product. I considered this as a master plan, and it will not fail in the middle of the way just like that. If necessary and urgent, than I will revise my plan and test it if the new one works.

Analysis of Process

1. Are there any other possible ways to accomplish my goal? What is it?

2. What materials do I want to use? What materials will I need to purchase?

3. What supplies does the school have that I can use?

4. What construction skills will I use? Will I have to practice any techniques?

6. Will I need to research any techniques or the use of specific tools/equipment?

5. How much am I prepared to spend – money/time/ effort?

1. Are there any other possible ways to accomplish my goal? What is it?

• I don’t have any other possible ways to accomplish my goal. This is all I’ve come up, and it’s the best I can think of. If there were, I would love to state it here and use it as a backup plan.

2. What materials do I want to use? What materials will I need to purchase?

• This questions may seem the same as question number five. I need a photo editing software and computer, and of course a camera. I have most of them already at home. All I need to purchase is the Lumix LX4.

3. What supplies does the school have that I can use?

• Honestly, the school can’t provide even one of my needs, since the school doesn’t really give the students any supplies. The library is an exception, since I can go there and scan through books by my own will. Even though the library can provide me with books, they are limited. And the internet connection can’t even be called fast.

4. What construction skills will I use? Will I have to practice any techniques?

• Graphic design, photography, and last but not least, social skills. Without those three, my project would not have a stand point. I have get grip on those three skills, but if I stop and did not continue, I’ll surely get rusty. Those three should always be practiced all the time.

5. Will I need to research any techniques or the use of specific tools/equipment?

• The techniques that will be used are graphic designing and photography techniques. I do not need to do any more research. Specific tools include, computer, graphic drawing tablet, Adobe Photoshop CS4 or CorelDRAW X4, SLR camera.

6. How much am I prepared to spend money, time, and effort?

• I am prepared for anything in order for my project to be completed. I’m not boasting, but talking about money, I can spend millions of rupiah if the process of the project requires me to. Time was usually a very difficult decision to make, however, I am willing to sacrifice my free time during the weekends. I’ll put my best effort into this project, even it means sacrificing my dearest “everything”.