My senior project focused on educating Kihei Charter students about sun safety and providing sunscreen to sports teams, aiming to prevent skin damage among young athletes. I engaged with the community by raising awareness among coaches and faculty members, conducted research, interned to learn more about skin cancer, and fundraised $2,000, successfully reaching my goal of 100 bottles of sunscreen.
Throughout my project, I discovered that many people, including high school students, were unaware of the effects of the sun and the increasing prevalence of skin cancer. This insight guided my efforts to educate and provide protection to athletes. I also learned about the various ways people care for their skin, influencing my choice of sunscreen. Opting for the Blue Blizzard Baby Mineral Sunscreen, which is dermatologically tested and safe for oceans, reflects my commitment to providing effective and environmentally friendly protection.
My project not only addressed a crucial health issue but also demonstrated my dedication to making a positive impact within my community. By raising awareness and providing practical solutions, I've contributed to the well-being of young athletes and helped combat the rising rates of skin cancer.
21st Century Skills & Academic Content
Throughout my senior project, I experienced significant growth in both 21st-century skills and academic content. In terms of 21st-century skills, I used my communication abilities by effectively conveying the importance of sun safety to various people, including coaches, faculty members, and fellow students. My fundraising efforts required strong collaboration and teamwork as I engaged with community members to raise funds for sunscreen distribution. Additionally, I developed critical thinking skills by researching skin cancer and sunscreen options, evaluating their effectiveness, and making informed decisions about which products to provide.
Academically, my project provided a practical application of scientific knowledge, particularly in the field of dermatology and public health. By interning and researching skin cancer, I deepened my understanding of its causes, effects, and preventive measures. This hands-on experience enhanced my grasp of complex scientific concepts and their real-world implications. Furthermore, my fundraising efforts required financial literacy skills as I managed budgets and allocated resources effectively to reach my goal.
My senior project fostered the development of essential 21st-century skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and financial literacy. These skills will undoubtedly serve me well in my future academic pursuits and professional endeavors, empowering me to tackle challenges and make meaningful contributions to my community and beyond.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the impact of my senior project extends far beyond its immediate scope, leaving a lasting legacy that will benefit future generations of athletes and the broader community. Through the video I created for coaches to share with upcoming athletes and the informative pamphlets in Coach Rebecca's office, I've ensured that sun safety awareness will continue to be prioritized within Kihei Charter School.
My dedication to educating others about the importance of sun safety and providing practical solutions, such as distributing sunscreen to sports teams, demonstrates the rigor and depth of my project. By addressing a pressing health issue and engaging with the community through fundraising and awareness campaigns, I've exemplified the significance of proactive measures in combating skin cancer.
The value of my project lies not only in its tangible outcomes, such as reaching fundraising goals and distributing sunscreen, but also in its intangible impact on raising awareness, promoting healthy behaviors, and fostering a culture of caring within the community.