Jhene Aiko's 'Trip' MAP through A Hero's Journey because fu** (Mis)Structured Educat
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Zl_5IqCKZ2d5V53FftlzdQD-2fBY9xCmMb8AuznFuts/edit?usp=sharing
For my super awesome religion class, Fall 2017, titled "Magic, Science and Religion", I had to write 5 papers, with one creative project possible as a substitution. I decided to do a creative project on Jhene Aiko's Movie, Album and Poetry (from the film) and relate it back to one of the topics and publications we read and discussed in class, Monomyth, often referred to as A Hero's Journey, that explains the natural, cyclical flow of any hero's tale.
To be honest, I wasn't sure, and am still unclear, how he, being the professor, is going to take it. The option for a creative project was allowed, but I'm not sure if my version is what he had in mind. However, I recently had a conversation with an international student who was opening up to me about his concern with not doing well in his classes because for assignments, he just turns them into something more intriguing and fun for him, even if it may not always follow the direct paths lead by the teachers.
I honestly think this is super important. I'm sure he hasn't thought twice about that conversation with me that day (as it was in passing after a social club event) but I have kept it in mind ever since. Because I think he makes a solid point within his madness.
Everything within this culture's education system is structured. Everything has a plan, and a reason that satisfies killing multiple birds with one stone. (Getting a good grade by completing the teacher's regulations, aiding in passing and graduating, helping better you for the workforce, etc.) but what if I wasn't aiming for the birds in the first place? What if I was just attempting to feel closer to the clouds and the birds just became causalities within my search? I love being a student. I love learning and enhancing my brain's understanding of myself and the world around me. I just want to be learning something that excites me. Something that I can feel connected to. There was nothing, in that moment, that I felt more connected to, than this MAP, so I decided that I would push my luck and home for the best.
I am grateful that he even allowed us the option to induce creativity.
This project actually took me longer than it would have to write the actual paper, but it was so much more enjoyable, it was completely worth it.
Because it's exactly what I wanted it to be.
To international friends, a creative mindset, and making your own decisions.
I hope he likes it.
If he doesn't,
It'll still have been worth it.
