Final Artist Statement

Making this project is something that is more than just a idea, it’s a statement. It’s a statement that needs to be made to the unknowing public, it’s a statement that generally goes unheard, and it’s a statement that goes ignored. When I first saw the possibility for this project, I was excited. Not only did I not have to spend much time finding a claim to make, but it also was something I was passionate about. As a criminal justice major, I have been taught that you have to catch kids at an early age to teach them values. As I have also noticed at Escuela Vieju, teaching at the young age is done at its best. However, once they leave, into the real world of the high school of the Milwaukee Public School system, they are not guided by teachers who care, they are only guided by people who want a consistent paycheck and do not care where the kids end up. It may not be the case in every teacher but it is in at least 50 percent of the teachers, supported by the 50% graduation rate. I learned from this project that communities unfortunately are directly impacted by the crime that goes around them. The Walker’s Point neighborhood, after visiting, is not anywhere as dangerous as its crime rating. It feels so much nicer and much more inviting. I’m sorry for the citizens of the neighborhood who directly feel the animosity by other neighborhoods and citizens who look down on them. This is what I wanted to show people, that the citizens of this part of Milwaukee are doing the best they can to make the WORLD a better place, and for that, I thank you all.

Final Project

Whitefish Bay Fiscal 2009

Journal Reflection

Upon reflecting coming into the last week of volunteering, the time i have spent here at the escuela vieju has been an enriching experience that has been something I will never forget. I can honestly see why the university makes it mandatory for student to do at least one of these projects. The amount of fun and joy that I received from helping out with the kids. As I finish up my final project, its fun looking back at the building and thinking about the memories that will last a life time. Its true that teaching children really is a personally enriching job that rarely is found elsewhere.