Senior Project Reflection

(1) Positive Statement

What are you most proud of in your 2-Hour Presentation and/or your senior project? Why?

I am most proud of how I was able to effectively prepare for this over the course of two weeks. I was able to apply the knowledge I gained form my research and properly talked about it throughout my presentation as I delivered my answers. In other words, I had to learn new terminologies and apply it to my presentation and I was able to do so appropriately. 

(2) Questions to Consider

a.     What assessment would you give yourself on your 2-Hour Presentation (self-assessment)?

P

b.     What assessment would you give yourself on your overall senior project (self-assessment)?

AP

(3) What worked for you in your senior project?

In my senior project, I was able to easily find research on my topic and found many articles and sources. It was also good how the blog assignments helped move the Senior Project along at a steady pace throughout the year.

(4) (What didn't work) If you had a time machine, what would have you done differently to improve your senior project if you could go back in time?

I'd change the way I did Senior Project first semester. I would have stuck with my original EQ. I think that my problem at first was being not knowing how to produce a good answer to my EQ. This was a struggle I had for a while, and it wasn't until second semester that I had a good understanding of how to do this properly.

(5) Finding Value

How has the senior project been helpful to you in your future endeavors?   Be specific and use examples. 

Senior Project has helped me find research effectively and become a better learner. Because of picking a topic of interest, I realized that I have a way of producing quality work in areas that play to my strengths. Now, I know that I can do excellent work by doing something that I'm passionate about, and not letting others make decisions for me. 

Mentorhsip

Literal

• Mentorship Log
• Robert Valledares (909) 274-8453

Interpretive

The most important thing I have gained from this experience would have to be learning to advance in my future career. This is beneficial to me because I have gained knowledge as a result of my mentorship to ensure success in my future.

Applied

Although my mentorship greatly consisted of training, I also did a lot of questioning when it came down to it. I was able to gain information on the best way for the Navy to fight terrorism. Basically a lot of talking was what has helped me answer my EQ. If I ever had anything on my mind when thinking about my best answers, I would just ask and we would go from there.

Exit Interview Questions

(1) What is your essential question?  What is the best answer to your question and why?

 

 My essential question is, "What is the best way for the U.S. Navy to fight the war on terrorism?" My first answer was keeping the use of Navy SEAL forces. My second answer is using specialized aircraft to effectively execute missions.  My third and best answer would have to be keeping the use of Navy SEAL forces. I believe this to be my best answer because where drones and specialized aircraft control the airspace, Navy SEALs have the ability to conduct operations through all fronts of battle, and even occasionally use drones. Their drones are slightly different, as theirs are portable and used mainly for reconnaissance, acting as scouts, and identifying enemy embankments. Aside from a SEAL's versatility, they are also America's elite fighting force. Specializing in unoconventional warfare, they are able to execute missions under complete stealth for snatch and grab situations.  

(2) What process did you take to arrive at this answer?

   

A. As a foundation to my EQ, I basically researched everything I could think of that had to do with the Navy. I went from Basic Military Training, to how the Navy operates and fights around the world.  

B. A few of my potential answers were increasing the use of Spec Ops forces in combat, using advanced aircraft, and engaging in unconventional warfare.

C. Arriving my at my best answer wasn't really to difficult. Because of what I 've already known about the Navy, I knew SEALs were synonymous with being the elite. I decided to research further and sure enough, I discovered why they are known as the best. Their credibility lies in their mission successes.

(3) What problems did you face?  How did you resolve them?

 

 At first, a few problems I faced was trying to figure out exactly who to go to for my mentorship. Since my essential question changed from how to prepare for BMT, to how to fight terrorism, my recruiter wasn't really the person to ask. Instead, I began asking my second mentor, Petty Officer Valledares, who has actually been on a few deployment himself. 

(4) What are the two most significant sources you used to answer your essential question and why?

 

 My most significant source to answer my essential question was a website called navy.mil. On this website, I was able to see the specs and description of various aircraft and naval ships. My second most significant source was sealswcc.com. This website provided complete information on Navy SEALs and SWCC operators. 

(5) What is your product and why?

My product is something I'm very proud of. Throughout the entire Senior Project, I've been able to help myself with my career. Because of the knowledge I gained from the Navy from Senior Project, I was able to already go up in pay grade from E-1 to E-3. I will be getting paid more than others because of the knowledge I've gained. 

2014 Interview

1.  Who did you interview and what house are they in?
Marco Gonzalez in North House

2.  What ideas do you have for your senior project and why?
I plan on doing something that involves money because I tend to find my ways in benefitting myself towards finances.

3.  What do you plan to do for your summer 10 hour mentorship experience?
I plan volunteering at an insurance company since they will help provide with the basic knowledge I need.

4.  What do you hope to see or expect to see in watching the 2013 2-hour presentations?
A lot of good ideas that can be used or even new ideas I have never been exposed to before.

5.  What questions do you have that I can answer about senior year or senior project (or what additional information did you tell them about senior year or senior project)

How many interviews must be done and how many questions are usually required?

There are four interviews done throughout your senior project. The first two interviews are 10 questions, the third one is 20 questions, and the fourth one is the interview done here. 

Final 3-Column Chart

3 Column Chart

Independent Component 2

LITERAL
(a) “I, Jaime Plascencia, affirm that I completed my independent component which represents 30 hours of work.”
(b) Petty Officer Valledares 
(c) Mentorship Log (60 hours)
(d) Throughout my mentorship, I have managed to complete many things. For example, thanks to all of the research I gathered about BMT and information on the Navy in general, I have personally benefited from it. I have gone from E-1 to E-3 before even going to training which means I'll be getting paid more from the start and I know I'll have a better income because of this. I've also had a better understanding of how the Navy operates to combat terrorism. For example, I did not know that the Navy had aircraft like the Prowler to disarm any enemy radar to sneak in additional aircraft without being detected. Essentially, I learned how many factions of the Navy work together as one effective unit.   

INTERPRETIVE  

The picture of the shirt shown above is the same shirt that I use when I go to my DEP meetings and the one that isn't given, it's earned. That's what I was told. After demonstrating that I was a potential candidate to be cleared for full duty, I was given this shirt. Sure it wasn't a difficult task, but it was still one that I had to prepare for as there were some people that were not able to receive this shirt. This shirt means a great deal to me not only because of my Senior Project, but because of the path I'm taking my life in.
The picture below is of my pull up bar. I use this whenever I PT at home. It's simple and practical, and it allows me to get a good workout as I can also attach it to rings on the bottom of my doorway to do curl-ups as well. 




APPLIED
This component has helped support one of my answers. One of my answers is increasing the use of Spec Op forces. They specialize in unconventional warfare which saves many lives. Not every mission would require sending in your normal soldier who isn't as specialized as a SEAL or a SWCC force. By using Spec Ops forces. We can more efficiently eliminate targets that have a huge influence on the opposition for example, the raid on Osama. 

Three Column Chart First Draft

First Draft

Senior Project and ESLR's

1. In my Senior Project, the ESLR I have excelled in is Effective User of Technology.
2. I have been an effective user of technology because I have been consistent with my blog. I've also effectively used my email in instances where I needed help with my essential question and answers, incorporated technology into my learning by doing my research, and using technology in my presentations. 
3. To show evidence of using technology in my learning, I will leave links to my WB and my powerpoint presentation.  

2-Hour Meeting Answer #3

1. What is the best way for the US Navy to fight the war on terrorism?
2. The best way for the US Navy to fight the war on terrorism would be to send in a greater amount of Spec Op forces to engage in unconventional warfare.
3. Three Details: -Unconventional warfare puts less lives at risk. -Spec Op forces engage in specialized training and therefore are better warriors. -Spec Op forces engage in unconventional warfare to strike high profile targets and execute high profile missions. This means they strike huge blows to the enemy crippling them faster.
4. My greatest source was a book titled "Inside SEAL Team 6" by Don Mann.
5. Next I plan to study how the Navy decides to distribute their forces in Air, Land, and Sea missions. 

Fourth Interview Questions

1. What is the best way for the US Navy to fight the war on terrorism?
2. Should the Navy increase or decrease its involvement in the war on terrorism, why or why not?
3. With recent threatening actions by North Korea, how should the Navy best direct its efforts to combat terrorism in the Middle East and now in North Korea if needed?
4. What evolution will the Navy undergo once the terrorist threat in the Middle East is neutralized?
5. To the best of your knowledge, how well do you believe the Navy is prepared for an attack on our land?
6. Is it most effective to fight terrorism with Naval air, ground, or sea power and why?
7. In the instance of the raid on Osama bin Laden, how long did it take to plan out the operation, and what training did everyone who participate go through?
8. How is the US Navy's budget being funded to fight the war on terrorism?
9. How has the Navy's war on terrorism changed since the elimination of Saddam Hussein?
10. Since Osama bin Laden's takedown by Navy SEAL's, how has the US Navy changed the way SEAL Team 6 works covertly? 
11. What new technology has the Navy adopted to combat the war on terror?
12. Would increasing the amount of Special Forces Members in the Navy help in the fight against counter-terrorism or do you believe there is another force we should use?
13. As far as naval battle is concerned, how can we strengthen our forces to ensure naval superiority?  
14. As far as air superiority is concerned, how can we strengthen our forces to ensure air superiority?
15. There has been a recent move in the JSF to further cut down on the use of multiple aircraft to increase the Navy's budget. Is it wise to have one overall multi-purpose aircraft instead of many specialized aircraft?
16. Navy BMT trains Sailors mainly in seamanship, and doesn't focus much on aviation or combat, should this change?
17. Have you ever been deployed?
18. What have you learned in your deployment?
19. When on deployment, have you ever had to do anything that you could consider to be fighting terrorism?
20. How should the US Navy had reacted to 9-11 in your opinion?

2-Hour Meeting Answer #2

1) What is most important to succeeding in Navy Basic Military Training?

2) To succeed in Basic Military Training, a recruit must be physically fit before BMT to make PT sessions during BMT productive, and ensure success in all physical evaluations coupled with all Swim Class Tests.

3) A recruit must be physically fit before BMT. Preparation is just as important. This is essential because soon upon arrival at BMT, a PT test is given and recruits are expected to pass if you want to succeed in BMT. PT tests are given throughout BMT and recruits are simply trying to pass and others want to meet personal goals. "Special training" is given to those who struggle with PT and this takes time away from other activities throughout BMT. Meeting these requirements allow to graduate BMT. Also, being physically fit will increase a recruit's endurance which is absolutely crucial during the final test, Battle Stations. This is a 24 hour simulation aboard a mock ship where recruits are tested against everything. Being physically fit is essential in the event that they encounter a fire during their simulation, have to lift something heavy, or anything that requires extended physical exertion.

4) My mentor and various videos on BMT, especially source 38 on my WB have helped me justified my answer in response to my essential question.

5) I plan to continue my study of answer 2 by doing monitored PT sessions. Using the Navy's PT evaluation scale, I will track my progress as I attempt to achieve a goal of outstanding or excellent to ensure success once in BMT.

Independent Component 2 Plan Approval

1) My second Independent Component will help me find different answers to help me solve my essential question. I have a few answers for my independent component. One of my answers is increased physical training aimed strength and endurance along with pool exercise. This is to ensure I succeed in the physical training evaluations and achieve the highest class I can get in swimming. To further explore this, I will track my improvement based off the Navy PT grading evaluations throughout my second independent component, and achieve a goal of what is considered "outstanding." My second answer is to memorize the Sailor's Creed, Anchors Aweigh, and 11 General Orders of a Sentry. This is something that is taught during BMT, and is absolutely essential to graduation. To further explore this, I will further investigate the origins of these three, and why they're there, along with other Navy Customs and Traditions that will be taught in BMT. Another answer I have is memorizing the ranks of the Navy. This is absolutely essential because it allows me to properly address my superiors, and to also know when to properly salute. This will be a career long benefit to me.

2) My plan will easily meet the 30 hour requirement because along with my DEP meetings I have every month, I also have PT sessions with Petty Officer Valladeres. I will achieve my goal of outstanding because he was in Special Forces and that is what was required of him, and what he'll be training me for.

3) This independent study component relates to my EQ because it all helps me succeed in Navy basic military training. I will be physically prepared and well armed with all the knowledge I need to not only succeed, but be on top in my division.

Independent Component 1

• Literal

(a) I, Jaime Plascencia, affirm that I completed my independent component which represents 30 hours of work.

(b) My main mentor is Petty Officer Valladeres (909) 274-8453. My main source would have to be the Basic Training videos I see on YouTube, one in particular being RTC Revealed - US Navy Basic Training - Recruit Bootcamp 2012. This covers all of BMT as far as what happens on the inside. On my WB, I have two other videos that are a bit outdated but still help. They're sources 23 and 24.
(c) Mentorship Log
(d) Throughout my hours of servicing learning and research that I have done, I've been able to complete everything to help me conduct a successful Senior Project. I've been able to learn and know more than anybody else would in my situation (going in to BMT). I feel that I will be better prepared on top of the instruction I already receive at my DEP meetings thanks to the Senior Project. My service learning hours have allowed me to be physically better prepared for the PT evaluations that await in BMT.

• Interpretive

The most significant part of my component was being able to go to work with Petty Officer Valladeres. I was able to talk with people who have already graduated from BMT, some only recently. My project revolves around being better prepared while in BMT. During BMT, we learn about the Navy from customs, to equipment, to vehicles. I was able to learn about the Super Hornets which hopefully I'll one day be able to fly. Instead of simple classroom instruction, I was able to observe their work. Aside from this, DEP meetings and even simply talking with Petty Officer Valladeres has helped me prepare for BMT. Learning the Sailor's Creed, the 11 General Orders of a Sentry, how to address the RDC's, how to stand at ease and attention, and being mentally and physically prepared all help answer my essential question. For evidence of my work, refer to this blog post.

• Applied

This component has been a great deal of help to me in understanding the foundation of my essential question. I want to know what is most important to succeeding in Navy BMT? Obviously, anybody going into Navy BMT requires a physical semblance. If I ever want to pursue a career in BUD/s or SWCC, it's always helpful to score as high as possible in the PT evaluations. This is why whenever I do PT, I always push myself as hard as I can. This is to make sure that I do not only succeed, but excel and open many doors and careers for myself. There are classroom sessions in BMT that teaches recruits about the Navy's vehicles. I have a huge interest in aircraft and so I've based my research on this. I know that when I do go in to BMT, I'll be way ahead of everybody else in turn which again not only allows me to succeed, but excel. I've learned that there are multiple answers to my EQ from being physically fit, and being well versed in the customs of the Navy. 

Rough Draft of 30 Minute Presentation

Lesson Plan Here

Third Interview Questions

1. What is most important for a recruit to gain entry into a Navy pilot program?
2. What are the academic requirements to become a Navy pilot?
3. What are the physical requirements to become a Navy pilot, and are there any exceptions?
4. During BMT, is there anything that you can do to point yourself in the direction of becoming a pilot early on?
5. Do you have a say if you get stationed on a carrier or on base? If so, how do you choose?
6. The Navy describes a pilot as someone who has to be at their best at all times, especially under pressure. What additional training is given to ensure that you are the person for that kind of job?
7. How do you attend the Naval Postgraduate school to be paid fulltime, and still be in training to become a pilot?
8. Is it possible to choose what kind of aircraft you'd fly, or is it something that is decided as a result of your additional training in Pensacola, Florida?
9. How do the pay ranges vary in the aviation program?
10. What can I do as someone coming out straight out of high school and straight into the Navy, to ensure my success in the ranks of Naval Aviation Officers?

Blog 11: Mentorship 10 Hours Check: What is most important for a recruit to gain entry into a Navy Pilot Program?

1. My Mentorship is being done at my Recruiter's Office, at home, at the Naval Air Station in Lemoore, and at the Gym. 
2. I have two contacts, my primary contact being Petty Office Robert Valladares. My secondary contact is my Navy Recruiter, Petty Officer Eliseo Abaya.
3. So far, I have accumulated 12 hours of mentorship. From my DEP meetings at my recruiters office and to learning and actually physically and mentally prepping for Navy BMT and lifestyle change with Petty Officer Valladares. 
4. Of the 12 hours I have done, I'll start with my recruiters office. While here, we recite and memorize the Sailor's Creed, and the 11 General Orders of a Sentry. These are core values that must be learned in the Navy, and are also vital to success in Navy BMT. Here at my DEP meetings, we also go over various things we will learn in BMT such as how to prepare for the processing days, and learning about the equipment and vehicles in the Navy. For example, we once learned about various aircraft and their roles in the Navy's combat force. At home, I've talked with Petty Officer Valladares and his experience in BMT, and what I can expect as I go in. We've also talked about what life is like after graduation from Navy BMT, how to get stationed in my area of preference, and various benefits that will be available to me. Recently, I've been inside the Naval Air Station in Lemoore, and was able to experience first hand what my future will be like. Finally, my favorite part is the Physical Training. Petty Officer Valladares graduated BMT with the Special Forces Division, and so the PT exercises we do are above what is supposed to be expected, and so I strive to be at that level with his help.