Honestly, I didn't take this class because I needed it for my major or I was an American studies major or even because I needed upper-level credit. I signed up for this class simply because I'm interested in the field, interested in public history, interested in field work, and planning and organizing and all of those other great things we're going to do. Although I may not have typical "skills" that are associated with this project (video, film, project management experience, American studies background), I decided to take the class because I like adventures, I like taking shots in the dark and learning about other people, their culture, and their way of life. When I have a gap in my schedule, I typically take things that perk my interest and since I'm have Polish ethnicity, love Baltimore City, and my major deals with older adults, I thought that this fit the bill pretty well. I'm really excited for the class.
Regardless of all that other information, I do have some hard skills that can translate into this projects completion. I find that I have a good knowledge of Baltimore, its history, its people, and its culture. Additionally, I'm constantly told that I'm really good at speaking with older adults and other senior citizens. I'm pretty sure I can find a use for this skill. Next, I'm pretty good at research and research methods. I've done a few projects where we needed to analyze Data using SPSS and complete quantitative/qualitative type research.
In terms of technical stuff, I'm new to all of that, but I learn pretty quickly and I'm taking a class where we're making digital stories. In a few weeks I'll be trained in photoshop, final cute, adobe, etc.
I think my greatest benefit to the project comes with skills that are harder to translate. I'm good at adapting to solve problems, being flexible in problem solving, and thinking on my feet. I'm also very empathetic and can negotiate pretty well.
So pretty much, I took the class because it hits a number of my different interests and while I may not be as experienced as other people in terms of the mechanics of creating an event, I do have a number of skills that will translate very nicely.
