Project by: Ricky Castillo (11th Grade)
Project Advisor: Charlene Cruz-Cerdas
Student’s Advisor: James French
Description of the Project:
The project I am proposing is one that deals with exploring the idea of identity. This project will look at the components that make human beings who they are. I will be exploring how the environment a person is grown up in affects their identity. I will be drawing on the idea that parents have a heavy influence on their child’s decisions and who they choose to be. I hope to find the necessities, the objects, and the relationships that are required to fully form an identity that isn’t false. I will also be looking to further develop this idea of a false identity and how historically it has been used to assimilate into society. The project will involve research, interviews, and data collection.
Final Product (e.g., documents, images, video, audio, poster, display, etc.):
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Open in new tab Final Reflection on Learning:
You could say I learned a lot, conducting weeks of research. I learned the healthy ways that one develops their identity and how segregation can negatively affect the racial identity of students of color. They can view themselves in a negative way and that can impact their learning, future, and mental health. I also learned how frustrated I could be. I felt frustrated at times with the fact that there was not much I could do to solve this issue as a student. I was able to see more clearly the ways in which I stepped into a predominantly white private institution that was inevitably going to hurt my identity. If I am unable to remedy this problem across the nation then I should at least attempt to remedy the issue in my own school. That is why I feel it is necessary to evaluate the ways in which people of color at LREI develop their racial identity at young ages. In focusing on this idea in relation to LREI I will then be able to evaluate the sacrifices families of color make when attempting to attain a higher education for their children knowing their racial identity might be damaged in the process.
Update on Progress from Weeks 1-3 (include any photos or video if relevant):
3 weeks into the project I have solely been researching and planning ahead. Two essential questions that we started off with were: “When is the point that children start exploring their identity?” and “What are some of the primary factors that affect exploration and realization of identity?”. In my research, I found that around the ages 9 and 10 children start to realize key pieces of their identity. They start to form their personalities, beliefs, and own understanding of their own socio-economic status and racial identity. I also found that family, friends, and school can really impact the development of a child’s identity. Moving forward I want to focus on I’d like to come to a full understanding of how children of these ages struggle to find who they are. Is it the failure of these three primary categories that shape identity? I possibly will interview teachers to pin this idea of schooling. I also will be interviewing students so I can hone in on the idea that friends affect one’s sense of belonging and race. After meeting with my project advisor I will know more clearly my next steps.
Update on Progress from Weeks 4-6 (include any photos or video if relevant):
6 weeks into the project I have completed the preliminary research focusing on the age children start exploring their identity and the primary factors that affect that exploration. With the help of Charlene, I narrowed the focus of my honors project. My research will now focus specifically on racial identity and its connection to schools. I created a thesis and research to complete part 2 of my research. My research question is: “How students of color in New York City public schools develop their racial identity?” I decided to focus on students of color in predominately white public schools with there being a greater negative effect on their racial identity.
Update on Progress from Weeks 7-9 (include any photos or video if relevant):
9 weeks into the project and I have fully completed my research. I concluded that an integrated school setting is more likely to promote positive ethnic attitudes among all children than one that is racially segregated. I proved my theory that bias and stereotypes within a school environment can increase student concerns about social acceptance and increase their feelings of inadequacy when it comes to their racial identity and academic performance in general. I found that educators and schools play a tremendous role in helping students negotiate with their race, culture, and social surrounding. I would have liked to continue my honors project in trimester 2 to examine racial identity development in LREI specifically with students of color. I strongly believe that my connecting racial identity to schools can be included in my next honors project that will focus on the effect of private school education and how it draws certain groups of people.
