Michelle Heimer Memoir

1. What were the best and worst parts of Senior Project/Senior Seminar?

My senior process had its good and bad parts. Starting my senior paper was by far
the worst part, but once I finished writing it I was proud to be done. I also did not enjoy
the unit about taxes because it was hard for me to understand by just watching short
videos. I did however enjoy the speakers that talked to us. Almost all of them were
beneficial to me, covering different important topics.

2. List three things you now know after completing your Senior Project.

I learned a few things by completing my senior project. After interviewing my

mentor, I found out that jobs in the meat industry are slowly dying. There will not be as
many options opportunities in the future. Another thing I learned was that the meat
processing facilities have to follow strict rules, especially in the kill room. If the rules are
not followed, the facility can be fined a great amount. Lastly, I learned that there are not
very many skills needed to work at a meat locker and at Dover Processing, they are
willing to teach newcomers.

3. What problems did you encounter, and how did you handle these problems?

I encountered a few problems while completing my senior project, most of them

affecting me personally. For example, I felt the need to keep up with the other workers
around me. I didn’t want to slow down production because other people were trying to
teach me something new. Another struggle was not having confidence in what I was
doing. I handled these problems by having supportive people around me, my mentor and
his daughter, every step of the way.

4. Which aspect of the Senior Project/Senior Seminar stretched you the most?
How did you feel about and react to this challenge?

I would say all the presentations were a stretch for me especially my boards
speech. I am not a very outgoing person, so public speaking is something I struggle with. I
overcame this fear a little bit by practicing many times before presenting in front of
people. I feel more confident with public speaking now after taking senior seminar, but it
is something that will always be a stretch for me.
 5. How has Senior Project/Senior Seminar changed you (skills, attitudes, work
habits, capabilities, confidence, poise, presentation, etc.)?

The senior process has changed my confidence level, skill level, and also my
attitude. By completing my senior project and presenting in front of the class, I came out
of my shell a little bit and my confidence level grew. My skill level also improved
because I now know the basics to butchering and know how to run some machines at a
meat locker. Lastly, my attitude has changed. I am more willing to learn new things, even
if it requires me to open up more.

6. What would you do differently if you had to do the whole Senior

Project/Senior Seminar process again?

If I was given another chance to my senior year, I would change a few things. The
first thing would be to pick a more interesting project and get it approved earlier. Another
thing I would change would be my attitude. If I would have had a more positive attitude
towards school, my senior year would have been more enjoyable and less stressful. I also
wish I spent more time thinking about my plans after graduation. I changed my mind
many times throughout my high school career and my senior year came to an end very
quickly with me not knowing what I was going to do after graduation.

7. What advice do you have for next year’s seniors?

As my highschool career is coming to an end, I have some advice to share with

next year’s seniors. First of all, don’t give up! Finish senior year strong and be proud that
you’ve made it to the end. Another piece of advice is to not wait to finish your senior
project. Get your project approved as soon as possible to make the rest of the year less
stressful. Also keep up in senior seminar. Don’t wait until the last few weeks to finish
your work. Lastly, try to enjoy every bit of senior year as it goes by fast.

8. Has this experience influenced your future plans?

By completing my senior project, my future plans have been influenced. I realized

that I would not want to work at a meat locker in the future because they do the same
thing every day. In order for me to want to return to a job, I need a variety of tasks to
complete so I stay interested in what I am doing. I did however learn that I would not
mind having a non professional job that requires hands-on work. I enjoy getting my hands
dirty and being myself while doing it.
 9. What grade would you give yourself for your Senior Project and what
justification do you have for that grade?

I would give myself a B+ on my senior project. My project was out of my comfort

zone and I tried my best to be an interactive person. I also learned a new skill that I can
use in the future. One thing I could've done better was speak up more and ask questions
and also be more confident in myself.