Expedition Reflective Essay

Over the past month, we, the eleventh graders, have been studying the topic of cancer. Completing BCS’s first expedition on cancer wasn’t as hectic as I thought it would be. The school processed the same way it usually runs. At first, I didn’t want to participate in the study of cancer. It didn’t bring any interest to me. As I studied cancer, mainly in American History class, it brought more interest. I started to become aware of what the risks of cancer were. To me, the biggest influence of studying this topic are children and how they are influenced by their surroundings.

Despite not being enrolled in Living Environment this year, my group, 3S, taught by Tom, participated in several mini-lessons. The cell cycle was explained to us. We learned about the different levels of cancer severity. Ranging from benign to metastatic, benign is not dangerous. On the other hand, metastatic cancer invades blood cells, traveling to other parts of the body. In American History, I created an anti-smoking list for children. This can give children an outlook on cancer, and how to fight against it. As a matter of fact, this can go out to everyone.

I would describe this cancer expedition as a valuable learning experience because of the information recieved. As I stated before, I started to become aware of what the risks of cancer were. I learned that fruits and vegetables help reduce the risk of cancer. I also heard the stories of people who overcame cancer and people who are still living with it now. It brings a sense of sorrow when you know what they had/have to overcome.

As eleventh graders, or as a school in general, we could capture the experience for other grades to see by several effective ways. We could have created video recordings from the first day we started the expedition. We can share information through speech. We can create another expedition in which other grades can participate in. The images displayed in the cancer museum will attract younger children to the images. This will create more curiousity. To create a legacy for our efforts, our expedition can be used as an example to what a cancer expedition should look like. In the end, we are the role models.

Arber Nikq