Within this project we are easing the transition for incoming students and helping them navigate the challenges and opportunities of their new academic life. The point of this project is to utilize the framework of The Hero’s Journey within a virtual world in Second life. We are using engagement objects that can resonate with the hero and create an interactive storytelling environment. The objects I have chosen is a “connection” board and a resource library.
These objects portray the social and relational are of focus; really focusing on our connections with others and the sense of belonging. The Hero can navigate through the virtual world, face challenges, and seek transformation. All while building supportive relationships and experience a sense of acceptance.
Step 1: The Ordinary World
Even though I have worked within The Hero’s Journey and guided pathways before I have found that each experience is different. Within storytelling we were to create two objects for people to interact and engage with. This step often has me coming to a full stop and restart of my mindset to get into the task at hand.
Step 2: Call to Adventure
The best part of these assignments is the brainstorming process. We chose a Step and an area of focus to help create the best experience for the hero as a class. This opportunity to inspire and learn was the start of my journey
The Step I chose to represent is Step 7. This stage represents the Heros shift in perspective and strategy. Setbacks are inevitable; a student might struggle, face unexpected hurdles, or grapple with personal challenges. This stage compels the student to adapt. This is where true resilience and resourcefulness are forged.
I wanted to emphasize the resilience and resourcefulness of this step because my area of study is social and relational. This area of focus is about our connections with others and the sense of belonging. The Hero will navigate the virtual world (and real world), face challenges, and seek transformation. All while building supportive relationships and experiences.
Step 3: Refusal of the Call
Due to time constraints and life, I find it hard to commit to a full Second Life experience. This often leads to discomfort and fear of failure. I don’t let it stop me from contributing though. I love to create and I really like the aspect of digital storytelling, so I do just that. I have continued to create my objects and portray the ideas of them with my are of focus, with the hope that it will get to the hero with the help of my classmates and my professor.
Virtual Experiences
A blog post I wrote about different areas within Second Life. A reminder that even though I can’t access Second Life, I can still learn and understand lots about it
Step 4: Meeting with the Mentor
Inspiration
Living in the digital age has given me access to so many resources filled with wisdom and advice. My classmates have really good ideas and they inspire me to do the same.
Accelerate
Step 5: Crossing the First Threshold into the Extraordinary World
I really enjoy the purpose of this project, the ways we ease the transition for incoming students, helping them navigate the challenges and opportunities of their new academic life. I can’t help but relate because we were once them, I knew that feeling of fear and doubt.
I enjoy being a part of the experience that transforms that fear into a meaningful and transformative one. Which leads me to the thought process of my audience. I want my engagement objects to give the audience a chance to learn or to be curious about the environment they are in. Thus, the “mood” board and Resource “Library” was created
I choose Adaptability and Accept failure. I chose success because I feel like they represent both the destination and the journey. As I come to the end of my degree I find that success isn’t just about grades but about finding fulfillment and developing new skills that align with my passion. This reason for the success key led me to choose the Engage key. By having to actively engage with learning, connections, and pursuing projects.
For the scavenger hunt these keys could be near resources that can help for success, such as the information technology, student services, or the library
Step 6: Discovery of Superpowers and Challenges including Tests, Allies, and Enemies:
Like, I said above, I dont really get to go on Second Life at all. I have relied heavily on creating sketch ups and prototypes of my engagement objects. This is to help our story a long, while contributing to my step and area of focus.
My engagement objects are a library resource where a hero can gain or leave knowledge to help find the way. Functionality is key for this object, user accessibility to information is the where creativity comes in. each user should use the resource library to contribute their knowledge and connect with like minded community.
The Collection board can be a supportive and encouraging, a place the hero comes across in times of doubt and uncertainty. creating a place where the Hero can find a meaningful note and resonate with that person, to make a “meaningful” connection.
Step 7: Adaptation of Perspective and Approach
This is my step, This stage represents the Heros shift in perspective and strategy. Setbacks are inevitable; a student might struggle, face unexpected hurdles, or grapple with personal challenges. This stage compels the student to adapt. This is where true resilience and resourcefulness are forged.
With some help from Professor Brock, we were able to buy objects from the marketplace in Second Life. From these Objects she created templates for me to colorize and personalize for the Hero.
Notes I made to add to the Collection Board, leaving advice and support at this step to make connections.
Step 8: The Ordeal reveals Resources and Inner Strength
J.E.D.I Social and Relational is about building and maintaining healthy relationships with others. it includes spending time with friends and family, developing a support group, and fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Step 9: The Unforeseen Reward
This Storytelling class has taught me so much. Genuine personal connections that provides clear structure for my content and it helps me prioritize what to include in future projects. It isn’t just about selling; it’s about trying to connect with individuals who can relate to the story or to people who are also actively pursuing their own quest and empowering each other along the way.
Read about my own quest in the blog above. The Heros Journey has made an impact on me that still guides me in creative projects.
Step 10: The Road Back and Metamorphosis &
Step 11: The Resurrection Hero and Evaluation and Reflection:
I firmly believe that virtual lessons play a vital role in empowering students to attend college and pursue their passions. Learning is the foundation of any passion, and virtual platforms can provide accessible, engaging, and personalized educational experiences. By integrating interactive elements, fostering emotional connections, and encouraging reflection , we can create virtual lessons that not only impart knowledge but also inspire students to take ownership of their learning journey. Building on seven years of student storytelling, we brought together these insights to demonstrate the importance of a these virtual lessons.
Feel free to read about how my classmates and I made connections to create this amazing learning experience.
Step 12: Return with Education Elixir and Becoming the Mentor
In my experience when a fellow classmate contributes to this story (new or experienced) I found that it is always inspiring. The ideas and creations that we make for this wonderful project will forever WOW me.
I think this holds significant lessons for both personal growth and digital storytelling. It could be viewed in an encouraging way to embrace life’s nuances, recognizing your own journeys and redefining heroism; suggesting that true strength lies in confronting imperfections and taking responsibility for our choices even when outcomes are messy.