Lauren Pounds organized an art show for her senior project that featured her photography and raised awareness about breast cancer. She was motivated to help others suffering from the disease after her grandmother passed away from breast cancer. While she faced obstacles with funding, time constraints, and lack of equipment, the show was a success in raising nearly $750 for a breast cancer organization. Through the project, Lauren learned she has good time management skills and improved her communication skills, proving she can accomplish her goals.

1. 1550 Owens Store Road
Canton, GA 30115
18 April 2012
Judges, Senior Project
Creekview High School
1550 Owens Store Road
Canton, GA 30115
Dear Judges:
My name is Lauren Pounds and I go to Creekview High School. When I first heard about
the Senior Project, there were so many different paths I was interested in. In the end, I
organized an art show using my photography to make a true awareness of breast cancer to
the people around me. Nearly seven years ago my grandmother died of breast cancer after
fighting it for three years. Watching her suffer through the pain left a huge impact on my
heart. Since she was diagnosed, I always knew I would do something to make a
difference and help others who were suffering from the disease. That is why I decided to
combine my love of photography with the tough experiences my family has gone through
with this disease.
In my research paper I discussed the issue of photography having to do with the very
swift changes in technology. Photographers must constantly keep up with rapid pace of
technological advances, including new camera models and editing software. Honestly,
my research paper does not relate to my final product, because my product displays the
creative and visual aspect of photography. During the production of the show there were
a few obstacles that were conquered. The major difficulty was the financial aspect. I had
to purchase frames and prints to make the show. I decided to ask friends and family
members to help after several stores told me they could not make donations. In the end, I
was able to get enough money to pay for all the prints and frames so all the donations
made at the show could go straight to the Young Survival Coalition. Another obstacle I
faced was time. Not only did I have to work around my busy schedule, but I also had to
work around my project facilitator’s schedule. Due to a time constraint, I did not get to go
with my original direction with the photos. I ended up taking pictures at two different
breast cancer events. The last obstacle faced was my lack of equipment. Luckily, my
facilitator was kind enough to teach me on his computer. In the end, the show was a great
success raising nearly seven-hundred and fifty dollars.
To be honest, my research paper does not have to do with my final product of my project.
My product relates to the creative and visual aspect of photography. Throughout the
course of this project, I have learned many things about myself. I learned that, for the
most part, I am good at time management. One thing I had to get better at was my
communication skills which, I believe, were improved. Lastly, I proved to myself that I
can accomplish anything I set my mind to. There were many times throughout the course
of the project I doubted myself, but in the end, it was a great success. I plan to attend a

2. four year college or university where I will major in Business Finance and minor in
photography, and hopefully I will be able to attend culinary school so I can open up my
own café or bakery.
All and all, the Senior Project was a successful and helpful project that made me realize
that photography is something I would enjoy doing as a side job, not full time. It also
played an important role in my life because it helped my communication skills which I
believe will help me throughout the rest of my life. Thank you to all the judges for their
time and effort.
Sincerely,
Lauren Pounds