12. Mind Map Experience

We were given the assignment to create a mind map on a word of out choice. First, I started brainstorming. I tried to think if circular things because I figured that would show the mind map format the best. Some of my ideas included:

• time- hand on a clock
• hand- on my hand
• song- makes noises
• destroy something
• 3-d tree
• ferris wheel
• done on umbrella- rain, protection, umbrella
• target
• compass
• yin-yang- duality
• life prreserver
• projection
• steal a street sign- sign

IDEA

Then I thought about the example we saw where the girl wrote about tea and used tea as ink, and I started with the idea of using a non-conventional writing utensil. Then I thought about makeup, because it was something part of my everyday life and part of my basic appearance, and there are many different opinions about it. I then had the idea to write it on a mirror, and I decided to use the word cosmetics instead of makeup. I was excited about my idea because it was more than an idea; I knew exactly how to execute it.

EXECUTION

So I went to Ross and got a $13 mirror (after failing to find one for free) and went to the dollar store to get some cheap makeup. I started with writing "Cosmetics" in the middle, first with lipstick, then I went over it in red nail polish. I decided black eyeliner would be the best way for me to write the words so that they would be as readable as possible. I went through 4 different kinds of eyeliners. Good thing they were cheap. I was surprisingly fast at coming up with words, but it was hard for me to incorporate images. I did this project in the hallway of my commons, and got a lot of attention and weird looks for it. Some guy told me he thought I was just doing my homework on a mirror instead of paper. When I was done writing all of the words, I embellished with some different kinds of makeup, including lip gloss, mascara, eye shadow, and even fake eyelashes. I was proud of myself for not doing it last-minute.

TURN IN DAY

I felt very awkward carrying my heavy mirror all the way from Armstrong to Meadows, and I desperately wanted to see someone else carrying their mind map too. I had to keep changing the position of the thing in my arms when I got tired, and part of me was scared that it wasn't actually due that day, and that I would walk into class with my mind map and I would be embarrassed. I even texted my friend to make sure it was due. Walking into class made me feel a lot better, because there were ones both better and worse than mine, which made mine a nice medium. However, I felt very vulnerable because I felt people would think it was very stereotypical to write about makeup, and sometimes it makes me feel ugly that I have to wear makeup to feel comfortable about my appearance. It dismayed me to see that one other girl had the exact same idea that I did. She also wrote on a mirror with makeup, and the worst part was that hers is better, bigger, and prettier. I decided not to let that affect me too much because I knew mine was very readable and clearly demonstrated my understanding of a mind map. And as people discussed their mind maps and what it meant to them, I became less embarrassed of my topic. My general opinion about makeup is that people should be able to do whatever they want with their appearance, because it's their face and their choice. 

Always with love, Bella Montague