Josh Marcinczyk | Final Project Reflection

We worked on various composting implementation methods for around campus. They were focused around the East Campus area. While with UV it was just an outreach gauging interest, our efforts in Rooker Hall came to fruition with full implementation of a composting system in the building. We worked to educate the RAs and structure the program.

For this project, we had to familiarize ourselves with composting: what it is, what you can and can’t compost, what the benefits are, what the interest is. We reached out to residents and RAs through various surveys and interactions to gauge interest and gather input on some desired aspect. I do not believe I will do any further research on the topic, but I am now knowledgeable to compost on my own.

Composting- letting nature do its job and recycle organic matters for reuse in the soil

How easy composting is- anyone can do it, we set up a very easy system for the residents and provide them with materials to carry it out

We did most of our information gathering online. Presenting the topic absolutely helped me to learn the material better.

To be intellectually stimulating, we made the presentation easily understandable and quick; I also went around with an image to show the RAs. For relevance, the presentation gave the RAs all the information that they needed to know to pass on to their residents; we didn’t include any unnecessary information. Creativity-wise, we lured the RAs with snacks and spread out the information between group members so that each member was an expert on their slide and involved; it made it seem like there was already a big composting interest on campus if that many of us were presenting.

I discovered the efficiency of working in a large group. I also was presently surprised at how willing the RAs were to listen and learn.

We knew the RAs were supposed to be our field soldiers on this project, so we gave them everything we needed to know to employ it.

We had a little bit of lack of structure and familiarity, so we should have practiced maybe one time.

We put into practice ideas that we learned in the course, and learned about methods of presentation in a large group which is new for me.

Any experience with presentations is beneficial for development as a presenter; this is necessary to be a good worker. I may even start composting in the future.

We delivered the presentation well; in the future, practice would make perfect!

This outreach was a new experience, but I feel like it has more real-world elements than most presentation dream that they could have. I liked this type of assignment and would love to do it on a topic related to my major.

Josh Marcinczyk- Infographic

What: The infographic uses a mixture of words and images to convey ideas which helps to explain ideas. The infographic assumes that readers know nothing about composting, so the track of ideas begins at “Can you compost at home?,” which is square one in my mind. The creativity comes in the natural color scheme; it feels very organic. It feels warm and welcoming also.
• Gut: I feel very relaxed reading it, but I am also curious. It is a bit of a maze/puzzle, with a new result each time. What surprised me is how they addressed EVERY situation.
• So What: I had not realized how many different ways to compost there were at home. They effectively engage me, as even if a route does not concern/include me, I am still inclined to read through and learn about a new way. The creator wanted to inform that there is a way to compost for everyone, and they did that.
• Now What: They have not considered that some college kids do not care about composting, but this was likely not their audience. We are only offering one way to compost, but we can use visually stimulating patterns and natural color schemes to hold attention and contain an earthy feeling.

Josh Marcinczyk | UGArden

Start basic: In this picture, I see a heap of garbage. Mainly, there are food scraps and sticks and leaves and plants. Overall, it is a sort of compost system.
What I notice in this picture: The pile, and system as a whole, are a lot smaller than I imagined they would be. Also, the heap blends in very well with the surrounding natural environment.
What this picture makes me think about: What do you think someone would interpret this at first? This makes me think about the times that I had to help my parents with yard work. Specifically, when we had to pull up plants/weeds, because the pile appears very weed looking to me.
When I look at this picture, I feel: Rural and uneasy. This picture is characteristic of my thought of a farm. We were far from the center of campus the area seemed very rundown and unfamiliar and made me a little unsure.
I think this picture is about: UGA’s mission to give back to the community and environment. Their compost system may not be huge, but it is something and you have to start somewhere. It only takes a little bit from everyone. Teamwork makes the dreamwork, and UGA is doing their part.

Hi! I’m Josh!

I took honors biology, chemistry, and human anatomy as well as AP Physics. I liked human anatomy a lot because I learned about the anatomy of the human body and the physiological nature of humans which I was able to apply to myself when I go to the gym. I also enjoyed physics because I felt like I had a better understanding of nature of motions by the end of the year. This (BIOL2103H) is my first science class in college.
I want to have fun, get a good grade, and be more environmentally aware so that I can live accordingly.
The outreach with the high school students seems very fun because we get to give back to kids who likely look up to us and we all get to help contribute to a national database, and being apart of something on the national scale is something that is very cool for teens.
Given that our class is an honors course, I would imagine that many of us are interested in creating a new type of project/initiative as we are all very high achievers.
By helping with this service learning, we can learn about how ideas involving civic engagement are thought of and developed, the importance and impact that involving the whole community can have, and about other successful civic engagement programs and the qualities that enabled them to succeed.