Performance Task
The focus of this series of photographs is the symbol of what each hat represents. I chose to focus on this topic in order to highlight parts of my personality and experiences I have had through the many different hats I have worn. Each hat represents a part of me that is integral to who I am and what I love to do.
In the first selfie, I am wearing, a peach - coloured Naples, Florida hat. I chose this hat because my grandma and nopa (grandpa) own a house in Naples, Florida and the house is accessible to everyone. Every time I go to Naples I experience an instant feeling of relief. This is a place of relaxation and peace for my family and I. This is a place for myself and my family to escape stress for example, over march break my family will be going there to relax. In the photograph, the weather is rainy and gloomy and it continues to reinforce the idea of getting away to sunshine and peace. I have been going to Naples for as long as I remember. It is a place full of culture, food, and beautiful artwork such as sculptures. This place is apart of me.
The second selfie features a camouflage hat. Camouflage is meant to hide individuals from other people or their enemies. I feel that this camouflage hat represents my shyness and how I tend to camouflage myself from other people. Instead of trying to stand out, I can actively fly under the radar. This is also evident by how I am sitting in the selfie - my body is confined and I am covering my face. I wanted to include this because I am comfortable with my shyness and it is an integral part of who I am.
The third selfie is a photograph of me wearing a bucket hat. This hat is actually my dad's hat from the 1980s. It was passed down to me when it became to small for him. Therefore, without any experience in it at all, this hat is very sentimental. I mostly wear this hat when I'm camping, just like my dad. Camping is something that I do almost every summer. This is a time for myself and my family to physically unplug from the world and enjoy the nature together. It is a time where we do some crazy stuff! For example, finding a new way to make s'mores and meeting new people. Camping memories are ones that will always be with me.
The fourth selfie is of my Sports Network hat. My uncle does is the graphic designer of the Sport Network. For grade 9; "Take Your Kid to Work Day" I went with my uncle who showed me around the facility, including Coach's Corner and I learned how they do the graphic designs for the magazine. I found this interesting and fun because I have been watching Sports Network for my entire life. Furthermore, design is something that I am interested in pursuing. This day and this hat always remind me of what is to come in the future.
The fifth selfie represents how basketball has been a hug part of my life. The hat I'm wearing is a Chicago Bulls hat. For 12 years, I played rep basketball. Growing up, I got requested to play for a United States development team that would have assisted me in getting a University Scholarship. Sadly, I gave that up because I did not see myself playing basketball for my future. However, basketball holds a dear and large place in my heart. As a teen playing rep, I was cut from many teams due to my height. This resulted in a loss of confidence of myself. However, my dad told me stories of an amazing basketball player named: Micheal Jordan - he played for the Chicago Bulls. Micheal Jordan never gave up and his story of perseverance inspired me to never give up in basketball and life. This hat reminds me of this legendary player who helped me while growing up.
The sixth selfie shows me wearing my floppy hat, my floppy hat represents my great grandma, Gigi, because every summer she always wore these kind of hats. Every time I wear this hat it makes me feel that she is still here with me. She passed away when I was young, around age 6. After that, I was very sad and struggled with her passing. Between ages 6 to 14, I encountered seeing 2 figures at my bedroom door every night. When moving houses for a second time, and having still experiencing this supernatural encounter, my parents took me to a psychic/medium. This person then enlightened me that I have a connection to the spirit world and these figures were my Gigi and my great grandfather, granda. This was a relief for me because now I know that the people I am seeing are my loved ones that I miss dearly, I am truly grateful for the gift I have.
The seventh selfie is of my Rogers Cup hat. When I wear this hat it brings me comfort. There is no particular backstory of this hat, but I wanted to include it because I feel good in this hat. Feeling good and confident in myself is something that is important to me and this hat brings me both of these things.
The eighth selfie is of me wearing a University of Guelph hat. This hat represents my aspirations of attending Guelph University in the future. There I would like to pursue my artistic ability and love. By wearing this hat, if reminds me to work hard for my dreams.
The ninth selfie features my Green Bay Packers hat. I am not a fan of Green Bay but it is a team I despise. However, my dad loves this team. Every time they play, we come together as a family and family is important to me. My dad is an important figure in my life and has taught me a lot. When I wear this hat I think of him.
The final selfie is of me wearing my Toronto FC hat. Soccer is another sport I have been playing my whole life. It is important to my family - especially my mom's side. Every time the Fifa world cup is one we gather together and support our teams which are: Germany and Italy. Soccer taught me to be a more well - rounded person and has helped me grow as an athlete with things like teamwork.
In conclusion, all of these hats symbolize parts of me that people my not know, but are important to me. Without these experience or these hats that I wear, I would not be who I am today.