Tayler Green

HONR-2750-H01
Dr. Arnold
5 September 2014
Reflective Journal Entry 1
The neighborhood task group I am leaning towards is the archival group. It appeals to me
academically an English major to perform in depth research of a topic and relevant information.
In general, I do not find it unappealing to research within libraries, read countless articles, and
use outside sources like local libraries to create a better understanding of a topic. Having a broad
range of visual materials, local newspapers, and special collections allows the research to branch
beyond strictly historical readings and dive into personal and communal narratives. Literature
requires similar methods to comprehend context, and I believe that pursuing information without
a clear set goal is an interesting and challenging type of research.
My expectations for this community service project are not clearly formed quite yet,
because I have no certain idea of where this project might go or how much time and work it is
going to require. I suppose then, with that being said, I hope the community service will run
smoothly with all groups performing to the best of their abilities in order to understand the
significance and work behind designating a community as historical. I would like my duties
within the archival group to entail a collaborative effort where the team can fairly cover the
many bases of research. Once I am able to find an interesting aspect inside the research, I feel
confident in my ability to link existing information in order to explore the gaps left by the early
stages of discovery. My work may not be finished very quickly, but it is done thoroughly and to
the best of my ability.
My concerns in preparing for Washington Heights to become titled a historical
designation is that the research does not lead the project negatively astray, such as the
information revealing that a historical designation could somehow prevent the community from
receiving proper funds or limit their growth. I hope the latter does not occur, and that by the
conclusion of the semester, the Washington Heights community will be informed, anticipating,
and enthusiastic about celebrating their history and earning recognition within the greater
Charlotte area. In working with the archival group which requires researching in local libraries
and museums, I do have a slight concern regarding transportation, considering I did not bring my
car this semester. I assume, however, the remainder of the archival group would be willing to
consider some type of car-pool arrangement. I am excited to learn and work with a community in
Charlotte that I otherwise likely would never have heard about or encountered, as well as for
working with CHARP.