Writing about an experience is different than living it. You have the ability to analyze moments through more than one lens: how you view the world right now versus how you viewed the world back then. That is how I approached this project. 

 

It acts as a memoir, but it is a multimedia memoir. It goes a step further. The visual representations, the authenticity of the sticky notes and the handwriting, my handwriting, makes it feel more personal. 

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The aim of this project is to tell a story. One of insurmountable loss that led to unexpected growth. That is my story. It is unique, yet relatable. It is painful to read, but gives you hope at the same time. I want to take people on the same journey that I went on.

 

I want to leave readers asking, “When are things going to get better? How is she going to come back from this? How will this change her?” And I hope that readers look at their own lives in the same way after viewing this project.

 

As a college senior wondering where my Sociology degree will take me, I have started to take a deeper look at my life and what I want out of it. Introspection has become my thing. It makes you keenly aware of your place in the world. Where you came from, where you are now, and where you can go. 

 

That’s what The Jar of Happy Things is all about. It’s a way of remembering, of tracking progress, of identifying your goals and dreams. 

 

I did it. You can do it. Everyone should do it.