1.1B: Over the years, My influence over my family has changed. As I've gotten older, My family has been able to put more trust into me making the right decisions and telling the truths.

A. What Makes This Space Distinct From Others?

What makes Woodhaven distinct is how it blends history, community and everyday life. The old buildings that have been here since Woodhaven was founded in 1944, schools, and memorials reflect my neighborhoods long history and show pride in the people who've lived here for generations. My neighborhood has quiet (except when people are hosting parties) and respectful norms. People usually keep to themselves and great neighbors politely when they're passing by. Because of the cold and cloudy weather, I didn't see too many people outside. The forecast said it was going to rain for the rest of the following day starting at 1pm, lasting all the way until the next afternoon. This made the space feel peaceful but also empty. The history of my neighborhood, with landmarks like the senior center that honors WWII veterans who lived in Woodhaven, gives it a strong sense of identity and respect. In warmer months my neighborhood is way more crowded and social. But during this walk the ugly weather discouraged people from walking around.

B. Access and Social factors

Woodhaven is a community where people of all classes live. But comfort and access can look different for each person. My family bought my house in 2007 when houses in my area were worth around 400k. Today, houses are much more expensive then that. But many residents of Woodhaven have lived here for years. Families who may not be able to afford houses can rent apartments just a few blocks down on Jamaica Ave above convivence stores. Though, rent there has been somewhat pricey in recent years. This creates somewhat of a quiet economic division and can shape people's experience in Woodhaven. Authority in Woodhaven is mainly shown by police and emergency services. My neighborhood is no stranger to the sounds of police and ambulance sirens. Their presence shows who maintains order and safety, but remind residents there is surveillance. My neighborhood is very diverse. People from many ethnic and religious backgrounds live here. From Christians, Muslims, Hindu's, and Jewish to Hispanic, African, Asian, and European. Most people feel comfortable here, but unfortunately I was not able to capture this on my walk due to the weather.

C. What do I know about this space? Where does it come from

Most of my knowledge about Woodhaven comes from living here all my life. Because of that, I felt comfortable and safe walking around but that's my personal view. Other people might have different experiences and struggles. To learn more information about my neighborhood or its history, I can interview people and store owners about their experience living here. I could also search up online facts about Woodhaven. Springgay and Truman’s ideas helped me see how walking is more than movement. It’s a way to connect senses, space, and thought. As I walked, I noticed how the cold air, the sound of the wind, and the rhythm of empty streets made me more aware of how my body moved through space. The walk helped me slow down and experience my neighborhood differently. I never thought too deeply or long about how many pieces of old history are sitting around my neighborhood. “Walking research” made me realize that even familiar places can teach us about history, community, and identity if we take time to observe them closely.

for some odd reason I can only attach one video, all video and pictures will be posted in the comments. Sorry in advance.

Person being interviewed: Brianna Martinez (another student)

Questions I may ask: 1. What experiences or people have had the biggest influence on who you are today?

2. How do you define success for yourself, and what steps are you taking to get there?

3. What’s a challenge you’ve faced that taught you something important about yourself?

4. When you think about your future, what kind of person do you hope to become?

5. Looking back, what’s something you wish you had known a few years ago, and why?