OCAD University
Final Portfolio
Final Project :
Immanuela (Ella) Ajumobi
CRWR 1004:
Lilian Allen
Table Of Contents :
Who Am I ?................................................................................................................................2
Emotional Expression: The Pathway Of Connection With The Higher Self………………….3
The Selfless Doormat Getting Stepped On……………………………………………...…….5
The Sympathetic Spirit That Sparkled As Bright As A Star …………………...……………..7
A Self Love Letter To Myself …………………………………………………………….....12
Making Peace With The Past: The Art Of Writing A New Chapter…………………………13
Libra : An Astrological Sign Of Balance And Beauty……………………………………….14
A Pair Of Platinum Skates: A Christmas Story………………………….…………………...16
Writing And Journaling : A Very Expressive, Cathartic And Amusing Art Form…….
…….20
1
Who Am I ?
Hello! My name is Immanuela Ajumobi and I am sometimes called Ella. I am loving my first
year of university here at OCAD and my favourite subjects are french, english, science, and
art and music [Link] favourite food is chinese and asian food. Believe it or not, even though
my parents are from Nigeria, I was actually born in Paris, France! My favourite colours are
lavender, yellow, light pink, light blue, and magenta. and I am interested in learning French,
Italian and Turkish, and I would love to travel the world one day .A book that stands out to
me that I enjoy is “The Sun Is Also A Star” by Nicola Yoon because of the beautiful love
story, and I find it engaging and lyrical. If people could describe me in 5 words, it would be
sensitive, reserved, caring, ambitious, and quiet . I am also interested in composing piano
music, fashion designing, and spiritual development. I like Frederic Chopin’s music , and can
currently play 3 minutes of the nocturne in F minor.
2
Emotional Expression: The Pathway Of Connection With The Higher Self
Dear Diary,
Writing has become one of my favourite subjects because it has helped me express myself
more and I have learned a new and creative way to communicate with others. Language is a
very influential and effective way to put yourself out there and show the world your unique
self. From the poem “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou to “The Sun Is Also A Star”, forms of
expression such as painting and dancing along with sculpting and painting about mental
health are very positive ways to cope with struggles and release emotions. Also, one of the
lessons that I learned before I got into university is to always look on the positive side during
a tough situation and make the most out of it because a tough time can open a new door for
you. For example during the covid pandemic during 3 years of online learning, I spent some
of that time discovering new french artists and learning a new language. Some of the artists I
discovered were Shy’m, Indila, Zaz, Vitaa, Polo & Pan and Tal. I very much gained new
interest and knowledge over a new culture. Also, in a way, I reconnected with some parts of
my childhood because I was born in France and discovering some French music reminded me
of that. In addition to that, during covid, I learned more about polish composer Frederic
Chopin and that also made me interested in composing music to heal others and I learned to
play one of his songs called nocturne in F minor. Interestingly, I also played that song during
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my final year of high school in Brampton Centennial Secondary School for the winter talent
show before winter break this year. Some of the artists I discovered were Shy’m, Indila,
Zaz, Vitaa, Polo & Pan and Tal. I very much gained new interest and knowledge over a new
culture. Also, in a way, I reconnected with some parts of my childhood because I was born in
France and discovering some French music reminded me of that. In addition to that, during
covid, I learned more about polish composer Frederic Chopin and that also made me
interested in composing music to heal others and I learned to play one of his songs called
nocturne in F minor. Interestingly, I also played that song this year during my final year of
high school in Brampton Centennial Secondary School for the winter talent show before the
christmas break. Furthermore, this year and my experience during high school taught me not
to care too much what others think, to keep an open mind, and to always be true to yourself
no matter how you are received. For example, for most of my education, I always thought
that because I was good at maths and because it was my favourite subject that I would choose
a career path that was a maths course at university. However, in grade 10 and 11, I realized
that I was doing math, physics, and chemistry for the wrong reasons, which was that I
thought I had to impress others with what I do and I discovered that I actually wanted a more
creative and expressive course and life. Subsequently, this also made me realise that I could
channel all my interests together, and that you should always keep an open mind and heart
because you never know what the future holds.
4
The Selfless Doormat Getting Stepped On
I am a person striving to please
Thinking about all but me
Always accepting and never denying
Though deep down in my heart I am lying
Trying to make others happy
Endlessly being pushed by their thoughts like the wind
Sacrificing my own happiness
Forming a gray cloud of shiftiness
Losing my own moral compass
Shapeshifting into different identities
Like a pendulum that moves back and forth
Disconnecting from inner peace and serenity
Losing touch with my own truth
While becoming someone else
Fearing any type of dispute
As if I am under some type of spell
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Feelings being buried in an emotional ocean
The world moving in quick motion
A storm brewing inside of me
Draining me of my energy
6
The Sympathetic Spirit That Sparkled As Bright As A Star
It is the first day of high school for Rosabella Lombardi Di Giordano at Scuola
Superiore San Valentino Di Roma and she feels like drowning in an ocean. Her palms are as
moist as a wet sponge and her knees are trembling as if it is a freezing winter night outside.
As she enters the school— while being in awe of the dazzling lights and how the school looks
like a beautiful chateau inside —she drops her bag while it is unzipped, causing all of her
books to fall out. In the meantime, all the boys and girls laugh at her, except for a young girl
a year older than her. “Are you okay?” she asks with a smile like a sudden beam of sunlight.
“Thanks,” Rosabella replies.
“I’m Alyssa. That's how I felt on my first day of high school in grade seven,” she
acknowledges. “I also like your purple hair and how it is styled.”
“So you are in grade eight?” Rosabella wonders.
“Yes. The first year is always the hardest, but you will survive.” While she helps her
up, Principal and Vice Principal Mr. Ferrari and Mrs. Da Costa give all the grade seven
students a tour of the school and encourages them that their high school will be one to
remember and as they are caterpillars now, they will turn into beautiful butterflies by the time
they finish at Scuola Superiore San Valentino Di Roma. During the beginning of recess,
Rosabella sings about how alone she feels and how she feels like she doesn’t belong near the
pool in the garden by their school that is a palace. As she watches the flowers dance along
with the wind, she finds one of her older twin sisters Francesca, eighteen in her last year of
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high school and meets her friends Lisa, Isabella, Luna, Elizabeth, Anna, Beatrice, Aurora,
and Cecilla. “Is everything going smoothly?” Francesca asks as her eyebrows move down
forward on her face.
“I’m fine.” Rosabella answers, looking like she is about to burst into tears. Beatrice
could tell something is not right, despite her saying otherwise. Rosabella explains, “I feel like
everyone in school hates me because of how I look and no one wants to talk to me because I
am a loser.”
“Don’t worry,” Aurora assured her. “You should come spend time with us. You will
feel at home in no time.”
“Thanks, that means so much.” She replies. Then from there, Cecilia hosts a tea party
for them and the girls introduce themselves to Rosabella and vice versa. They also dance and
sing while she can sing and dance at the same time without getting tired. She even shows
them some hats that she made but she doesn’t wear them because her parents and eldest twin
sister don't like them.
“Wow, those look so amazing! You should be a fashion designer!” Luna remarks. A
few minutes later, Violetta and Rosabella’s other twin sister, Nina, who have been best
friends since grade six last year, sneak up behind them. Violetta spots a golden swing with
magenta angel wings that flap up and down like a bird’s wings. She whispers to Nina, “That
swing looks like it is calling that ugly purple haired monster. Rosabella would love it.” Her
eyes twitching about the situation, Nina responds “I don't know. It is her first year and I don’t
want to upset her.”, she stated in a raspy voice. “Well, that’s how everyone gets welcomed in
their first year here?! Isn’t it?!” Violetta sneered with a nasty twinkle in her eye. “All right
fine," Nina said as she rolled her eyes. “Hi, Rosabella, you should try that swing,” she
explained. “It swings by itself with no push.” “A swing that swings by itself? That sounds
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like a lot of fun!” Rosabella remarked. As she hops onto the swing, all seems to be going well
until it sends her crashing into the fountain of Fontana di Piazza Castello ! Thankfully, a guy
named Giovanni helped her out safely out of the water. Violetta marches up to Rosabella and
mocks her because of her purple hair. “How much hair dye did you use for your hair to be
that color?” 500 boxes !?” she comments snarkily as she walks away laughing. “Thanks a lot
there, you sure got me.” Rosabella said sarcastically as she went to change her clothes,
feeling drenched and gloomy. As they head home, Francesca comforts her and hugs her and
Nina tries to apologize to her but Rosabella who was still upset ignores her. She shouted,
“How could you do that to me? I thought you were my sister!” When they got home, her
mother and father noticed how she looked and asked her how her first day of high school
went. “Harder than I thought.” she sighed. “It's okay. You’ll be fine.” her mother replies,
matter of factly. Disappointed with how her family reacts, she walks up to her room as quick
as a wink and lies flat on her bed wishing she could be somewhere else, anywhere else. Soon
after, Francesca finds her devastated in her room and hands her a flier about an art show
called “La Notte Delle Arti Delle Luci E Di Colori '', an art performance show that happens
every September in Milan to lift her spirits up. “La Notte Delle Arti Delle Luci E Di
Colori?!" Rosabella's Face lit up with excitement.“I’ve always wanted to perform in it! She
beamed wildly. “What better way is there to show the world who you really are?” Rosabella’s
excitement fades a bit though because she knows that Nina and Violetta would be there. What
if I fail and everyone laughs at me? And there's so many things I can do, I don't know which
one I should do.” “You'll figure it out”, Francesca assures her. Knowing that her parents
won't let her participate, Rosabella tries to talk to her father and ask him if she can sign up.
“Are you out of your mind?!” he bellowed. “The answer is no! Now go to the dishes like a
good kid would!” Humiliated and hurt, Rosabella runs to the deck and cries while observing a
sundial that is there. One of her tears touched it and it began to glow. She hears a voice, and
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realizes it is the sundial. “Who are you?” she pondered . He explained “ I am Meridiana, a
sundial that calculates people's past lives so that they can solve their problems.” “Why do
you look so sad Rosabella?” he asked. Rosabella explains that she feels like no one respects
her or supports her and that her parents won't let her perform in the show for Saturday.
Hearing her story, she gives Meridiana her birthdate and he tells her that she was a turkish
girl in her past life that came from a supportive and rich family of billionaires who was mean
to a russian girl named Valeria which came from jealousy of wanting what she had. He also
stated that in her past life, she ruined one of Valeria’s textbooks the day before an upcoming
test twice in grade 8 , so that she wouldn’t be able to study properly. Rosabella then
remembers that she bullied Valeria in middle school in her past life because she felt
threatened by Valerie’s intelligence because she was a top student and her beauty, which is
what caused her to be jealous. Rosabella then goes to find Nina by the balcony and talks to
her. During their conversation. Nina explained that her mean boyfriend had recently dumped
her, so she had been feeling incredibly lonely, and started to hang out with Violetta. She also
stated that Violetta treats her like an unworthy sidekick instead of a best friend and that she
told Rosabella to go on the swing because she didn’t want to lose another friend. Rosabella
empathized with her, and they apologized and forgave each other. “Well I would like to
perform in the show too. “Could you please help me with my act?” Nina pleads. “Why sure!”
Rosabella agreed. Nina states she will be playing the piano and Rosabella decided that she
would sing and act. While taking a walk a few blocks away from their house, Violetta stops
for a second and overhears their conversation and comes up with a plan to sabotage
Rosabella’s performance : to insert colored pins, tying a rope to her voodoo doll and wetting
it to cast a spell that will make Rosabella crash and fall near the end of her performance and
make her faint. Nina and Rosabella help each other with rehearsing their act. As the day for
the show arrives, Without her parents to worry about it, Francesca drives the girls to the show
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and helps them get dressed and does their makeup. They then enter the auditorium which is a
theater with radiant lights and a disco ball. When the show started, Violetta, the first person
to perform, sings her version of “Ave Maria” and is given a standing ovation. Soon after,
during Nina’s performance, she forgets one of the notes while playing “Nocturne in C minor
Op48 No1”, but she also recovers just as quickly and receives a round of applause. Last but
not least, Rosabella dances and sings to “La Solitude.” In the middle of her performance,
Nina observes that Violetta is not in her seat and soon finds her with a voodoo doll, a rope,
colored pins and needles, and a bucket of water. “What are you doing?” Nina blustered as she
confronted her. “Using magic to make someone else fail? Is that how you win ?” Violetta
argued back “Well that’s how you win! “Being nice is for losers !” “Trying to dull someone
else’s shine and sparkle doesn’t make yours brighter.” Nina countered. “It only dulls yours
and right now my friend, you are as dull as a dishwater!” “Whatever”, Violetta replied slyly.
The judges commenced Rosabella's electrifying performance, even though near the end , she
abruptly faints on the stage, feeling as if she just got zapped by a dragonfly. Francesca helps
her up and gives her a glass of water. Still feeling nauseous and dizzy, Francesca walks with
Rosabella to the stage. Then, the judges tabulated everyone’s scores and Violetta, Rosabella,
and Isabella were called to the stage and Violetta was announced as the winner. Meanwhile
backstage, Nina meets with judge Giovanni, the same person that helped Rosabella out of the
fountain after crashing from the swing, and informs him about Violetta, attempting to cheat,
by using a voodoo doll to cast a spell to cause Rosabella to fall with video evidence. “This is
distasteful and unprofessional!” he shouted , as his eyes glinted with anger and
disappointment. Giovanni then shows the video to the other judges Angelica, and Enzo and
they call her backstage. “Violetta, we have seen a video of you illegally using magic to ruin
someone else’s performance. “What do you have to say for yourself?” Her face as red as a
tomato, seething with anger and rage, she cried “Wait What?! The video is fake! Who in the
11
world?!” Violetta then turns to see Nina and begins shouting and calling her all sorts of
abusive names. “You traitor! How dare you, what is wrong with you?” she yelled and
exploded like a volcano and yelled at her. “What you were doing wasn’t fair and you were
disrespecting the competition, " Nina explained. “I don’t even know who you are anymore, I
thought you were my friend!” Violetta fires back. “Well, then this is the end friend!” Nina
insisted. The judges then disqualified Violetta to last place with Nina replacing her in the top
3. “The winner that outshined everyone in this year’s La Notte Delle Arti Delle Luci E Di
Colori show is Rosabella Lombardi Di Giordano!” Confetti and glitter lit up the stage as she
glided around the stage in her shimmery lavender purple dress. Infuriated and outraged,
Violetta throws a tantrum on stage and even throws her phone at one of the camera men and
makes a fool of herself with everyone laughing and taking pictures of her. Luckily, no one
was injured, though the security throws her out of the building and she also gets effectively
banned from performing in any shows for a year. Rosabella and Nina congratulate each other
on their acts with Francesca driving them home. When everyone gets home and Rosabella’s
parents see her trophy with a globe and diamonds and hearts surrounding it, they sincerely
apologize for their mistreatment and not listening to her, then the whole Lombardi di
Giordano family reconcile and reunite, and go out for dinner as celebration.
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Making Peace With The Past: The Art Of Writing A New Chapter
Feeling lost in the middle
Searching desperately for direction and meaning
Wondering what step to take next
Looking for clues and answers to my questions
Turning clockwise and counterclockwise like hands on a clock
Being adrift in the wind like a rubber band
A wandering mind filled with racing thoughts
As fast as a meteor in outer space
A gentle and soft voice speaks to me
Guiding me on the right path
A radiant beam of pearl white light illuminates the way
My being cleared as clear as glass and crystal
With a beaming and glowing smile on my face
Finding myself moving in a new direction
Turning away from old thoughts and the wind
Turning to a new page
And turning over a new leaf
On the verge of bright new golden dawn and era
13
Libra : An Astrological Sign Of Balance And Beauty
Being represented by the element of air
Trying to make all situations fair
Ruled by Venus the planet of love
Who is as peaceful of a dove
Searching for balance in every way
While being plagued by what others say
Seeing grey areas in between
Trying to figure out what they mean
Attempting to steer clear of conflict by being nice
Though my self identity comes at a price
Always agreeing and never saying no
To try and go along with the flow
Attracted to all things beautiful
While finding the inside appealing
A very creative and artistic soul
Finding treasure underneath the coal
Seeing light through the darkness
Turning the storm into calmness
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Quieting chaos and bringing harmony
Returning to inner peace and serenity
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