text: Schools should allow students to design their own projects in order for the students to gain more knowledge about their topic. Students who are given a choice of topic will search further into their topic and develop a larger understanding than students who are forced into a topic. When I was given a choice to research anything about my county, I developed a deeper understanding of my topic along with a truly unique experience. I was given a choice to research anything my county, so I choose the history of my favorite natural park. I did extensive research and I even went to the park's small history museum where I talked to a couple local historians about it. My experience was phenomenal because I was engaged in my topic, and I got to meet with extraordinary people and learn facts that fascinated me. It was an amazing and truly eye-opening experience where I learned things about my county that I would have never imagined. I was given choice and freedom, so I capitalized on them and fully engaged and educated not only myself, but my teachers and peers. Students given freedom and options will expand on their own ideas resulting in better projects. Not will those students educate themselves, but they will educate others as well. Students experience a deeper understanding after they engage themselves in an area that they are interested and excited about and they can also build relationships and bonds when they choose their own direction.