The Mapping Process & Conclusions

Analyze the Data: Using the model of a Wikipedia race and the Oracle of Bacon, I found out more about the listed data and started creating network maps. 

• In many cases several different pathways could be used, but the goal was creating the shortest connection. 
• I used the color mapping for a visual representation of the people's connections.

Visual Representations:

* I was identified in a black circle as connection 

 * Classmates were identified in the color of their final goal connection.  

The Cardinal Directions (N,E,S,W)

North (Service)- Green

East (Learning)- Blue

South (Exploration)- Red

West (Athletics)- Yellow 

For example, if their goal connection was a author, I categorized it as EAST (Learning.) Their name was in blue and their final connection was also in blue, a link to my identity compass point.  

* Additional note: Personal mentors are identified half way between the cardinal directions and are identified by tertiary colors, this appeared a few times in the data sample. I also chose to use my mom as a connection point for the experiment and she is indicated in purple.  

Doing the Math: I gave 1 point to each connection. This total was divided this by the number of people connected. The classmates/connections are listed in order of connection points (least to greatest and unicorns.)

Draw Conclusion: I was able to link all viable people in an average of 3.8 connections. Affirmatively answering the question: Can the 6 Degrees of Separation Myth be applied to my classmates using my personal relationships?

• Most of the people polled named people in the entertainment and exploration category, which I found interesting. In the end, I really wanted to actually help them make those connections.  It helped me to see that when I am myself I am a natural connector and have the potential to help others. 
• The majority of my fastest connection points came from the North (Service) and South (Exploration) points. If you can link to a U.S. President, that's a fast connection. My most influential connection is Andy Sieg. Of all the people I have met, he is the natural leader. He is the head of City Wealth and works with world leaders on economic policy. He emails me a few times a year and offered me an internship. Medal of Honor Recipient, Leroy Petry, was also a powerful presidential connection point. Former NASA astronaut, Cady Coleman was my most powerful connection on the South point. She is a natural connector and has met people in all areas of my mind map. I have been invited to her home in MA by her husband and glass artist,  Josh Simpson, who I wrote also interviewed for an SKP article published in 2023. 
• I also started to think about the West (Athletics) and East (Learning) connections. The more accomplished those people were, the more likely they are to be in contact with a person on my North/South access. While they very quickly link to successful people in their categories, their network does not extend as quickly to real relationships. In other words, outside their area of interest there is less influence and impact.