At the beginning of the year I was slightly skeptical about the Paideia program. My motive to join was still unclear and I still was not quite sure what I was going to gain from the experience, if I was going to gain anything at all. Paideia ended up being more then just a class. Learning human behavior was the title of our cohort. I learned more about human behavior just by watching the interactions between the members of my cohort. We had some very opinionated people and some timid people. We had heated discussions about world topics that questioned ethics, morals, and religions. Some people would state their case and defend themselves by insults to others. Others would wait for the perfect moment to chime in and others could not wait their turn. Overall this year has been amazing. I learned that learning about human behavior does not require a text book. Just look around humans reacting with humans are all around waiting to be observed.
Some of the tings that I like most about the Paideia cohort were how we discussed very debatable topics and the discussions could go on forever. I liked the 50 facts book which provided a majority of the heated debates and a new perspective for me on world issues I would have never thought about. The blogs also provide for additional space to voice your opinion, however, I am not sure if anyone read anyone else’s. I liked the blogging system because then I could easily go to someone’s website to see what they are thinking about the issue we are talking about in class. The continued online discussion was also a favorite of mine, even though we only did it once. I feel like we accomplished a lot more by discussing the civic engagement project outside of the limited time we have together.
One thing I did not like about our cohort was that we only got together as a group a couple of times during the year. I do feel like I got to know all the members of the cohort but I feel like even with a bunch of busy schedules, we can fit in some cohort bonding time.
I am really excited about continuing the Paideia program. I learned more about myself then I was expecting and I look forward to learning more. I hope next semester I will be able to break through my shell and voice my opinions. Next semester’s civic engagement project will be fun and hopefully reward to those we work with. I had a blast and can not wait for next year.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
On campus and Off campus event
A couple of months ago I was invited to the theater in Georetown by one of my friends. My initial reaction was negative. I am not the kind of person that finds entertainment in people dressed up in outrageous costumes dancing and singing on a stage. The play that we saw was The Producers. It was actually amusing. I remember seeing the movie version when it came out not that long ago. It was really cool seeing people acting it out rather then watching an edited film version. There was a lot of signing and dancing that got sort of old by the end. It was annoying when the storyline would finally be going somewhere then the whole stage would burst into song and dance. Overall I did enjoy the theater and I think I will try to go more often. I never personally would consider taking up acting.
On Tuesday, I attended the Southwestern Jazz Band Concert in the Bishops Lounge. I am and still am not a really big fan of jazz music. I found the concert boring but relaxing. I did however really enjoy on song called “Zot!” I thought it had a good beat but that was the only song that I cared for. It was nice to not have to think about school for a couple of hours. I feel like school swallows my life and I never have time to do anything else. Attending the concert got me thinking about doing other things then just studying and swimming. I feel like I need something that would broaden my horizon and open up more creativity, which you do need for coming up with unique science studies. I am actually now considering taking guitar lessons as a relaxing activity to get me away from the books for an hour or so a day.
Both of these experiences have opened my eyes to so much more then just science. I am embarrassed to say that I never gave the theater/music a shot. While I like listening to music and once even played in middle school band, I refused to see how anyone could learn anything about life by playing around on a musical instrument or acting like something you’re not on a stage. Yes, I would agree that it provides entertainment to many, but I just did not get it. Ever since I was younger I have been so interested in science, that I never gave any other subject or ideas a chance to provide meaning to my life. I always felt like science was real, it is what explains how and what things are, it explains life and the world that we live in. After watching the performers show off what they have been working on for months, even years, it showed me that there are other things to life then just science. For these performers a play or a concert is not just entertainment, it expresses feeling and emotions words can’t explain.
On Tuesday, I attended the Southwestern Jazz Band Concert in the Bishops Lounge. I am and still am not a really big fan of jazz music. I found the concert boring but relaxing. I did however really enjoy on song called “Zot!” I thought it had a good beat but that was the only song that I cared for. It was nice to not have to think about school for a couple of hours. I feel like school swallows my life and I never have time to do anything else. Attending the concert got me thinking about doing other things then just studying and swimming. I feel like I need something that would broaden my horizon and open up more creativity, which you do need for coming up with unique science studies. I am actually now considering taking guitar lessons as a relaxing activity to get me away from the books for an hour or so a day.
Both of these experiences have opened my eyes to so much more then just science. I am embarrassed to say that I never gave the theater/music a shot. While I like listening to music and once even played in middle school band, I refused to see how anyone could learn anything about life by playing around on a musical instrument or acting like something you’re not on a stage. Yes, I would agree that it provides entertainment to many, but I just did not get it. Ever since I was younger I have been so interested in science, that I never gave any other subject or ideas a chance to provide meaning to my life. I always felt like science was real, it is what explains how and what things are, it explains life and the world that we live in. After watching the performers show off what they have been working on for months, even years, it showed me that there are other things to life then just science. For these performers a play or a concert is not just entertainment, it expresses feeling and emotions words can’t explain.
50 Facts
My topic was every week, an average of 54 children are expelled from American schools for bringing a gun to class. I was excited to talk about this topic because I have had numerous encounters with gun problems in high school. Overall I feel the conversation went well. There was a consensus that both the school and the parents need to be held responsible for the children’s actions. I am glad everyone agreed on the topic and how the issue should be handled.
Personally I believe that the parents need to be better informed about teaching their children gun safety. Dr. G talked about how there was a study done that had the parents watch as there children were exposed to a gun. The children went ahead and not only picked up the gun but were shooting others and themselves. Parents have placed there children in programs designed to teach gun safety to children. However, research has found these programs ineffective; however, parents still trust them. If parents honestly believe that there children know not to play with a gun then they become more reckless with the guns they hold in their household. This could include not locking it in a safe or forgetting to place the safety on. The parent’s recklessness is a major contribution to the number of injuries and deaths of children by guns. Parents need to take more responsibility in caring about there children’s safety. After reading this fact, it reminded me of a very distinct high school experience. My senior year I remember working in the principles office when a parent came in furious that her child got suspended from school for bringing a bb gun to school. The principle explained how dangerous the gun could have been, but the parent just did not see a problem with bringing a gun to school. I was absolutely shocked that a parent did not see the problem. It was just reckless parenting and it needs to be addressed. Parents should care about there children’s well-being.
Gun safety is only a part of the problem. During the discussion in class it was brought up that the problem could stem from psychological problems in the children. It makes sense that there is something else going on that causes the child to start shooting the gun. There is a difference between a child finding a gun in the closet and bringing it to school to show off to his/her friends and a child looking for revenge. Children with social problems can be identified very early in the schooling system. One of the best ways to fix this problem would be to find help for the children that show the early warning signs.
I really enjoyed presenting this topic. The 50 facts book has opened my eyes to so many problems in the world that never really crossed my mind. Some of the topics like this one I have thought of but never saw the overall impact. I am looking forward to reading more facts that are influencing the world around us.
I included the abstracts Dr. G sent us in the email
*Parental Misperceptions About Children and Firearms*
This study found that many parents who were living in homes with firearms and who reported that their children had never handled firearms in their homes were contradicted by their children's self-reports. Furthermore, the study also found that those parents who locked their guns and discussed gun safety with their children were as likely to be contradicted as parents who did not take such safety measures.[Authors: Baxley (San Francisco General Hospital) and Miller (Harvard School of Public Health). Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine 160: 542-547, 5/30/2006]
*Guns in the Family: Firearm Storage Patterns in U.S. Homes with Children*
This study, a RAND analysis of data regarding firearm ownership and storage patterns, found that of U.S. families with children and firearms, fewer than half store their firearms unloaded, locked, and away from ammunition.[Authors: Schuster, Franke, Bastian, Sor, and Halfon (UCLA School of Public Health/RAND Center for Research on Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health). RAND (also American Journal of Public Health 90:588-594), 4/1/2000]
*Boys, in Study, Find and Handle Guns; One in Four Pull Trigger*
This study, entitled "Seeing Is Believing: What Do Boys Do When They Find a Real Gun?" shows that most young boys who discover a concealed firearm are likely to handle it and even pull the trigger, regardless of what they are taught about gun safety at home or if the gun is real or a toy.[Authors: Jackman, Farah (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia), Kellermann, and Simon (Emory University School of Medicine and Center for Injury Control). Pediatrics (Journal of AAP) 107:1247-1250, 6/1/2001]
*Study Finds Gun Safety Training for Kids Ineffective; Parents Must Prevent Unsupervised Access*
This comprehensive issue, entitled "Children, Youth, and Gun Violence," finds that programs to train kids to stay away from guns, or behave responsibly on their own around guns, do not work. The report suggests that instead of trying to change youth behavior around guns, parents should focus on keeping kids away from unsupervised contact with guns, whether at home or in the community. [The Future of Children 12 (Journal of The David and Lucile Packard Foundation) , 8/1/2002]
*Study Shows that Guns in School Shootings Come from Home or Friend/Relative's Home*
This study entitled, "Source of Firearms Used by Students in School-Associated Violent Deaths -- United States, 1992-1999," concludes that among the incidents for which data are available, the majority of the firearms used in school-associated violent deaths were obtained from perpetrators' homes or from friends or relatives. [CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Reports, 3/7/2003]
*Gun Storage Practices and the Risk of Youth Suicide and Unintentional Injuries*
This study found that the risk of youth suicide is increased with the presence of a firearm in the house. The risk of unintentional firearm injuries is also significantly increased when a gun is accessible in the home. In order to prevent these injuries, it is recommended that certain safety precautions be taken. This study shows how these precautions decrease the risk of injury and death.[JAMA, 2/9/2005]
*Restricting Access to Guns May Be the Most Efficient Way to Help Prevent Suicide in Adolescents Under 16*
Researchers suggest that restricting access to guns may be the most efficient way to help prevent suicide in adolescents under 16, as psychiatric problems appear to play less of a role in this younger age group, according to a report in the December issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. [Reuters Health/Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 12/21/1999]
*Study Shows Guns May Hold Unique Allure for Young Boys*
This study, entitled "Effects of Gun Admonitions on the Behaviors and Attitudes of School-Aged Boys," showed the discrepancy between what boys say and what boys do when it comes to firearms. While many boys say they are not interested in playing with guns, many will still touch a gun if left alone with one. Read Press Release.Author: Hardy (Eckerd College). Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 24:352-358, 10/1/2003--
Personally I believe that the parents need to be better informed about teaching their children gun safety. Dr. G talked about how there was a study done that had the parents watch as there children were exposed to a gun. The children went ahead and not only picked up the gun but were shooting others and themselves. Parents have placed there children in programs designed to teach gun safety to children. However, research has found these programs ineffective; however, parents still trust them. If parents honestly believe that there children know not to play with a gun then they become more reckless with the guns they hold in their household. This could include not locking it in a safe or forgetting to place the safety on. The parent’s recklessness is a major contribution to the number of injuries and deaths of children by guns. Parents need to take more responsibility in caring about there children’s safety. After reading this fact, it reminded me of a very distinct high school experience. My senior year I remember working in the principles office when a parent came in furious that her child got suspended from school for bringing a bb gun to school. The principle explained how dangerous the gun could have been, but the parent just did not see a problem with bringing a gun to school. I was absolutely shocked that a parent did not see the problem. It was just reckless parenting and it needs to be addressed. Parents should care about there children’s well-being.
Gun safety is only a part of the problem. During the discussion in class it was brought up that the problem could stem from psychological problems in the children. It makes sense that there is something else going on that causes the child to start shooting the gun. There is a difference between a child finding a gun in the closet and bringing it to school to show off to his/her friends and a child looking for revenge. Children with social problems can be identified very early in the schooling system. One of the best ways to fix this problem would be to find help for the children that show the early warning signs.
I really enjoyed presenting this topic. The 50 facts book has opened my eyes to so many problems in the world that never really crossed my mind. Some of the topics like this one I have thought of but never saw the overall impact. I am looking forward to reading more facts that are influencing the world around us.
I included the abstracts Dr. G sent us in the email
*Parental Misperceptions About Children and Firearms*
This study found that many parents who were living in homes with firearms and who reported that their children had never handled firearms in their homes were contradicted by their children's self-reports. Furthermore, the study also found that those parents who locked their guns and discussed gun safety with their children were as likely to be contradicted as parents who did not take such safety measures.[Authors: Baxley (San Francisco General Hospital) and Miller (Harvard School of Public Health). Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine 160: 542-547, 5/30/2006]
*Guns in the Family: Firearm Storage Patterns in U.S. Homes with Children*
This study, a RAND analysis of data regarding firearm ownership and storage patterns, found that of U.S. families with children and firearms, fewer than half store their firearms unloaded, locked, and away from ammunition.[Authors: Schuster, Franke, Bastian, Sor, and Halfon (UCLA School of Public Health/RAND Center for Research on Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health). RAND (also American Journal of Public Health 90:588-594), 4/1/2000]
*Boys, in Study, Find and Handle Guns; One in Four Pull Trigger*
This study, entitled "Seeing Is Believing: What Do Boys Do When They Find a Real Gun?" shows that most young boys who discover a concealed firearm are likely to handle it and even pull the trigger, regardless of what they are taught about gun safety at home or if the gun is real or a toy.[Authors: Jackman, Farah (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia), Kellermann, and Simon (Emory University School of Medicine and Center for Injury Control). Pediatrics (Journal of AAP) 107:1247-1250, 6/1/2001]
*Study Finds Gun Safety Training for Kids Ineffective; Parents Must Prevent Unsupervised Access*
This comprehensive issue, entitled "Children, Youth, and Gun Violence," finds that programs to train kids to stay away from guns, or behave responsibly on their own around guns, do not work. The report suggests that instead of trying to change youth behavior around guns, parents should focus on keeping kids away from unsupervised contact with guns, whether at home or in the community. [The Future of Children 12 (Journal of The David and Lucile Packard Foundation) , 8/1/2002]
*Study Shows that Guns in School Shootings Come from Home or Friend/Relative's Home*
This study entitled, "Source of Firearms Used by Students in School-Associated Violent Deaths -- United States, 1992-1999," concludes that among the incidents for which data are available, the majority of the firearms used in school-associated violent deaths were obtained from perpetrators' homes or from friends or relatives. [CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Reports, 3/7/2003]
*Gun Storage Practices and the Risk of Youth Suicide and Unintentional Injuries*
This study found that the risk of youth suicide is increased with the presence of a firearm in the house. The risk of unintentional firearm injuries is also significantly increased when a gun is accessible in the home. In order to prevent these injuries, it is recommended that certain safety precautions be taken. This study shows how these precautions decrease the risk of injury and death.[JAMA, 2/9/2005]
*Restricting Access to Guns May Be the Most Efficient Way to Help Prevent Suicide in Adolescents Under 16*
Researchers suggest that restricting access to guns may be the most efficient way to help prevent suicide in adolescents under 16, as psychiatric problems appear to play less of a role in this younger age group, according to a report in the December issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. [Reuters Health/Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 12/21/1999]
*Study Shows Guns May Hold Unique Allure for Young Boys*
This study, entitled "Effects of Gun Admonitions on the Behaviors and Attitudes of School-Aged Boys," showed the discrepancy between what boys say and what boys do when it comes to firearms. While many boys say they are not interested in playing with guns, many will still touch a gun if left alone with one. Read Press Release.Author: Hardy (Eckerd College). Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 24:352-358, 10/1/2003--
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Civic Engagement Part II
I think the over all consensus of the group is to do a project that gives us a direct connection with people. By having a direct connection we are able to build a relationship with the people. The relationship we build will serve as a way to not suffer from the coat drive syndrome because the purpose of the project will not be how many people we helped but that something good came out of project. Also if we do some kind of project that involves an activity with people, then it is a more one on one interaction and the feeling of looking down on someone is avoided. I like the idea of doing a weekly or biweekly activity because it builds more of a relationship; however, I think it will prove to be too difficult to arrange such a project. Also a one time deal just does not seem like enough.
After thinking it over I thought it would be better to stay in one large group for the project. This way we all stay together and experience the same things. Also busy schedules could lead a small group to become even smaller. With a big group someone will always be available to do planning or something of that nature. I also would rather do something with kids. But I don’t have any problem doing something with the elderly. Whatever we decide on I would like for everyone to do the same demographic group. It just does not seem cohesive to split up into groups and do completely different projects with completely different groups of people. I thought maybe it would be a good idea to do a festival like thing once a month. Each time we switch up between the different topics that people in our cohort are interested in. So for example one month we can do a sports theme and the kids can choose between all different kinds of sports to play with us. Another month we can do an arts festival, then a music festival, and so on. I think it can be unstructured but at the same time have some structure. Options can be presented but not everyone will be running around not knowing what to do. I feel like the festival project allows us to all stay together and touch on all the topics we are interested in. The only problem with this is coming up with when we should do it (i.e., Saturdays or during the week). I feel like whatever we choose should be consistent, so if we choose to do it the first Saturday of the month it should always be the first Saturday of the month. I am not sure about the rest of the cohort but my afternoons are pretty much untouchable do to labs and practices, so it would work best for me to do it on a weekend. I would like to do the project with the Boys and Girls Club. I think if we did it with the Boys and Girls Club it would be easier to do the festivals on weekends.
For organizing the project I think it should be centralized and there should be no leaders. I feel like some people take initiative already in our group so giving someone the power of “leader” would take away any chance of anyone else contributing to the project. I also think it would be great if we could get help from Suzy to contact the organizations. She seems to have a lot of knowledge and respect of the community. If she makes the first contact it seems it would be easier to get the ball rolling on the project.
After thinking it over I thought it would be better to stay in one large group for the project. This way we all stay together and experience the same things. Also busy schedules could lead a small group to become even smaller. With a big group someone will always be available to do planning or something of that nature. I also would rather do something with kids. But I don’t have any problem doing something with the elderly. Whatever we decide on I would like for everyone to do the same demographic group. It just does not seem cohesive to split up into groups and do completely different projects with completely different groups of people. I thought maybe it would be a good idea to do a festival like thing once a month. Each time we switch up between the different topics that people in our cohort are interested in. So for example one month we can do a sports theme and the kids can choose between all different kinds of sports to play with us. Another month we can do an arts festival, then a music festival, and so on. I think it can be unstructured but at the same time have some structure. Options can be presented but not everyone will be running around not knowing what to do. I feel like the festival project allows us to all stay together and touch on all the topics we are interested in. The only problem with this is coming up with when we should do it (i.e., Saturdays or during the week). I feel like whatever we choose should be consistent, so if we choose to do it the first Saturday of the month it should always be the first Saturday of the month. I am not sure about the rest of the cohort but my afternoons are pretty much untouchable do to labs and practices, so it would work best for me to do it on a weekend. I would like to do the project with the Boys and Girls Club. I think if we did it with the Boys and Girls Club it would be easier to do the festivals on weekends.
For organizing the project I think it should be centralized and there should be no leaders. I feel like some people take initiative already in our group so giving someone the power of “leader” would take away any chance of anyone else contributing to the project. I also think it would be great if we could get help from Suzy to contact the organizations. She seems to have a lot of knowledge and respect of the community. If she makes the first contact it seems it would be easier to get the ball rolling on the project.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Civic Engagement
To me civic engagement is defined as addressing and acting upon a public problem. From civic engagement I expect to see the difference our project made in the community or in anybody’s life, even if it just means making a day easier for somebody. I hope to gain the feeling of helping. With school it is easy to get caught up in yourself. You have those days that feel like you are the only person who is struggling through life. By doing civic engagement I hope to focus on somebody else’s problems and helping them over come it.
Some of the issues I am interested in are homeless animals and children at risk. I think we can do something with the Georgetown animal shelter to help out any needs they have to help animals find homes. Or we can do some type of mentoring/tutoring program to help at risk kids to stay motivated with grades.
My only real concern is that the group doesn’t come to a consensus for the project. I just don’t want to be stuck doing something that is not fulfilling to me or another student. I want everyone to be excited about working on the project.
Some of the issues I am interested in are homeless animals and children at risk. I think we can do something with the Georgetown animal shelter to help out any needs they have to help animals find homes. Or we can do some type of mentoring/tutoring program to help at risk kids to stay motivated with grades.
My only real concern is that the group doesn’t come to a consensus for the project. I just don’t want to be stuck doing something that is not fulfilling to me or another student. I want everyone to be excited about working on the project.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Study Abroad Blog
The reason I joined Paideia was to find some way to better myself as a person. The study abroad experience capitalizes on this goal. My whole life I have wanted to see another part of the world to compare cultures and broaden my view of life. However, a part of me has always been too afraid to step outside of my comfort zone. By being forced out of this comfort zone I will open myself to so many new opportunities that I would not hesitate to seize.
From this experience I hope to gain new insight into how others live. For all 19 years of my life I have been stuck in the United States. I have traveled and lived in enough parts of the country to know that even in the same country life is vastly diverse. I am excited to see how much culture and lifestyles vary from country to country. I came to SU knowing that undergrads get an abnormal amount of learning and research opportunities. By going abroad I feel like I am taking advantage of even more opportunities.
What worries me about studying abroad is that I do not know how I will take being so far away from home. Again, it is out of my comfort zone, so there are several worries. My other concern is that study abroad would prevent me from graduating on time.
After going to the study abroad fair I pretty much have my heart set on going to Australia but I am still open to suggestions. I want to go during the summer so that I do not get too far behind on my course work. I want to do some kind of study abroad that involves research or animal work. I am an Animal Behavior major so anything for Biology or Psychology really interests me.
From this experience I hope to gain new insight into how others live. For all 19 years of my life I have been stuck in the United States. I have traveled and lived in enough parts of the country to know that even in the same country life is vastly diverse. I am excited to see how much culture and lifestyles vary from country to country. I came to SU knowing that undergrads get an abnormal amount of learning and research opportunities. By going abroad I feel like I am taking advantage of even more opportunities.
What worries me about studying abroad is that I do not know how I will take being so far away from home. Again, it is out of my comfort zone, so there are several worries. My other concern is that study abroad would prevent me from graduating on time.
After going to the study abroad fair I pretty much have my heart set on going to Australia but I am still open to suggestions. I want to go during the summer so that I do not get too far behind on my course work. I want to do some kind of study abroad that involves research or animal work. I am an Animal Behavior major so anything for Biology or Psychology really interests me.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
What I Expect from Paideia
I applied for the Paideia program last year after I consulted a friend about student organizations last spring. I was looking for something that I could add to a busy schedule but at the same time I can better myself by getting involved in the community. She suggested Paideia and I was very skeptical but applied just for the experience. I signed up for this particular section because upon receiving the section list, this one stuck out to me. I am an animal behavior major and I find psychology interesting thus I chose the psychology section. From Paideia I hope to become more involved in the community. I also need a non-stressful class that can get me involved in something off campus.
I not really sure exactly where I want to study abroad but I would probably narrow it down to either Germany or an English speaking country. I am currently taking German courses but since I am a science major I would rather focus on something along those lines. So as far as where, I have to see what programs are offered.
I think it would be really cool if we can do some sort of mentoring program with one of the local schools for at risk children. I did some tutoring for an elementary school my senior year in high school, and it was really rewarding to see the kids get excited to do their work when we showed up. Kids really look up to us, so I feel we could make a difference.
My only worry is that I am going to have an overload of work. So far I am feeling confident but becoming over whelmed is always a worry in the back of my mind.
I not really sure exactly where I want to study abroad but I would probably narrow it down to either Germany or an English speaking country. I am currently taking German courses but since I am a science major I would rather focus on something along those lines. So as far as where, I have to see what programs are offered.
I think it would be really cool if we can do some sort of mentoring program with one of the local schools for at risk children. I did some tutoring for an elementary school my senior year in high school, and it was really rewarding to see the kids get excited to do their work when we showed up. Kids really look up to us, so I feel we could make a difference.
My only worry is that I am going to have an overload of work. So far I am feeling confident but becoming over whelmed is always a worry in the back of my mind.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
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