First One '09

For this semester, I like the idea of sharing articles from our respected fields of interest. I learn a lot about other topics that I would not normally be drawn to by listening to someone and contributing to a conversation about that subject. I also think that the articles or readings do not necessarily have to be restricted to someone’s major. We can all learn a lot by an interest in any aspect of human life, such as the economy or healthcare. Incorporating Newsweek articles would also help in that aspect. Maybe the first half hour or so of every class can be dedicated to talking about anything we found interesting.

Currently I am not working on a civic engagement project. Over the summer I attempted to return to my volunteering position at the Houston Humane Society, however, the time commitment was not compatible with my other summer activities. Up until this point I had not planned to continue volunteering because I have been preoccupied with my classes. I would love to start working with the boys and girls club again because I learned so much about the kids just through observation. I could connect a lot of what I was seeing to the material I was reading about in class. I still like the idea of doing civic engagement as a group. The group dynamics and working together, allows us to learn more from what we are doing. If I was to continue a civic engagement project, I would like to volunteer at the Georgetown Animal Shelter. Working at the Animal Shelter would be suited best for my major and my interests. It would probably relate more to the purpose of paideia if I move more out of my field of “expertise” while working on my civic engagement.

For my creative/ research works project, I will probably present my Animal Behavior capstone. I plan to start taking my 2 semester (possibly 3 semester) capstone next semester. I want to work either with Dr. Guarraci in the rat laboratory or Dr. Purdy with cuddlefish. I worked with the rats during my research methods class and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I liked learning about effects of drugs on the brain and the neurological aspects of the lab. However, I have not decided if studying the sexual behaviors of female rats is for me. I will decide soon which route I am going to take.

So far I have made no progress for my intercultural experience. I was 100% set on a program I decided on for last summer but then I learned about a new program that provides more of what I am looking for. No matter what, I will be working on a study abroad for next summer in Australia. Which program I choose is yet to be decided. I will be meeting with Ms. Mennicke once my schedule has settled down a bit, to go over details.