Part 2: Diversity and Inclusion

 This week, the class was assigned to watch the documentary Documented created by Jose Antonio Vargas.  Vargas is a journalist born in the Philippines who happens to be an undocumented individual living in the U.S.  He considers himself an undocumented American due to him living in the U.S. since he was 12 and creating a career for himself in the U.S.  Vargas speaks passionately about his dislike of the term "Illegal immigrant/alien". The term is derogatory to him especially since he has built a life in the U.S. and serves his place just like the average citizen.  We also were assigned to look on "Define American", a media organization that uses stories to shift the conversation on immigration. While searching through the individuals' stories, I chose one by a person living in Loganville, GA.  This town is less than an hour from my hometown, so I thought it would be important to inform myself with local stories. Damilolo Adesina, an immigrant living in Loganville, wrote that "An American fights for their country, but welcomes ideas of others and understands that global ideas and perspectives can be assimilated into “traditional” practices."  I agree with this statement, as our nation was formed through immigrants. Also, when searching through the website, I saw that readers like myself can get involved by signing up to speak to schools and communities around the nation. I feel it is vital to be informed about the culture of other nations and be educated on different perspectives. Globalization has made our world smaller, and it is almost impossible to isolate cultures.  My belief is that acceptance is the best way to be successful with other nations.

Credit: https://thriveglobal.com/stories/practice-self-love-acceptance-daily-f-k-perfection/

  Another film that was assigned was White People.  This film discusses the life of white people and what it means to be "young and white".  One interviewed individual who happened to be African American said that white people stereotypes are that "They are stuck up.  They're all racist. They might be nice to your face but behind your back they will say something." When Vargas asked a white male his view of African American stereotypes he said, "Black people can get ghetto real fast." Emotions soon ran high between the two individuals.  This shows how words really can affect someone.

Credit: https://writingtheother.com/writing-characters-of-different-races/ 

   The topic soon switched to only the perspective of white people, as Vargas asked students in a predominantly white classroom what white privilege meant.  A young woman spoke up that "It means you grow up thinking things belong to you." A man then said that "I'll never know what that's like... to understand systematic oppression."  All in all, white people in the U.S. have a stigma around them that they have a superiority complex, and they are safer than other races when dealing with consequences. It is unfortunate, but I believe this is true.  There are sadly times when I am in an area that may be diverse, and I would be lying if I said I always felt comfortable. The media has twisted the diversity aspect of our nation.  

  These films interact in their similarity of the topic of acceptance.  With immigration, there is a stigma with ethnicity and race. The reality of our world is that race and ethnicities will mix whether we want them too or not.  Being kind will be the real test in allowing our world to thrive.

Diversity and Inclusion: Which Way Home discussion

   This week, topics of immigration and diversity flowed through the FYE classroom.  Monday's class began with an activity that brought to light what immigration was and how it affects students personally.  I mentioned how immigration is a large factor in modern politics.  It affects me because the policies politicians decide on will then decide who I vote for.  For many students, job positions will be affected by immigration.  While this can be true, I believe it is not as prominent an issue.  At least, growing up not near the border, I have not witnessed this first-hand.  The second part of class focused on discussion about a documentary called Which Way Home.  I had never heard of it, and, once I saw it, I can never forget it.

   Immigration is not only an issue at the U.S./Mexico border, but it is prominent in Europe and Asian countries as well.  Often, migrants leave their homelands searching for a better, more promising life.  The issue at the U.S./Mexico border, though, affects my life more directly.  Thousands of Mexican migrants cross into the U.S. illegally each year.  Modern politics has taken a stance on immigration and twisted the reality to scare the American public, in my opinion.  After watching Which Way Home, a documentary following migrants as they travel by freight train into the U.S., I feel more of a sympathy for the immigrants.  I take living in the U.S. for granted.  U.S. politicians though, seem to describe immigration with a negative connotation.  They make it seem like drugs and crime follow each migrant.  From what I saw in the film, though, these migrants, many younger than 15, often travel alone for weeks just to be able to grow up, live, or acquire jobs in the U.S.

  

Image credit:https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwin9v6JveXkAhXhm-AKHVCIAzkQjRx6BAgBEAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftime.com%2F4546785%2Famerican-mothers-immigrant-families%2F&psig=AOvVaw0QRmavVsJ-TU0JHtpf5VjP&ust=1569277684279587 

   My beliefs are strong that hard work leads to success, and if done correctly, individuals from other countries should have the right to go through a process to follow their dreams.  Don't get me wrong, this film touched me emotionally and I wish I could do something to make the process of immigration easier, but I believe something needs to be done in both governments to 1) make it so people should not feel like they need to flee their countries and 2) allow the flow of people(s) for a good reason into the U.S.  Without immigration, diversity would be low and quite frankly our world would be more closed off I believe.  America was discovered by Europeans who moved in and built a life here.  It is unreasonable to stop the flow of people coming into/out of the country to live and build a new lifestyle.

Image credit: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/under-trump-old-deportation-orders-get-new-life

 I try to see the good in people.  We do not get the choice to be brought into this world, and we cannot choose the lifestyle we are born into.  I have been very fortunate in my life, and seeing this documentary has opened my mind to the realities so many children are exposed to at a young age. 

Developing a Growth Mindset Inside and Outside the Classroom

   Everybody's mind works differently.  We see, hear, touch, and think differently than our peers.  Often, the statues of our limitations fall under how we perceive the world around us.  This week, the topics in FYE focused around the brain and how there are two major mindsets we have: a Growth Mindset and a Fixed Mindset.  
   A fixed mindset is almost self explanatory as it is where an individual has a set idealism about any particular topic.  On the other hand, a growth mindset is one in which an individual has a mindset they're willing to alter for the sake of learning.  They're willing to gain more perspectives and learn from experience.
   This week, Georgia Southern hosted a guest speaker to discuss the different mindsets.  The presentation began with two images of tigers.  One, a wild jungle tiger, and the other was a zoo tiger. The difference between the two is drastic.  The zoo tiger represents a fixed mindset- stuck in one place with limitations. Yet, the jungle tiger represents the expanse of the mind and the freedoms open mindsets offer.  
   Continuing on the topic of growth mindsets, the speaker announced that "Growth mindsets show all of us how to build."  This means that going out of our comfort zone often benefits us as we take different perspectives.  The brain has neuroplasticity and we fire a signal pathway anytime we engage in activity whether it be mental or physical.  The more our brain fires from the certain circuit, the higher chances of getting better at a certain activity. 
Image credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1CHPnZfFmU 

   The speaker concluded that a growth mindset is the key to success not only in the classroom but in the real world.  He stated, "Each one of us sitting here has the ability to succeed.  If we don't believe in success then we probably won't."  On a similar note, in our FYE class this week, the topic of ways to not be successful came up.  They included plagiarism and cheating.  According to the Georgia Southern Code of Conduct, plagiarism is, "the offering of the words, ideas, computer data programs, or graphics of others as one's own in any academic exercise."
  
Image credit: https://thecord.ca/being-cautious-of-plagiarism-especially-in-this-digital-age/ 

 Doctora spoke of a student she mentored in a Master's program who copied her thesis from another piece.  At the time, the program had no punishment for plagiarism on thesis'.  However, plagiarism is a high offense in the college setting.  Plagiarism can result in expulsion and ultimately worse- failure.

Image credit: https://www.wrike.com/blog/top-reasons-for-project-failure/ 
  
  This week was a lesson on allowing our success to filter through our surroundings.  By allowing an open mind and trusting our independence, success will come.

 

In-Class Discussions & Speech on Campus and Beyond

 Part of this week's topic was on in-class discussions.  Ironically, Hurricane Dorian's threat led to the cancellation of classes and there was no FYE in-class discussion(s). According to the chapter from Cathy Berkenstein and Gerald Graff's book They Say, I Say, discussions in the classroom should bounce off one person's comment and continue throughout the room.  I assume if we were in FYE this week, we would have done an activity where we practice encouraging similar topics of conversation from person to person.  Instead of one person speaking their opinion and another person going off topic on their opinion, we would find a way to encourage deeper creative thought.

  After reading some of "The Power of Dialogue" by Scott London, I assume London would define effective in-class discussion as a group of people engaged on a topic where each individual can contribute an opinion and be encouraged.  In order to be successful in conversation, London states, "The focus is on common interests, not divisive ones." Therefore, collective thinking is the key to a beneficial conversation.

 One factor that could disrupt conversations from being successful are microaggressions. A microaggression is unintended bias from one individual or group that makes another group uneasy- this often applies to race and gender.  According to the article, "What exactly is a micro aggression?" by Jenee Desmond-Harris, "... a key part of what makes [microaggressions] so disconcerting is that they happen casually, frequently, and often without any harm intended, in everyday life."  Students can address microaggressions by talking about personal experience and childhood as well as teachers allowing these conversations. It should be a basis during icebreakers where classrooms understand their own diversity and can be accepting of others.

Image credit: http://www.northcumbriaccg.nhs.uk/news/2017/July/working-together---the-community-and-the-nhs---next-meeting-on-13-july-2017.aspx  

   Another topic of the week was speech and how it is used on college campuses and in the world.  The first amendment determined the definition and right to free speech expression. On college campuses, students and administrators are working to make sure speakers are positive and not preaching hateful speech.  According to the article, "Hate Speech is Protected Free Speech: Even at College Campuses," "This is the first generation of college students to be taught from a young age that bullying is wrong; they have internalized this message."  However, Hate speech is protected by the First Amendment. A public university might not exclude a speaker, nor may students or administrators be punished for the views they express which can be both good and risky.  It is important to gain perspectives that can benefit a group or individual, but there will always be people who have outsider opinions.

Image credit: https://www.thefire.org/news-and-media/free-speech-history-podcast/ 

   

   All in all, I wish we had class this week in particular to be able to gain more perspectives of my classmates and discuss our opinions.  I think it is important to get to know the individuals around me who I am going through a similar first year experience with as a Freshman in college.

Week 2- Time Management within the Honors Community

This week, I was exposed to the authority within the University Honors Program.  During class on Monday, the honors directors spoke to our class about the requirements and activities up for participation as a part of the Honors experience.  Dr. Desiderio's conversation spoke to me the most, as he mentioned experiential learning and how it must be integrated in an honor student's undergraduate time.  He mentioned ways to earn credit through leadership and volunteer events. By exploring the Current Student Resources tab on the University Honors page, I discovered an event I would enjoy participating in my Freshman year.  

Image credit- campblueskies.org

Camp Blue Skies at Camp Twin Lakes is an alternative Spring Break trip that is affordable for honors students seeking chances to earn leadership experience.  After looking through nearly all my options, this opportunity stood out to me. This camp focuses on campers with severe mental and physical disabilities. I was a member of P.A.L.S. (Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies) in high school, and I love feeling like I am making people happy.  This chance is something I look to pursue.

On Wednesday, the class participated in an activity where we were told we had $86,400 to spend in a single day.  It was a random number of money for me but I quickly budgeted what I would buy. Some items included a new Subaru Outback, a plane ticket to Costa Rica, and a shopping spree for new clothing.  After the activity, it was revealed by Taylor and Doctora that there were in fact 86,400 seconds in a day (24 hours). This lesson on what I thought was money management in fact turned into the topic of time management.  Each second matters in a day and one must set goals for themselves to complete their responsibilities in time. It is important not only to put time in for academia but for getting the appropriate amount of sleep, finishing laundry, and having fun with clubs and school events.

Image credit: https://www.thebalancesmb.com/time-management-tips-2947336. 

Under the Eliminate Distractions table on this week's Google document, I reviewed the Time Management App called "Self Control". http://selfcontrolapp.com 

This extension allows me to block or set a time limit on websites that could cause distraction.  This will aid me in focusing on staying on track while doing homework instead of drifting off to Facebook or YouTube.  I will probably install it on my Mac soon!