Andrade Video Response

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CwS60ykM8s

My response to this Andrade video was that how amazing a little town can be, even though its location isn't in the greatest of areas. Oakland has numerous amounts of homicides each year; however Piedmont keeps this number low. Despite their location being near the center of Oakland, they have still been successful at keeping their community homicide free. Not only are the homicide rates low at Piedmont, but they also have one of the best schooling you can get. I think it's amazing what Piedmont can do as a community despite is location. To be in the middle of Oakland and still be able to be this successful shows how versatile it truly is. We need more communities throughout the United States like Piedmont to set examples. In this video Jeff Duncan says "The conditions in which the urban youth are growing are not natural. They're created which mean they can be changed." He says this particular quote after going into discussion about a flower growing in concrete which is a poem by Tupac. He sees the community as a damaged rose growing in concrete. Yes the community is damaged and needs work, but that doesn't mean that it can't shine line the rose in the sun. It just requires some work and patience. I believe that every community can be successful just like Piedmont is. It takes leaders and people willing to put in the time and effort to make it something amazing.

1. Would it be possible to take aspects of the Piedmont's community and apply them to another community and get the same success?
2. Why isn't this information being provided to the communities that require and need it?
3. How can teachers learn to understand different situations of each unmotivated student in hopes to motivate them? 
 

My Passion

This is a video of Apna Bhangra Crew @ Bruin Bhangra 2012. I posted this particular video because it is one of my favorite videos and performances. I am also currently on a local dance team like this in the bay area. The team that I am on is named NSG, Nachde Shookeen Gabroo. The type of dance displayed in the video is called Bhangra. Bhangra was originated in Punjab, India and is traced back as far as 500 years! It is a type of dance that is performed at a high energy level as a celebration of life. I love dancing, so Bhangra to me is the perfect and most joyful activity to pass time and relieve stress. Even though we compete at various competitions, win or lose, as a team we always have a blast performing for an audience. School, work and just simply life gets stressful sometimes, but when I am dancing, none of that crosses my mind because I feel free during those moments. I enjoy every bit of it and it is for sure the best extracurricular activity for me. Bhangra/dancing is my passion and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Deal Breakers

Potential Deal Breakers

Many people in today's society go thru several hardships throughout their college careers. Everyone wants to graduate and earn that prolonged degree, but under certain circumstances, many fail and some are not able to pursue their goals. Issues that one may face when trying to earn in degree are: they can't get through school financially, transportation is sometimes also an issue and possibly family issues. All these issues may be difficult but usually can be dealt with.

When money becomes an issue, it interferes with one’s educational career drastically. Many students live by themselves or with roommates and have lots of expenses to pay such as rent, insurance, bills etc. Without a degree, these students aren't making enough money to fulfill both the three expense costs and college tuition fees. However, there are alternatives such as student loans and financial aid. If a student is willing to manage their classes and school work around there work schedule, they have the opportunity to still obtain a degree and advance in their career and life.

Having a reliable transportation to and from school is huge. When someone has reliable transportation, getting to class on time or even somewhere to study becomes less of an issue. You don't have to avoid school just because you feel as if you don't have transportation: you have options! Public transportation is always available for those in need. Yes, you may have to adjust you school schedule accordingly but the benefit school provides you is worth it. Also, you can always see if a nearby friend or relative is okay with taking you to school with them. This could be a huge plus if you have similar class schedules. Transportation is key, because if you never make it to class, you can’t expect a degree.

Family issues are a big deal in many people’s lives. They can get fairly intense and prevent you from focusing on the things you may have to do. If you are in a family situation where in the evening time someone is always arguing, you can always leave elsewhere to study and make sure you get your work done. Libraries are one of the best places to study and get work done because they are very quiet and safe places. You also meet together with a friend at Starbucks to help you work out anything you have trouble with. Family situations can get tough and ruin your career and goals, but you have to be tough and find ways to achieve.

The Passion Project

http://vimeo.com/64410009

The Passion Project
This movie speaks to me in several ways. I can relate to the people in this movie because I am still uncertain about what I truly want in life. A majority of my family are immigrants who came to the United States at a very young age. With no money to pursue an education, they were forced to work multiple jobs to support themselves. I am among the first generation in our family to go to college. Though I am uncertain of what I really want to do in life, I am in the business field. The reason I am in this particular field is because I have a few family members in it. I have been a working student since the age of 16 and want to purse an education rather than work a minimum wage job. Though business interests me in certain aspects, I am not 100% confident if it is really what I want to do if life. I was able to earn a 3 month internship, which was defiantly a knowledgeable and memorable experience. I am the type of guy that loves trying new things. If it interests me, I like to excel in that subject as much as possible. When I first started, I was getting trained for what I would be doing. Once I started the work it became fairly easy. However, doing the same stuff over and over again began to become tedious. I did enjoy it, but I could never see myself doing that for a living and having a stress free life. I take this as a learning experience because I still many opportunities and aspects of the business world to explore. I just hope to find one that I truly love and enjoy because only then is when I will be amazing at what I do. This quote "If a teacher can be motivational, we can feel successful even after failing" is very accurate. I myself have been in situations where I was not able to pass certain criteria or material but did comprehend everything and felt successful even though I had failed at the time being. I got a bigger picture and idea from it that helped shape who I am now. "We will have so many unfulfilled passions, we will have so many adults who are unhappy in their lives" is how I see many adults today. Many people are forced to go into certain careers or take certain paths/roads they may not want to take because it is the right thing to do. This leads them to an unhappy future. If those some adults however were to have a choice and pick what it is that they truly desire, then they would be happier human beings. Many know right off the bat what it is they want with life and for some it may take longer. The key is patience in letting someone finding what he or she is unbelievably talented at along with something that won’t make them miserable. Pursuing your passion can lead to success and happiness.