Group Response #2

The first group that went today (Nov 17th) spoke about the advancement of technology and whether it has a positive or negative affect on today's society. Some of the main and most memorable points discussed was the issue of privacy and the affects of being part of the "microwave generation." The microwave generation is a term I learned in US History which refers to us being the generation who has easy and quick access to what we want - from microwavable foods to search engines on the internet and locators connected to social networks. Today we want everything to be of easy access and we become nearly dependent on the usage of technology almost dumbing ourselves down to the point of not being able to do any physical research or investigation ourselves. Using the internet in my opinion is detrimental because we  do not get to experience and learn from trial and error (by researching using books and actual field experience) which prevents us from accidentally learning and discovering new things. In addition, technological advancement can be very dangerous (ie: location options on social networking). Not only is it not everyone on the internets business to know your every location but it is a hazard to personal safety. Today's generation has grown up with technology and year by year as we grow up and mature, so does technology so it is nothing different or strange to us. However, when we speak to older generations they cannot imagine being accessible at all times and writing their lives out on the computer and publishing it for everyone to see. We are so used to technology being an everyday part of our lives but we get so engulfed in it without even realizing; I believe that we all should take a break from technologies such as Facebook and Twitter for a few days in order to get rid of the subconscious dependency.

Even though many of my thoughts toward technology seem to be negative, like many others of my generation and even of my mothers, I own a cell phone, I cyber stalk friends and update my twitter with some of my most recent thoughts that were inappropriate to say at the time I thought them. And like many others I cannot talk about the negatives of technology without talking about the positives. Technology has advanced culture and made life easier in many ways shapes and form and show that we are growing intellectually as a human race. However, I believe in many instances current technology has way more negatives than positives and at times could be the deciding factor between physical danger and safety, between pain and hurt.

Daisa Gainey
Sociology '14

Group Response #1

The first group that went during my Wednesday class spoke about the public school system in DC and the fact that no one who can help it (or is financially able) is willing to work on bettering their schools and will not subject their children to such atmosphere. Obama and nearly all recent Presidents (and nearly every other official) have been quoted saying that they would never send their children to DC's public schools in its current state. Thus, what does this say about the education and environment kids who's parents cannot afford to send them to private school and aren't deemed smart enough to test into other alternatives? What happens to them? They are subjected to a less than adequate education, made to believe that they are nothing and then grow up to be nothing more than working class citizens and criminals. This is a sad truth and speaks volumes about our priorities. DC is this nations capital and we cannot even adequately educate the people here, in DC there are constantly decisions being made that send millions and billions of dollars out of this country and to other areas, but the children here do not stand a chance. This saddens me deeply and with the issue that no one is willing to send their children to a DC public school and work on it simultaneously it seems that this will just be a pattern of failure.

Now, do not get me wrong, I am not saying (and the group did not say) that ALL public schools are failing schools, but the ones that house the majority of the black youth are failing schools, which is a majority of the youth population in DC. And this fact only brings up one nasty fact this nation cannot seem to shake for the life of us: race. Is it by any accident that the failing schools, schools that go uncared for by the local government, are majority black? Unfortunately, I'd have to say that it is no accident. There is still a stigma associated with black youth; a stigma saying that they are violent, angry and will never grow up to be more than drug addicted, baby making machine, criminals who rip off the government welfare system. And until this stigma is erased (which is nearly impossible because that would mean racism would be eradicated along with ignorance), majority black areas do not stand a chance. This problem is not only prevalent in DC, but various highly black populated locations across this nation.

Daisa Gainey
Sociology '14

Health

The other freshman seminar group that presented today presented a topic near and dear to my heart as a future nurse, health in the African American community. They discussed the history of our poor eating habits and how we are prone to diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.  Diabetes and cancer run in my family and my sisters and I as youth try to lesser our chances of obtaining these diseases by excercing and eating right.

                This topic also hit close to home because of my summer 2007. I was a part of UMASS Medical School’s High School Health Careers.  In the month long program I had to study a health disparity and the one I chose was Diabetes. This disease affects millions of adults and children each year.

DC Chillen' Needs to STOP When it Comes to Our Youth

Today, one group discussed DC public schools. The girls talked about the low graduation rates and the low test scores, to which I was not surprised at all. Compared to my hometown of Worcester Massachusetts, I find the youth here to be reckless, misguided, uninspired, and truly lost. I see kinds hanging outside on the corner chillen' rather than doing their homework. Although there are MANY blaring influences here in DC and a lot to do, these children still need to get their priorities straight. It makes me sad whenever I walk by these kids.

                I feel the answer to making kids want to learn is the way the material is presented and the willingness of the teacher to help. Although many adults would disagree and say that the students are just making excuses, I feel the teacher has A LOT to do with the children’s interest in a course. In high school I had an English teacher, Mr. Baillie, who was interactive, lively, and kept the class awake and alive with his personality. In the end of his class I wanted to go to English and I learned the most I have ever learned in an English class. On the other hand, the next year I had Mrs. Webb for English. Her dry, bland personality and lack of enthusiasm in her own profession made me slack off and not care about the class.

                The DC schools need to be revamped. In the eyes of youth I have seen on these streets since my arrival I see potential, and longing to learn and to be a leading man or woman in the world, yet the lack of resources and inspiration have hindered their track.

Natalie Nicole Hampton
Nursing Major/Spanish Minor