Capstone Conversation

When the doctor (I actually forgot his name but I promise I was there!) came to visit Capstone, he talked about the importance of spreading knowledge and stopping gang violence. In his video, there was a man that had been shot by a gang member and couldn't move anymore or eat properly because of his gun wounds. He had to have a bag coming out of his side for his bowel movements and the kids that came in to see him (in attempt to reduce the kids' chance of joining gangs, the doctor brought them to see this victim) seemed deeply disturbed by what they saw. The man obviously proved to them that guns and violence are not to be trifled with, and they should stay away from them. All in all, the doctor's presentation made me feel squeamish and grossed out, but mostly like I want to help people stay away from violence and I want to spread knowledge and be able to help people. The problem of gangs is prominent and can be prevented easily with teaching and education.

Capstone cinema

Today we saw the Capstone Cinema called "Border Story." This film was sad and powerful because it focused on the problems of civil war between the Burmese army and Thailand. The people were suffering mass killings and torture, including the raping of women and girls. This thought is deeply disturbing because the civil war has been going on since the end of World War II, meaning that entire generations of people have literally seen nothing but war. They have never known peace and are forced to flee their homes. Several people watched their parents or loved ones literally get gunned down in front of their eyes. Others watched their homes and villages get burned to the ground for no reason. They feel hurt and angered at the Burmese government because this war is violent and excessive, and people need to know about it so that they can help. This film reminded me of the problems in Africa as well, and it's sad because there seems to be no end in sight for either problem..

Diversity

Prior to college I would define diversity as a group of people who come from different economic, ethnic, and social backgrounds that mix together without conflict. During my time at Carolina, my view has changed because I see that diversity isn't always obvious and it's not always forced. Most people get along well without realizing that their group of friends is very diverse. People come to college with no prior knowledge of where other people come from or their backgrounds, making it easier to make friends without judgements. I have experienced diversity because I have become friends with people that I potentially would never have gotten to know during high school or if I still lived in my hometown. I feel better for having a diverse group of friends and I appreciate getting to know people without thinking about their economic or ethnic differences. It has made things so much more fun!

ACE appointment

The ACE appointment was not exactly what I was expecting. They helped me realize that I need to improve on my study skills, which I knew, but they were also helpful on helping me realize what I was doing right. I go to the library pretty often, especially when I have a paper to write or notecards to do. We discussed motivation, procrastination, and study skills to improve on. The session was quick and easy, and I feel like I wouldn't need to go again unless I need to get tutored in math. I enjoyed the fact that the ACE appointment was easy to understand and they helped me to understand that I cannot procrastinate in college! It's not a good thing to do at all. I was also hoping to learn about increasing my motivation when it comes to studying. I can motivate myself all the time to go to the gym or get enough sleep or eat healthy foods but I can't seem to make myself study as much as I need to! But the ACE appointment was more helpful than I expected and I'm glad I went to it.

Week 8 Post 1

My major is currently biology but I hope to soon change it to Marine Science because I am more passionate about that specific science than biology in general, even though a biology major may open more doors for me. My dream is to work at Sea World, but if that is unattainable (which I hope it is attainable because it would be awesome!) then I would love to work at the Georgia Aquarium or a Conservation Center in Australia or some other really cool place. If money and education were not factors, I think I would spend the rest of my life doing something that made me really happy, like helping animals. I would like to help people too, but for some reason I feel more sympathy for animals because we damage their habitats and take from them. I think location is an important factor, and I would want to do something with the ocean animals, probably dolphins, whales, or turtles in the Bahamas or Fiji or some place amazing and beachy that I don't even know about. I really love the beach and the ocean and the animals in it and I hope to be able to accomplish what I want to accomplish with my Marine Science major. This summer I signed up for the ISV program of student volunteers and we're going to Australia to help the endangered animals there and hopefully that will help me feel affirmed in my major and I will get to experience marine life and the life of a Marine Biologist.

Midterm

My semester so far has been amazing! I love the campus, the atmosphere, the new friends, the freedom, the football, the opportunities, the involvement, the food, and everything else! Adjusting has been easy and fast; I felt at home within the first two weeks. Missing my family has been hard on me, but it is definitely a learning experience; I need to be on my own someday! What better way to start than going to a school out of state? I feel that a lot of things about the University of South Carolina have been helpful to me, from the ACE centers that are available, to the e-mail system for Capstone Scholars, the Blackboard site, and also my professors. I feel like it's very easy to stay in touch with what is going on at school and what assignments I need to complete, and that is very good for me! I think that I need to work on my study skills and make more friends. For now, those are my main goals and I think they will help me all throughout college!

Flatteners 1&2/ Service Learning

What does service learning mean to me? Well... by definition, service learning is the combination of a community service-type project with education. Mentoring the students at Hand Middle School is a great example of service learning because we as college students at USC need to fulfill our community service requirements, but at the same time it is also voluntary. We volunteer to help these kids (or, in my case, the foreign exchange kids) to help their transitions into middle school/ college. It's a beneficial thing to do, both on their side and on ours, because we get to know a stranger that we may have never come across and perhaps help them more than they could have imagined! Mentoring a student from another country could open my eyes to many different customs, languages, and ideas and could maybe even help me to make a new friend. This service learning project is very beneficial and helps to promote globalization as well, because we as individuals are closing the gap between countries. 

week 6 - safety

This wednesday, watching Jessica give us the safety presentation was very informative. The numbers for the Duck Shuttle and the non-emergency police were numbers that I had not previously recieved at USC. I hope to be able to avoid confrontations and the need for the safety boxes, but knowing that the USC police will respond immediately and come to my aid is a comforting thought. The advice of not being on the phone while walking to the car is new to me as well. I always thought that being on the phone and talking to someone would be a helpful deterrant to someone who could be following you, but I now know that this is not safe. I carry pepperspray, but knowing what I know now to stay safe makes me feel much more comfortable. I lock my door at all times when I'm not awake or in the room and hopefully this will keep my belongings safe as well!

Week 6 - student org.

This week, I attended the student organization for the Scuba Club in the Blatt Center. I'm not certified yet in Scuba diving, but attending was interesting. I don't think I will stay involved with this club because they don't seem to be very active, and I am not certified in Scuba diving... I thought that they would be able to teach me but that's not the case! I hope to find the minutes for the Lions Club, the club I am most interested in, on the USC website. However, I have not yet had the opportunity to attend a meeting! From a student organization, I hope to find something interesting that will help me get involved and stay involved. I really want to start a club (the Field Trip Club or the Vegetarian/Vegan Club!) and hopefully people will join me. I am really looking forward to getting involved at USC!