Week Fifteen - Final Exam

Welcome to this week's blog - The Final Exam and The Final Blog Post

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     At the beginning of this semester, I had no idea what to expect from my FYE class. I imagined the class to be boring and pointless; I considered it a class that I had to complete simply to fulfill a requirement. During the first week of classes, my fixed mindset changed completely. My first blog post that was published on August 24th states, "Although we spent little time in class, I feel more connected to this group of peers and to Taylor and Dra. McGrath than any other class group I have encountered this week. Being surrounded by a small, motivated group of people allows discussions to occur more easily, and it helps connections happen more frequently (1)." Little did I know that I would establish an even stronger connection to this amazing group of people. Throughout this semester, I have learned an overwhelming amount of information in FYE. This class has pushed more growth in my life than any other class I have taken not only at Georgia Southern but also at my former high school. FYE allowed me to take part in real, meaningful discussions that I never knew I needed. I am thankful for the lessons I have learned and the people I have met in this class - FYE was a positive experience that I will remember many years down the road.

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     As an FYE requirement, my classmates and I were required to attend at least two Success Series events. The first event that I attended, Growth Mindset with Trevor Ragan, was one that made an impact on my academic life. I knew about the difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset before attending this event, but I had few details about how the different mindsets can truly affect an individual. The presentation that Ragan gave showed me that I have to be willing to open my mind to learning new information without shutting down the moment I become discouraged.

     Concerning this topic, I was definitely put to the test this year with my economics class. I have struggled with economics this entire semester, and I even considered dropping the class. However, I managed to pull through by relying on a growth mindset. Finals week will be the ultimate test of my skills, as my final exam will most likely determine whether or not I receive an A in the class.

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    In FYE, our class also discussed the meaning of a growth mindset. So while I was learning about a growth mindset outside of the classroom, I was also learning about the same topic inside of the classroom. On September 4th, I posted the following information on my blog: "On Wednesday, I attended the Growth Mindset Series with speaker Trevor Ragan. I actually really enjoyed the presentation. I have heard about the difference between growth mindset (the belief that the brain has the ability to grow) and fixed mindset (the belief that the brain can only use the tools it already has) before the event. However, I learned a lot more detailed information about the importance of a growth mindset. In class on Wednesday, we discussed the ideas behind a growth mindset as well. Basically, I have been learning about a growth mindset all week, and I am not mad about it (2)." On September 15th, Matthew also commented on his blog about this topic. He said, "What I found most interesting about it was that our brains simply reroute connections to generate new ways of thinking and storing memory. Because of our neuroplasticity, we mentally change over time such as our thought process or analytical skills, viewpoints and short and long-term memory (3)." Learning in-depth information about a growth mindset and a fixed mindset created a strong impact on my academic life during this semester.

      The second topic that impacted me during this semester was our required book, Make Your Home Among Strangers. The book itself did not impact me; I did not enjoy it. However, after Crucet's visit to the school, I learned meaningful information and had powerful discussions with my peers. These moments are what impacted me the most. I have grown up my entire life at a small, private school located in a small town. While I would not change anything about where I grew up, I have definitely been less exposed to people who have different backgrounds than I do. For example, my roommate who is from the Atlanta area is quite different than I am; I have noticed the differences between her family and mine, and the subtle differences are quite interesting. Although we have differences, both of us are in the same close friend group. While this example does not exhibit a drastic difference in our lives, it is an example that even powerful discussions can impact the smallest of events.

     The speech that Crucet gave definitely stirred controversy amongst the student body at Georgia Southern. However, I am glad that I was able to have meaningful discussions with my peers in FYE. Before this class, I do not think that I ever truly wrapped my mind around the term white privilege. I do think that there is a negative connotation and misunderstanding with the word privilege in this sense. Many people set up a barrier when they hear this term because they take offense to it without truly knowing the meaning. Of course, the meaning has also become distorted, but I am glad that I was given the opportunity to learn about this topic with my peers. This is one topic that I was unaware of its true meaning before FYE. On my October 17th blog post, I said, "I do not know how to fix the issue or if it can ever truly be fixed. But I do know that the first step in solving the problem is first becoming aware of it (4)." I am thankful that I now know how to approach difficult topics like these without setting up a defensive barrier separating myself from what needs to be heard.

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     When I was reading the blog posts regarding the topic of diversity and inclusion, I came across an eye-opening comment from Tonilynn. On October 19th, she posted, "Something I've always noticed is that in a discussion about race and POC versus whites, people always fail to include Asians in this conversation. This doesn't necessarily hurt my feelings, but it is always shocking and I guess a little upsetting. With Asians being the fastest-growing race population in the United States, you would think they would be included in these conversations more often, but to my dismay, they are always either a side note or not even mentioned at all. Although they may not face as many pressing issues as other minorities do, they do face many issues of their own and it is important to include them in the conversation as well (5)." I am glad that Tonilynn brought this issue to others' attention in her blog.

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    Overall, I have learned much valuable information in FYE. I have learned to break down stereotypes and to engage in important conversations with people. I have developed a growth mindset, and I have made valuable connections with Dra., Taylor, and my classmates. I am thankful that I could have such meaningful discussions with my peers, and I value their insight. Next semester without this class is going to be tough. To end this blog post, I would like to mention a quote from my past blog on November 30th - "It is hard to think about not having FYE next semester; I will miss all of the fun, interactive classes with my fellow classmates, Taylor, and Dra. I am very thankful to have been a part of this special FYE group (6)." Thank you for a wonderful first semester!

Resources:
(1) https://blogginthroughcollege.blogspot.com/2019/08/week-one.html
(2) https://blogginthroughcollege.blogspot.com/2019/09/week-four.html
(3) https://matthewahonorsfye.blogspot.com/2019/09/week-4-growth-mindset-academic-basics.html
(4) https://blogginthroughcollege.blogspot.com/2019/10/week-nine.html
(5) https://tonilynnholtz.blogspot.com/2019/10/week-9-diversity-inclusion-iv.html
(6) https://blogginthroughcollege.blogspot.com/2019/11/week-thirteen.html
(7) https://images.app.goo.gl/SGAWC5WDaLFMJuY88
(8) https://images.app.goo.gl/kCtPWEcBY97Z7QBJ7
(9) https://images.app.goo.gl/xJcEX6VygZQoU1xQ7
(10) https://images.app.goo.gl/eGDPuMJL1YgzGX3D6
(11) https://images.app.goo.gl/fdM3jrx5G42Pko6z7

Week Thirteen

Welcome to this week's topic - Diversity & Inclusion IV - Film - Motorcycle Diaries

These past two weeks have definitely been ones to remember. I have done so much with my friends and family, and I have had a great time. Thanksgiving was a blast, and I am excited for Christmas. 
Christmas break, where are you? It is hard to think about not having FYE next semester; I will miss all of the fun, interactive classes with my fellow classmates, Taylor, and Dra. I am very thankful to have been a part of this special FYE group.

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Regarding this week's topic - Motorcycle Diaries was a very interesting film to watch. Before watching the film, I had never heard of Che Guevara. I am glad that I was given the opportunity to learn about him. It is quite astonishing to watch an entire movie about someone who you have no prior knowledge about and then see that person in a positive light only to learn about how terrible that person actually was. I am sad that Che Guevara turned his life and his intentions into something that eventually hurt so many other people. I now know the true purpose of all the shirts and the bumper stickers - this experience has taught me that it is really important to truly know the details and the purpose of something for which you openly show support. I am glad that Will mentioned in our GroupMe that his uncle has a Che bumper sticker. Without this class, I never would have known about the importance of the Che symbol.
In class, we were given a sheet where we had to describe our personal most memorable moment of the film. While I do not remember exactly what I put, I do remember how impactful the scene where Che goes out of his way to speak to the young diseased girl was. It definitely showed his openness and compassion at being a physician.

I am glad to have had this class to learn about this important topic, and I look forward to one more week of class. Thanks for reading!

Resources:
(1) no link
(2) https://images.app.goo.gl/A2CnwPoZ2NnyjKLn8

Week Twelve

Welcome to this week's topic: Evaluating Information & Academic Research

This week has been rather slow, and I think that I am officially ready for this semester to end. On Tuesday, I hit an unwanted bump in the road because I didn't do as well on my economics exam as I hoped I would. I have never understood the phrase, "I studied, but I just didn't do well." Now, I get that. I was very upset to begin with, but as the week progressed, I eventually healed (dramatic, I know). I've had fun with my friends this week, and we watched Titanic Thursday, which was lots of fun and very therapeutic. Overall, it's been a good week.

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This week in FYE we have been talking about research. Ah, everyone's favorite type of paper to write. Thankfully, Dra. is not making us write a research paper, but she did give us an assignment where we had to conduct some research. I was not in class on Wednesday, but I was given a sheet where I could do the class work on my own time. On this sheet, we were asked to brainstorm a question that we could use as a possible research topic. I decided to use the idea, "Why is it so easy for people to adopt a "different" life online? I find this question to be very simple, but also intricate. I found two articles: one on Google and one on Galileo. On another sheet, we were told to evaluate our sources using the CRAPP test (1). The CRAPP tests consists of Currency, Relevancy, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose. All of these methods can be used to determine whether or not an article over your research topic will be beneficial.

On Monday, we also did a fun activity at the end of class to learn more about "fake news." I enjoyed this activity a lot, and it was interesting hearing everyone struggle to determine what was real and what was not real. The basis of this activity was to get us students to look carefully at what we read online because it may not always be true. FYE was interesting this week, and I look forward to this upcoming week!

Thanks for reading :)

Resources:
(1) https://docs.google.com/document/d/14wJbwQtIT0ot2i7h_rSPu7G2psV-JbSm7sWzTmTCTUA/edit?usp=sharing
(2) https://images.app.goo.gl/9TXwPrzgKWtbpzQr8

Week Eleven

Welcome to this week's topic - Preparing for Registration and Meaningful Inquiry


Although this week has gone by quickly, I have had a great time with my friends! I am worried about my work load next week because I have an economics exam and a math exam on the same day - send help. This weekend will be filled with lots of studying! This past week, I went shopping with my roommates, and we went as Alvin and the Chipmunks for Halloween. We had a great time, and I am so thankful for our friendship!

Regarding FYE this week, I was presented with a lot of important information. On Monday, Erin Martin came to visit our class to give us more details about registering for classes. I have already met with my advisor to discuss which classes I need to take for the Spring semester, so I have completed the first step! Later this weekend, I am going to utilize the course search to find the CRN numbers that I need for my classes. I am hoping that this next semester won't be too difficult, but I know that my math will probably be more challenging. I'd much rather get it over with, though. I am glad that Erin came to visit because I know a lot more about the specifics, and I am also thankful that Taylor was able to show us the student's perspective; both were a lot of much needed help!

Before Wednesday's class, we were instructed to read a document title, The Art of Powerful Questions (1). This article was actually pretty interesting, and it made some interesting points that I had never thought of before. Even the questions we ask have an effect on how a person may perceive us or simply - how they conduct their response. One must be careful not to "target" or to make broad assumptions even when asking questions. If we want to leave room for meaningful discussions, we must first be able to create powerful questions.

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We also did an anonymous worksheet where we had to discuss an event that has happened in our lives recently and come up with a powerful question to go alongside the event. After we each received someone else's sheet, we got into groups to discuss our classmate's answers. Enysa and I agreed with both of the questions that were presented, but we were able to make them less offensive and/or targeted. After having the discussion with Dra. about analyzing questions, I was able to see how much of a difference a powerful question makes. For example, one of the questions Enysa and I received said, "Why are people so confident online? And why do they actually deserve attention?" Instead, Enysa and I came up with the question, "Why is it so easy for people to create a separate identity online?" Our new question was more powerful, and it left room for a more open-ended discussion. Overall, I enjoyed FYE this week, and I look forward to next week!

Thanks for reading!

Resources:
(1) http://tiny.cc/ycs2qy
(2) https://images.app.goo.gl/bsxrmxHDy2syAmM6A

Week Ten

Welcome to this week's topic - Degree Engagement

This week has been very fun, but it has also been very slow. I have had little motivation this week, which worries me a little. I am quite ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas break! This semester has been wonderful, but I am ready to move on. This week, I went to the fair with my friends, and we also had a bonfire Friday night at Kaylee's house. We had a great time, and I look forward to more memories that we will hopefully create :)

This week's FYE class was a change of pace from the past few weeks. This week, we focused on our majors and our values as individuals. A fun activity that we did Monday afternoon was narrow down different values from a list (1)  to create our own list of values. I really enjoyed this activity, and it was interesting to hear all of my classmates responses. Many of them pointed out how difficult it was for them to create such a small list. The five values that I ended up with were faith, family, hard work, freedom, and purpose. When I circled these values, I thought about my future and how I want to exhibit these values in my daily life. The five that I chose can all be intertwined.

We also watched a video titled, Working Backwards to Solve Problems (2). This video was very interesting, and it made multiple valuable points about how working backwards can be beneficial. I enjoyed this video, and I realized that I can apply the lessons it taught to my everyday life. I can look at the future knowing that there are multiple ways I can get to that point, but I have to create a point to aspire to reach.

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My current major is Hospitality and Tourism Management. I chose this major because I have a heavy interest in vacationing and planning. Before I graduate college, I want to take part in the Disney College Program. I have done so much research about the application process and what it takes to be a cast member that I almost feel as if I have already done the program. I hope to apply soon, so I will have multiple chances to apply in case I do not get accepted the first time. Disney World brings so much happiness to my life, and it is something that I am truly passionate about. I have always hated the thought of having a "regular" or "normal" job, but I never really thought that I could find something suitable for me until I started to actually pursue my passions. I don't know what my future job will be, but I do know that I want to be happy at whatever I do. Honestly, this week's FYE has inspired me to truly recognize my values and my goals, not so that I can plan for them in the future, but so I can start creating them now.

Thank you for reading this week's post!

Resources:
(1)https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ye_iigqVEqDvf6uTMkAKNnZ1ESyuJVoZ7gbfnX8QZkI/edit?usp=sharing
(2) http://tiny.cc/workingbackwards
(3) https://images.app.goo.gl/j1KUuzMGqo8dzxWY7

Week Nine

Welcome to this week's topic - ...Take Things in your own Direction

This week has been very uneventful for me. It has been a good week, don't get me wrong, but I have completed little school work this week because I did not have much due. On Tuesday night, I went to watch one of the Georgia Southern theatre productions, The Importance of Being Earnest. I enjoyed the show very much, and I am glad I went (even though it was required for my theatre class). Wednesday night, my roommates, my friends, and I watched Riverdale. I also used up all 100 of my dining dollars this week, and I am quite sad - I know, you may be shocked that I spent it all halfway through the semester...but I love Chick Fil A a little too much. I am excited for the weekend because my friend is coming to visit, and we plan to go to the game on Saturday!

This week's FYE class was a continuation of last week's discussion regarding Make Your Home Among Strangers. I would like to point out that our class discussions this week have educated me on the true meaning of "white privilege" more than any peer, politician, or speaker has ever educated me on the topic. Whenever I used to hear the word "white privilege," I always associated it with either economic status or social status. This assumption caused me to believe that those discussing white privilege were grouping all white people into a single category that suggests white people's lives are "better off" than the lives of people of color. I know that this assumption is simply not true. There are people of color who have better lives than white people. I never questioned my beliefs because I was given the opportunity to think for myself and to create my own definition of white privilege.

So I wondered - In the past, why was I unable to grasp the true meaning of white privilege? The truth is, I thought I knew the true meaning. I saw wrongs and rights on both "sides" of the equation. I had my thoughts and my opinions about the topic aligned perfectly in my head.

But no one ever defined white privilege. Whenever I heard the term, I would always think - "My family goes through rough times too!" and "Just because I'm white doesn't mean life is easier for me."

White privilege can be simplified down to this - White people do not have to worry or fear for their lives in a certain situation because of the color of their skin.

To put it in perspective, as Dra. pointed out in class, she has never had to worry about being judged or targeted when she walks into a gas station because of her skin color. I, too, have never been afraid to walk into a building or an event because of my skin color. Sure, I've been afraid of going places - but not because of my skin color. Never once have I been worried because of my skin.

I believe the message surrounding white privilege is often distorted and miscommunicated. During Jennine Capo Crucet's speech (1) last week, she gave me the opportunity and the time to create my own definition of white privilege, as I'm sure most people in the room were able to do. As a white person, I have never had to experience being judged solely because of my skin color, so how would I ever be able to see the truth behind a person of color's perspective if no one ever told me? Jennine Capo Crucet was unclear in her approach, and she did nothing but create chaos and confusion in my mind. After she spoke, I did not know the true meaning of white privilege. Her approach failed. She failed to educate the white people in the room. It was my peers in my FYE class who helped me understand the true definition.

I believe that there needs to be more speakers who take an educational approach towards teaching white people what exactly white privilege is. People need to know its true definition - just like I needed to know. It does not mean that white people are "better off" economically or socially; it means that white people do not have to worry about the color of their skin when they go somewhere. I think the truth is that white people cannot comprehend the feelings unless someone gives them examples and teaches them the true definition.

My eyes have been opened, and I feel as though I take an entire different approach when I now think about white privilege. However, I think one reason why there are so many misconceptions surrounding the topic is because of the word "privilege." It implies "better off" or a "higher status," which leads to the confusion.

I do not know how to fix the issue or if it can ever truly be fixed. But I do know that the first step in solving the problem is first becoming aware of it. I don't think that white people are actually aware. Like I was just a few days ago, I did not know the true meaning of white privilege even after knowing about the term for years.

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In the article that Dra. gave us titled, "11 ways white America avoids taking responsibility for its racism (2)," I have learned not to get defensive when someone questions my thoughts or my actions. I aim to learn from my mistakes and to help spread awareness and positivity. I also enjoyed reading the answers that my peers gave on our anonymous quiz. I found that the speech became rather personal for some people, and I do sympathize for them. To be honest, I keep a lot of school related issues to myself. Sure, the speech bothered me, but I didn't go home complaining to my parents. I sucked it up and realized that this is the real world. Not everyone is going to agree with me, and that is okay. The sooner I learn that, the better.

Thanks for reading this week's post.

Resources:
(1) https://youtu.be/5BJUta-9BsU
(2)https://www.salon.com/2015/06/16/11_ways_white_america_avoids_taking_responsibility_for_its_racism_partner/
(3)https://images.app.goo.gl/KazF4H6NT7L7Zj4w6

Week Eight

Welcome to this week's topic - Make Your Home Among Strangers

This week has been very good, but it has also been rather busy. I have had more work this week than

last week. On Tuesday, I volunteered at an event called Stir Up Some Fun, and I plan to go again this week. Friday, I brought my roommates to my hometown. We went to my old high school's football game Friday night, and then we went to the Kaolin Festival Saturday morning. I had a really great week, and I look forward to next week.

This week's FYE topic started out on a positive note. In class on Monday, all of the class got together in groups to discuss different themes from Make Your Home Among Strangers. I talked with Ebeni about the sheet that Dra. gave us. She and I had a nice discussion about our views on the novel. We discussed our current college experiences related to the narrator of the novel, Lizet. As a whole, our class read an article about Gaspar Leiva, a past Georgia Southern professor originally from Cuba. Dra. told us about Leiva and his wife because she knew them personally. I was very interested in hearing Leiva's story. We did not have class on Wednesday.

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On Wednesday, I went to the PAC to watch Jennine Capo Crucet, the author of Make Your Home Among Strangers. Before the presentation began, I was excited to hear Crucet. I imagined her speech to be something around the realm of encouraging first year college students to "follow their dreams even when times get tough." Crucet's actual presentation proved to be different. Her speech started out normal; she was giving an overview of how she became a professor. Crucet mentioned her Cuban-American heritage in relation to the narrator of her novel. Midway through the speech Crucet's attitude and purpose of her speech shifted drastically from what I had imagined I would hear. She began to discuss her views on the reality of "white privilege." As a "white" person, I will say that I felt personally attacked. Since I have been at Georgia Southern, I have been in awe at the kindness and the "community" that exists between everyone at school. I love my college, and I love all of the wonderful people that I have come to meet so far. I am aggravated at how forceful and how negative Crucet became during her speech; I even think that she exhibited a rather "sassy" attitude at certain points. I think that Crucet's speech created more tension than there has ever been between the student body. I believe in equality. I truly love the student body at Georgia Southern, and I am upset that Crucet created more division than unity.

I have one issue with Crucet's speech. Anyone has the capability and the right to believe anything they want. I will agree to disagree with some of the points that Crucet made. I am not going to shame or to attack her for her beliefs, but like I said, I have one issue. During her speech, the crowd began to get louder, and people started to whisper to each other. In response to the commotion, Crucet stopped reading her script and looked at the crowd. She said, "What's going on? Why are we whispering? I'm

Screenshot from the moment
after the commotion incident

just always worried that someone is going to walk into the room with a gun...someone should make a loud noise if that happens, so I can jump off the stage. Oh, that's not what's happening - okay then we can all be quiet." After she said these words, she waited for the crowd to quiet. People were shocked, and they started to get even louder. As she waited quietly, Crucet stroked her chin and smirked.

I was extremely appalled by her actions. I do not care who you are or what you believe, but you should never make a joke about a gunman coming into a room to shoot people. It is unprofessional and just wrong. Because of this, I lost a lot of respect for Crucet.

I have one more of her comments that I would like to point out. At the beginning of her speech, Crucet said that students who have a professor who looks like them are more likely to be successful in school. Later in her speech, Crucet says that she had one professor who looked like her. She goes on to state that that professor was not the person who made an impact on her life. This proves the point that people do not have to be the same gender or the same race to have a strong impact on your life. We are all humans.

Instead of focusing on history's past mistakes, we should acknowledge them, learn from them, and move on. We students at Georgia Southern should not allow this woman's views to represent our own. No matter what anyone says, we are a strong, smart student body that cares for each other deeply. I love my school, and I believe that I always will.


Resources:
(1) https://images.app.goo.gl/K8LTWT6Q2poKP7GdA