Monday, February 2, 2009
Overview
Overall, I enjoyed this class. I learned many new ideas and concepts that relate to our society. I had a lot of fun participating in service learning and it gave me a new perspective. I went in with the stereotypes that our society has drilled into us and came out with none of those assumptions and a new way of looking. The service learning gave us, or at least me, first hand experiences and with those experiences we were able to relate them to this class, especially in the end with the final group paper and presentation. I also liked how our class was a small size and even though I was hesitant at the beginning, we were able to have lots of discussions and interactions throughout the class. Everyone seemed to be very open and treat one another with respect and with that mutual bond we were able to have a very successful class this j-term.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Presentations and Recipe
All the final presentations were very interesting and exciting to see and listen to. Everyone seemed to enjoy their service learning as well as gain something from their volunteer experiences.
I really enjoyed the different demonstrations that were presented today. Interaction with the audience members was a good way to grab the audiences attention and a good way in which to show that they really can relate to these situations and are part of these issues throughout society. I learned a lot from all of the presentations and from all the different volunteer agencies. I was really intrigued by Jovanda's service learning and how it was a place within lower income housing. I liked the idea of that particular agency and how they went to those in need because often times those in need can't get to those agencies that can help them.
Another volunteer experience that grabbed my attention was Katy's in downtown Seattle. I am from north Seattle and in the past members from my church, my family, and I have made sandwiches over the holidays and gone downtown to pass them out. I had no idea that there were agencies that did the same thing. The number of meals that that specific site passes out a day is amazing.
I plan to continue my volunteering at Trinity Lutheran Church on Fridays through Spring, but I hope I will be able to have time to experience other shelters or food banks, especially one that supplies for an enormous amount of people, such as those in the heart of downtown Seattle.
The potluck was delicious! Some of you asked me to post the recipe of the cake batter cookies:
-1 box of confetti cake mix
-1 egg
-1 stick of butter
-1 tsp. of vanilla (optional)
bake at 350 degrees for 8-10mins. and ENJOY!!
I really enjoyed the different demonstrations that were presented today. Interaction with the audience members was a good way to grab the audiences attention and a good way in which to show that they really can relate to these situations and are part of these issues throughout society. I learned a lot from all of the presentations and from all the different volunteer agencies. I was really intrigued by Jovanda's service learning and how it was a place within lower income housing. I liked the idea of that particular agency and how they went to those in need because often times those in need can't get to those agencies that can help them.
Another volunteer experience that grabbed my attention was Katy's in downtown Seattle. I am from north Seattle and in the past members from my church, my family, and I have made sandwiches over the holidays and gone downtown to pass them out. I had no idea that there were agencies that did the same thing. The number of meals that that specific site passes out a day is amazing.
I plan to continue my volunteering at Trinity Lutheran Church on Fridays through Spring, but I hope I will be able to have time to experience other shelters or food banks, especially one that supplies for an enormous amount of people, such as those in the heart of downtown Seattle.
The potluck was delicious! Some of you asked me to post the recipe of the cake batter cookies:
-1 box of confetti cake mix
-1 egg
-1 stick of butter
-1 tsp. of vanilla (optional)
bake at 350 degrees for 8-10mins. and ENJOY!!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Discussion on Class
Yesterday's discussion on class was very interesting and got the wheels turning in my head. The discussion did take a little bit of a turn in that we started talking about college and our finanical situations.
I was one of those students that did raise their hand when asked if we knew all along that we were going to go to college. My mom attended PLU and became a nurse and still is to this day at UW hospital. Her parents and family were very supportive of her and she knew all along that she would be attending college when she graduated high school. Her parents paid for her education whereas my dad on the other hand had to pay his way through college. His parents were divorced during his high school years and he was left in the dark to take care of his siblings and raise money to continue on in school. He paid for two years of college and no longer could work and study at the same time. He owns his own construction business now, yet if someone in this day and age were to try and start their own business without an education outside of high school it would be very hard.
While growing up all of my friends were planning on going to college and my family would always ask were I was thinking of attending. I never thought twice of not continuing my education no matter if it was at a community college or four year college. But for a few of my friends they looked down upon community college and I could never understand why. I have taken two courses at community colleges and to be honest they are just as hard or harder than classes here at PLU.
My brother is a senior in high school and I noticed over the summer and winter break when I have been home I would ask his friends were they were thinking of going next year. For some of his friends college I found out was not going to be an option, at least not at this point in time. I realized that type of question could be hurtful or put someone down if they weren't planning on going to college. It made it an awkward situations and I noticed that a lot of them would try and defend their decision. After those couple encounters I have decided to change my question around, "what do you plan on doing next year?" Some are working and saving money to hopefully go to college or go into the army.
The whole converstation brought back memories of high school as well as the ideas of what our society expects and assumes.
I was one of those students that did raise their hand when asked if we knew all along that we were going to go to college. My mom attended PLU and became a nurse and still is to this day at UW hospital. Her parents and family were very supportive of her and she knew all along that she would be attending college when she graduated high school. Her parents paid for her education whereas my dad on the other hand had to pay his way through college. His parents were divorced during his high school years and he was left in the dark to take care of his siblings and raise money to continue on in school. He paid for two years of college and no longer could work and study at the same time. He owns his own construction business now, yet if someone in this day and age were to try and start their own business without an education outside of high school it would be very hard.
While growing up all of my friends were planning on going to college and my family would always ask were I was thinking of attending. I never thought twice of not continuing my education no matter if it was at a community college or four year college. But for a few of my friends they looked down upon community college and I could never understand why. I have taken two courses at community colleges and to be honest they are just as hard or harder than classes here at PLU.
My brother is a senior in high school and I noticed over the summer and winter break when I have been home I would ask his friends were they were thinking of going next year. For some of his friends college I found out was not going to be an option, at least not at this point in time. I realized that type of question could be hurtful or put someone down if they weren't planning on going to college. It made it an awkward situations and I noticed that a lot of them would try and defend their decision. After those couple encounters I have decided to change my question around, "what do you plan on doing next year?" Some are working and saving money to hopefully go to college or go into the army.
The whole converstation brought back memories of high school as well as the ideas of what our society expects and assumes.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Last day of Volunteering
Even though yesterday was my last day volunteering at the Trinity Lutheran Church Food Pantry for our class, I have decided to continue spending time at TLC on Fridays during Spring semester.
Since the clients at the food pantry can only come in once a month and it was getting closer to the end of the month, we had more customers than we have had in the pervious weeks we've volunteered. We had a variety of families come in, from different sizes, new customers, different races, homeless or not. Along with each bag we had a lot of fresh produce yesterday and it went fairly fast. Many members of the church and the community have helped to donate homemade items such as: chili, bread, brownies, fruit dessert bars, and so forth. Other ideas that were given to clients yesterday were: apples, Thomas Kemper rootbeer, eggs, butter, soymilk, apple juice, fruit bars and so forth. As each client came in we invited them to the next community meal that will be coming up in Febuary. The TLC recieved over 80 guests last Friday for the January community meal, which they were very thrilled about.
Every Tuesday and Friday when the pantry is open there is a freshly brewed pot of coffee for the clients to help themselves to. Due to the cold weather the food pantry has decided to not only pass out coffee next week, but freshly made soup. They plan to set up a nice little seating area for the customers to relax and talk to fellow community members.
All in all I truly enjoyed this experience at TLC and I can't wait for my experiences to grow and learn more throughout Spring semester.
Since the clients at the food pantry can only come in once a month and it was getting closer to the end of the month, we had more customers than we have had in the pervious weeks we've volunteered. We had a variety of families come in, from different sizes, new customers, different races, homeless or not. Along with each bag we had a lot of fresh produce yesterday and it went fairly fast. Many members of the church and the community have helped to donate homemade items such as: chili, bread, brownies, fruit dessert bars, and so forth. Other ideas that were given to clients yesterday were: apples, Thomas Kemper rootbeer, eggs, butter, soymilk, apple juice, fruit bars and so forth. As each client came in we invited them to the next community meal that will be coming up in Febuary. The TLC recieved over 80 guests last Friday for the January community meal, which they were very thrilled about.
Every Tuesday and Friday when the pantry is open there is a freshly brewed pot of coffee for the clients to help themselves to. Due to the cold weather the food pantry has decided to not only pass out coffee next week, but freshly made soup. They plan to set up a nice little seating area for the customers to relax and talk to fellow community members.
All in all I truly enjoyed this experience at TLC and I can't wait for my experiences to grow and learn more throughout Spring semester.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Small Groups and True Colors Film
Today's class period was very eye opening and I learning at lot more about myself as well as our society as a whole.
First, I enjoyed the small group discussions, even though it was hard to admit and bring up situations in which I have oppressed someone or a specific group of people. Before learning about oppression, I had no idea there were different kinds of oppression and from this exercise it made me see specific examples that I have committed. It was hard to think in that way and open up and share those experiences, but it made me see how I can change with my actions in everyday life situations. The first step I think is just recognizing and being award of your actions. Once you can start to see your actions then you can start to confront and call out friends, family, co-workers, collegues, and so forth on their actions. If we all help one another out on stopping the oppression we each little by little can minimize racism.
What else I enjoyed with today's class was the film "True Colors". It was very blunt and straight to the point, yet I think it was long over due. This gives us and our society true life experiences that are happening everyday due to ones skin color. It was depressing to see the white man always succeeding no matter what. One interesting part of the movie was the car salesman and how he bumped up the price for the African America. I had no idea that this actually happened and not just once, but enough to notice a huge sum of money was being collected, because of race. It would be great if they could do this research again in today's time (not that I didn't enjoy it, but I don't feel as though people would take it seriously enough) and air it on television.
One final comment to today's class and discussing Wal-Mart. During my sociology 101 class we read a book called "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America." I highly suggest it, it is a quick read. It is about a middle aged women writer decided to drop her life and started living like many Americans do each day, under the poverty line and working at minimum wages. She goes to 3 or 4 different cities to find work and housing and in one city in perticular she finds a job at Wal-Mart. She discusses her experiences of working there as well as other jobs and her living situations.
First, I enjoyed the small group discussions, even though it was hard to admit and bring up situations in which I have oppressed someone or a specific group of people. Before learning about oppression, I had no idea there were different kinds of oppression and from this exercise it made me see specific examples that I have committed. It was hard to think in that way and open up and share those experiences, but it made me see how I can change with my actions in everyday life situations. The first step I think is just recognizing and being award of your actions. Once you can start to see your actions then you can start to confront and call out friends, family, co-workers, collegues, and so forth on their actions. If we all help one another out on stopping the oppression we each little by little can minimize racism.
What else I enjoyed with today's class was the film "True Colors". It was very blunt and straight to the point, yet I think it was long over due. This gives us and our society true life experiences that are happening everyday due to ones skin color. It was depressing to see the white man always succeeding no matter what. One interesting part of the movie was the car salesman and how he bumped up the price for the African America. I had no idea that this actually happened and not just once, but enough to notice a huge sum of money was being collected, because of race. It would be great if they could do this research again in today's time (not that I didn't enjoy it, but I don't feel as though people would take it seriously enough) and air it on television.
One final comment to today's class and discussing Wal-Mart. During my sociology 101 class we read a book called "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America." I highly suggest it, it is a quick read. It is about a middle aged women writer decided to drop her life and started living like many Americans do each day, under the poverty line and working at minimum wages. She goes to 3 or 4 different cities to find work and housing and in one city in perticular she finds a job at Wal-Mart. She discusses her experiences of working there as well as other jobs and her living situations.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Day 2 of Experience Learning
Today was my second day of volunteering over at the Trinity Lutheran Church's Food Pantry. When I first arrived I was greeted by Wanda who is one of the main volunteers and organizers for the food pantry. Like I have mentioned before, this specific food pantry only expects a small number of families each time they are open (about 20 to 25 families).
Since it is a smaller food pantry each customer can only come to collect food once a month. It is getting closer and closer to the end of the month and therefore we thought that many more families would be coming to visit today, but unfortunately we only served about 10 families. During the times we weren't helping out customers we separated out fresh produce: oranges, apples, potatoes, and eggplants. We also helped package bags with dry goods. There are two different kinds of bags this food pantry hands out. One type of bag is for clients who have a residence where they can cook. Another is for a person without an established which is called a "homeless bag." One goal the food pantry is trying to do is get away from using the word "homeless." In a place that they are trying to create as a comforting and welcoming place, they really want to steer away from categorizing these people and making them feel like a target.
Once a month the Trinity Lutheran Church puts on a community dinner, which is open to the public. It is free and is just a way to get to know other community members and share stories. Last night was their January dinner, so we helped make decorations and table settings for the event. Unfortunately I was unable to attend the dinner, but I am hoping next month I will be able to go and possibly bring a few of my roommates to join.
Since it is a smaller food pantry each customer can only come to collect food once a month. It is getting closer and closer to the end of the month and therefore we thought that many more families would be coming to visit today, but unfortunately we only served about 10 families. During the times we weren't helping out customers we separated out fresh produce: oranges, apples, potatoes, and eggplants. We also helped package bags with dry goods. There are two different kinds of bags this food pantry hands out. One type of bag is for clients who have a residence where they can cook. Another is for a person without an established which is called a "homeless bag." One goal the food pantry is trying to do is get away from using the word "homeless." In a place that they are trying to create as a comforting and welcoming place, they really want to steer away from categorizing these people and making them feel like a target.
Once a month the Trinity Lutheran Church puts on a community dinner, which is open to the public. It is free and is just a way to get to know other community members and share stories. Last night was their January dinner, so we helped make decorations and table settings for the event. Unfortunately I was unable to attend the dinner, but I am hoping next month I will be able to go and possibly bring a few of my roommates to join.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Film Presentations and Guest Speakers
I really enjoyed today's class session. The film critques were very interesting and informative. Out of the two movies that were presented today I have only seen Chuck and Larry. When I saw that movie I only took it as a comedy and entertainment. But after critically looking in depth at the movie did I realize exactly what was hidden inside that movie that we may not normally notice. It gave me a new perspective on looking at movies, television, and media in general. As we have been discussing throughout our class periods, children and how the media targets and effects each of them. Just from this one movie it makes me wonder what I will be showing my future children.
Also the guest speakers from the Women's Center had a really good presentations. I thought it was very interesting and I enjoyed the discussion and activity. I thought the four "agree, disagree, unsure" opinionated questions were very thought provoking and interesting to think about. Those topics do come up, but I never thought of whether or not they were acceptable or not acceptable within our society. After thinking about each of those and determining where I stood I really liked discussing and hearing everyone's answers and getting difference opinions. I also like all the stats and myths that were given at the end of each of those opinionated thinking questions. The media clips were prime examples and were very clear on their hidden messages. I am looking forward to watching the super bowl in a few weeks and analysizing or critically looking at all the commercials.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this class period and the discussions that went along with it.
Also the guest speakers from the Women's Center had a really good presentations. I thought it was very interesting and I enjoyed the discussion and activity. I thought the four "agree, disagree, unsure" opinionated questions were very thought provoking and interesting to think about. Those topics do come up, but I never thought of whether or not they were acceptable or not acceptable within our society. After thinking about each of those and determining where I stood I really liked discussing and hearing everyone's answers and getting difference opinions. I also like all the stats and myths that were given at the end of each of those opinionated thinking questions. The media clips were prime examples and were very clear on their hidden messages. I am looking forward to watching the super bowl in a few weeks and analysizing or critically looking at all the commercials.
Overall, I truly enjoyed this class period and the discussions that went along with it.
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