Capstone Personal Challenge

My personal challenge for Capstone didn't necessarily test myself but it tested my ambition. My personal challenge was to actually know every single person in four out of my five classes. I have one lecture class so I knew I couldn't complete that goal. I really liked my challenge because I like getting to know new people at school. In University 101, it was quite easy to complete this goal because we did multiple icebreakers and presentations on ourselves. I really like how I could get to know everyone so easily. In my English and philosophy classes this was a very tough goal. My philosophy class has a range of students who are not all freshman. I don't know if I necessarily got to know everyone in that class. I would say I introduced and met about 75% of that class. My English class was harder because whenever we worked in groups, we were allowed to choose our partners. It definitely is hard to try and work with someone you don't know. I really like having a personal challenge to challenge me as a person and not a student.  

Capstone Social Event

For my Capstone social event, I attended Hot Cookie Friday a couple of weeks ago. I went to the study shack with my roommate. I didn't realize that they would actually have people making cookies while we were there! The cookies were AMAZING, and we even got to have milk with it! My roommate and I went and sat on the couches and watched the football game that was on. I'm pretty sure it was a replay of one of the college football games. I actually got to talking to a few other Capstone students which was cool. I never would've met them had I not gone to Hot Cookie Friday. We talked about our plans for Thanksgiving and all of the great food we were going to have. I thought it was nice how the resident mentors were there too to interact with all of the students.

Service-Learning Wrap-up

Looking back on my service experience, the thing that I most enjoyed was being able to make a positive difference in a kid's life. I have been in her position before. So, it was nice to give her tips and advice about life as a middle school student. I thought that the time I spent at the service learning site was very beneficial to me. I learned a lot about cooperation and being a supportive role model. Also, I didn't feel as though my time was wasted. Each week that I went to Hand Middle School Mya and I accomplished the goal we set. I definitely plan on staying at Hand Middle School next semester. I talked to Belinda, the principal, and she said that Mya and I could continue our mentoring relationship next semester. It makes me especially excited that when I asked Mya if she would like for me to keep coming she said yes. I would also like to try and work with Amigos Del Buen Samaritano if they think I have had enough experience since I took another Spanish class. Before, I was not qualified because I haven't taken enough Spanish credits. Also, through my sorority, I feel there are so many ways to volunteer.

Thanksgiving

I am sooo excited to finally get a rest from school! I am going to Lancaster where my grandparents live on Tuesday night with my entire family. On Wednesday we will relax and have a traditional shrimp bog with family friends of ours. Then, on Thursday the plan is to eat, watch football, and of course the Macy's Day Parade. After that would be Black Friday. My family has a tradition that we wake up at 4:00 AM, yes a.m. and go shopping in Charlotte. We shop all day for Christmas presents for each other and other family members. On Saturday will be the Carolina v. Clemson game!! I haven't decided whether or not I will be making the trip to Clemson or not. I just can't wait to spend quality time with friends and family!

Rock Wall/Sustainability

I define sustainable as being an advocate for the environment, i.e. "Going Green". Being sustainable would mean that a person did not use more resources than necessary on a day to day basis. I think in some aspects I live a sustainable lifestyle. For example, turning off my lights when I leave my room and recycling at home in Myrtle Beach. However, I think it's sometimes hard to live sustainably. Daily tasks keep us from remembering how to be good to the environment. For example, I drive to Hand Middle School once a week when it is definitely a possibility to walk. There are many ways in which I could live a more sustainable lifestyle. For instance, I could use my air/heat more sparingly and layer clothes in the winter. Or I could carpool more often and drive less.

Capstone Cinema- Disgrace

Tonight I went to the showing of the International Education week cinema called Disgrace. Disgrace is a movie set in Cape Town, South Africa. The movie was very thought-provoking and definitely a little racy. The movie begins with a renowned teacher sleeping with a prostitute, which is prominent in South Africa these days. Then, it seems he tries to find a replacement by somewhat stalking a student, Melanie, through campus until she agrees to have a drink with him. Melanie looks a lot like the prostitute that the teacher had relations with. She reports him after he drugs her and rapes her. Then, he has to flee to stay with his daughter after he pleads guilty to those charges. After living with his daughter for a while, they are robbed and his daughter (Lucy) is raped. David (the teacher) has a feeling that Petrus (the farmer who helps Lucy out) and lives on the ground, is involved. His daughter becomes pregnant and decides to have the child. David is burned badly by the incident and decides to ask for forgiveness from Melanie's family. This movie was a lot about suffering and the cycle of power and being vulnerable. David has to come to terms with what is happening in South Africa. This is a time where everyone is becoming equal, and being white and in power doesn't necessarily make you a powerful figure. I'm really glad I went and saw this movie. It was very informative, yet racy and interesting.

Career Center Presentation

My plans for Thanksgiving are some great family time I definitely need! My whole family (grandparents, uncle, siblings, parents) are going to Lancaster, S.C. to spend the whole week at my grandparents house. I cannot wait. Thanksgiving is just the best time to be humbled by being around the people you love. I plan to eat lots of great food (courtesy of my grandma) and spend lots of quality time with the family. Growing up, I wanted to be a lawyer. I always thought it was cool to say. You know? It sounded official and prestigious. Now, I realize, that really just isn't for me. I think I want to directly help people who can't help themselves, who are physically unable to help themselves. I am more world-minded. This summer would be a great time for me to do an internship. However, after going to Ecuador in May (hopefully) I will probably decide to work at my cousin's restaurant for a few weeks and explore my options. Working at his restaurant might even help me brush up on my Spanish a little bit, who knows? I was unable to be at this presentation this week because of a funeral, but I will be attending the presentation sometime in the next couple of weeks so I'll be sure and blog about it. :)