Rebeca Castro Blog #2 – Theme Presentation

Civic Action & People Matter

With the start of this new project, the topics the groups had to work on were Civic Action and People Matter. This topic goes deep into the lifestyle of daily people and the impact it has on society. Negative or how positive it becomes; in these groups we were able to see the overview of the history of these impacts. The groups were able to choose different subtopics like family, healthcare, environment, education, economy, and immigration. It was another great experience working with the groups again and strengthening my skills. Also, to work with a more understanding of how the groups work and to do better than at the first presentation.  

Working in groups for this presentation felt more comfortable and interesting to take on a new challenge. It was not only focusing on the presentation, but it also included interviews, deeper discussions on different countries, agendas, and civic actions. As one of the project managers, it was getting the group members to focus on their topics and to make sure they had the resources to succeed in their groups. It was difficult to work in one of the groups, since they did not communicate or understand the topics. Over time, this issue was able to be resolved, and it taught me to be patient and to work more effectively.  

In Group 1, the topic they were dealing with was Immigration and Economy. This group dived deeper into the GDP that immigrants bring to America, immigration in other countries like Saudi Arabia, and North Korea, the overview of immigration and economics, etc. The topic I found the most interesting from this group was the H1B1 Visa being used throughout the US and the effect it has on our economy. The different types of visas I was not informed about before was an informative section from Calixto. The section from Ashley was informative as well, to see the perspectives from these countries. Learning the system and their philosophy was an eye-opener.  

Group 1 gave extensive information and worked effectively to make sure the topic was understood. With the state of the US, it was very important to make light of the situation. It is important to learn continuously about what is happening around us and how it impacts us. Especially, informing the young people will continue to bring awareness of the gravity of the situation. These moments to learn about the history of society and how we can better ourselves is key.  

In Group 2, the topic they were dealing with was Healthcare and Families. This group focused on the overview of America’s healthcare system, comparing it with Canada’s health system, investing in health programs, challenges families face with healthcare, and resources for equal access to healthcare. What I found to be informative from this group was the research on the overview/history of healthcare. The US has gone through many changes and challenges to get where it is today. Many families have been affected to receive the right care. Thankfully, to the research of science, medicine, and technology, more lives are being saved. With the interview from Mr. Gabriel Lamas, it is amazing to know that these services are provided to students free of charge. Programs like ACCESS, Single-Stop, and the Food Pantry are great resources for students. It is important to continue informing students that there is care for them.  

Group 2 gave an amazing presentation showing outside resources that local families can use when it comes to healthcare. This group was able to effectively use the resources on campus like the librarian and therapist from the Hialeah Campus. 

In Group 3, the topic they were dealing with was Education and Our Environment. The sub-topics they were discussing were the role of environmental education, environmental centered field trips, the effects of education on the environment, the pros and cons of online and traditional learning, and how schools can reduce carbon footprint. This group had a topic that not many groups can compare or put together. In my opinion, this was a challenge to see how the environment has an impact on education. Since this being their second presentation, they were able to be more comfortable with each other. But it was difficult to get the group to do the presentation, since they were not communicating. Our job as project managers was to get the group to overcome this challenge. It was not easy at first, but it became easier to manage as the presentation progressed. 

In group 3, the section of Kevin speaking on the percentages of environmental education in different age groups was interesting to see. To learn that the younger generation are making progress in climate change and making the change to reality. As well, informing the next generation to continue in these footsteps. By taking field trips to informative environmental locations, it allows them to get on-hands experience. These experiences don’t come often, but they are important.  

In Group 4, the topic they were dealing with was Family and Our Environment. The sub-topics included America vs. World Perspective, local and national organizations in families and environmental, and the overview of history in family structure and environmental. The section I found most interesting was the interview from a Retired FBI Agent talking about his experience from 9/11 and the effects of that tragic event. Learning about the local and national resources when it comes to the environment was very informal. It was very surprising to learn how many departments are connected and the resources there are.  

Group 4 continues to show their confidence and trust amongst each other when it comes to presenting. This group sets the standard in my opinion when it comes to creating the presentation. Working with them continuously has been good and continues to show how they present.  

Overall, throughout the presentations it continues to challenge me and teaches me how to improve when it comes to leading. To not only manage this class, but also extracurriculars outside of the classroom.