Find my post-experience Honors Reflection here!
http://nychonorsexperience.blogspot.com/p/honors-reflection.html
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Journal Entry: Day 8
Yesterday's interpersonal issues have subsided after a brief apology from me. While I did mention conflicts in these journal entries, it should be noted that in general I had a great time with everyone. People got along well for the most part and getting to know more of my UC community was a great opportunity.
We went to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island today! I split off from everyone and wandered Ellis Island alone for a while. They had an interesting room on intelligence testing, and accepting immigrants in general. Immigration terms were strict, but it was possible for many to come and live here legally. Now, immigration from a country like Mexico is very difficult, given the number of people who want to immigrate.
Then we went to Wall Street, ate at a sports bar for lunch. Pastorela was from 5:00 to 7:30 pm. It was in St. Jacobi's Church basement, and it was PACKED. It was a family event and the sense of community was incredible. Everyone was having a blast and was comfortable amid the chaos of a clown, a pinata, dancing mascots, and music. UC students got recognized for their work, and we got certificates for our efforts. We talked briefly with Tere and her family. Unfortunately her oldest daughter was not there, so we could not talk to her about going to college, like we had planned earlier in the week. Additionally, one of the women whose apartment we painted made us this ancient Aztec soup, and it was interesting and delicious. I was concerned it contained gluten, so I must have looked like I wasn't enjoying it very much, which I feel bad about.
Also, we were again locked out of the monastery when we got back. We were let in by a hilarious older nun. Altogether a great day.
 |
| Immigration Center at Ellis Island |
 |
| Pastorela |
Journal Entry: Day 7
We dropped off our Pastorela banners at St. Jacobi's Church in Brooklyn. Then we all went to El Museo del Barrio with Gerardo's family in East Harlem. We also got a walking tour of the neighborhood from Gerardo. We had delicious tacos for lunch at a local restaurant.
We went to the MET art museum from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. The monastery was locked until 10:00 pm, so we killed some time at Panera, souvenir shopping, McDonald's, and taking the subway home. I was starting to get on some people's nerves, I think. In reality, I think after a long week, a lot of us were starting to bother each other. Some people were tired and cold, and this didn't help either. Also, when other people complain, my normal response is to think of the bright side or make a joke. This did not go over well in my group tonight. I agree that I should have just let them complain and not gotten involved, because I was not being helpful. I usually try to avoid these situations, and certainly will in the future. I did learn from the experience, though:
1. If people are complaining, offer a bright side. If they don't bite, let them complain. Distance yourself.
2. You usually can't change someone's mind through argument. Offer your viewpoint, but don't argue it.
3. Deliver your opinion gently. People are more receptive to this. Also, if they don't take your side, it doesn't really matter. You don't have to "win" every conversation.
We went to the MET art museum from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. The monastery was locked until 10:00 pm, so we killed some time at Panera, souvenir shopping, McDonald's, and taking the subway home. I was starting to get on some people's nerves, I think. In reality, I think after a long week, a lot of us were starting to bother each other. Some people were tired and cold, and this didn't help either. Also, when other people complain, my normal response is to think of the bright side or make a joke. This did not go over well in my group tonight. I agree that I should have just let them complain and not gotten involved, because I was not being helpful. I usually try to avoid these situations, and certainly will in the future. I did learn from the experience, though:
1. If people are complaining, offer a bright side. If they don't bite, let them complain. Distance yourself.
2. You usually can't change someone's mind through argument. Offer your viewpoint, but don't argue it.
3. Deliver your opinion gently. People are more receptive to this. Also, if they don't take your side, it doesn't really matter. You don't have to "win" every conversation.
 |
| Mural in East Harlem |
 |
| Art at MET |
 |
| Indian drum at MET |
Journal Entry: Day 6
So much today! No painting, woke up around 9:00, which is weird for a service trip. We ate breakfast and we played cards. I walked between 45th and 60th Street on 4th and 5th avenue in Brooklyn passing out fliers for our Pastorela celebration. I was surprised at how well the fliers were received when accompanied with "Merry Christmas!"
Carla of Adelante Allaiance spoke to us today about immigration issues. She is such a vibrant, engaging, and inspiring person. She has worked so hard for the people she cares about. We later discussed how US has Mexico and other countries in an economic pinch, which can be cited as a reason for immigration to the US, where the economy is better and there is more opportunity for jobs. Carla said my Spanish could improve greatly by spending a month or so abroad in a Spanish speaking country.
All of us then volunteered at the library in Brooklyn, and I played video games with the kids. I felt comfortably in that environment, I think due to my past volunteer experiences and summer camp job. I;m glad to know there is community trust and I was not viewed as an intruder. The library is seen by the kids as a safe place. I noticed the same thing in the church basement at Convivio; there is an overwhelming sense of community trust, which seems essential for those living in Brooklyn. The community is a safety net to fall back on, and a support system to move forward. Later in the library, we spoke to two Chinese women who were getting English lessons: another reminder of the diversity in NYC.
Later that night, a few of us talked with Gerardo. We discussed technology and its inevitable integration into our lives. Also, we talked about how technology affects social interactions. I like to play devil's advocate in these conversations, which some people liked, and others were just annoyed by. We also spoke about ideas coming from beyond ourselves, our brains acting like antennas, as Gerardo puts it. We discussed premonitions in dreams, and creating your own reality. Gerardo also said he took a class where he learned that, if you want to accomplish a goal, you need to:
1. Desire the goal
2. Imagine yourself achieving the goal
3. Feel that you have achieved the goal and are living it
Gerardo also told us that some philosophies view the world as a school, or a fair. We can only be in awe and wonder of what we're witnessing. Carla and Gerardo seem to both have this attitude: delighted to talk to and learn from anyone, and thrilled about what lies ahead. They don't let weights of the world drag them down.
Gerardo also told us how everything we see was at some point someone's idea. Everything started as an idea, so if we have an idea, we can make it a reality.
Later, another student and I finished painting a banner for Pastorela. We talked about student attitudes on the trip. Our conclusion was that some of us were being immature. I think many people only rise to the level of expectations. Our trip leaders from UC did not set the bar very high, and students took advantage of that. Unfortunately, this prevents them from getting as much as they can out of the experience. They are hesitant to engage in the experience, and without a push from our UC trip leaders, they are more than happy to stay comfortable and reserved.
This is all a good reminder to stay engaged (which I admit is difficult and I don't always do a good job of) not only on this trip but afterwards also.
Carla of Adelante Allaiance spoke to us today about immigration issues. She is such a vibrant, engaging, and inspiring person. She has worked so hard for the people she cares about. We later discussed how US has Mexico and other countries in an economic pinch, which can be cited as a reason for immigration to the US, where the economy is better and there is more opportunity for jobs. Carla said my Spanish could improve greatly by spending a month or so abroad in a Spanish speaking country.
All of us then volunteered at the library in Brooklyn, and I played video games with the kids. I felt comfortably in that environment, I think due to my past volunteer experiences and summer camp job. I;m glad to know there is community trust and I was not viewed as an intruder. The library is seen by the kids as a safe place. I noticed the same thing in the church basement at Convivio; there is an overwhelming sense of community trust, which seems essential for those living in Brooklyn. The community is a safety net to fall back on, and a support system to move forward. Later in the library, we spoke to two Chinese women who were getting English lessons: another reminder of the diversity in NYC.
Later that night, a few of us talked with Gerardo. We discussed technology and its inevitable integration into our lives. Also, we talked about how technology affects social interactions. I like to play devil's advocate in these conversations, which some people liked, and others were just annoyed by. We also spoke about ideas coming from beyond ourselves, our brains acting like antennas, as Gerardo puts it. We discussed premonitions in dreams, and creating your own reality. Gerardo also said he took a class where he learned that, if you want to accomplish a goal, you need to:
1. Desire the goal
2. Imagine yourself achieving the goal
3. Feel that you have achieved the goal and are living it
Gerardo also told us that some philosophies view the world as a school, or a fair. We can only be in awe and wonder of what we're witnessing. Carla and Gerardo seem to both have this attitude: delighted to talk to and learn from anyone, and thrilled about what lies ahead. They don't let weights of the world drag them down.
Gerardo also told us how everything we see was at some point someone's idea. Everything started as an idea, so if we have an idea, we can make it a reality.
Later, another student and I finished painting a banner for Pastorela. We talked about student attitudes on the trip. Our conclusion was that some of us were being immature. I think many people only rise to the level of expectations. Our trip leaders from UC did not set the bar very high, and students took advantage of that. Unfortunately, this prevents them from getting as much as they can out of the experience. They are hesitant to engage in the experience, and without a push from our UC trip leaders, they are more than happy to stay comfortable and reserved.
This is all a good reminder to stay engaged (which I admit is difficult and I don't always do a good job of) not only on this trip but afterwards also.
 |
| Video Games at the Library |
Journal Entry: Day 5
Today, we finished the walls in Tere's room. The other groups visited Tere's apartment, which I was not the biggest fan of. There were just too many people in the space, which interfered with the painting we were trying to finish up. Worse than that, some people, instead of talking with Tere in the living room, were just cluttering up the bedroom we were trying to paint. After a certain point, and after they ignored one of my group member's requests to leave, I told them all to leave (nicely, I think), and we finished up painting in about an hour and a half. The people who cluttered up the room were acting selfishly and not thinking of us or Tere. They were depriving themselves of the full experience by not talking to Tere and remaining in their comfort zone. I think that is what has made this experience most different from those of the other UC students on this trip. I keep trying to make myself uncomfortable, because that is how experiential learning can take place. It bothers me a lot that some people came to NYC as just a vacation.
Next, a few of us went thrift shopping. This group seemed very cool and low key, which was a nice break.
Gerardo brought us to a neighborhood with Christmas lights to the extreme. These were mansion-sized homes, and in NY, they must cost a fortune.
Tonight we had our Convivio at St. Michael's Church on 4th and 86th Street in Brooklyn. Father Kevin Sweeney was very kind and sociable, and he gave us the story of the Virgin Guadalupe. In the basement we had wrapped tacos (they made me something I could eat). I talked with Father and listened to the stories of the people in attendance.
Many of the people there came to the US illegally, or are staying illegally. They came to escape violence and/or to better their situations. They have sacrificed a lot for the sake of better lives for their family.
One man was going to university but quit. He worked washing floors at a restaurant where the owners took him as their own and taught him how to be a cook. He now works as a chef.
His wife broke her leg while crossing the border, and could not work for a year. She had to rely on the kindness of the Mexican community in the US. She has been through a lot and is not afraid of anything anymore.
There was an older couple there as well. They were extremely proud of their large family (2 great-grandchilren)! The man had never had a formal education, and everyone at the Convivio emphasized the importance of getting an education. The older couple seemed very content and grateful now.
There was also a very kind mother who came here and started a family. She was also extremely grateful to be here.
One man came to tghe US and has moved back and forth between Mexico, taking the best jobs he could find. His wife works heavily in the church. I asked if he would be in NYC forever, and he said only if his papers were good. Deportation is a scary reality for anyone here illegally. I'm going to research the issue more when I return home to Dayton.
It is amazing how much I take for granted. I was simply born with so much of what these people are dedicating their lives towards achieving. I was handed citizenship and the rights that come with it, while many people we met have struggled to achieve their standard of living here in the US, the country that they love, and still do not possess the rights of a citizen.
On a side, my Spanish speaking was good, but my comprehension was poor. I think I will start listening to Spanish radio.
Next, a few of us went thrift shopping. This group seemed very cool and low key, which was a nice break.
Gerardo brought us to a neighborhood with Christmas lights to the extreme. These were mansion-sized homes, and in NY, they must cost a fortune.
Tonight we had our Convivio at St. Michael's Church on 4th and 86th Street in Brooklyn. Father Kevin Sweeney was very kind and sociable, and he gave us the story of the Virgin Guadalupe. In the basement we had wrapped tacos (they made me something I could eat). I talked with Father and listened to the stories of the people in attendance.
Many of the people there came to the US illegally, or are staying illegally. They came to escape violence and/or to better their situations. They have sacrificed a lot for the sake of better lives for their family.
One man was going to university but quit. He worked washing floors at a restaurant where the owners took him as their own and taught him how to be a cook. He now works as a chef.
His wife broke her leg while crossing the border, and could not work for a year. She had to rely on the kindness of the Mexican community in the US. She has been through a lot and is not afraid of anything anymore.
There was an older couple there as well. They were extremely proud of their large family (2 great-grandchilren)! The man had never had a formal education, and everyone at the Convivio emphasized the importance of getting an education. The older couple seemed very content and grateful now.
There was also a very kind mother who came here and started a family. She was also extremely grateful to be here.
One man came to tghe US and has moved back and forth between Mexico, taking the best jobs he could find. His wife works heavily in the church. I asked if he would be in NYC forever, and he said only if his papers were good. Deportation is a scary reality for anyone here illegally. I'm going to research the issue more when I return home to Dayton.
It is amazing how much I take for granted. I was simply born with so much of what these people are dedicating their lives towards achieving. I was handed citizenship and the rights that come with it, while many people we met have struggled to achieve their standard of living here in the US, the country that they love, and still do not possess the rights of a citizen.
On a side, my Spanish speaking was good, but my comprehension was poor. I think I will start listening to Spanish radio.
 |
| Christmas Lights in Brooklyn |
Journal Entry: Day 4
Today we put on the lighter color in Tere's room. We chose a two-color design, where the walls are lighter green and some inset rectangles on her wall are darker. We had to paint around this mural that their daughter's Godfather painted for them. It is a very neat mural. The light color will need a second coat, I think.Thursday we'll plan to talk to her kids, in general and about school, which should be fun. Today I found that I was trying to say things in Spanish, but took too long so didn't say anything. I'll try to be faster and if I can't think fast I'll just use English.
Lunch was deliciious. Tostadas with beans and chicken! I used the tostadas like chips. Next, we went to Central Park and walked through it. I thought we were near Julliard, so I split off from my group to go meet my friend Josh. I started walking only to realize I was on the completely wrong side of the park. But, after some walking and a couple of subway rides, I was at Julliard. Josh and I ate dinner with Josh's friend Bob. Bob is 24 and is a working violinist. It was shocking to hear a professional musician's income prospects, and Josh, being a cellist, was not too visibly excited. Bob is a really funny guy. I was really tired when I started hanging out with Josh, and by the end of the night I was happy to be going back to the monastery. The plan was to meet up with my cousin, Alex, but it didn't work out. It's OK, because I will see him next week at Christmastime.
I feel independent using the subway, and it appears that I am capable of navigating only when I'm alone. I think when I am with a group, there are "too many cooks in the kitchen," so to speak, and we all end up making us doubt each other. Manhattan and where we are in Brooklyn also seem safer than parts of Clifton. I can walk at night without much concern.
With luck, we will finish painting tomorrow. I think we can do it.
We have an event called "Convivio" tomorrow. It translates to "Living With/Together." Several Mexican families should be in attendance. It will take place in a church basement in Brooklyn. It should be really fun. I need to come up with questions to ask the families who attend.
Oh, and last night Gerardo said something interesting: the first generation immigrants make the biggest sacrifices for their kids and future generations. This was true of the immigrants coming through Ellis Island, and it is still true of those who immigrate from the South. This gave me some perspective on the gravity of the decision to immigrate, because the first generation certainly does not have it easy.
Lunch was deliciious. Tostadas with beans and chicken! I used the tostadas like chips. Next, we went to Central Park and walked through it. I thought we were near Julliard, so I split off from my group to go meet my friend Josh. I started walking only to realize I was on the completely wrong side of the park. But, after some walking and a couple of subway rides, I was at Julliard. Josh and I ate dinner with Josh's friend Bob. Bob is 24 and is a working violinist. It was shocking to hear a professional musician's income prospects, and Josh, being a cellist, was not too visibly excited. Bob is a really funny guy. I was really tired when I started hanging out with Josh, and by the end of the night I was happy to be going back to the monastery. The plan was to meet up with my cousin, Alex, but it didn't work out. It's OK, because I will see him next week at Christmastime.
I feel independent using the subway, and it appears that I am capable of navigating only when I'm alone. I think when I am with a group, there are "too many cooks in the kitchen," so to speak, and we all end up making us doubt each other. Manhattan and where we are in Brooklyn also seem safer than parts of Clifton. I can walk at night without much concern.
With luck, we will finish painting tomorrow. I think we can do it.
We have an event called "Convivio" tomorrow. It translates to "Living With/Together." Several Mexican families should be in attendance. It will take place in a church basement in Brooklyn. It should be really fun. I need to come up with questions to ask the families who attend.
Oh, and last night Gerardo said something interesting: the first generation immigrants make the biggest sacrifices for their kids and future generations. This was true of the immigrants coming through Ellis Island, and it is still true of those who immigrate from the South. This gave me some perspective on the gravity of the decision to immigrate, because the first generation certainly does not have it easy.
 |
| Mural in Tere's room |
 |
| Central Park |
Friday, December 26, 2014
Journal Entry: Day 3
In the morning we ate breakfast, then my group of four students walked around 10 blocks to Tere's house. It was a nice walk. Sunset Park is a neat neighborhood. We walked by a two Jewish schools on the way. Tere's apartment only needs their bedroom painted, and they already moved everything out for us. It is likely a 2 day job, and we have 5 days, so Gerardo is looking into other options for us. Anyways, Tere is very nice, and more talkative at home than she was at our breakfast the other day. We talked about (and met) her husband, her 3 kids, and her kids' activities. She wants her children to stay active and away from electronics. Tere has registered them for many sports and free ice skating lessons to keep them productive with their time, and out of trouble. Tere's English is pretty good and she has been studying for 2 years. I liked talking to her a lot, some in Spanish, and I translated for her in a couple of moments.
I think I took the lead in our painting. Helping my dad over the years helped me to be more confident in what I was doing. Our group gets along pretty well. I think I have the highes expectations of our group, so hopefully we can keep it up! I think we can. I make an active effort to talk to Tere, because the gives the trip meaning. Our work for her is not intense, but connecting with her is the important part of our trip. We walked the Brooklyn Bridge with Gerardo. After that, I split off from the group, and got myself to Julliard's campus to meet with my friend Josh for dinner! His family lives near NYC now. He's doing good, and as busy as ever. We quickly picked up where we had left off. We got Japanese food, then sat in a cafe for a while. I took the subway and by a stroke of luck or a miracle, made it to a UC group in Little Italy with relative ease. We got confused on the subway home but again, made it back safely to the monastery.
I think I took the lead in our painting. Helping my dad over the years helped me to be more confident in what I was doing. Our group gets along pretty well. I think I have the highes expectations of our group, so hopefully we can keep it up! I think we can. I make an active effort to talk to Tere, because the gives the trip meaning. Our work for her is not intense, but connecting with her is the important part of our trip. We walked the Brooklyn Bridge with Gerardo. After that, I split off from the group, and got myself to Julliard's campus to meet with my friend Josh for dinner! His family lives near NYC now. He's doing good, and as busy as ever. We quickly picked up where we had left off. We got Japanese food, then sat in a cafe for a while. I took the subway and by a stroke of luck or a miracle, made it to a UC group in Little Italy with relative ease. We got confused on the subway home but again, made it back safely to the monastery.
 |
| Manhattan from the Brooklyn Bridge |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)