11

Aug

I’m posting here the beginning of my article in the Huffington Post about the Dream Act.  Go and check it out:

Given my last name, you might assume I’m Hispanic and an advocate of minority support programs. Although the former is true (I am a Florida-born Cuban American), I was initially very opposed to the much debated DREAM Act – better known as the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors.

Currently a resident and student in Florida – ranked third in the nation for undocumented immigrants at 3.8 percent of the population — I strongly believed that providing economic support to other students who resided illegally in this country was not fair or right. As a U.S. citizen born of Hispanic parents, I followed the rules and worked hard to earn a college degree. I believed undocumented students who, after all, are illegally in the country had no right to reap the same benefits that I worked so hard for.

But, the Senate Judiciary hearing that took place last month completely changed my mind. It was Texas Sen. John Cornyn’s assumptions about immigrants, and flawed interpretation of the act, that bothered me the most. In no uncertain terms, he began to suggest that those who may have misdemeanor charges could be eligible. Just by suggesting a relationship between criminal acts and eligible students, I decided then to read the act more carefully, and follow the debate with a more critical eye.   Read more. 

What do you think about the Dream Act?

292 days ago Short URL Comments

College Affordability/Professional Things

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09

Aug

To Dream Act or not to Dream Act

Development, Relief and Education for Alien Mi...

Image via Wikipedia

Currently, I am working on a blog post on the Dream Act and whether it is something beneficial or negative for our country.

According to a University of California, Los Angeles study, about 2 million undocumented students would benefit from this act, and if it were to pass it would help generate about $3.6 trillion in a 40-year period due to the positive investments these students would create in the long run through greater access to higher education.  In the end, the act only allows these students to obtain in-state tuition prices, but will not be able to apply for federal financial aid.  The act itself is the opportunity for college access, not immigration reform – this is an idea that is confused by many.

In my opinion, I was against it until further research presented me with more pros than cons.  I would like to know what everyone thinks about it and please feel free to comment.

294 days ago Short URL Comments

College Affordability/Political Currents/Professional Things

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08

Aug

Dear Dad

When you passed away someone told me to write you a letter to explain the reasons why I shouldn’t be mad at myself for losing you.  I figured this would be a risky move, since anyone who is anyone that has an Internet connection could stumble upon this and read everything I have to say.  I guess I’m not worried anymore about what people may think, because I think they deserve to know the kind of person that you were.  So here goes considering today I am who I am because of you:

Dear Dad:

I’m sorry.  I know that’s not what you want to here because you’re first question will be, what are you sorry about? And then, the next thing you will say will be, life just happens.  No, it just doesn’t happen, it should just work out the way someone deserves it to, but that would be a perfect world.  But, I’m sorry for so many things that some may be out of my control, but I feel that someone should tell you that because you deserve it.  If no one else will, then I will because you’re the best part of me that I wish I realized sooner than later.

I’m sorry for growing up so quickly and thinking that I was always right about everything.  I guess I am my own father’s daughter – although you always had more patience than I did; I had to always fight about anything and everything.  Sometimes, I think that’s what made you believe that I didn’t love you at all or I didn’t want you around, but it was just one of my many flaws that I wish I didn’t have.  But, I think that you know that and you wouldn’t want me any other way.

I’m sorry that you never had the opportunity to be something bigger than yourself; I guess you had your moment of glory (even if it wasn’t the best situation) for a short period of time.  You were a great man with many talents that sometimes I wish I had.  Most importantly, you did some things that no man would have the guts to do.  You knew everything and anything there was to know about politics, economics, history, language, music and life.  If things didn’t turn out the way they did, then I think you would have been the most influential person in the world with a great Ph.D.  But, instead, people knew you as just another factory worker, stock clerk or furniture maker – but not me.  And, definitely not my children one day.  I will be something greater than myself just for you.

I’m sorry that we never had great family trips or little “remember when’s” because it just something we didn’t think was necessary.  We felt that we had all the time in the world.  It was also because you were a great family man, but people were not great family back to you, sometimes.  That’s what makes us so similar, we do things because they are right not because we need reassurance of the things we do to begin with.

Most importantly, I’m sorry that I’m sorry and that I have been more mad at life since you left because somehow when you died a part of me did too and I don’t think I will ever get that back.  I had to make a horrible decision and I won’t forget, but I promise not be upset anymore.  Thank you for making me the person that I am.

No closing is needed because this isn’t the end, it’s only the beginning.

295 days ago Short URL Comments

Go With the Flow

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05

Aug

A Great Read on Pedagogy

“All the knowledge in the world won’t a teacher make, but neither will all the pedagogy: use the strategies, use the studies, but most of all know it, and know it good. If not, your students won’t either.“

For all teachers and professors out there, this is a great piece to read up on by Education Week.

298 days ago Short URL Comments

Professional Things

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05

Aug

Because It’s Friday…

Since it’s Friday, you know what time it is…time to find some funny or interesting things that I wish I could come up with because you know everyone needs a little distraction so this day goes by a little faster.

In honor of residing in a city full of hipsters, you will appreciate this: http://www.verbal-vomit.com/2011/03/how-to-be-hipster-chapter-1.html and http://www.verbal-vomit.com/2011/05/how-to-be-hipster-chapter-2.html .  She also has some other great posts you should check out. (Note: I think hipsters are cool, just saying)

-and-

My roomate and I just laughed a little too much when we read this blog post, check it out: http://www.tellingdad.com/2011/cart-of-goodness/.  It also reminds me of conversations with my boyfriend who swears he is going to buy a deep fryer and deep fry everything in his path, plus I’m scared one day he will eat the Krispy Kreme burgers when the fair comes into our city (over my dead body!).

Enjoy…because it’s Friday!

298 days ago Short URL Comments

Things I wish I could come up with...

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04

Aug

Anywhere But Here…This Morning!

Lollapalooza is this weekend and of course, I won’t be there.  When do I ever get to go somewhere randomly cool where great music is played at all hours…never.  Well, it’s mostly because I completely forgot to follow-up on it and most importantly, I’m at work all the way in D.C.; it would be very expensive to head off to Chicago for just the weekend.  But, I do know someone who is going and I hope they have a great time – very jealous!

In all honesty, I’m bad with keeping up with cool happenings, especially something like this; it’s the only chance our generation gets to enjoy tons of musicians (who actually sing words) semi-Woodstock style, with the addition of Warped Tour, but that only spans for one day versus Lollapalooza is three.

I feel like I am never up to date and that I live in my own little world.  I don’t know if anyone else feels this way, but I hate the fact when someone is talking about something and in your head, you can’t help to think “why don’t I know this, I’m I stupid?” The other day at work, a group of us were talking about this band (policy people are cool too) that obviously the oldest person in the group knew much about, but people younger than me knew who they were – for some reason I felt outdated (not cool!) because I had no idea who they were.  In case you want to know what band they were talking about, it’s The National and they are great.  Plus, I didn’t feel that bad later because I had heard one song from them a while back, but I just never followed up with who they were.  See, I live in my own little world where I don’t keep up to date with things.

It’s a crime when I haven’t even updated my music playlist in a very long time. I guess this goes back to the time when my cousin (I called them my cousins, but we aren’t really related and we really don’t talk that much anymore) one summer asked me if I knew who “The Smashing Pumpkins” were.  I was 10-years-old and he was 13, so I thought I’m young I don’t know what you’re talking about.  Obviously, I responded, no.  For some reason, he looked at me like I was crazy or an alien.  After that, they made me watch VH1 Pop Up Videos and MTV (when they used to play videos) every day because they were sure I was deprived of a childhood and I would not grow up to be ‘cool enough’ if I didn’t get my act together with this music deal.  I’m glad they did that because maybe I would have grown up with a different mindset, plus that summer is when I picked up my first guitar – I was addicted, but too bad I quit (that’s another story).  So, thank you non-cousins of mine for ‘making me cool.’

So, back to my Lollapalooza rant, I was intrigued to find out that the word means “an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.”  I think I am an exceptional example mainly because I’m a little weird or just very creative, but never give myself credit.  I think VH1 lessons did something good for me, right?

This is the result of what happens when I don’t have coffee in the morning with only 4 hours of sleep.

Here’s a video for your viewing pleasure! Enjoy! The title of the song is always appropriate. (Thank you random person on YouTube for posting a great video). 

299 days ago Short URL Comments

Go With the Flow

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03

Aug

Remedial Education: As Seen By My Brutal LSAT Experience

In honor of the two months I have left to study for my Law School Admissions Test, better known as the LSAT, I have decided to dwell on a very pressing topic in the education circle that I’m reading up on – remediation.  I have been “taking” the LSAT for about a year and a half now.  I’m not a very good test taker, in fact the thought of timed, fast-paced tests illicit panic attacks.  I plan, no –  I need to take it this October 1st.

If you have never taken the LSAT or even seen the actual test, it is brutal.  Although we can’t compare its force of brutality to other entrance exams like the MCAT or GRE, the LSAT’s testing relies on measuring a prospective students use of logical strategy and reading comprehension.  When I hear of students who did not study much and scored relatively high scores, I get a little envious and ponder on how they learned to breeze quickly through it without any worries.

You must be thinking what does my LSAT experience have anything to do with remedial education?  Well, through my brutal fight with this test I have wondered whether my basic education prepared me for something quite intricate as this test. I think back as to whether there were things I should have known or done, although LSAT test makers say prior knowledge is not the key.  The same goes for remedial education students, should these students be expected to know from the first day of freshmen year of college everything there is to know from English, Math to Politics? To some extent, college placement tests that have placed these students there, care to believe so.

I pose this question because studying for the LSAT has been a learning curve all over again (I am a college graduate and I am currently finishing my master’s degree).  Just like some remedial students (and the majority of college freshmen), it is a whole new other learning curve from their K-12 education. Usually, they are placed in these starter classes through the fate of college placement tests administered by their institution, usually community colleges.  Sadly, research showed that between 1980 and 1993, 34% of students who had taken at least one remedial reading course went on to complete a two- or four-year degree versus 56% of students who did not take any at all.  The same research cites that about 40% of students in four-year institutions take remedial classes compared to 63% at two-year institutions.

An op-ed article featured by Inside Higher Ed, explained the different myths and realities of remedial education.  It was interesting that they featured some alarming research on college placement tests.  The Community College Research Center found that placement tests are not correct indicators of skill deficiencies in students and the Virginia Community College System found that many students placed in remedial classes can succeed without them.  This shows that placement tests can’t and shouldn’t just determine the fate of remedial students by specifically assuming what a student does or should know.  And, these tests should not categorize these students into a ‘college material’ versus ‘not college material’ category.  As the article notes, institutions are using these tests as ‘crude’ diagnostic tools.

So, if studying for the LSAT has been a struggle for me considering my level of education, should it be safe to say ‘I’m just not law school material’ because it is assumed I should master all there is to know about logic before entering law school? I would like to hope people believe that is not the case, although my timed-test taking abilities prove otherwise.  But, should my fate of achieving a law degree just be determined by a 4 hour-long timed-test alone? Just like remedial students, their fate at obtaining a college degree is placed on several placement tests.  As you can see from the research, college persistence is lower when students are placed in remedial classes.  College is a breeding ground for building new knowledge.  Although students should have some solid background skills before proceeding to higher education, the structure that is in place at this moment is not achieving what is set out to do - graduate college students.

300 days ago Short URL 2 Comments

College Retention and Persistence/Professional Things

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02

Aug

Sen. Rubio “We either save this country or we do not." (via Freedom Apparatus)

I wanted to reblog this because I believe this is great politics at work, thanks to Sen. Marco Rubio.  This blog did a great job of catching the great things said that were very important to the debt talks.

“I rise here on the Senate floor today to speak on the tremendous issue that’s captivated, and rightfully so, the attention of our country.” Sen. Mark Rubio Today on the Senate floor, Sen. Rubio had something to say. His efficacious response to the left tilted establishment was just what the Republicans needed, and should be pushing every day from now until Election Day. What is a normal Senate … Read More

via Freedom Apparatus

301 days ago Short URL Comments

Political Currents

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02

Aug

The Art of Losing with Education

A crowd of college students at the 2007 Pittsb...

Image via Wikipedia

As I wrote on my post last week on the issue of retention and the effect of Pell Grant cuts, the House and Senate agreed to save $17 billion for the program (although the Senate had proposed $18 million) in exchange for the possible end to subsidies of federal loans for graduate students.  This bargain is one as if made with the devil – you win or you lose.  In the end, no matter what side you’re on, education always takes the losing streak.

Although it is somewhat of a relief that Pell Grant amounts won’t be affected to such a large extent, this doesn’t secure its future as it could continue to be a prime target for spending cuts later on.  However, as a country that stresses the importance of reaching the number one spot of the most college graduates in the world and producing students that can complete in today’s global market, the new issue for debate is whether graduate students will not reap the benefits of subsidized loans while furthering their degrees.  Subsidized loans allow for graduate students not to pay interest rates on their loans until after 6 months from graduation.  You can read more about this in this article by CNN Money.

Recently, The New York times released an article on how master’s degrees have become the new bachelor’s degree.  As our troubling economy continues to foster a competitive job market, an increased number of students will continue to pursue professional degrees.  In the end, certain careers coupled with a master’s degree background could provide a great return on investment by doubling their salary and the opportunity for advancement. But, this country needs to make sure that they are investing in the educational opportunities and policies that need to be looked at further.  A report by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, estimates that by 2018 there will be about 46.8 million jobs, which about 63% will require a postsecondary education. Unfortunately, it is estimated that postsecondary institutions will produce 3 million fewer college graduates.  As it is, about half of all top occupations by 2018 require an average of 11% to 50% of their jobs to have a master’s degree.

Education in this country has become difficult and often times pushed aside.  In this case, we are seeing a possible graduate student loan program removal, which could foster negative repercussions (prospective students may turn down opportunities with possibility of accruing more debt without any possible assistance during their professional degree attainment).  However, the evidence shows that something must be done. There needs to be a new outlook on the way policies and funding from the local, state and federal level are handled.  There should be conscious and careful decisions made before brash cuts proposed.  All evidence points to two things: first, our public schools are not provided with enough support to produce students confident enough to compete in a college-level classroom and second, universities need to be held accountable to their students and for the reasons as to why fewer and fewer students are graduating.

301 days ago Short URL Comments

Professional Things

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01

Aug

Isadore

Does anyone ever hear a song and reflect on how it can relate to your life? I judge whether I like a song by deciding that if I ever had a soundtrack to my life, it would be one of the tracks.  I know this sounds like I want to come across as ‘deep’ and ‘trendy’, but trust me, definitely not.  I think that music is just like art – it is meant to be seen as it relates to your life.  I was at one of the Smithsonian art galleries, Freer Art Gallery this weekend (If you have ever gone, I want to live in the Peacock Room – just bring all my books and desk and bed and just live in there – here’s a picture of it) and I just couldn’t help to think how art and music are made to inspire you to think of life in certain ways or to just delve into another interesting facet of life.  Before, I wasn’t very interested in the work of James M. Whistler, the artist who created the Peacock Room; to be honest I didn’t know much about him or who he was.  However, after seeing such great work and that room, I just can’t get enough – I want to know what he was thinking and how he could create such great work.  How was he able to create something bigger than himself? I’m also interested because he may have had some drama in his life (mistresses and fights) and who doesn’t like some drama?

The reason why I’m in this whole music and art tangent is because there’s this song called Isadore by Incubus.  I don’t know if you have noticed, but I love their stuff.  I’m not sure how I got to this point where I enjoyed them so much, except listening to a couple songs here and there, but this summer has made me appreciate their stuff even more; I guess it’s their simplicity and simplicity is important, nowadays.  But, I usually love to listen to songs that I know will somehow add some new interpretation to my life; I’m also very good at usually picking up what songs mean.  But, this particular song has been stuck in my head for so long and I think it is because I can’t quite grasp what it means.  I’m not sure if I’m the only ‘loser’ that does this, but I like to analyze what lyrics mean and look up what other people think they mean (I’m I crazy?).  But, this song in itself just calls to me because there is this one line that says “It’s not who you were, it’s who you are” that just calls to me.  I just don’t even know what to think of this one line – I guess don’t get caught up in the things of the past and start thinking in the present or it doesn’t matter what you used to do, its the actions that you portray now that matter most.  There’s just so many things that you can take from this entire song, but I guess you can be the judge of it.

Now that I have told everyone what crazy things I do in the little spare time that I have, the point that I’m trying to make here is that whether it’s just a song or a painting, don’t take the small things for granted and try to think about things in a whole different way.  Trust me, there’s so many things out there that we take for granted that are just too beautiful to pass up. Sometimes, we just need to consider other great things to be something else in the moment for the sake of finding out who we really are.

Here are the lyrics to the song in case anyone is curious:

Erica аחԁ һеr Isadore
climbed aboard a balloon
I want more tһаח tһіѕ kite wіƖƖ soar
I’ve set ουr sights οח tһе moon

Yου саח′t јυѕt leave, I’ve given everything
I саח′t believe уου′re taking everything
Yου′re taking everything
Oh…

It’s חοt wһο уου wеrе
іt’s wһο уου аrе
аחԁ wе′ve come tһіѕ far lover
Nο, I won’t rest
until tһе world
knows tһе name Isadore

Blinded bу tһеіr unbridled height
ουr lovers turned dissolute

Yου саח′t јυѕt leave, I’ve given everything
I саח′t believe уου′re taking everything
Yου′re taking everything
Oh…

It’s חοt wһο уου wеrе
іt’s wһο уου аrе
аחԁ wе′ve come tһіѕ far lover
Nο, I won’t rest
until tһе world
knows tһе name Isadore
knows tһе name Isadore

Tһеח wіtһ eyes wide, a splintered sight
Tһеrе′s јυѕt one parachute
Goodbye Erica now I see
tһаt mу wοrѕt fears wеrе іח tune

It’s חοt wһο уου wеrе
іt’s wһο уου аrе
аחԁ wе′ve come tһіѕ far lover
Nο, I won’t rest
until tһе world
knows tһе name Isadore
knows tһе name Isadore
Won’t rest
until tһе world
knows tһе name Isadore

302 days ago Short URL Comments

Go With the Flow/My So Called Thoughts

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