- The first clip from "Coach Carter" is an example the fourth stage: performing. When the one player had to do additional exercises after a tough practice, the other players decided to join in and support him. It started with one player, but slowly others began helping others pride and confidence and show team spirit. This moment is the creation of trust, confidence and unity. If one player must work through a task alone, then the group should back him up and show pride of teamwork.
- The second clip from "Aladdin" represents the fifth stage: adjourning. Once Genie was freed from being forced to serve 10,000 years granting wishes, he was exhilarated yet sadden. He was upset, because after making friends and knowing others very well, it was hard to say good bye and move on with a new life. It's hard for everyone involved to leave a group knowing their service was no longer needed. However, they knew that they are still part of their community and they can share their services with others.
- The third clip from "Remember the Titans" is an example of the second stage: storming. When the two football players confront each other, they expressed their anger and hostility toward each other. Their individual differences prevents them from working together. They neither trust nor like one another, because of their selfish knowledge about each other. Although they expect teamwork from each other, they both state that neither of them is showing leadership toward each other or the team.
- The fourth clip from "Finding Nemo" represents the third stage: norming. When Nemo was in crisis of facing a possible death, his friends in the tank attempt to save him by launching one other them at the girl to release Nemo. When performing this feet, they assumed their roles and succeeded by saving Nemo. They helped save him because they accepted him into their group.
- The fifth clip is chose is from "The Lion King" represents the first stage: forming. When Timon and Pumbaa found Simba, although Timon was resisting, Pumbaa encouraged him to let him join their group. They accepted him into the group and taught him new life skills and lessons. Based on the movie, Simba finds his role in the group as friend and protector, but later discovers he need lead them and others in addition. This clip explains the stage of acceptance and the creation of new friendships. This clip also explains why I love "The Lion King" and why this movie is my favorite of all time.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Group Development
The formation of a group takes a lot of steps and timing. From building a group, forming relationships, to adapting to many obstacles. Based on the clips provided and the Tuckman's Stages of Group Development, here's how they pair up.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Communication
There are many ways people communicate with others. Conversely, technologically, physically, or emotionally. During this weeks activity, we had to communicate without using our voices to build a story line using pictures given to us. I was hoping I could use sign language to help communicate with others, but I was told not to use it. I was a little upset, but we were able to build the story using different ways of communication. This exercise made me realize how I communicate to an individual and groups.
To individuals I learned in sign language to focus not on the words being said, but to look at the body language. From facial expressions to body language and actions, a story being told can be shown more from the physical expressions. For instance, if someone is upset, then the way the face looks and the look of the body's movement or pose can emphasize more about the person's dialogue. That is why when I talk to someone, I glance at his/her body language and match it with the conversation so I can have a better understanding of the conversation. Another technique I use is eye contact. The most common act of courtesy and respect toward another in a conversation. Making eye contact with someone shows to that person you are focusing on him/her at that moment. It shows importance and respect toward that person. I would also say small comments or statements during the person's conversation like, "wow", "oh my god", etc, because it shows that I am interested in the conversation and that I'm not just standing there not obtaining the information. Finally, I make our conversation personal by showing sympathy toward that person. Rather than have a scripted conversation, I want to talk on a friendship level toward others.
It's personally tough for me to communicate in a group, because I'm either too shy to speak or someone overpowers what I was about to say. Although I have picked up some skills of how to communicate in a group. First is to make yourself stand out. If I'm having a conversation with a group, I think outside of the conversation and mix up the topic that relates to the current topic. Just like the individuals, I focus on body language, because I am able to sense what kind of people I am talking to in the group. With this I can be comfortable either speaking or not speaking. If I do get overpowered in the conversation, I'll try to through in one or two topics into the group, so that I know that I contributed to the group. I would also state comments and agreement towards what someone says in the group, because it shows that although I'm not contributing much into the conversation, I am engaging myself in the group. On the other hand, if I do feel confident in the group, I would take lead and start the conversation. For me if I know the topic of conversation by heart, then I would lead the group with the first discussion. These techniques rarely occur during social group conversations; they are mostly used during groups projects or assignments where I need to contribute an idea or plan.
I would rather have individual conversations rather than group conversations, because I can focus on one person's interests and not be interrupted by others trying to add onto the topic. I want to learn about others on a personal level, rather have different people throw facts at me at one time. I like one on one communication, because that connection between two people shows respect and interest toward each other.
To individuals I learned in sign language to focus not on the words being said, but to look at the body language. From facial expressions to body language and actions, a story being told can be shown more from the physical expressions. For instance, if someone is upset, then the way the face looks and the look of the body's movement or pose can emphasize more about the person's dialogue. That is why when I talk to someone, I glance at his/her body language and match it with the conversation so I can have a better understanding of the conversation. Another technique I use is eye contact. The most common act of courtesy and respect toward another in a conversation. Making eye contact with someone shows to that person you are focusing on him/her at that moment. It shows importance and respect toward that person. I would also say small comments or statements during the person's conversation like, "wow", "oh my god", etc, because it shows that I am interested in the conversation and that I'm not just standing there not obtaining the information. Finally, I make our conversation personal by showing sympathy toward that person. Rather than have a scripted conversation, I want to talk on a friendship level toward others.
It's personally tough for me to communicate in a group, because I'm either too shy to speak or someone overpowers what I was about to say. Although I have picked up some skills of how to communicate in a group. First is to make yourself stand out. If I'm having a conversation with a group, I think outside of the conversation and mix up the topic that relates to the current topic. Just like the individuals, I focus on body language, because I am able to sense what kind of people I am talking to in the group. With this I can be comfortable either speaking or not speaking. If I do get overpowered in the conversation, I'll try to through in one or two topics into the group, so that I know that I contributed to the group. I would also state comments and agreement towards what someone says in the group, because it shows that although I'm not contributing much into the conversation, I am engaging myself in the group. On the other hand, if I do feel confident in the group, I would take lead and start the conversation. For me if I know the topic of conversation by heart, then I would lead the group with the first discussion. These techniques rarely occur during social group conversations; they are mostly used during groups projects or assignments where I need to contribute an idea or plan.
I would rather have individual conversations rather than group conversations, because I can focus on one person's interests and not be interrupted by others trying to add onto the topic. I want to learn about others on a personal level, rather have different people throw facts at me at one time. I like one on one communication, because that connection between two people shows respect and interest toward each other.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
I Believe in Family
“At the end of the day, we are
family.” I love my family, immediate and
extended. I couldn’t imagine never
hearing my grandmother’s laugh, listening to my grandfather’s stories, or being
with everyone at a large family dinner.
Not only are they my family, but also everyone else in my life is
family. To the friends in school, to the
people I hang out with, to the people I live with. A family relationship is the best relationship
I would ever have with anyone.
If
you ask me why do I consider everyone family, is because I treated everyone
with kindness and respect. I want to be
with people who I know will encourage, support and bring joy to me. Which is what a family does for each other,
in good or bad situations, they are always with you. I knew I still have my family’s love and
comfort, when I came out to them that I am bisexual. Once I heard my family said, “We love you no
matter what” my heart stopped, because I wanted to take in this moment of love
and acceptance. My family had been there
through my struggles with dyslexia; my dad and aunt supported my grandmother
when my grandfather was in the hospital for months; my mom and two aunt helped each other plan an anniversary party for my grandparents. My family’s devotion toward each other is
incredible. Although we have our fits,
we know we would remain united spiritually and emotionally.
In
regards to others outside my family, it works the same way. Being with people who are caring and
considerate toward me gives me the sense that everyone is a large
family. I knew I had a secondary family,
when I attended Chartwell School. From
the understanding teachers to the students with similar situations, I knew not
only with this school a safe haven, but a home.
A home where the parents (teachers) teaches and cares for their children
(students) and would never let me be scared for being loved and being themselves. On the other hand, I don’t need a home to
have a family. Once I know someone who
will never harm me, that person is part of my family. When I entered Santa Clara, I felt the warm
welcoming atmosphere with people motivating me to trust and help others. The people I met here are now and forever
will be family to me. Although I may
never see them in the distant future, they will always be in my family.
I
believe family unites everyone. Family
is the universal symbol of trust, passion, care and joy. Whether it’s at home, in school, or with my
friends, everyone I meet, talk to, hangout with, or learn with is part of my
family. And they will always be in my
family, because family is infinite.
So if anyone makes
fun of my family, think twice before facing my family.
The Light of a Brighter Day
I chose this essay by Helen Keller, because she is a historical icon I idolize. I learned about her story in my American Sign Language class and I've seen movies about her childhood. Her journey from being a confused deaf and blind girl to a successful powerful woman proves that there is faith to get through any obstacles. I love her essay, because it expresses how faith helped her get through life and how she overcome her struggles and succeeds in life. Her explanation of enthusiasm and confidence made me think about my life and how I let faith help me get through the good times and the bad. While her story taught me that nothing is impossible, her explanation of faith inspires me to thrive in life and let my passion and joy lead me to my dreams.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Challenge By Choice
The Setup:
Since I could remember when I was three years old, my parents notice my struggle of learning to read. After an appointment at the Psychology Department of San Francisco State, I was diagnosed with a reading disorder. As time continued, the disorder became dyslexia. I've went to speech therapists, tutors, psychiatrists, psychologists and reading classes, yet I still struggle. The first grade was the worst experience I ever had; kids would snicker and laugh at me when I misread a word, I didn't remember learning the alphabet in class, even the teacher wouldn't help me. I was embarrassed and didn't realize how lonely I was till then. Then, I entered Chartwell School, a school specializing in teaching children with learning difficulties. I knew that I was home. The passion from the teachers and staff helped me over come my difficulties making my stronger in academics and confidence. For seven years, I learned to be independent and encouraging toward others. I was determined to use the tools from Chartwell and utilize them in my life.
The What:
High school began, I walked onto campus prepared to do well and meet new people. I've met some childhood friends from the first grade, it's been a while since I've seen them, yet they seem to already have friends of their own and forgotten about me. Classes start, I'm sitting up front ready to learn. It was English class and I volunteered reading a section the book "To Kill A Mockingbird." I've read the book before thinking, "I've got this." One deep breath and a couple of words later, I misread one word and all I could hear were the snickers and laughter from the students behind me in class. I continued reading hoping I could forget about it, I couldn't. I followed me in the back of my mind, I remained silent for the rest of the day.
A few months later, I had P.E. for first period, we were playing volleyball. I got my team, we were on the court and the game started. I volunteered to keep tally; after five minutes, I forgot the score. Two guys on the opposite team laughed and mocked me saying how stupid I am for forgetting. I tried ignoring it, but they picked on me like a tick; I stepped outside and took a few breaths. The next day, they still mocked me, I confronted them about my learning difficulties, yet they remain teasing me. One of them even called me a "retard." The word that taunts me about my difficulties. I hated that word; everyday I would hear students use that word to describe anything that refers to a negative connotation.
Since I barely knew anyone in high school, considering I came from a different middle school then anyone else, I was very alone. I attempted to make friends, but they end up ignoring me, teasing me, or push me out of their group. I pretty much felt rejected from everyone in school. In classes, they would refer to me for academic assistance; I would help, but I don't feel appreciated. It's like I help, then that's it, no thank you or anything. I tried getting involved; I joined clubs and a sport. I ran cross country for two years, yet I wasn't getting any support, even the coach told my find support somewhere else. I joined a few clubs, yet I felt left out in each one. Except for the American Sign Language Club. This is the only club that made me happy, it's pretty much my sanctuary in school. In three years, I went from a member to president on the club. I devoted a majority of my social life, considering I didn't have one, to the club. I organized fundraisers, got supplies, and managed the meetings and members. Although we didn't have much activities during the years, I was proud for what I achieved. Senior year, we had a last day of school party. We performed songs and had fun. The four seniors, including myself, were given a gift from the other members. I opened mine and it was a dog tag necklace with the word "cool" in English and ASL. First glance I felt happiness and appreciation. This was the turning point in my life. Knowing that someone cares makes the four years of loneliness unimportant.
After graduation, we had our Sober Grad Night on campus. I know I was going alone, but I decide to put my guard down and enjoy myself. I danced, played games, and participated in some crazy activities. For the last hour, we had a hypnotist come to perform. He asked for ten volunteers, I didn't hesitate and ran up on stage and took a seat. During the hour I had no idea what I was doing, but afterwards my jaw dropped. I was James Bond kissing the hands of two women, an alien interpreter, I danced for a while, and the finally was that I danced Chippendale's style. As we were leaving everyone commended me of an amazing performance saying that I was the best one up there. As I drove home I made it a goal for myself that in college I won't be afraid to put my guard down, to take new experiences and to not let anyone take my pride away.
The So What:
I haven't been able to tell my story to anyone. I may have told little bits, but not the entire story. This one means a lot, because it's an issue most students and young kids are facing everyday, being left out, bullied and frightened for being themselves. I refer to my experience everyday, because I reminds me to remain strong, that it will get better and there are people who care about you. Growing up alone and confused in a society of selfishness and egos, I was trapped in a corner scared to come out of the dark shadows. After discovering the kindness and joy from others toward me, I realized that I am not a burden towards others. I am able to overcome my suffering with the pride I gain from the support of others. If people continue appreciating and encouraging others, then there would be no worries about who will be bullied in school, why I a child depressed, or is the child hurting him/herself to hide his/her sadness. These issues and tragedies are preventable only if we as a society put an end to judgement and harassment toward others who are different.
The Now What:
Now I want to be a role model referring back to my story to help kids gain the courage to be themselves while leaving everyone else alone. I want to be a teacher, because at Chartwell my math teacher, who have ADD, inspired me that I can fulfill my dream even with a learning difficulty. I also want to be more open about my personal life, because I've bottled my emotions up for so long that I realized that I need to be honest about myself in order to understand who I am better. In order to do this I need to gain social confidence and trust other people. I helped many people, learning about their life and issues, yet I remain keeping my problems to myself and blocking people out of my personal life. I need to trust people, because if I don't I fear that I will grow up alone. Everyday I repeatedly listen to the songs: "Beautiful", "Your Raise Me Up" and "Listen" reminding myself that it's okay to be open and let my guard down, because I am who I am, people do care about me, and I need to let my own voice be heard in order to create a better self image.
Since I could remember when I was three years old, my parents notice my struggle of learning to read. After an appointment at the Psychology Department of San Francisco State, I was diagnosed with a reading disorder. As time continued, the disorder became dyslexia. I've went to speech therapists, tutors, psychiatrists, psychologists and reading classes, yet I still struggle. The first grade was the worst experience I ever had; kids would snicker and laugh at me when I misread a word, I didn't remember learning the alphabet in class, even the teacher wouldn't help me. I was embarrassed and didn't realize how lonely I was till then. Then, I entered Chartwell School, a school specializing in teaching children with learning difficulties. I knew that I was home. The passion from the teachers and staff helped me over come my difficulties making my stronger in academics and confidence. For seven years, I learned to be independent and encouraging toward others. I was determined to use the tools from Chartwell and utilize them in my life.
The What:
High school began, I walked onto campus prepared to do well and meet new people. I've met some childhood friends from the first grade, it's been a while since I've seen them, yet they seem to already have friends of their own and forgotten about me. Classes start, I'm sitting up front ready to learn. It was English class and I volunteered reading a section the book "To Kill A Mockingbird." I've read the book before thinking, "I've got this." One deep breath and a couple of words later, I misread one word and all I could hear were the snickers and laughter from the students behind me in class. I continued reading hoping I could forget about it, I couldn't. I followed me in the back of my mind, I remained silent for the rest of the day.
A few months later, I had P.E. for first period, we were playing volleyball. I got my team, we were on the court and the game started. I volunteered to keep tally; after five minutes, I forgot the score. Two guys on the opposite team laughed and mocked me saying how stupid I am for forgetting. I tried ignoring it, but they picked on me like a tick; I stepped outside and took a few breaths. The next day, they still mocked me, I confronted them about my learning difficulties, yet they remain teasing me. One of them even called me a "retard." The word that taunts me about my difficulties. I hated that word; everyday I would hear students use that word to describe anything that refers to a negative connotation.
Since I barely knew anyone in high school, considering I came from a different middle school then anyone else, I was very alone. I attempted to make friends, but they end up ignoring me, teasing me, or push me out of their group. I pretty much felt rejected from everyone in school. In classes, they would refer to me for academic assistance; I would help, but I don't feel appreciated. It's like I help, then that's it, no thank you or anything. I tried getting involved; I joined clubs and a sport. I ran cross country for two years, yet I wasn't getting any support, even the coach told my find support somewhere else. I joined a few clubs, yet I felt left out in each one. Except for the American Sign Language Club. This is the only club that made me happy, it's pretty much my sanctuary in school. In three years, I went from a member to president on the club. I devoted a majority of my social life, considering I didn't have one, to the club. I organized fundraisers, got supplies, and managed the meetings and members. Although we didn't have much activities during the years, I was proud for what I achieved. Senior year, we had a last day of school party. We performed songs and had fun. The four seniors, including myself, were given a gift from the other members. I opened mine and it was a dog tag necklace with the word "cool" in English and ASL. First glance I felt happiness and appreciation. This was the turning point in my life. Knowing that someone cares makes the four years of loneliness unimportant.
After graduation, we had our Sober Grad Night on campus. I know I was going alone, but I decide to put my guard down and enjoy myself. I danced, played games, and participated in some crazy activities. For the last hour, we had a hypnotist come to perform. He asked for ten volunteers, I didn't hesitate and ran up on stage and took a seat. During the hour I had no idea what I was doing, but afterwards my jaw dropped. I was James Bond kissing the hands of two women, an alien interpreter, I danced for a while, and the finally was that I danced Chippendale's style. As we were leaving everyone commended me of an amazing performance saying that I was the best one up there. As I drove home I made it a goal for myself that in college I won't be afraid to put my guard down, to take new experiences and to not let anyone take my pride away.
The So What:
I haven't been able to tell my story to anyone. I may have told little bits, but not the entire story. This one means a lot, because it's an issue most students and young kids are facing everyday, being left out, bullied and frightened for being themselves. I refer to my experience everyday, because I reminds me to remain strong, that it will get better and there are people who care about you. Growing up alone and confused in a society of selfishness and egos, I was trapped in a corner scared to come out of the dark shadows. After discovering the kindness and joy from others toward me, I realized that I am not a burden towards others. I am able to overcome my suffering with the pride I gain from the support of others. If people continue appreciating and encouraging others, then there would be no worries about who will be bullied in school, why I a child depressed, or is the child hurting him/herself to hide his/her sadness. These issues and tragedies are preventable only if we as a society put an end to judgement and harassment toward others who are different.
The Now What:
Now I want to be a role model referring back to my story to help kids gain the courage to be themselves while leaving everyone else alone. I want to be a teacher, because at Chartwell my math teacher, who have ADD, inspired me that I can fulfill my dream even with a learning difficulty. I also want to be more open about my personal life, because I've bottled my emotions up for so long that I realized that I need to be honest about myself in order to understand who I am better. In order to do this I need to gain social confidence and trust other people. I helped many people, learning about their life and issues, yet I remain keeping my problems to myself and blocking people out of my personal life. I need to trust people, because if I don't I fear that I will grow up alone. Everyday I repeatedly listen to the songs: "Beautiful", "Your Raise Me Up" and "Listen" reminding myself that it's okay to be open and let my guard down, because I am who I am, people do care about me, and I need to let my own voice be heard in order to create a better self image.
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