Blog Topic 3

When the professor offered us a chance to remedy our grade, provided we all agreed- this was a great opportunity. People reacted in a variety of ways- the most popular being avoidance. The one person who stood in front of the class was acting as a compromiser. He was announcing people’s ideas, without inputting too much of his own opinion. He was trying to keep the peace, as well as be a spokesperson for the class. Many people were avoiding the discussion, but then when it came time to vote- they objected. This is probably the most frustrating response. If you are going to object, then take part in the decision process! Don’t just sit there. I saw few people competing. I witness this directly only once. One individual was basically insulting another. I see myself as a compromiser. I didn’t do the worst or the best, so I was open to concession. There were also some individuals who were accommodating. They had done well enough and didn’t really have much to lose- so they were just along for the ride. Obviously the best behavior would have been to collaborate and compromise. We should have decided on who would be leaders and separated into groups. We should have voted on each clause instead of one vote at the end, which risked us losing all that we have discussed. 

Blog Topic 2: Planning

I think that the activity involving the egg was a very interesting way to work as a team. I think that because the task seemed very difficult and almost impossible to achieve- we maybe were slightly frazzled and may have skipped over some of the steps in the planning process. I think that our goal was already defined, and we didn’t really need to do that. As far as understanding deadlines- we kept close track of time. I don’t think that the planning and implementation of our egg saving device went as smoothly as it could have. Everyone has different ideas and opinions and there was some tension regarding differences in our group. As far as alternative strategies, there was about 3 different ideas as to what to do, but we went with the one that most people agreed on. After drawing a design for the egg, we then tried to build it. We ran into some trouble actually producing the design. However, we finally finished. Unfortunately, we were not able to implement our plan. We accidently cracked the egg before we were able to participate by dropping them from the table. I think that a way we could have been more effective as a group would have been to take votes, rather than just trying to push our point of view ahead. Maybe by agreeing that we would all follow majority rules vote, we could have avoided some of the tension. We also should have spent more time actually trying to build different designs rather than just saying that the other person’s would not work. 

Blog Topic 1: Culture Shock

One major difference I have noticed between American culture and that of others is the directness and bluntness Americans embrace. I think a lot of other cultures are more polite and less aggressive than Americans. There are regional variances even within this same country. I notice a big difference interacting with someone not from New York versus a native New Yorker. I think when most people come from another culture to New York, they start to embrace our culture. I don't know if it is this way in other parts of the country, but New York is so diverse there is not one kind of stereo typical New Yorker. None of us look the same or sound the same. I have visited several countries in Europe. When I was in London, it seemed very similar to New York, and I think the people could be New Yorkers, minus the variances in language/accent. Everything in France seemed very formal to me. I think we are very casual culturally, and this is unlike other cultures. I have been to several culturally diverse schools. Another thing I have noticed is that international students seem to be more studious and more inclined to try harder academically. Maybe this is because the schools in America can be  rather lenient or less regimented. I know that most children in Europe start learning a language other than their native in school at a younger age. In America most students don't start language study until middle or high school. I think this is a disadvantage. I also read that advanced math is much more of a critical part of education in other parts of the world. Excelling at math is very important for success in many career paths, so I think Americans would be better off if math was pushed harder in schools. I am very grateful to live in New York, because it is the most culturally diverse place in the world. Not everyone is lucky enough to interact with so many vastly different people on a daily basis. People may have cultural differences, but in a tolerant and open minded environment (as I feel New York usually is) everyone can mesh well together.

Erin in Blogland

I'm Erin. This is my first blog ever. I chose the name for my blog from a play on words of Alice in Wonderland. I've just transferred to Baruch, and I love it thus far. I'm a vegetarian, and have been pretty much my entire life (I only ate meat from ages 2-6). I have a penchant for Apple products, and fittingly, work at the Apple Store. My 21st birthday was in July (Leo) and I have felt old ever since. I enjoy shopping and reading, although my schedule has not permitted very much of either lately; this is quite distressing. I think that pretty much covers the basics. When you see me I will most likely be wearing a scarf and a smile.