Author Archives: Alexander Perez

Just Do It

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Well, it looks like spending an evening with GRF Laura Rodriguez de Simons ended up being my final Rose Scholar event of the semester. Unfortunately, I was not able to stay for the whole talk due to a seminar I had to attend. Nevertheless, I was able to get a good grasp of what Laura wanted to communicate in the time frame that she had. I have stated in the past that I take a lot of things for granted. I always try to reflect on how truly blessed I am to be at Cornell. One of the things that I usually overlook is that one thing we can all use every once in a while: help. As Cornell students, we are constantly bombarded with flyers, emails, and messages that relay available resources for those who are struggling in their personal lives.

As someone who is interested in pursuing a career in clinical psychology, I admire Laura for her dedication to serving others via The Advocacy Center of Tompkins County. She also has a global perspective on social work, as she has lived and worked in Ethiopia and Central America. How does one turn their passion into a career? Well, I personally must first know what my passion is. Although I love psychology, can I truly call it my passion? Recently, I have had a special desire for working in the entertainment industry. Perhaps, it is time to actually look into it and not just dream about it. Social work is not the only way one can serve others. Stop thinking about your passion: just do it 😉

The Two C’s: Cambodia and China

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I’ve probably learned more about China in my two years at Cornell than I have in my entire life. It might be helpful to note that my roommate is an international student from China (thanks Marco). I actually attended a talk on China with Thomas Christensen, author of “The China Challenge,” a couple of weeks ago. I found the talk to be quite interesting and insightful. Throughout my time at Cornell, I have been learning more and more about a country that can be considered as both “developing” and “powerful.”

The original speaker for this Rose Cafe talk, Benny Widyono, could not come due to health issues. I would like to take this moment to wish him the best in whatever complications he is going through. In Dr. Widyono’s absence, Professor Andrew Mertha took his place. Professor Mertha talked about Cambodia’s history and China’s influence for the majority of the hour. He was very lighthearted and provided comic relief for the moments in which he discussed some of the more darker days in Cambodia’s history. It was interesting to hear about the Khmer Rouge regime. After the talk ended, I actually looked up Pol Pot. Although I was familiar with his name and reputation, I never really knew the man himself.

Professor Mertha gave us a glimpse at how challenging research could be. He had some difficulties in accessing information from the libraries/archives in Cambodia. In fact, one of the individuals in charge of a particular information center refused to give Professor Mertha access simply because the official didn’t like him (haters gonna hate). After talking about Cambodia, Professor Mertha moved on to China. Is China as “dangerous” as some people make it out to be? Does China want to take over the world? Why is it making investments in Africa and South America? Does China “own” the United States? Will we all have to learn how to speak Mandarin eventually? According to Professor Mertha, this perception of China is inaccurate. It is a very large country with its own issues that it has to deal with. Overall, I thought this talk was quite informative. I was especially intrigued with Cambodia because I didn’t know too much about it before the talk. Can I call myself an expert on Cambodia and China now? Well, probably not Cambodia. But, China on the other hand… 😉

 

 

Breathe In, Breathe Out

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Last semester, I remember pulling an “all-nighter” in Uris to work on a 20-page paper. The assignment wasn’t even due the next day. I told myself that there was no way I was going to be able to complete it in the time that I had without pulling at least 1 all-nighter. When I saw an image of Ezra Cornell on the wall, I thought, “Cornell University: Having students pull all-nighters since 1865.” Thankfully, I haven’t pulled too many during my time at Cornell. I am well aware, however, that the same thing cannot be said for several others.

The term “stress” usually has a negative connotation ascribed to it. However, most of us tend to overlook the positive aspects of stress. A certain amount of stress is needed to, well, get stuff done. The key is to find the right balance (easier said than done). Sarah Rubenstein-Gillis and Andrea Gerding, experts on stress reduction, provided some insight on how to strike this balance. Having a routine before you study, for example, can prime the brain into a “study mode.” I was actually quite shocked to hear that the recommended sleep time for college students was 9 hours. I had always thought it was 8 (I guess this explains why I don’t feel as well rested when I get 7-8 hours of sleep). Exercise can be a great way of alleviating stress. The gym serves as an outlet for the stress and anger I have internalized. I unleash it into the weights I lift and steps I take. It was also quite refreshing to have a meditation session. Sometimes, taking a deep breath can be the remedy one needs to strike that balance. Well, that’s enough for this blog post. It’s time to get some rest (hopefully I’ll get 9 hours of sleep)!

The Rocky of Tennis?

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I’m not a professional athlete, but that doesn’t mean I would be opposed to hearing an inspirational Rocky Balboa-esque speech that sends chills down my spine. In fact, although it is often associated with sports, “motivation” has no boundaries. Anyone can be motivated to do anything in any field. Thus, I looked forward to hearing Silviu Tanasoiu, head coach of Cornell men’s tennis, deliver a jaw-dropping speech that would leave me… speechless. Did he do it? Well, that wasn’t exactly the reaction I had. Does that mean I went in with high expectations and left disappointed? Absolutely not. In fact, it was quite the opposite. I left thinking to myself, “The guys on the tennis team should be grateful to have a coach like that.”

Coach Tanasoiu told us about what it takes to thrive not only as an athlete and student, but also as a person in general. First, time is our most valuable asset. The life of a student athlete can be extremely demanding and rigorous. One must be able to strike a balance between academia and practice/play. The only way to do this is by being wise with how we use and spend our time. Second, adversity is your best friend. It is through challenges that we learn what our limits are. As a result, we can improve and possibly even overcome our limits. This would enable us to reach our maximum potential. Third, the relationships we have with others (e.g., teammates, family, etc.) is critical in all aspects of our life. If a recruit consistently screams at their coach, it will seriously effect their prospective value. Coach Tanasoiu mentioned that he would do his best to communicate with a potential recruit’s family members in order to fully evaluate the new prospect. I thought this was very admirable, as it shows care and concern for those who made the recruit into the individual they are.

“Be nice to yourself.” This is what an Olympic gold medalist told the coach’s team. I feel like this is some advice that I could really use myself sometimes. Throughout the whole event, Coach Tanasoiu consistently used the word “grateful.” He reminds his team to be grateful for being able to play at an Ivy League institution, given how extremely competitive it is. He was grateful when his dad sold his own car so that he could leave Romania and play tennis in the U.S. He remains grateful for being able to be in the position that he’s in now. In fact, he can’t even believe that he gets paid to do what he loves. So, no, Coach Tanasoiu did not comes across as Rocky Balboa (i.e., in your face, very passionate, etc.) during this particular evening. I wouldn’t be surprised, however, if he personifies him in front of his own team.

Baroque is Back

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I must admit that I’m not the biggest fan of classical music. Although I don’t mind listening to it (especially for studying), it’s not a genre of music that I actively expose myself to. That doesn’t mean, however, that I’m not open to attending a Freiburg Baroque Orchestra concert on a Friday night. Last semester (Fall 2015), I attended my first classical music concert which featured the pianist Emmanuel Ax. There was a particular piece that I thoroughly enjoyed and still listen to occasionally when I study. The piece was a rendition of Beethoven’s “Sonata Pathetique”- 2nd mvt. Perhaps, I thought, I could add another piece to my study soundtrack by attending my first orchestra.

While we walked to Bailey Hall, Sara asked us what we thought “baroque” was. My initial definition was a specific style of instruments characterized by the era of Mozart. During the performance, my friend, an avid fan of classical music, told me it referred to a specific era of music (e.g., Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, etc.). Before the concert even began, I was mesmerized by some of the instruments, as they appeared antique in nature. One of the instruments was a clarinet with a unique design and sound. We were all amused when we were told that an extra note could be obtained by tapping the clarinet against one’s own knee. I was also very surprised to hear some opera singing! Like Emmanuel Ax, I had a unique experience to reflect on. Baroque is back!

Baroque

Why so Melancholy?

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We have all, undoubtedly, experienced sadness in our lives. Have we all, however, experienced melancholy? The answer to this question will depend on your definition of melancholy. What is the difference between melancholy and sadness, if there is one at all? As some fellow scholars suggested, melancholy is a lingering, gloomy state that is characterized by numbness. Sadness, on the other hand, is a fleeting or temporary emotion that can come and go at any time.

This distinction appears to be relatively clear. I, however, have a question of my own: What exactly is the difference between melancholy and depression, if there is one at all? Can these terms be used interchangeably? I am currently taking HD 3700 (Introduction to Adult Psychopathology). Thus, I became particularly excited when Sara talked about Freud and Hamlet because we are covering them right now as well! Early in the play, my professor mentioned that Hamlet displayed 4 out of the 5 symptoms of depression. Was Hamlet suffering from depression or was he experiencing something else? According to my professor, Shakespeare understood clinical psychology better than anyone. His insight of the human mind was uncanny, especially for his time.

I also felt like I could relate to the image of the tortured, creative artist. I personally have a friend that fits this description perfectly. He even acknowledges it himself. Although my friend is incredibly talented (music, drawing, etc.), he suffers from depression (once again, is there a difference between melancholy and depression?). Does one’s creative genius flourish through suffering? If so, is it worth it?

 

Que es Amor?

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“What is love?” This was the question Dr. Eddy Alvarez asked us at our dinner conversation. After a couple of minutes, we compiled a list of words and phrases that could serve as the definition of such an abstract yet powerful word. Among several other definitions, love is selflessness, warmth, attachment, and God. This dinner conversation, however, gave me a unique perspective on what love was. Dr. Alvarez was passionate about defining love through the eyes and experiences of the Latino and LGBTQ communities. Poetry was one of his mediums.

Dr. Alvarez read us three poems, one of which was his. They were all powerful pieces that displayed the struggles of being gay and a person of color. How does one live in a world with so much pain and suffering? The answer, which was beautifully relayed in the poems, is through love. Society has given us the notion that talking about love can sometimes make one appear weak and fragile. According to Dr. Alvarez, we actually need to talk more about love because it serves as the foundation/base for so much of what we believe and do. As a fellow Hispanic, I felt like I could relate to Dr. Alvarez. I am proud to be Latino! Soy orgulloso de ser Latino!

Bite the Hand That Feeds You

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It is a question that never seems to have a concrete answer: Why are poor people poor? Some assert that poor people are, for the most part, responsible for their own social status. Perhaps they are simply lazy or unmotivated. Others argue that poor people are, for the most part, poor because of external factors or influences that lie beyond their control. Perhaps the system is simply against them. We, as a society, may never agree on the answer. However, the documentary “Poverty, Inc.” asks another question that might have a clearer answer: How can we help poor people?

The documentary looked at poverty across several countires (e.g., Haiti, Kenya, Peru, etc.). From an outsider’s perspective, foreign aid seems to help those in need. This short-term solution, however, can have detrimental long-term effects. For example, how can local businesses compete with free aid (e.g., rice, solar panels, eggs, shoes, etc.)? According to the documentary, this creates a society of beggars. Why should you pay for something down the street when you can simply get it for free from an NGO? Foreign aid should not be limited to food and clothing. It should also provide the opportunities and resources for one to escape poverty. It should give poor people control over their own lives so that they can shape their own futures. I thought the documentary was enlightening and eye-opening in several ways. It was also awesome and a privilege to Skype with Mark, the co-producer of the documentary!

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” -Lao Tzu Poverty, Inc.

Our Art Reflects Our Reality

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I remember watching the trailers on TV for the movie Straight Outta Compton when it was first released. On social media, people posted creative memes that utilized a part the film’s title (e.g., Straight Outta Cornell). Although I wasn’t too eager to watch the movie at the time, I didn’t mind watching it at some point later on. I never imagined, however, that I would watch it at the Cornell Cinema as part of a Rose Scholars event.

The United States is currently in the midst of movements, such as “Black Lives Matter,” that seek to shed light on the struggles of African Americans, particularly with law enforcement. In the movie, members of the N.W.A constantly encountered police brutality, threats, and discrimination. “Our art reflects our reality.” I enjoyed the film and the backstory behind one of the most influential groups in the music industry. The acting was great and the movie also had its share of emotional moments. I also enjoyed the surprise appearances by Snoop Dogg and Tupac. The movie certainly deserves its share of awards. I recommend watching Straight Outta Compton, especially if you’re a fan of rap!