Author Archives: cj359

Passion and Endurance

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I went to support my friend, and found the performances were phenomenal and exciting. Each song requires so much practice, passion, and endurance and I can see the dedication each and every member put in. They were so talented as they could play other instruments such as the violin and piano. I was shocked when the members played the drums at a 45 degree angle and did not frown. I really liked the collaboration performance with the Big Red Raas and how the Yamatai members learned how to dance from them while the Big Red Raas played the drums.

 

Intersectionality in Social Justice Issues

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Jason Hungerford’s cafe talk made me reflect upon how intersectionality plays a role in the journey of treatment and experiences people have. I have learned about intersectionality affecting social justice issues such as domestic violence and sexual trafficking in Alternative Breaks and made me realize how intersectionality affects every little thing in this discriminated society. I also found it inspiring that in the major events that you cannot control, it is up to what you do with it to shape your life onward. I learned to be careful with the terms I use that others do not feel comfortable with and to listen and not burden them with my emotions. I appreciate Jason Hungerford for sharing his journey and informing us about how we can get involved.

Indecisiveness

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I was intrigued by the story behind the creation of the AREA method to make herself feel better about her decisions as they change the lives of several people. I am an indecisive person in every decision I make, whether it be a small or life-changing decision because of the multiple options there are. Not knowing the future outcomes is what makes me anxious of making the right decision, but the AREA method is a great way to validate your choice objectively. I admire how Cheryl overcame her troubles of her job through creating a method for her thoughts and decisions. I hope to use the AREA method to make sound and efficient decisions.

The History of West Campus

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I was amazed by the past pictures of West Campus looking identical to today’s West Campus and the stories of the founders of each building. I never knew that Baker was the founder of Citibank and had a building in most universities named after him. I also never closely looked at the words and symbols on the buildings and never knew we once had 6 buildings surrounding a huge Noyes Community Center. This cafe talk inspires me to go visit Olin library to see the other historical documents of Cornell University or other topics I am interested in. I am also very interested in the new changes that are being made to North campus and how they are requiring freshman and sophomores to live on campus.

You Got to Go Down a Lot of Wrong Roads to Find the Right One

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I was inspired by Professor Lisa Nishii’s life talk about how she had her whole life planned out, but ended up in a totally different path and loves where she ended up. I contemplated about my life decisions for a long time during my freshman year about my major and what I wanted to work as in the future. From studying abroad, I was able to decide where I would be the happiest and most passionate about my work. I am glad and feel grateful for the opportunities given by Cornell that helped me with my career paths and goals. From this cafe talk, I became more aware of the opportunities that I can talk and will be open to any changes that happen throughout life.

Hidden yet Fun Safety on Campus

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As a trip participant of Alternative Breaks, I am currently learning about service learning, domestic violence, sexual violence, gender-based violence, human trafficking, and later in life abuse. I will be visiting Womankind, an agency that empowers these survivors and provides healing services to them, over spring break. From our cafe talk, I found it very interesting how the material I am learning can be related to campus life and how we can be actively involved with preventing sexual acts. I was also amazed how Cornell University coined the term “sexual harassment”. I love the innovative yet hidden ways of protecting the students from sexual harassment and will continue to think of some ways as well.

 

Rain Rain Go Away Come Again Another Day

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I came to the workshop thinking we would paint with paintbrushes on bags and get messy, but I came out learning a new painting technique. As we viewed the art style of Andy Warhol’s screen prints in the Johnson Museum of Art, I was inspired and amazed how paint can be layered flat so beautifully. When I saw the demonstration done by the instructor, the fading element gave me an idea to use rain as it fades into the ground. I made this design as a symbol to demonstrate a safe place for myself as I venture outside of my comfort zone. I have never been proud of my artistic skills, but I am really happy with how the design turned out.

Money rather than food?

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The Global Hunger and Free Lunch presentations and panel made me reflect a lot about our policies and our actions towards addressing global hunger. I was very intrigued by how giving money directly to people in areas of food insecurity would help them more efficiently than providing them food. Because the food has to be delivered and shipped from other nations, it takes more time to provide food rather than giving money directly in their bank accounts so that they could go to the local grocery store and spend what they need. However, I did admire the work they put in devising a food package full of various nutrients using the locally grown crops that the organization would buy and use. I also really liked how they redesigned the food stamp system so that it looks like a credit card and so they would not get judged or discriminated by others.

Torn to Pieces

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I really enjoyed making toys for cats and dogs in local shelters and how we can make two or even three toys from one shirt that we don’t wear anymore. Although it was hard to tear the shirt due to the different fabric, it allowed me to de-stress and not think about the upcoming work. The sound of the fabric ripping and creating a curl was very satisfying to hear and see, which made the event even more soothing. I am glad that this event serves for a good cause for the animals and how it also helped me as well. I really enjoy the crafts that we make in the Rose Scholar events and hope we continue to have more.