ENGLISH BLOG

Week 11


It seems like we have been focusing on the purpose of education and educational reform lately in class. This has caused me to ponder my own reasons for not only attending UVSC, but university in general. I thought that I would be able to pick a major, graduate and get a job. I realize that my plans are a little vague, but that is what I thought. I hoped that somewhere in my three step plan I would be able to pick-up some skills and knowledge that would help me be successful somewhere down the road but the main goal was that piece of paper called a diploma. The last couple of weeks during our in-class discussions I have had time to reflect on the purpose of education in my life. With all the references to “the good ol’ days” by Pro. Smith, it has made me think about what I am trying to get out of my time here at UVSC and what it is I am paying for. Obviously the goal is the piece of paper, but why can’t I be frugal with my money and suck everything I can out before I leave? I hope that I can internalize the discussions that we have in class, drawing my own conclusions and applying them to my life.

ENGLISH BLOG

Week 10

I can’t believe that I actually am remembering to do my blog! I’m not sure why I can’t seem to remember; maybe I can turn over a new leaf!
In my research I have been investigating finance. I have gone down several avenues. I started looking at retirement and different ways to invest and prepare for retirement. I looked at 401K, including bonds, mutual funds, and stocks. I also explored “non traditional” investing. I read about people that have invested everything in things like fish and crabs and made millions! I guess if the risk is high so can be the return. The area of personal finance is an interesting topic. The real estate market has been on such a boom lately; many people are shying away from the standard 30 year fixed-rate mortgages and experimenting with ARM or interest only loans. Since these new mortgage loans became popular and the grace periods are expiring, we are seeing a huge increase in foreclosures and bankruptcies. I personally know many people that have financed their homes though one of these new mortgages and are shocked after their grace period, usually five years, that their payment has now doubled and they can no long afford their house. They have been paying only interest, and no principle and the market has slowed down s they can’t sell the house for what they bought it for. They now owe more on their house than it is worth and can’t sell it. Foreclosure and bankruptcy are the next steps and for the next 15 plus years they are digging out of that and can’t even begin to think about retirement. By that time their kids are approaching college and need help with tuition and books. We all know how expensive they are. Once they kids are done with college the parents want to retire, but have absolutely no saving and are still in debt up to their eye balls and are forced to work into their sixties. The kids are now set to make the same mistakes as their parents made.
As we see personal finance is a tricky topic. If we are not educated we are likely to fall into the same trap.

ENGLISH BLOG

ENGLISH BLOG

My major is often thought of as one chosen by those who aren’t quite sure what they want to do when they grow-up. My major is of course business. I have chosen to study business management with an emphasis in international business. I speak fluent Spanish and I believe that this will help me in being able to be more marketable to companies that are looking to do business with companies in Latin America. I feel that the area of business is a broad, open area of study that lends itself well to people like me that aren’t sure exactly what or where they want to go. I guess that scholars in business generally try to improve in the areas of productivity and marketability. As a good manager you are trying to find new ways of motivating and stimulating your employees. This a good way of improving productivity for the company. The more marketable you and your company are the more profitable you will be, and that is the goal. In my own study in business I hope to be able to figure out a way to be profitable through marketing and motivation. I hope that through my studies I will be able to pin down a specific area of focus that I excel at and enjoy, being able to be successful professional in that area.

ENGLISH BLOG

ENGLISH BLOG

As I think about all the struggles and temptations that our generations faces on a daily occurrence I hesitate to think of how much harder the next generation, our kids will have it. Is the abuse of drugs, alcohol, and sex at a young age going to continue? Are the kids of the next generation going to be educated enough to be able to over come the distractions and be able to focus on the more important things in life?
For generations it seems like the challenges only get harder and disguise themselves better. Each generation has their vice. With the manufacturing of illegal and prescription drugs, the consequences are now more drastic. What will the drug of choice be in the future? Will kids still think its okay to have unprotected sex with multiple partners? Will society finally understand the effects alcohol is having and do something about it?
I hope that generations to come will have a more sound understanding of the dangers that they will face. This issue affects each and every one of us. We will all continue to be members of this society. It is our job to train and educate the next generation to have the tools and recourses necessary to combat the forces that will inevitable stand in their way to success. I’m not sure what or how to solve this problem, but I do know that it will require a lot of sacrifice by those who care and those who want to see a brighter, happier future for those to come.

ENGLISH BLOG

ENGLISH BLOG

Week 2 Assignment

I recent experience I have had was trying to find parking at UVSC. It seems like there are no good answers. I have pondered for several years the parking situation on campus. Why does it cost so much to park on campus? Why are the parking permits un-transferable from vehicle to vehicle? This is an issue that to anyone would seem minute, but to me is problematic. I have to leave work in the middle of the day to come to class. Finding parking in the same zip code as campus is hard. It takes a long time to either walk to take the shuttle. Isn’t there a better way to set up the parking situation?