I woke up like usual, excited for what the new day had in store for me. But nothing much went on in class today; just the norm. After class is when all the action happened.
Dean Rose had invited all of the Ivy League Connection students to join in on the pizza dinner and to attend the jazz concert (which you have probably read about in other blogs). Since we had a huge group, we split up into three groups and I was with Courtney and Cynthia in Dean Rose's group. We talked about all the pros and cons during our stay here at Brown University. On the first couple of days, I was intimidated by all the wealth and superb educational background the students around me came from but I was relieved to find out that I was not the only one who felt that way. These other students in the room felt the same way as me because they come from more or less the same situation as me. I was happy that I was not alone. Not only that, but saw a few of the students in my class attend this dinner and this dinner was limited to scholars. I did not know that these students came here through a program that I came through. Now, I think I will feel even more comfortable in my class environment because I feel like I can connect with them. Who knows? Maybe we will build a friendship that will last longer than this week.
Well it is getting late and it is almost curfew so I will take my leave.
Until the next blog,
Meuy
Monday, July 6, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Meuy, this is why you never prejudge anyone. It only hurts you by stereotyping an individual. Too often we form biases without having the chance to meet and talk with a person.
I am surprised that they have not discussed this in your class with the other students. These type of lessons help form your behavior and attitude toward the world. If you see yourself as a victim then you are always unhappy and angry. However, if you see the world as a place that provides opportunity, then you are optimistic and hopeful.
You have grown a lot during the past two summers. I hope that you will continue to strive to connect with people and realize that there are a lot of people who have similiar struggles and that they are trying to work as hard as possible to have a better life.
This is the best advice that I can give to you. I hope that you have found the Ivy League Connection program to be beneficial and a program that has opened your eyes to a broader spectrum of choices and opportunities. I know that it is a lot to ask of oneself, but at the same time it is important that you learn these lessons now.
Every day I have to work and run my law office, pay bills, continue to recruit new clients and stay on the phone to collect on invoices. I never, ever, look at a day as something that is a burden. It would not do any good. I have to believe that every day is worth my time and that I have something to live for. I do and that is why I come home and spend time with my kids and hope that they are doing everything in their power to advance themselves.
I want the same for you and this is why I respond to each of the ILC students posts. I believe it is important to practice what you preach and you can see that I practically keep up with all of you on a daily basis.
So, Meuy when you get back, sit down, think about the three weeks and write a nice essay about how you feel about us as mentors and if we have made a difference in your life. I was proud of you when you gave your speech at our brunch. You showed a lot of courage and you gave us all the sense that you finally, yes finally, trusted us enough to say "I will do it".
Have a great night. I enjoyed seeing all of those pictures with your lovely smile. I think that you are having fun at Brown and I am glad that you had a chance to see Dean Robin Rose. She is special.
Take care.
Charles T. Ramsey, Esq.
School Board Member
West Contra Costa
Unified School District
Meuy,
You showed lots of insight in this blog. You are right to realize that "you are not alone" --
Really that's where we become very self-defeating, we think we are the ONLY ones feeling as we do -- and rarely is that true. But we have to CONNECT to find out. I am grateful for Dean Rose's decision to provide a venue for that connection.
Enjoy your week.
Meuy,
A little education, a little pizza and some fine entertainment to wash it down. Not a bad day.
Moving outside your comfort zone of fellow ILC students is a part of what we sent you to Brown for so you can see first hand what things are like elsewhere. Having frank discussion with your peers at Brown is a part of the education and I’m glad that you’re finally getting around to that part of the experience.
Now that you’ve seen what you can learn from that, perhaps you can use your remaining days to learn even more?
Post a Comment