Rebeca Castro - Reflection #2

 Happiness All Around Presentations

Group 1: Economy & Potential Careers

The topic of our presentation was about potential career and economy. These two topics as a group were able to dive deeper into how they work together. During my research it was interesting to see how Miami-Dade County divides the fields of balancing the economy into agriculture, film and entertainment, economic development, international business, and marketing partnerships. These different fields strive to ensure that the economy is well-balanced, but that these records are released to the public. Learning about how our county helps with potential careers in this fast-paced, but difficult process of job searching was important. As college students or graduated students, the possibilities of finding the “right job” is not as easy as they promote it or make it seem. But it is still important that the county provides equal opportunity to its people. During the research, their main motto was “Equal Opportunity Employer”, showing the countless opportunities and benefits of working for them. But also finding other options through job fairs, networking apps, and through connections of our peers. 

Working with my group it was interesting to see how two of our group members interviewed two out sources for their experience. One was a recent graduate sharing her experience on job searching and the difficulty of it. The other interview was based on an official sharing on how the government provides help for young adults in the workforce. As well, on how the Congress or government is helping with the economy and potential career. These key experiences show the reality and present time of the daily people not only in our county or state, but across the country. These answers were moving to hear and an important reality of our world. Our group was able to be informative and cohesive on how communication is involved in the majority of the process of creating and building potential careers. It was nice to show this before our group moved on to the questions. The work was divided well and each person was able to showcase their research, but share their experiences. 

Group 2: Families & Education

The topic of group 2's presentation was on families and education. Throughout this presentation it went deeper into family engagement, educational resources, and how children can be supported. The agenda was a nice guideline to follow and it proves how informational it can be with or without reading the powerpoint. 

The first section was presented by Manuela, she spoke about technology, learning online, mental health, and the current issues in learning. These topics were all related to the evolution of education. Manuela made it an important point to show that throughout the last five years, education has gone through drastic changes. Doing school online was not seen much before, but with the pandemic it became the norm. Many talk about the negative effects of technology before and after the pandemic, but it is important to highlight the positivity that was gained. Without that big step of changing our environment, then much would have not been overcome. The next section by Kevin was well organized and easy to read and follow. The government’s role in education has been a question especially through our present times with the department of education being possibly taken out. The programs mentioned in his section was an eye opener to how much necessity is seen throughout our country, that makes a person question how there is still help needed. As much as the government or our states will try to provide coverage for what is needed, it is still difficult because with one solution comes another ten problems to be solved. It is amazing how these programs are still standing, but education still needs to be cared about. It provides knowledge and insight to the future generations of our country.

The presentations give suggestions on how education can be given more coverage in local, state, and national levels. The last few parts of the presentation was about the roles that our federal, state, and community helps with families. The agencies provided were informative on what it does and which department is in charge of these programs. Healthcare is an ongoing issue in the country with how it can be affordable for everyone. With the suggestions mentioned in the presentation should be considered everyday till we the people can receive it. This presentation continues the informative, but call to action aspect to our county, state, and government officials. 

Group 2: Mental Health & Social Life

The topic of group three was mental health and social life. These two topics go hand in hand with making sure that there is a balance. If we focus too much on fun, we tend to not manage ourselves properly. Leading to our mental health plummeting bit by bit, but I believe that a balanced lifestyle will create harmony. The word mental health is shown and told around our society more frequently and at times it can be confusing on what is inside mental health. This presentation provided the insight that even myself questions. 

The group did an amazing job on highlighting depression and anxiety and the effects it has on our daily life. But the increase over the years on how this conversation became more free and with no judgement. There are still many that may believe that it does not exist or it does not have great impacts. But something small can always become bigger if not resolved. The resources and support groups were immensely helpful to know and research more if this over occurs in the future. These experiences or moments can happen to anyone and it is important to be informative and not be ignorant. Social media has had a big impact and influence on mental health, but it is important like mentioned in the presentation tha setting boundaries and time aside for a break is important. These steps should be taken religiously, but with the support of our community and trusted people it will increase the help. As well, making this normal and not making it taboo.