Chicken Noodle Soup

My group has Millennium Development Goal number 7: Ensure environmental sustainability. We have just begun our research, but so far I find the topic very interesting, and I feel it is very important.

Our group hasn't done much in terms of thinking about how to present our final project, but I have a few ideas.

Since our goal is ensuring environmental sustainability, I think we should present our information in an environmentally sustainable way. This could be as simple as printing our final papers on recycled papers.

Part of our project is developing a way to build an environmentally sustainable and friendly community. We could possibly build a diorama, or some small scale physical example of what our community's layout would look like when we were finished.

Another idea, if we wanted to present our information in a poster fashion, is we could use slabs of wood as "posters" and paint the information on the wood. This would reduce our use of paper in our project.

I feel that because the point of our project is to ensure environmental sustainability we should present our information in a way that is just that.

Posted by schne600 at 7:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The environment has a huge affect on who people are. Your environment influences what you do during your free time, what products are available to you, and the people you interact with.

In the city, one is more likely to live a busier life. There is a lot of culture and diversity in the city as well. I would say typically those who live in the city are more open to new ideas and progress. Consumerism is also plays a major role in the lives of people who live in the city. Products and merchandise are easily accessible and come in a wide variety.

Typically those who live in the suburbs and small towns have a blend of city and rural life. The have the quietness/mellowness of living in the country, yet have the easy access to products and such of consumerism. I would say there is less individualism in the small towns. Houses are similar, families are similar, there is less diversity.

And there are those that live in a rural setting. Here there is so much space, less diversity, and less consumption because of the location.

Those are just some examples of environments. There are people who live in tribes in Africa, and South America, completely removed from civilization. There are people who live under oppressive governments. There are people who live in third world countries who have little food and no opportunities.

Framework. Here's a little analogy. (not sure if this is framework...) Its like every person is a piece of art. (precious I know) And everyone's environment is there frame. Different frames suit different pieces of art. I think that ultimately people are who they are, and are searching for the frame (environment) that fits them best. Different environments provide different opportunities and embrace different values.

Some people are born into an environment that doesn't suit them. (this relates of clockwork?) Time will only tell if they will be provided with the opportunity to venture into a new environment, into a new way of life.

I don't know, I guess in my opinion, an environment just is, and people are all searching for the one that frames their lifestyle, their dreams and ambitions, and their values the best.

sources:
readingcities.com/.../suburbia1_thumb.jpg
www.danheller.com/.../Scenics/road-house-big.jpg
www.luxworldtravel.com/kenya_feature.jpg
cache.viewimages.com/xc/3333979.jpg?v=1&c=Vie...
www.travelblog.org/.../blog-50664.html
http://www.genderandhealth.ca/en/modules/poverty/imageContent/JBUHX86N.jpg
dohistory.org/martha/index.html
http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumb_146/1178594550Iiz5Nl.jpg
www.lejeune.usmc.mil/emd/Recycling/industrial.htm

Posted by schne600 at 2:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I am a tutor for Homework 'n Hoops and I absolutely love it! I tutor for a fourth grade girl named Emma. She is such a sweet heart. Every time I leave I feel like I have made a difference in her life.

I tutor for the evening session on Tuesdays. Every week I get there a little bit early, and I wait for Emma to arrive. As soon as she walks in the door a huge smile crosses her face as she sees me and she waves. She comes with her two close friends. They remind me of when I was little. (wow, that's like what old people say).

Typically we work on Math...yay! I find myself getting frustrated...not at Emma, but at myself. It is really hard to teach. I can understand the topics that she is learning, but to explain them to someone else...its a challenge. I come back from the evening completely exhausted, but I still have all of my homework to do.

It all seems worth while at the end of the night when Emma looks up at me with her big brown eyes and says, "you'll be here next week right?" It is an amazing feeling to know that the small portion of your time that you are devoting to this child is so significant in their life.

I really think it is cool that the architecture program requires service involvement. It helps keep people in touch with their surroundings and get to know the human side of the city.

March 5, 2008

I went to Homework 'n Hoops last night. Emma wasn't there. At first I was pretty bummed because I was looking forward to seeing her, and my ride's kidwas there, so I knew I would just be sitting around for two hours. Anyway, I used the opportunity to get to know some of the other tutors. (a lot of kids didn't show up...flu bug or something) There are some really interesting people there. It was really cool to talk to them and hear what they were doing with their lives. Most of the tutors there are college aged students. I didn't directly affect the community last night, but I feel like I got closer to it.

April 29, 2008

I have been really busy with school lately. I feel like volunteering is sometimes in the way of other things I need to get done. It takes a lot of energy to get myself to go, but once I'm there, I typically end up having a good time. Lately I have been working with another student. She typically doesn't bring any homework to work on, so we end up playing educational games or going to the computer lab. I know I used to get frustrated working on homework and trying to teach, but now that I'm not doing that, I kind of miss it. The weather has been pretty nice lately, and I think that has led all the kids to be a little more energetic. It is hard to be surrounded by their energy when I'm exhausted from a day of classes, but at the same time it is good because it helps me take a break from my school.

Overview
May 2, 2008

Overall, I have really enjoyed volunteering at Homework N' Hoops. It has been so rewarding to get involved in the greater community. I feel because I volunteered at this program first semester for 1281 that I really got to know the staff and the students. Every day Maurrie greets you with a smiling face. He is very understanding and truly good person. Everyone else there is just as enjoyable to work with. I will definitely consider returning to Homework N' Hoops as a volunteer in the fall, even if it is not required for a class. I think Service Learning is a great experience and helps students become more rounded individuals have have a better understanding of the city around them. It provides knowledge that can't be taught in the classroom. Homework N' Hoops is great! I will definitely miss it.

Posted by schne600 at 10:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)