Nuture Vs. Nature

This week in sociology, we learned how important it is to be nurtured at a very young age by your parents. Nature is also a main factor in childhood development too. But you need both to developmentally be your best. On Oprah, we saw how a young girl, Janie lived in her room filled with bacteria and mold without her parents love. It was eye opening to see how people actually treat their kids like that. She was naturally developing, but without any nurturing, her brain couldn't develop like a young girl her age. She needed that love and touch that she was thriving so much. Finally, she got adopted at nine years old. At the time she was like a 6 month year old screaming, not talking, wearing diapers and being held. She never had a chance to grow up. As time went on and she was being nurtured, she learned how to say a few words and was potty trained! Although she came a long way, she couldn't make up for all the lost time she was missing. So she may never be able to have a brain as someone of her age.

In my life, I can't really relate to this rare story. I have been very fortunate with my family. We are all very close and I can't imagine my life without them.

Do Nothing Assignment

This weekend, our assignment in sociology was to go to a place and do nothing for ten straight minutes. So I chose to go to Hawthorne mall and go into one of my favorite stores, American Eagle. Since our society is all about time. How much time we have?, what time the class is over?, how much time will it take to get there?, time time time; its all about time to us in America. We never take the time to stop and think and relax our minds. So in American Eagle, I stood by the entrance corner and took ten minutes to clear my head. During the first few minutes, I felt very unsure of myself and uneasy. People were staring you could tell they were thinking "does she have special needs or something"? I feel like people would either judge me and stare or just not even notice me and act like I didn't exist. After I got over the first few minutes though, I felt more at ease with myself. I started liking the experience and my mind went totally blank. It was like a rush of people all around me, moving so fast in and out of the store. I was the only one who just stood there and took the time to make my mind at ease. For the first time in my life, my mind went blank. I can finally say I took out ten minutes of my life to do absolutely nothing.

American Culture

This week in sociology we talked a lot about American Culture. We read Bemused in America which was about a German immigrant who came to America and experienced all of our different culture here. Many things were surprising to him. For example, when Americans go jogging they are health conscious and thinking about ways to be healthy. But he was shocked to see them running in the roads with all of the cars and traffic, breathing in exhaust fumes. He thought that Americans were very contradicting with their values and beliefs. Also, the supermarket in Germany is so different than the ones we have in America. He was stunned when he walked into the supermarket in Chicago and found buy two get one free all over; They don't have that in Germany. It was also very interesting how he pointed things out about how Americas obsessed with being healthy but many of our habits are the exact opposite. Like how were always obsessed with counting calories and fat-free milk; fat free everything. But, we eat creamy cakes, cookies, and candies; which aren't very healthy.

In my life, I can relate to how the German man felt coming to America and adapting to the culture. When I went to Mexico, I realized how different our cultures truly were. In Mexico, they aren't always rushing; they take their time to sit down and eat at the restaurants and spend time with family. Where as in America, were always in a rush. We never have the "time" to sit down and spend time with family and actually experience quality time with one another. It is very shocking when you realize how different a culture can be only 1,000 miles away.

Volunteering at the soup kitchen

This week on Tuesday after school, I got chosen to volunteer at the soup kitchen in Chicago. Ms. Breuer drove the bus and Mrs. Fainmann also accompanied us on the field trip to St. Thomas' Soup Kitchen. Before arriving at the soup kitchen, I was a little anxious and nervous because I've never experienced anything like this before. My perception of what it was going to be like and how it actually was, was completely different. At the beginning, when the guide was talking to us about the rules and describing our duties, I thought the people were going to be very rude and demanding. It turns out, that they were some of the nicest, polite people I have ever met. Right away before they arrived, we held hands and said a prayer.  We did this because it was hosted by a catholic church and we wanted to pray for our food and everything we were fortunate to have. It was like a routine; part of the culture at the soup kitchen. They did this every time before they served the food. I was ordered to go around with a milk pitcher and pour milk for anyone who wanted it. I liked this job and anything else I did that night, because the look on the face when they got a fresh glass of milk, made me realize how much we take for granted. A glass of milk went so far for them. They appreciated it so much and they were so thankful to have all of the fresh food that they received. I had a great experience and I would do it again a thousand more times. It was a great feeling to know how much it meant to them , the soup kitchen and how much they appreciated every one who was there and helping them. I really hope every one has the chance to experience this like i did, because it really had a huge impact on me. It also made me realize that these people aren't threatening or mean. They are the same as us; some of them even kinder. They appreciate life more, and don't take the things we take for granted.