Reaction to Observation 2

In doing my second observation what really surprised me was the quality of the answers that I got. I commented on this at the end of observation 2. The answers were not given in a joking manner or in a noncaring way. They were serious and well thought out and showed alot of maturity in the way they were given. Thats what really interested me. Because yes we are all college students on this campus but how many of us are thinking and applying ideas like that to life? I know for me this college experience is so brand new and I often find myself overwhelmed with the amount of work or other things that I have on my plate. But to hear from someone that knows exactly what those feelings are like and is dealing with the same pressure but at a much higher level is comforting. When I spoke to Stephany I learned so much about the type of schedule that she has and how unpredictable and stressful it can often be, but its like she said you just have to look at what you need to accomplish for that day and take it one thing at a time.
I really didnt find anything in this observation boring. Everything was in a sense a little bit enlightening and eye opening. I know that I'm going to come across a few accounts that give me this same feeling because the culture that I am viewing and observing are doing something truly amazing. They are showing that an education was a priority of theirs and they are finshing a task that they set out on years ago so that they could become leaders and inspirations for others in the world.
This observation was different than my first observaton because in observation 1 I didnt get into much detail with the people I talked to. All the brief conversations that I had were just very casual with very nonshalant answers. In observtion 2 I was able to see a more serious side and gain insight into someone that is preparing for such a life changing event views her situation.

Observation 2

I was able to sit down and talk with Stephany Lopez, an elementary education major. She told me about some of the struggles that come with being a senior, especially being one that is a very involved commuter. She told me that the hardest thing about being a senior is getting all of your work done and credits in on time so that you dont have to add on another semester. She continued on to say that if she could have done anything different it would be to have been more organization in the beginning and trying to focucs earlier on grades and time managment. I asked her if she ever had any 2nd guesses as to what she wants to do or if she believes that she may not want the career that she is going into. She said that last semester she did but now shes a little more reassured that this is whats right for her. And if things dont work out she can alwys come back t school and there is nothing wrong with that.
The thing that stuck out the most to me is how she answered the next question. I asked her how she is able to manage being a commuter, doing school work, being a member of the Delta Phi Epsilon Soroirty, work, and all the other aspects of her life. The answer that I got was one that was full of wisdom and confidence. She said that "its just taking it one thing at a time, and a day at a time and realize what is more important that day." Its like the saying that you have to crawl before you walk, you can only do one thing at a time. It is something that I think we all need to keep in mind from time to time.
The answers that I got tonight were a mixed bag of what I expected to get. I expected to hear that theres going to be hesitation and second guessing at times. But the answer to the last question has really stuck with me because it is so easy to apply to any situation.

Observation 1

I have decided that the sub culture I am going to study is going to the senior sub culture. Being a senior is something that all of us plan to become one day but probably dont full grasp what it entails. Dealing with the pressures of approacing the working community and leaving behind the pencil and paper for a desk and responsibility. The transition seems daunting especially when you add in the fact that you still have to juggle all the school work, a social life, work, and any other exra ciricular activity that is on your agenda.

When just briefly talking with a few of the seniors that I know they comment that their feelings are kind of mixed. They are ecxited to finally be done with school and no longer have the burden of homework and exams, but yet the thought of being on their own and beginning to work to support themselve is one that is met with some worry. I was told that it is hard to know if you are fully ready for the obstacles that you will face when graduation is over and the diplomas have all been handed out. Some note that they are still maybe uncertain that the carrer path that they have chosen may not be the absolute best one for them.

Graduation is only a few months away and I plan to use my observations as a way to monitor the changes of opinion and emotion as graduation approaches. I want to see how if their attitudes begin to shift in how they view school work and if "senioritis" begins to set in. Also to see if they decide that maybe graduation isnt the best option at the moment and maybe decide to return next year as a super senior. I believe that this blog is going to be a journey that will show what the pressures and real stories of a senior in college present. And my goal is to make this something that I and others can learn from so when we become seniors we will know what is right and wrong.

Post 1

This is my first post. Here I will be displaying research for my college writing class throughout the semester.