Sociological Mindfulness

While reading the article about what being sociologically mindful means, it really makes you look at things differently and connect them to yourself and your life. Obviously, we read this article because it's Sociology class, however, it connects to when we started class in silence; Mr. Sal. taught us that in order to understand and walk away with something from this class, we have to think out of the ordinary, literally. For example, we have to set aside the common "sit in class, quietly, & listen to your teacher" attitude. This connects to the article because the article explains that we have look deeper than just what's on the outside. In order to make a difference and be remembered here is to make yourself stand out and don't be selectable when it comes to choosing groups in projects, or sitting next to friends because you may stereotype others as something other than what you think of your friends and you. We have to be mindful people, we have to go out of our comfort-shells and try new experiences in order to really learn about our society and people who all have their own stories, stories we all may connect to. This article clarifies our community service project because part of doing community service and setting aside the normal activities you may do and help others, who may have a more difficult life than yourself. Also, you never know when you can make a difference in someones life, helping someone in need can put a smile on their face they've long needed. Community service is a way of taking time out of our day and be aware of other things that go on within our community, things we often tend to neglect when we are often stressed out from silly things like parents and college. It's a way for us to appreciate our own lives more, and become more thankful, as well as influencing good acts within our community- standing out and making someone remember us for something.

My mom and I used to visit my grandma, when she was in the nursing home, multiple times a week and especially during the holidays we used to always help out the others around there. My mom and I would make little goody-bags with cards for the people are my Nana's room and they would always tell us how those simple things were things they would always remember, and they always had smiles on their faces. It shows us that not everything is about how expensive the gift is but rather the sentimental value of it. When something comes from the heart, it means more than any dollar amount means. It allowed my mom and I to be remembered for taking the time to make peoples holiday's and give them something to have and remember with. In addition, it helps us connect with our community because instead of doing the "common thing" and just thinking about our loved ones, we thought of others and looked into the situation more in depth.

Silence: synonym for Awkward.

Silence is a word that adults love, besides why wouldn't they? Ever since kids, myself included, were little that's all we were told to do when we were in class, at a play or show, in a library, in a religious building, basically everywhere our community; it's only normal now-a-days to sit in class, in silence, until the teacher starts the conversation. However, silence is awkward and is the absence of noise. Noise is something that at least creates some sort of interactment. Sitting in class with everyone just staring at each other only makes everything even more awkward- so then you're not only sitting in silence, but you're sitting in silence staring at your classmates, and at times trying not to giggle at the awkwardness. But is it really awkward? I think, it's only awkward to us because we have be used to that idea our whole lives, like previously listed above; it's a part of society. it's been that way, always, so to talk when you're "not supposed to" would just make everyone look at you like the oddball in a crowd- but remember it's like that because we have been trained and taught to think that way since preschool years. even if we did talk during those awkward silence moments, it would be to just fill the room with a distraction and to try and start something: a conversation, words, noise. For example, a time i experience super awkwardness is after you fight with a friend. Because you don't want to talk to the person and there isn't anyone else in the room you confide to silence and honestly it's even more awkward than not talking to the person you're angry with. however, it's how we've been taught by society and our adult figures- if you're mad at someone, "don't talk to them" and it'll solve all your problems. even there, there's an example of being trained to replace silence with noise, but fill it with awkwardness. in class when no one spoke a word and sat there in silence just shows that it's our natural reaction. Some feel if they speak they would be doing it to just start a conversation, while others may keep quiet in risk of getting in trouble. Thus, we already think sociologically because it explains why we do what we do, in given environments. Society and our adult figures taught us to be this way. It's the same it comes to manners, it's awkward to not "excuse yourself" when you burp right? But would it really be awkward if we were always taught to just go with the flow and never say "excuse me" or even "bless you" when someone sneezes. In today's world we'd get strange stares, but if it were normal, we'd get stared at for saying excuse me, or bless you.

Who Am I?

Rocco :)

What defines me as an individual is I'm an only child but I have a little teacup Shih Tzu, Rocco, who can pretty much be considered my brother. He was my super late Christmas gift seven years ago, and an early birthday gift and I absolutely adore him. I'm from a huge family and I'm super close to all of my family and have the best friends i could ask for; I couldn't have it any other way. I'm fluent in understanding polish, but speaking it back is a huge challenge. Since both my parents speak English as their first language, keeping polish fluent and clear, when speaking it, is difficult but I still try my best:]. I started cheerleading when I was three, or four, years old and I kept it up for about twelve years. However, once I started high-school it wasn't a priority for me anymore and honestly, once you do something for too long it becomes stressful- not to mention all the ER visits and injuries I went through. I'm going to college next year and although I'm not exactly sure where I want to go, I know I want to major in either elementary education, or Business with my concentration as Human Resource; as of now, I'm leaning more toward business. The biggest influence in my life is my mom. My mom has been my best friend ever since I can remember and I know I can tell her everything and she'll always give me the best advice. Of all people who come and go in your life, I've learned that your family will always be there for you, but most importantly your mom will always have your side and do what's best for you in her life. Another person who influences my life a ton is my grandma- I've never met a more helping and caring person. She is someone who loves helping people out purely to help others out of the goodness of her heart. For all her grandkids and kids she does what's expected of a grandma and so much more. Some goals I have in my life are to graduate college and get a job in a field I enjoy, get married, and have kids. I've played house, wedding, kitchen and all the little imaginary games with all my friends when I was a little and it's something I see myself excelling in. I adore helping little kids learn, dress up, helping them make the right choices in life and they always know how to cheer you up. My purpose in life is to make the best person of myself that I can. My mom's always told me that no one can be better at being me, then me, and live to that.