Community Service

Ever since middle school, students have learned about community service. Teachers, parents, or any other type of authority figure have said they encourage it or think it's a good idea. On Wednesday in class, we were given different places to go. Some places included soup kitchens, G.I.V.E, nursing homes, etc. Every Sunday when I was in 8th grade, I would go to Sunday school. In order to receive conformation, we had to do at least four hours of community service. Since our class was big, we were split into groups of four and each group was given a place to go. My group had to go to a nursing home in Libertyville. We could serve ice cream or help with bingo out in the lobby. I got to serve ice cream and spend time with some elderly at the home. It was a lot of fun. Most of the elderly were nice and had an open mind while some others were bitter and thought it was a bad idea to get to know them. Not only did I get to know the elderly, but the staff were pretty nice too. Whenever we needed something, they did whatever it took to make us comfortable. I would definitely do it again because I love getting to know people. However, now that I'm a little older, I've found some other community service to do, which is at my mom's work, Winchester Hospital. Next week, I will be monitoring bingo every Tuesday and Wednesday night at 6:30. It will be for about an hour or two and my mom says the people there are very sweet, so I'm really excited. I like trying new things, so this will be a good experience for me. Doing community service is such a rewarding experience, and the fact that so many people are willing to do it is amazing. When doing community service, you're applying sociology to your life. How? In sociology, we also talked about having a sociological mind and imagination. When someone does community service, they're experiencing things they never have before, or it's something they have done before but find it fun. It's about keeping an open mind and seeing all the options community service has. You get to see things in a different perspective. Like for example, if you volunteer at some type of soup kitchen or some type of nursing home, you'd realize how good we have it. People take a ton of things for granted - money, clothes, etc. But what would happen if all the things we had, all the things we love, suddenly just disappear? How would we feel then? I've learned to be thankful for what we have and help those in need. Some people would kill for what we have, and just looking through their point of view is something we should do on a daily basis. Think about other people before you say, 'I wish I didn't have this!' ..or something along those lines.

Sociological Imagination

Many people are said to 'dream big' or have some sort of imagination. Recently, Mr. Sal told us to read an article on having a sociological imagination. This could mean a ton of different things. In my opinion, it means to think positively. It's important to have a sociological imagination just so that people can accept others for their ideas and who they are. Sociological imagination means taking a step back and realizing what and who is important in your life. In class when we were addressed this question, I thought about having this kind of imagination meant being different, but at the same time being thankful for what we have.

In life, we grow older. As we grow older, there are things and people we need and don't need. Now, as a senior in high school, there are many things I need but can't have. There are also other things that we have, but take for granted. When having a sociological imagination, you are able to analyze situations and people more carefully. You can become more wise and learn that not every one is like you. I have learned that the hard way over the years due to friends, so now that I have taken this course, I know that having an imagination such as this can be very beneficial - I've learned to accept things and people for who and what they are. It doesn't matter if they're different, it just makes them unique.

Silence

"Silence is golden", is such a famous quote. Sometimes, people say silence is the loudest type of noise. Dictionary.com defines silence as, "forbearance from speech or noise : muteness —often used interjectionally". What's unique about sociology and silence is that people are often brainwashed. On the first day of class, I remember when Mr. Sal sat in the back of the room like it was no big deal. Everyone turned to face his direction expecting him to talk. Some people tried filling the silence by saying "hi" or "what's up?" then there was giggling. This shows that students expect the teachers to lecture about something and stand in the front of the room.  We have been trained, ever since the first grade, to let the teacher do all the talking. Not everyone is used to taking charge or teaching the class itself. Silence is silence, but it can only be awkward if you make it out to be.

Who Am I?

There are many things and people who make me the person I am today. For starters, my parents are my biggest heros. I admire my mom especially because of everything she's been through. Her being so strong for such a long period of time makes me look up to her even more. My dad is another person who makes me who I am because he always tells me to do the best I can regardless of any situation. The fact that he works such long hours everyday shows how dedicated he is when it comes to keeping our family together. Aside from my family, my friends are also big contributers in making me who I am. They are the type of people who will always be there for me and make me smile no matter what. Some of my hobbies, such as swimming, dancing, singing, and bowling make me more active. I love spending time outside or doing any activity that requires movement. I'm a hard worker who tries to look at the brighter side of things. I love making people smile and spending time with the ones I love.