Aitana Gimenez Blog #2

 Tana's POV

Group 1 Economics of education 

Education and the economy are deeply interconnected: investments in schooling build a skilled workforce that drives productivity and growth. A thriving economy, in turn, generates the resources necessary to enhance school quality and expand access. Understanding this cycle reveals why supporting education is essential for long-term economic success.

Some examples of useful and beneficial programs are:

The Florida Prepaid College Program is a state-sponsored initiative that allows families to prepay for future college tuition and certain fees at today's rates. It’s designed to make higher education more affordable and predictable by locking in tuition costs.

The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program is a state-funded initiative designed to reward Florida high school graduates for their academic achievements and community involvement. It offers several scholarship levels to assist with tuition and fees at eligible Florida postsecondary institutions.

Education ties into economics. As the curriculum expands, there will be a result of economic expansion. For instance, the higher the diploma, the greater the job. Learning skills such as critical thinking in class can be used in the real world.

Group 2  Mental Health And Social Life

In America, digital socializing is normalized, plans are more flexible, there's an increase in emotional self-awareness, and loneliness despite connections, quality over quantity, on the other hand, for the rest of the world, Return to community-based fun, mental health is more visible, tech as a tool, not the center, social media pressure, loss of traditional gathering spots and tension between tradition and personal space. these are examples of How have global perspectives changed in the last 5 years.

In March of 2020, Covid-19 effected our idea of "fun" social life on a global scale. 5 years ago, it was more likely for adults, elderly, children, and all ages to socialize together whether it be at a park, a club, a museum, or any place where you could communicate with likeminded people. However, there have been various changes: "Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of obesity was 11% and 15% among men and women, respectively. However, during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it increased to 25.3% and 42.4% in men and women, respectively." - National Library of Medicine.

MDC’s Mental Health Support: History Then & Now

Before COVID-19

•  Counseling was available, but mostly in person
•  A few support workshops were offered with limited access and fewer mental health resources overall  

https://www.mdc.edu/student-wellness/counseling/default.aspx

After COVID-19

•   24/7 virtual counseling 
•      Up to 10 free counseling sessions per student
•      More programs to help with stress, anxiety, and loneliness
•      Peer support and emotional wellness coaching
•      Online tools and resources for mental well-being

Group 3 

What does it mean to inherit something in a world that’s constantly changing?
How do we honor the legacy we come from… while building a new tradition for ourselves?

Part I – The Legacy We Inherit

In so many families, especially in fields like medicine, law, diplomacy, and international trade, legacy runs deep.

You're not just choosing a job, you're stepping into a story.

Maybe your mom is a doctor. Your uncle runs a business. Your grandparents were diplomats during a world-changing era. You grow up surrounded by stories of sacrifice and success.

That’s powerful. That’s beautiful.
But sometimes, it can also feel… heavy.

Let’s be honest:
What happens when your path doesn't look like theirs?

What if your idea of impact, of success... is different?

Part II – The Reimagining

Here’s the good news:
Legacy doesn’t have to mean repetition.
It can mean evolution.

It’s like a tree. The roots stay, but the branches grow in all directions.

Let’s keep the example going: a family dedicated to medicine.
They’ve saved lives, built clinics, and taught generations of students.

But maybe you’re more drawn to public health, to mental wellness, to health-tech innovation.
You’re not rejecting the legacy—you’re reframing it.

Same with trade.
Maybe your grandparents shipped goods across the globe.
Now you care about ethical consumerism, sustainability, and blockchain transparency.

We’re not walking away. We’re stepping forward.

This is legacy reimagined: not a script, but a canvas.

Part III – Family Conversations

Now this part is important:
Reimagining tradition requires conversation. Across generations.

Not just “Will you take over the company?”
But “What values do we share?”

Conversations that I have with my mom kinda go like:

“What dreams did you have at my age?”
“Where do you see the world going?”

Because here’s the thing:
Most legacies aren’t really about jobs.
They’re about values.
Service. Perseverance. Curiosity. Vision.

When we talk openly—without pressure, without assumptions—we unlock the real inheritance: not just what our families built, but why they built it.

Part IV – The Courage to Forge Your Own Path

Sometimes, though, the most honest path is a new one entirely.

You might be the first artist in a family of scientists.

The first activist in a family of traders.

The first entrepreneur in a family of academics.

That’s not betrayal. That’s bravery.

Even when the field changes, the spirit of the legacy can live on:
the discipline, the innovation, the desire to leave the world better than you found it.

That’s still legacy.

It just changed labels, that’s it.

Part V – What We Leave Behind

So let me ask you this,

• What kind of legacy do you want to carry?

• What kind of ancestor do you want to be?

Because someday, whether we like it or not, we’ll be the story someone else tells.

The poet Rainer Maria Rilke once said:
“The future enters into us, long before it happens."

That’s what legacy is.
It’s not the past holding you back.

It’s the future whispering, “Build something new. And make it matter.”

Thank you.

Ricardo Santana Blog post#2

What Truly Shapes Us: Mental Health, Education, and Family Choices

As a college student, father, and immigrant, I’ve realized that the decisions we make about our futures are never just about one thing. They’re shaped by our emotions, our environment, and the expectations placed on us. After listening to the presentations from my classmates, especially Groups 1, 2, and 3, I started reflecting on how mental health, economic access to education, and family influence our potential careers. These themes aren’t just academic they’re personal. They show up in our daily lives, whether we recognize it or not. This reflection is about how those ideas have impacted me and how I’ve seen them affect others too.

Mental Health and Social Life: Finding Strength in Balance

Group 2’s presentation on mental health and social life made me stop and think. They explained how mental health and social connection go hand in hand without one, the other can’t fully function. That’s something I’ve felt firsthand. Balancing school, family responsibilities, and trying to maintain peace of mind is hard. And when you don’t give yourself space to connect or recharge, your mental health suffers even if everything looks “fine” on the outside.

What stood out to me was their discussion on how mental health awareness has increased in recent years, but so has loneliness, digital overload, and emotional burnout. That’s true. Even though people are more open now about mental health, it doesn’t mean we all know how to manage it yet. Sometimes we’re surrounded by people, but we feel disconnected. I appreciated how they brought up solutions for local and national governments, like creating more safe spaces, training first responders, and offering mobile counseling services. Those aren’t just nice ideas they’re necessary.

I also really liked the suggestions for Miami Dade College. Offering longer counseling hours, having calm spaces on campus, and involving students in mental health events can really make a difference. As someone who spends long days balancing many roles, those kinds of support systems are what help students like me keep going.

Economics of Education: The Price Behind the Opportunity

Group 1 explained the deep connection between education and the economy, and I couldn’t agree more. For students like me, every credit, every textbook, every semester is a financial decision. What they said about education being an investment really resonated. It’s not just about getting a degree; it’s about building a future, not just for myself but for my family.

They discussed how unequal funding across school districts leads to major differences in college readiness and long-term career outcomes. That hit home. Not everyone gets the same starting line. If your high school was underfunded or if your family couldn’t afford tutoring or tech, you already start college with extra weight on your back.

The digital divide they explained is also real especially during and after COVID. A lot of students couldn’t even access reliable internet, making it even harder to keep up. That creates more than just academic problems it builds long-term gaps in opportunity.

One thing I really appreciated from their presentation was the use of interviews. Hearing personal experiences gave the presentation a different touch. It wasn’t just data and research it felt human. Those real-life stories made their points stronger and more relatable, especially for students like me who come from working-class backgrounds.

Family and Career: Inherited Dreams vs. True Aspirations

Group 3’s topic—Inherited Dreams vs. Authentic Aspirations—was powerful. I deeply connected with the question: “To what extent do our careers really belong to us?” Coming from a Latino family, I know what it’s like to carry your family’s hopes and sacrifices while also trying to follow your own path.

The group talked about how parental influence can be either guidance or control, depending on how it’s handled. That’s very real. There’s a fine line between support and pressure. Sometimes parents want the best for us, but in doing so, they unintentionally silence our voice. Other times, they inspire us and give us the freedom to dream bigger.

They also addressed gender expectations and how these can influence or even limit the careers we believe are possible. It was refreshing to hear how people are starting to challenge these norms and fight for their dreams, even in fields where they’re not typically represented. That kind of courage is something I admire.

Their use of interviews also stood out to me. It gave their message depth and made the topic feel more personal and emotional. The interviews helped show that breaking cycles and choosing your own path isn’t just about “going against” your family it’s about honoring their love while choosing authenticity.

Conclusion: Foundations That Matter

After hearing all three groups, I realized something important: our success isn’t just about personal choices it’s also about the systems around us. Mental health support, fair access to education, and freedom to choose our own careers these are the foundations that matter. And for students like me, who carry the weight of dreams, sacrifice, and responsibility, those foundations are everything.

Each group presented with purpose, and the inclusion of interviews made some presentations even more impactful. They reminded us that behind every topic is a real person with a real story and that matters.

In the end, I believe our journey isn’t about being perfect it’s about being intentional. It’s about knowing where we come from, caring for our mental space, fighting for our education, and building a future that truly reflects who we are. That’s the kind of success that lasts and that’s the kind of life I’m building.

Blog # 2 Valentina Soto

    The three assignments that we viewed, “Family & Potential Careers” (Group 3), “Mental Health and Social Life” (Group 2), and “Economics of Education” (Group 1), all focused on basic elements that affect the lives and futures of youth. As a member of Group 3, our project had a personal and enlightening component and allowed for contemplation of how much of our identity and future ability to pursue dreams come from events and circumstances outside of our control. In comparison, the other groups showed how mental health service networks and educational systems place extra layers on the choices individuals make or the lack of options individuals experience. Together, the projects gave a good picture of how our internal values interact with outside social influences and structural systems to affect personal and professional development.

    Our presentation, “Family & Potential Careers,” focused on the importance of not just relying on family influences and pressure when choosing a career path, and instead determining if these are indeed the right paths for us. I think our group did a great job of discussing the positives and the pressures that can come from parents. We highlighted the differences in feeling allegiance to “inherited dreams” and being aware of “authentic aspirations” that come from evaluating our own individuality. One memorable moment is when we discussed that it is okay to follow in your parents' footsteps, but your career path should be of your choosing, and not out of obligation. 

    One of the most significant points to me was trying to figure out where economic stability intersects with self-gratification. I think many people have felt this tension, even myself. There can often be a thought that pursuing a career with security is doing the right thing for our families and offering financial support, especially as people who belong to working or immigrant backgrounds. But that also may create tension within ourselves, and can lead to discontentment, dissatisfaction, or even burnout. Starting to move from an example of our parents feeling controlling as protective can become debilitating when it is done without regard for individuality.

    Another aspect I was pleased with is how we examined gendered career expectations. We interviewed Adriana Flores, an aspiring F1 engineer, whose storytelling brought a pragmatic understanding of the tensions and transitions young women have to navigate as they seek careers in STEM. Adriana's experience enabled us to illustrate that although there is evidence of change, we must still contend with both cultural and familial stereotypes that continue to restrict young people, particularly girls, who aspire to different possibilities. I think including real voices such as hers was meaningful in enhancing our slides.

 

   When I reviewed the other two presentations, I recognized that there were some excellent connections between our topic and their topic. For example, Group 2's presentation on "Mental Health and Social Life" had a similar focus on how shifts in society, and specifically the COVID-19 pandemic, caused mental health to be a central concern. They also highlighted that mental health is tied to sense of purpose, emotional support and sense of community.

    This related to our group’s focus on the psychological burden of living with inherited expectations. When a student feels pressure to pursue a career choice that is at odds with his or her own priorities and values, it creates a feeling of anxiety, low self worth, and even depression. It is clear that mental health is not an isolated consideration, it is found in career choices, family pressure, as well as the development of one’s identity. The other group emphasized the need for safe spaces, peer support and services facilitated by the government, such as the 988 Crisis Line. From our perspective we could extend that argument that mental health services should also include career counselling that highlights cultural and family components, not merely academic consideration. 

    Another intriguing connection was with Group 1’s "Economics of Education". Group 1 focused on the connection between education and economic growth, whereby receiving a higher education increases job opportunities for stability in employment. Group 1 discussed the obstacles to getting education and how it was fundamentally unequal, based on race, class, and geography. This fits in nicely with our earlier discussion concerning the "invisible hand of class and culture" and how economic status limits or creates potential career paths and disappointments of what is considered to be "realistic."

    For instance, Group 1 highlighted how students from lower socio-economic backgrounds are frequently directed towards what are perceived as more “practical”, which limit choice at the expense of passion. We built on that and discussed how these limitations are not always visible, but internalised through family expectations and cultural messaging. We both discussed how education alone doesn't cut it - students need financial assistance, role models, and encouragement to pursue careers that reflect their potential and not where they come from.  

    Each one of the groups taught me something specific, and how our society relationships need a multi-layered approach to care for the flourishing of young people. In the context of our group, I was reminded of the substantial family influence in both supporting and limiting us. However, the other groups showed us that students also need mental health assistance and equitable systems to succeed.

    One of the biggest things I took away from Group 2 is we learned that fun and connection are not "extra"; they are critical to our well-being. In our presentation, we discussed the pandemic's interference with social life and how it increased loneliness and disconnection, particularly for students. I had not thought deeply about how social isolation or a lack of joy disrupts our abilities to pursue career paths or have confidence in our ingenuity and aspirations shaping our futures. My experience with Group 2 allowed me to critically think about balance in my life, an equilibrium of what it means to choose a route that will not only allow someone to thrive but will also keep them emotionally healthy and socially connected. 

    Group 1 illustrated, for me, the long-standing inequities in education. Even though it is often referred to as the "great equalizer," education does not work that way unless we switch the policies. Their statistics about the digital divide, student loan debt, and inequitable funding for schools were staggering. It helped me understand as we speak about personal fulfillment, we need to also discuss access. Some students don't even experience the chance to process their authentic dreams because they are too concerned with living day to day.

    After seeing all three presentations, I believe that future success for students requires integration of emotional support, family understanding, educational reform, and economic access. It’s not enough to tell students “follow your dreams” if those dreams are constrained by pressure, debt, or mental distress. I feel proud of the work my group did, especially because we brought to light issues that are often felt but not discussed, like cultural guilt, gender roles, and class shame. But I also feel more aware that for authentic aspirations to become reality, we need a whole system of support. That means inclusive education policies, stronger mental health programs, culturally sensitive career counseling, and family conversations rooted in respect and empowerment. We’re not just preparing for jobs, we’re building lives. And if we want those lives to be meaningful, we have to look at the whole picture.

Joel Barranco Blog Post #2

I was really interested in the topics every group was going to present. I felt these were all topics that were applicable to everyday life. Group 1 presented Economics of Education, Group 2 presented Mental Health and Social Life, and we presented Family and Potential Careers.

Group 1: Economics of Education
 

This presentation explored how education impacts individual and economic outcomes. It was very clear and concise with very thorough research, and I really liked how they presented the data. They presented the situation when richer schools can introduce more extracurricular activities, smaller classes, and up-to-date technology, whereas schools with low funding usually must survive overcrowded classrooms and out-of-date resources. This gap does not only affect academic work, but it also defines how students perceive their potential. Overall, the presentation was very informative, and I could tell that everyone that worked on it did their research and was very involved with the making of the presentation.

Group 2: Mental Health and Social Life

I feel like Group 2 had a tough topic to handle. Juggling mental health and social life is a common struggle yet so complex. When you’re not in the right headspace, you struggle to maintain friendships or even feel like you belong and when you are alone, your mental health can really take a hit. The arguments concerning the digital world were spot on. We have telehealth and apps to simplify the process of seeking help which are some great positive influences technology can have on our mental health and I’m glad group 2 was able to mention that aspect. They brought up some of the many negative ways social media can impact our social life. Group 2 also brought up a great point about how connected we all are with technology yet so many people feel more alone than ever today. I also got to know that there are situations when individuals in the state of mental health crisis do not receive appropriate assistance. The police/emergency services can arrive, but they are not equipped to deal with such situations. That can make it even more dangerous. Group 2 also mentioned the fact that homeless people or addicts receive very little help and are often forgotten, which is extremely unfortunate. I also enjoyed getting to know about the initiatives of the local, state, and national governments. It is great that some programs exist to promote mental health and community places, yet it is evident that more effort should be made, especially in the underserved parts of our country. There were some practical ideas like having extra mental health education in schools or developing mobile therapy units. It proves that there are solutions when the right individuals act. Overall, this presentation made me reflect on the importance of checking in with ourselves and others. Mental health is not a personal problem only, it is also a problem of schools, families, and communities. The situation can improve the more we are willing to discuss it and demand actual support.

Group 3: Family and Potential Careers

Finally, our presentation, Family and Potential Careers, helped me reflect on my own upbringing. Seeing the work my peers put in was very encouraging and everyone was very helpful. I enjoyed it when Roseli spoke about the importance of seeing role models who resemble you. It gives them the perception that they can also do it when they observe individuals within their own communities performing all types of jobs, scientists, teachers, leaders, and so on. It is not only about being smart or working hard but even believing that it is even possible in the first place. Ricardo’s part was hard hitting too, that breaking family tradition can feel like you’re letting them down. I was invested in my section of the presentation; the research was very eye-opening even though I’ve been interested in the topic of class and inequality for a while. I’d say the best part was researching some of the possible solutions to mend many of these inequalities and it made me hopeful for the future. Seeing the project come together is probably one of my favorite aspects of group work and seeing everyone finally present their ideas really makes the process worth it. I believe it’s important to acknowledge all of these issues and it’s comforting to know many of my peers are passionate about these issues. Overall, the project was fun and informative and I am looking forward to our next presentation.

Blog #2 Reflections on Presentations

 Blog #2 — Reflections on Three Presentations

Hey everyone! It’s Sofia Saladdino and I wanted to share my personal reflections on the three group presentations we recently watched in class. Each group brought a unique perspective and opened my eyes to different topics that I hadn’t really thought about before. Here’s my honest review and what I personally took away from each one.

Group 1: Education and the Economy

The first presentation focused on how education impacts the economy, and I found the topic extremely interesting. What really caught my attention was how they explained the link between a strong education system and a country’s economic growth. They broke it down in a way that was very easy to understand, using real-life data and examples that made the information feel very relevant to our lives today.

Even though the content was great, I feel like the slides could’ve been a bit more visually organized. Some of the text was small and hard to read, and a few slides had too much information at once. A little more consistency in design would’ve made it even stronger. But overall, the group did a great job of explaining how investments in schools and teachers have a long-term effect on the economy.

What I personally learned is that education isn’t just about individual success—it plays a huge role in the strength of the entire country. When schools are underfunded, students lose access to resources like technology and college prep, and that can have lasting consequences. It made me realize how important it is to fight for equal access to education for everyone.

Group 2: The Importance of Mental Health

The second group’s presentation dove into mental health, especially how it has been affected by the pandemic. Right from the start, they grabbed my attention with a powerful introduction that made me want to hear more. They did a great job showing how mental health connects to different aspects of our lives, from school and work to personal relationships.

One thing I really appreciated was that they not only talked about the problems, but also provided possible solutions, like school counseling programs and government-funded support systems. However, I think adding more interactive elements, like videos or infographics, could’ve helped make the presentation more dynamic. A few slides felt a bit text-heavy, and at times, some points were repeated. Still, the overall message was clear and very meaningful.

From this presentation, I learned how much mental health influences everything we do, even if we don’t always realize it. The pandemic made it even more obvious how important it is to take care of our mental wellbeing and to support each other. It also showed how the way we connect with others has shifted—more online interactions, more awareness, but also more challenges.

Group 3: Family Influence on Career Choices

The final presentation focused on how family dynamics shape our career paths, and this was the one that I personally connected with the most. The group explored how parents, cultural expectations, and societal pressures all play a role in the decisions we make about our futures. They presented real stories and examples that made it feel very personal and relatable.

The presentation was easy to follow and well-organized, but I think it could have been even better with more creative visuals. Using some graphics or visual comparisons might have helped break up the text and keep the audience engaged. Still, I appreciated how thoughtful and respectful they were in discussing some really sensitive topics, like family pressure and breaking generational patterns.

What stuck with me from this presentation is how complicated these decisions can be. Sometimes, family support can motivate you to succeed, but other times it can create pressure that makes you question your own dreams. It made me reflect on my own journey and how important it is to find a balance between respecting your family and following your passion.