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.