Roseli Falcon - Blog Post Reflection #2

Theme Presentation Reflection 2

      Last week, our class presented our second group presentation. Group 1: Economics of Education, Group 2: Mental Health and Social Life, and Group 3: Family and Potential Career, each focused on a different but related subject. Each group not only provided helpful research and insights, but also encouraged us to consider economic, emotional, social, and cultural systems that shape how we live, learn, and grow. The presentations showed how our lives are intertwined with the structures around us, even though each one is strong on its own.

Group 1: The Economics of Education 

      Based on Group 1's presentation on the Economics of Education, even something as simple as a school budget can have a significant impact on a person's future. Their explanation of how educational opportunities differ greatly based on access, funding, and location caught my attention right away. "Your zip code can determine your future" struck a chord with me. It made me realize how simple it is to take advantage of resources, especially when others are not as fortunate.

       They discussed how wealthier schools tend to have more extracurricular activities, smaller class sizes, and better technology, while underfunded schools have to cope with outdated resources and higher student-teacher ratios. This disparity shapes a student's idea of what kind of success is possible or not.

      I found the point about the digital divide in the aftermath of COVID very interesting. We are all so accustomed to using the internet that we forget how many students remain without dependable internet access. How can we expect students to perform well on digital tests, online tutoring, or remote assignments when one in six of them lack reliable Wi-Fi at home?

      I also liked that the group did more than just point out issues. They presented programs such as the Pell Grants and used a global comparison of educational systems, providing real-life examples of how other countries assist students by providing free or affordable tuition and requiring financial literacy education. Their presentation revealed that education continues to be a central struggle for equity, not just a pathway to success.

Group 2: Mental Health and Social Life

      Group 2's presentation on Mental Health and Social Life was more personal, they did an excellent job of balancing emotion with research. They argued that mental health is a social issue rather than an individual one. Mental health is frequently discussed in isolation as if it only involves chemical imbalances or personal trauma. However, the group demonstrated how loneliness, disconnection, and a lack of community support are just as harmful.

    They looked at how the pandemic affected both physical and emotional well-being. The slide that said "Fun now requires planning",  made me realize how many of our daily social routines, such as casual get-togethers, conversations after class, and shared meals, have disappeared and become more difficult to maintain. The loss of natural connection has had long-term consequences, especially for young people who depend on others for emotional development.

      One of their most important points was that access to mental health care is still deeply unequal. While new resources such as the 988 crisis line and telehealth therapy options are being created, not everyone will benefit from them. Some people do not have insurance. Others live in areas with inadequate professionals. Many people continue to avoid seeking help due to cultural stigmas.

      Their focus on community-based healing, including initiatives for social reconnection, art therapy programs, and support groups, interested me. These are equally important even though they aren't always formal solutions. The group redefined mental health as something that thrives in connection, joy, and mutual care rather than just something that requires therapy or a diagnosis.

         Their message was straightforward but powerful: emotional well-being is a “you” problem; it’s an “us” responsibility. That perspective challenges you to consider how to show up for others and how we, as a society, can create safer emotional environments.

Group 3: Family & Potential Career

      Group 3's presentation on Family and Potential Career felt personal, not only because I was a part of it, but also because the topic is something that almost all of us are experiencing. Our group discussed how family expectations, cultural background, class, and gender roles can shape, or even stifle, the careers we are drawn to.

  I worked on the slides on gendered expectations, which looked at how children are frequently pushed into careers based on traditional roles. I also interviewed my friend Adriana, who studies engineering and aspires to work in Formula One, a male-dominated field. Her story provided a real world perspective to the presentation, pointing out both the challenges and the strength that comes from family support. It helped our message feel more relatable.

      We also talked about deeper conflicts, like inherited dreams versus authentic aspirations, as well as the tension between economic security and personal fulfillment. These are difficult conversations, especially for families where survival and stability have always come first. At times, wanting to take a different path can feel like betraying the sacrifices made for you, but living someone else's dream can quietly wear you down.

   

    One detail of our presentation that I enjoyed was the discussion of the myth of the self made professional. It reminded me of how frequently we are told that "hard work" is all that is required to succeed when in reality, things like family support, financial safety nets, and even those we know make a significant difference. Realizing this does not diminish anyone's accomplishments; it simply allows us to see the bigger picture more clearly.

      Working on this project helped me become more aware of how complicated these decisions are. It encouraged me to consider not only the career I want but also why I want it and whose expectations I might still be carrying.

Final Thoughts

       All three presentations showed how interconnected our personal choices are to the environments we grew up in. Whether we're discussing education access, mental health, or career goals, the truth is that none of us make decisions alone. Our families, economic conditions, cultures, and even gender roles all influence the paths we choose and the ones we imagine for ourselves.

      It is easy to think of these topics as separate issues, but seeing them together demonstrated how they overlap and reinforce one another. Struggling with school is frequently about money as well as effort. Feeling overwhelmed is not just a personal issue, it is also linked to isolation and a lack of support. Choosing a career is about more than just passion; it is also about privilege, history, and, on occasion, going against the "norm".

      If these presentations have taught me anything, it is how powerful self-awareness can be. The presentations reminded me that every decision, whether it is choosing a major, taking a mental health break, or challenging family expectations, is influenced by layers we don't always recognize. However, becoming aware of them allows us to choose differently and more intentionally. Understanding the systems around us does not leave us powerless; instead, it provides us with clarity. With that clarity, we can begin to create paths that reflect who we truly are, rather than who we were expected to be.