Why College?

I remember everyone always asked me where I would go to college. They asked this before they would even ask IF I was going to college. They just assumed that I, being a studious smart kid, would go to college. The lecture brought up that thought again. Why is it that people believe that to be successful they must get a college degree? Of course, they were right though, I was going to go to college no matter what. Like a lot of people, I have yet to decide on an exact career path. So, being this undecided, made sure that I kept as many doors open as possible by getting a college degree. Yes, a college degree helps many people and is needed in many places, but it certainly does not determine how successful someone becomes. I have a friend who is a senior now in high school who is possibly making more money a year than I ever will. He started a shirt business and expanded into skateboard designs. His creativity and networking with people he knew made him very successful without a college degree. He did not need a degree because he had everything he needed already. I, and many people, do not quite have everything i need in front of me to become successful, and that is why I came to college. For the careers I am looking into, experience holds a great deal of merit, and being in college and having the experience would greatly help me. If my career was a solid deal and it did not require college, then I would not go. I could gain the experience in the field and network there. College is not a perfect bridge to get to point A to point B, there are so many different, sometimes better ways.

Google Making Us Stupid?

My reaction to the speaker was not really surprise, as it was actually relevant to something that had just happened to me and also a conversation I had with someone. In Bio class, someone made up a chemical name and it was called Motrin. Someone pointed out that that was already a name of a medicine. Nothing really came from that convo at that point, but later on I was on Facebook and an add popped up advertising Motrin. So, Facebook had been listening in to see what products they should advertise to me. It was a shock, but I can understand the point that if i was discussing Motrin that I may need to buy it and Facebook would want to direct me to the company I need. Another convo was with a friend about the hello siri and ok google. In these devices, saying those words will turn on those systems. That means the device is constantly listening in for those words meaning they know exactly what you are saying 24/7.
Although at first it seems very scary that businesses have that kind of connection with us, but really it does make sense. We are their best board of decision makers. What better way to know what we want then to hear what we discuss with friends about. Yes, the implications may be negative, but overall I believe it can be very productive and useful. I have been watching criminal minds, and they can find people using many sources, and this seems like another great one. Sure, this means they are all up in my business, but why should i care if I am not doing anything illegal?

Global Perspective

Global perspective is having a view point that includes cultures and countries not necessarily connected to you. This is so important because the decisions that you make can be linked to people you will never meet. If you understand the idea that other people do not have your belief system and that others practice religion and other events different than you, then you can make better decisions.
Studying abroad has many benefits, including seeing up close and personal how other people live. It will also give you the opportunity to meet people you would never have the chance to meet. Sure, there may be drawbacks, like being away from home and possibly missing on events closer to home. If life is busy and demanding, then going abroad may not have as many perks than downsides. If I were to study abroad, I would go to Spain. Spanish is the only language I have attempted learning(other than English of course). It would be easier to immerse myself in the culture and language. I would love to study early european agriculture methods, and how they have effected the environment now. I already have a job in environmental education this summer, and I have my studies here and I'm also a part of the rowing club here at FSU, so studying abroad does not seem an option to me. Without studying abroad, another option I have is to visit international events and see people who are used to different cultures right where I am. Also, personal studying on cultures that are unfamiliar to me can also help me gain more global perspective.

Leadership 101

Since 4th grade I joined a program called 4-H. Every year my county attended several programs about building leaders and making the best better. Since the beginning terms and definitions were put in front of me about leadership and we were expected to impliment those values. 

Now, personally, I've gathered all those opinions about leadership and created my own. Leadership is being self-aware of when and how to lead a group. In a group that is built out of leaders, who leads? To be a good leader is to be able to let go of a situation and follow someone who's ideas and knowledge surpass yours. Therefore a good political leader must be able to step back and allow those with more information to gain control.

This summer I was a camp counselor for an environmental education program. Another counselor and I were in charge of 20-30 kids ranging depending on the week from 4th to 12th grade. My partner had been a counselor before while I was a first year. I had had more leadership training than my partner, but as he had more knowledge of the situations I knew I had to step back when I knew that his leadership would be superior to mine. Good leadership is knowing when not to be a leader.