What is internship Ready?

There are many different qualities a person must have to be internship ready. These qualities are the foundation of an expectational Year Up students attitude. Practicing what Year Up calls ''Core Values" is a sure way to prepare yourself for your internship in a professional sense. One major quality of someone who is internship ready is dependability. Making yourself a dependable worker is something that managers at internships look for in their employees. Another more important quality is a strong work ethic. Being hardworking is what sets a good employee apart from an exceptional one, it sets aside the diligent from the ones doing enough to get by. Last but not least a crucial characteristic of an internship ready individual is someone who is punctual. Being hard working and professional are important qualities,but they will be shadowed by poor attendance. Each characteristic I've mentioned is just as important as the other, but it takes a healthy balance of the 3 that creates a truly internship ready individual.

My Favorite Job

Looking back on my work history it is safe to say I’ve had my fair share of employment.  Each position I’ve held served as not only a way of obtaining finances, but, a lesson in life. Throughout my work career I learned and developed many different skills and abilities, some which I still use in my everyday life. One key skill that was created and harnessed throughout my working experience was the ability to interact productively with other people. Throughout all of my past jobs there were some I enjoyed more than others.  In my opinion the best job I ever had was a youth coordinator at United Playaz youth center. This job was my favorite for many reasons, the pay was acceptable, and however that wasn’t my main motivation for enjoying this job. Working closely with kids and making a positive influence in their lives, gave me a sense of fulfillment that no paycheck could ever give. Some of my responsibilities included picking up the kids from school, making sure they completed their homework, and providing them with entertaining activities until it was time for them to get picked up. Working with youth age’s 8- 18 created the necessity for extreme patience and dedication. My care for the young people I worked with kept me dedicated. Understanding how to behave in a professional setting and understanding that a grown man should be able to maintain his composure helped me succeed. These characteristics I learned as a youth coordinator are skills I feel will serve me well at my internship. One of the beneficial things I learned while working as a youth coordinator was a passion for ones work along with a sharp understanding helps you succeed.

Black Friday

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/11/27/bloomberg_articlesLVCOJZ6K50Y1.DTL

This past Friday was possibly one of the most anticipated days of the years. “Black Friday” is infamously known to shoppers for is mayhem, as well as the deals it presence to consumers. It is common practice for consumers to line up hours before stores open to be the first to take advantage of sales prices. Some shoppers make it a habit annually to camp out in front of their favorite stores for a head start on cheap shopping. One aspect of “Black Friday” usually not considered is the amount of money spent. Considering the current financial situation of America and its Citizens Money is a sensitive topic. “Black Friday” not only makes shopping more affordable, but it also has a positive effect on American economy. Considering that consumer spending accounts for 70 percent of the economy, Black Friday is very useful in many different ways. Though there are many beneficial aspects of Black Friday there are also some issues that are best left avoided. For instance the one day presence of good shopping deals, creates the incentive to spend money saved for other purposes is created. The anxiety of missing out on good deals causes people to spend thee savings on impulse buying. Though consumer sales went up in the mist of the financial chaos national savings fell. This past Thanksgiving weekend shoppers spent an estimated $ 52.4 billion dollars. On average shoppers spent $398.62 helping retail sales climb 16%. Internet shoppers on Black Friday spent an estimated $816 with $479 million spent on Thanksgiving Day. One fact about Black Friday is it sets the stage for mass shopping. One thing I feel should be considered is the reason for spending.

What Drives Me!

Life is full of many things that you can draw inspiration from. People draw inspiration from many different things for the same amount of reasons. Inspiration when controlled and used properly can be a very helpful tool. It can provide the fuel necessary to complete a difficult task, or achieve set goal. It can be what causes a beneficial change in mood when necessary to focus on priorities. Or even what drives you to make a change in your life that will continue your progression.

Inspiration is a powerful tool capable of helping is possessor achieve things other wise thought impossible. My personal source of inspiration is my family. My mother My Little Brother Mathew (7) and my sister Melissa (14) are what drive me to be the best me I can be. I’m the oldest of three children, so the pressure to be a good example for my younger siblings is always present. Furthermore doing productive things that make my mother proud adds an extra bit of fuel to my fire. At an early age I was put in position to be the “man of the house”. Which at sometimes felt like too much, but I love my family so I do what I have to for them. Generally I feel like family is the main motivation in many people’s lives. Some strive to be better then their family others don’t care at all. However I am in it to win it and better the people that share my blood anyway I can. My family has a major impact on my actions and the way I think. Always taking into account the effects of my actions helps me navigate through life and reach the places I want to be. This way of thinking has helped me achieve the level I am at today. I attribute my life long drive and motivation to my three stars “Mom Dukes”, “Matty”, & “ Naynee”.

Its Where You At ! . . .

The community Ive chosen to write about is the San Franciscan community. As a recent addition to it many things stand out to me. For instance Ive noticed the size of the city plays a large influence on the people. San Francisco is a very close knit city. I feel like every that lives in San Francisco knows each other. No matter the background neighborhood or people you associate. In some way everyone in the city is connected. Through family members, common schools, or mutual friends. Everyone shares the same general social network. Another influence the cities size plays in the community is keeping everyone in the same general area. If you live in San Francisco for long enough and get to the know enough people, you'll understand why i say everyone knows each other.

Me In The Last Module . . .

After evaluating my performance during the last module, I’ve come to the conclusion I could have done better. My work ethic throughout the module wasn’t poor but didn’t meet the standard I set for myself. Getting adjusted to the rules and procedures of “Year Up” was something that took me some time. Now that I’ve completed the first module, I feel I’ve gained a better understanding of what it takes to be successful in the program. Balancing my life outside of the program along with what the program requires is now clearer to me. Time management along with prioritizing what is important to me will be the key to me success throughout module 2. One of my main concerns from the last module is my points. Previously I didn’t realize how easy it is to fall off track and lose points quickly. Though I feel the infraction system can at times be unfair to the students. It is the responsibility of each individual to handle their business and secure a progressive position in the program. Considering the challenge I am facing, along with what I’ve learned. I feel I will complete module 2 successfully and be satisfied with my accomplishment.

I Am Who I Am . . .

I personally believe to a unique extent every person is influenced by where they’re from.The first examples of acceptable speech and behavior are displayed and enforced here. These Examples set the foundation for a person’s speech and demeanor for the rest of their lives. Unless a person is exposed to alternatives forms of speech and behavior, they will continue to operate according to their familiar social norms. A person’s primary examples of an acceptable lifestyle set the stage for intense social pressures. Living up to what a person understands as an acceptable standard of living, is set depending on the role models presented at birth and thorough out their lives. Through out my life I was expose to an environment where unhealthy practices were commonplace. Becoming a successful college educated businessman was less likely then adhering to the agreements of your probation. Growing up my role models weren’t doctors, lawyers, and others who shared a high level of prestige in society. At an early age certain restrictions implemented by society due to my skin color and where I’m from become overt to my peers and I. Noticing these injustices created a mutual feeling of disgust, anger, and frustration among us. Constant reminders of the things destined for us due to our social deprivations created a radical disposition in my peers and I, causing us to fall victim to the same ills as past friends and family members. Though I am very proud of who I am and where I am from, I am wise enough to acknowledge the detrimental properties of my neighborhood. I am who I am despite the neighborhood I lived in. Becoming the person I am today was unlikely but still very possible. Thanks to my faith and a strong foundation of support from family and friends I was able to break the social chains and create a life worth losing.

Castle Hill Ave. . ."County of Kings"!

The Poverty Business

The “Poverty Business” article read in Business Communications class was very informative. The class discussion that followed was beneficial to my comprehension as well. A main topic that stood out to me was financial institutions thriving off the limited resources of the poor. No legal binding contract between parties should be signed, without the consent and complete understanding of the contract agreements by both parties. I feel the main factor that plays into financial ruin, is the lack of financial knowledge. Dealing with things such as Sub Prime Mortgage Loans and Pay Day loans, the proper knowledge of how things work is crucial to your success. The exploitation of this lack of knowledge by financial institutions is not only detrimental to the success of the financially insecure, but creates a unilateral chance of a beneficial outcome. This process of “Trap and Fee” is not only what boost the countries poverty rate, but it exacerbates the opportunity divide, putting people that are in bad standing with their finances for an array of reasons on a negative path to financial disaster. Financial displacement, a trust in the financial institutions intentions, and lack of information serve as the necessary tools to be misled into a harmful contract. This systematic dismantling of the financial lower class will continue until something is done about it. I personally don’t think there is one source that is responsible for the alleviation of the current financial crisis. In true democratic nature a collaborative effort must be put forth in order to achieve a financial revolution. A systematic program must be set in motion where the government, corporations, and individuals work together to close the “financial literacy divide”. Financial knowledge on how to access ones financial standing should be made accessible to the public. Topics like budgeting, creating healthy spending habits, and saving, should be illustrated in terms easily understandable to the people. This will equip the public with the necessary knowledge needed to make beneficial  and informed financial decisions.

A Bit About Me . . .

I am a 21 year old Bronx native, I recently relocated to San Francisco in February of 2011. Becoming familiar with the city through my ties with the "United Playaz" organization. San Francisco was a place I knew would one day call home. I personally feel it was the best decision I've ever mad for myself. Though California has been good to me. I often spend a lot of time thinking about how things are back home. Leaving my family and neighborhood friends behind was no easy task. Coincidentally the things I left behind serve as my main motivation to staying on the productive track.  TO BE CONTINUED . . .

High School Daze . . .

I went to a little known high school on Longwood Avenue in the South Bronx section of New York City. More important then the name the atmosphere was something that took some quick getting use to. Everyday at school was a constant struggle but we made it work. Due to such a small academic community the school had a real close knit feel. The students all knew each other and the teachers made it universally appropriate to address them by first name. As much as we made to the constant reminder of our restrictions were unavoidable. To  a lack of a Gymnasium , Library, Or active sports teams past the basketball team. Made the school feel even smaller then it was. Thankfully one thing my school did not lack in was teacher to student support. I honestly feel like the majority of my teachers genuinely cared about whether or not the students passed, and I'm not afraid to say my success in high school can partially be credited to this.

Speak On It . . .

Since the beginning of its creation language has been mankind's leading form of communication. Used to communicate and exchange thoughts, ideas, and emotions. Based on the principle of language a sub language known as "slang" was born. Giving a covert form of communication to those up to speed with the lingo, phrases, and terms. The power in words are undeniably the most influential tool of persuasion known to man. Lives have been both saved and condemned in just a few words. Wars have begun and been brought to a halt in just a few sentences.

Though language and the way things are expressed bear a great power. There are many things that influence the way one speaks and expresses themselves. Things such as geographical placing lend a major influence to the way one speaks. From the dialect to the pronunciation of certain letters or words. Where you were brought up will play a vital role in influencing the way you speak. Mainly due to the common way of speaking known to its inhabitants.

To my knowledge the most influential aspect of determining ones way of speaking is their peers. The constant surrounding of examples on acceptable ways of speaking. In my opinion coerce human beings to accept this as their way of speaking. The words used come from the custom slang terminology known to your area and peers. Giving a slight truth to the phrase you are who you know . . .