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.