Week 4 Reading Reflection

1. I wasn't surprised by what the chapter said this week. I'm in IA and my teacher was the one who told me about how everyone is creative one way or another. The different definitions found in the chapter were new to me though, so I did learned something.

2. I am confused at how muddling concepts are a completely bad thing. Sometimes it is good to stop and critique yourself and say that something will not work out. It stops you from investing in a project that was set for failure in the first place. At the same time, I do understand that this shouldn't be used often and it is better to really expand one's mind in the different ways a project can be carried out.

3. How can one critique themselves in the beginning without being unnecessarily cruel? This is important so that we can keep an honest and open view of possible projects and how well they could work. Why do we doubt ourselves and our creativity so much? I ask this because it is sad that only a small number of people are given permission to be creative and everyone else is denied this gift. I ask this also because some people think there is only one or two kinds of creativity and not several.

4. No, there is nothing that I disagreed with, except for how we aren't allowed to critique ourselves in the very beginning. I think if we have a healthy, small dose of critique in the start - not in all cases, just some projects every now and then - it might actually help the progress instead of hindering it.

Customer Interviews No. 1

1. While I left my "opportunities" general and open, I usually asked my first set of questions in reference to college and the overall college experience. This allowed the people I interviewed to have at least one place of focus that they can share and relate their personal issues with. There is a lot of potential found within the college sphere.

2. While I was open to have anyone be interviewed, like teachers and other faculty members, I decided in the end to interview students enrolled in my college. I realize that this was a better way to hold my interviews because the issues that teachers and faculty members have are likely different to what students have. I can focus on unmet opportunities in the circle of students.

3. Here are my questions: Do you have unmet needs in your college experience? What are they and why; Do these unmet needs affect your experience/life? How and why?; Do you think this affects everyone or some?; What could be done to change or improve this?; If this is done, could this improve your experience, lead to more challenges, both, or neither?

4. I held interviews with five female students at my college:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0Z5D3mh6GA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a78HunkS--0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATWt93qd1F0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfWUh3D46eY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQy0EhZgfck

5. What I learned from this is that the problems the students mentioned actually affect a large number of people. Whether it be buses or the lines for food, it does affect a large number of students and alters their ability to do well in college. It is interesting how small, everyday nuisances can actually build to stress and lesser quality of school work and thus a lower appreciation of the college experience.

6. Holding the interviews with 5 different people just proved once again that I hate these types of interactions. Of course everyone was friendly, willing, and polite, but I still felt uncomfortable for having to ask and then hold the interview. One person expressed surprise when I told her I had to do it on video, so while interviews do happen from time to time, they do not always occur in this particular way. Still, I learned a few things that I enjoyed, like one interview where the girl mentioned how 5 more minutes in the day for classes would help students and teachers so much. That piqued my interest.

Top 5 World Problems

Top 5 Problems:

1. Religious Rights Being Taken Away

2. Divisions Over How We Treat Refugees

3. The Media Twisting Everything

4. Poor Foundation of History

5. Discrimination Against Those With Invisible Illnesses

Top 5 Solutions:

1. Poor Foundation of History - Educate people on the most accurately documented records of history. Ask questions from experts and scholars and be open to discovering the truth.

2. Discrimination Against Those With Invisible Illnesses - Educate people and help them to be more aware of different types of illnesses. Raise awareness and help people be more sympathetic and understanding of people with invisible illnesses.

3. The Media Twisting Everything - Look outside of mainstream secular media and double check the facts. Make sure that what is being said is true. If it's false, continue looking for the truth.

4. Divisions Over How We Treat Refugees - Discuss different alternatives to treat refugees and try being open to assisting refugees.

5. Religious Rights Being Taken Away - Educate people with knowledge of human rights and raise people on the truth that religious rights are as important as the right to bare arms and free speech.

The top 5 problems were selected because they affect such large numbers of people today in current events. These are also issues that have long-standing affects as well and can influence people in the future for better or worse. My top 5 solutions are what they are because even though these are large and significant problems, there are ways for them to be better resolved and bring greater unity and peace to everyone. Also, practically everyone can implement these solutions, so many people can bring about the likelihood of a better world.

Identifying Local Opportunities

1. bit.ly/23l5who - "POLICE ARREST WRONG-WAY DRIVER; She had been drinking and had her 3-year-old in the car at the time, they say"

A mother was driving on the wrong lane and was caught by the police. In her car was alcohol that she had been drinking and her child. The police arrested her even as she claimed under intoxication that she was doing nothing wrong. The problem in the story is the law being broken and a child being put in danger. The person with the problem is the child, as they are the one who are most in danger because their mother put them in that situation.

2. bit.ly/1QrO99i - "Felon Shoots Man, Faces Gun Charge"

Workman was a felon in possession of a gun and shot a man in the leg. Police arrested him, but only on charges of possessing a gun and not for the fact that he shot a person. The problem in this story is that Workman was arrested only on being a felon in possession of a firearm, and not also for shooting someone. The person with the problem is that man who was shot! He most likely was not given proper justice for the crime done against him.

3. bit.ly/1PefNWD - "Camp Aims to Help Teens Cope With Loss"

I really like this piece in that the group is trying to reach out to those who have gone through great loss. The description is that Rhythm of the Spirit reaches out to teenagers who have lost loved ones and offers them resources in coping with said losses in their lives. The problem is that there seem to be few groups/resources that are specifically for younger people dealing with loss. Those dealing with this problem are the teenagers. Hopefully this group helped them.

4. bit.ly/1PLKvT0 - "TAMPA TO PAY $300,000 OVER ARREST; The City Council approves the settlement in a case where a Tampa lawyer accused police of using excessive force"

A Tampa lawyer was paid $300,000 over the accusation that a group of officers used excessive force on him while taking him into custody. This case took around 7 years to finally be completed. The problem in this case are whether or not the officers performed their duties well or abused their authority. The people dealing with this problem are the lawyer and officers, because it is likely that both sides believe themselves to be in the right and the opposing group in the wrong.


5. bit.ly/23l7XAA - "The 29,000-square-foot store is set to open in late 2017, officials say. PUBLIX TO JOIN USF TAMPA CAMPUS"


Publix has made the decision to join USF and offer grocery needs to the students enrolled. The problem is that Publix may not join other college campuses and provide groceries for the people there. The people with this problem will definitely be college students outside of USF, as they will most likely have to find other stores outside of campus in order to purchase groceries and other necessities in their lives.

Very Short Interview No. 1

Link to interview:  https://youtu.be/lHE2zkHV5ns 

This was my interview with charitable entrepreneur David Nassau. I was unable to load the video interview onto the post despite trying multiple times, so I placed it on my Youtube channel. Here is a link to his cause: https://www.facebook.com/mshopscotch/?pnref=lhc .

David is such a sweet guy! He has a big heart and genuinely wants to reach out to people who deal with MS. He is also a hard working person, and I have told him a few times to make sure he gets some sleep. What makes David an entrepreneur is his perseverance, diligence to his work, and passion for the cause he founded and is president of.

I learned in the interview that entrepreneurship can come from the heart and be geared towards a charitable and good cause. David explains that Hopping 4 a Cure is not a vocational cause or one that affects a large number of people, but he knows that the cause itself is a huge thing for those who are affected by MS and that it is a worthwhile purpose to pursue. A non-profitable cause can also profit, both in causing positive change in people and also growing in financial means (likely used to help further promote Hopping 4 a Cure and offering finances for research on MS). What surprised me most was that David was inspired by not one but two people, a woman and man, and their examples led to his new interpretation of his personal view on entrepreneurship.

Week 3 Reading Reflection

1. Once again, the biggest surprise for me was the sheer amount of pages I had to read! I wish I could read half and half so I wouldn't be so overwhelmed by the load. What also surprised me was how the presence of female entrepreneurs is also changing the dynamics of businesses. Feminine changes like instilling ways to care for others are coming into businesses in order to make the workplace a healthier and more productive environment to be in. It's interesting how one group of people can lead to a number of changes in the environment.

2. What confused me at first were how ethics were not set in stone. There is an objective truth out there while other forms of opinions, like taste in books or music, are subjective. It confused me how the book seemed to make the claim that no set ethical system was the answer for every group. Maybe it has to do with the individual goals of the business overall?

3. The first question would be, why so many different takes to ethics? I understand that having a strong moral base is good for a company, but it still confuses me as to how no one system will work out. Second, are there ways entrepreneurs can avoid falling into the dark side? It interests me because I don't know of any resources around at this time that can help entrepreneurs to maintain a healthy attitude in their line of work.

4. At this point of the class, I so far do not see anything I disagree with except the part on ethics. Is there really no universal ethical system that can help, or is it in the end best for businesses to have their conduct tailor-made according to the goals of the company? I'm in disagreement, only wondering over this.

World's Biggest Problems

1. Misunderstanding/Miscommunication of Gender Issues
People complain about minor issues that are not even problems, like the gender wage gap which has been debunked multiple times already, instead of showing and acting on concern for real, legitimate problems caused by gender inequality. The AC being too cold for female employees is not a problem of gender inequality. Women and girls getting acid splashed on their faces because they refuse to marry at the request of others is a problem.

This can be resolved by making it clear what is and isn't a problem. Actually do research and study the claims of supposed gender inequality, like gender wage gap myth. If research shows that it is not a problem, then it is not a problem. Also, look beyond your own community and see if there are gender issues that affect other people and groups more or less than you. See if there is any way you can raise awareness and help those in need.

2. Religion Freedom Being Stripped Away in the Name of "Tolerance"

Some people mistakenly think that expressing one's views, religious or otherwise, are a sign of intolerance if they do not fit a certain view of "tolerance". Tolerance is not accepting every person's views/beliefs, but respecting the person, regardless if whether or not you agree or disagree with said person. This is seen strongly against religious views, and people and groups are silenced at those who either do not want to hear any possible truth in faith or those who genuinely out of misguided compassion attempt to shut down what is considered to be unpopular views not seen as mainstream today in an attempt to protect individuals and groups. Some groups are even attempting to pass laws that will infringe on religious rights.

There are a number of ways this can be resolved. One is that people actually know the difference between expressing one's views and being intolerant towards. This can help people to discern and decide what course of action to take and stop signs of intolerance when it is actually seen and shown. Also, that we know and understand our rights, rights that everyone is entitled to, not just those we happen to agree with. 

3. Divisions Over How We Treat Refugees

People attack one another, usually due to extremes. One side could possible want all refugees to come, not even bothering to possibly check for any sign of danger, while another side pushes instead for banning all refugees, even if they are innocent victims of war. This has led to much division in America and surely other countries in the world. 

It is okay to have compassion for the refugees. It is even better to have both compassion and concern and make sure that there are no criminals following their victims so they can attempt to continue harming the refugees and the locals. That is why there are multiple groups working to check and make sure that those who claim to be refugees seeking sanctuary are what they claim to be. These background checks decrease the changes of criminals and terrorists coming through. Refugees can come to our homes, but criminals must never be allowed to harm us and our future neighbors fleeing from the horrors of war. 

4. Lack of Concern or Care for Children

There are over millions of cases a day of children being abused, neglected or being seen as burdens of society. People think it's okay to say, "I hate kids", but change kids with specific groups spoken of today, and those individuals will be shut down. Why do we hate children so much? They're not the reason this world has so many problems. We are.

We need to grow in realistically seeing children as they: great responsibilities with great potential, and above all, human and deserving of love. If we treat children with better care and respect, they in turn will grow up into adults who will live that way and who will hopefully pass down those views and actions to future generations. Our mind set towards children needs to change for the better.

5. Abuse of Trigger Warnings

Trigger warnings are being used when wanted, not when needed. They are meant for people with significant trauma who need accommodations to help them as they are growing through the process of healing and moving forward from said trauma. They are not to be used whenever someone says something you disagree with. 

Use trigger warnings when they are needed and are necessary for the overall wellbeing of the person, knowing at the same time said warning is temporary and is only a transitional tool for further healing and recovery. Educate people on what they are, why they are used, how they should be used, and ways we can respond when announced a trigger warning. 

6. Using Shame and Guilt Tactics for Sexual Assault Awareness

This is such a huge problem in that it strikes fear and not awareness and understanding to such a significant issue in our world. Certain groups eschew stats and frame the results in such ways that the distorted results lead to striking fear in people. Instead of actual education, some groups use fear, guilt and shame to gain supporters.

Give people the real facts. Educate us on the problems of our communities caused by sexual abuse. Stay away from fear and guilt tactics, because when people find out, they could possibly reject the cause and concern entirely due to feeling betrayed. Also, these bad tactics will only make things harder for real victims and survivors of sexual abuse. 

7. Discrimination Towards Those With Invisible Illnesses

There have been cases where people suffering from illnesses that cannot be seen with the human eye are treated as lazy or not hardworking in their lives, despite struggling daily with possible chronic illness. Even if those with special needs document their medical case and show it to those they need to, there is still the possible chance they might be treated poorly.

Education is key in this case. Documenting one's medical case(s) is a great step in this direction. Spreading awareness that there are illnesses not seen is also a good way to break down discrimination. 

8. The Media Twisting Everything

The media loves a good story, even it means more segregation and prejudice against different groups of people. Races are pitted against each other, religions are scrutinized and constantly misunderstood by the media, and both majority and minority groups are distorted in ways that push back their efforts instead of forward.

Since the media is unlikely to change itself, individuals must research on their own about important topics. Double checking and cross checking what mainstream media says will definitely increase better discussion and is more likely to prevent cases of prejudice and discrimination. 

9. Poor Foundation of History

Few people actually know what has really happened in history. Due to miscommunication, misunderstanding, and groups intentionally twisting historical facts, this affects all of us today in our current knowledge and treatment of others.

Read! Read and try to understand the difference between fact and fiction. History already has some bias in it because of recordings from human beings, but there is no need to make it worse in today's world. Try to read a book or two, or even some articles, on certain parts of history. If we don't learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it. 

10. Books and Backpacks

I may have back problems because of what I dealt with in school, carrying heavy books in one backpack multiple times a day for years. It's not fair that students' health and overall wellbeing are endangered because the school demands they carry heavy books they may or may even use completely throughout the year. This can and has led to serious health issues with students.

Make everything online, have students purchase lighter books, and if push comes to shove, allow students to use rolling backpacks. These will decrease back problems for students in the future while still letting them have access to their education. Let students earn their education and not pay the price by suffering from spinal problems. 

Bug List

1. Chipotle's line on campus can be so long that students literally mix with the people sitting down and eating their meals.
A. The space in the building is too small, and the way the employees are grouped together so closely causes difficulty in moving efficiently. The space could be expanded.

2. The bus routes in my area are too confusing and push me more into walking long distances instead of playing it smart and using a bus.
A. The routes and process of learning them in general come off as intimidating, and there is always the fear that I will be late to something important if I take a chance and use the bus but I get on the wrong one. A better system explaining the routes would help a lot.

3. Certain services and resources at my church are not offered and I struggle in my faith journey because of this.
A. The church may offer certain resources/services when it is in demand, but they are not automatically available for the potential possibility that new parishioners may come and seek out help from these resources. If the church could make attempts to show that they have current resources and are making new resources, that would be helpful.

4. The chairs I use for studying are not back-friendly and can sometimes lead me to experience back pain.
A. The design of the chair makes it difficult for me to sit in a way that doesn't hurt my back. If it is redesigned, it could alleviate the pressure in my back.

5. Staring at the computer screen for certain periods of time leads my eyes to hurt and can lead me to having a migraine.
A. It could be the intensity combined with the amount of time I spend on my computer that contribute to this. I could possibly be prescribed special glasses for this or find a way to lessen the intensity of the light.

6. In an attempt to help my back, I switched to a large bag, but whenever I carry multiple items in it my shoulder feels the weight and pressure from it all.
A. I carry the bag on one shoulder and walk long distance, and the only things I use to hold my stuff up are two strings. I could replace it with a rolling backpack.

7. There are only 2 elevators I can use to reach my place, and they can break down and be in need of repairs, which leads to traffic in waiting for the elevators to be fixed or using the stairs.
A. The elevators are old and in need of renovation. If they could be renovated and made to work more efficiently, less students would feel the need to take stairs 10 stories up.

8. I like to drink soda, but because I take so long in drinking it, the drink turns flat and is no longer tasty to consume.
A. The longevity of the soda poses a problem. Maybe there is a way to cool the drink without flattening the taste of it.

9. In my kitchen the space is small and I have to compromise where to put my things with my roommates' items too and try not to make a mess.
A. The spacing and overall building of the kitchen is too small for more than one person. I could use the available space through some form of stacking items.

10. My trashcan is a traditional flip lid, and sometimes when I throw stuff away, it gets stuck on the top and makes a mess.
A. The top lid makes it difficult for me to dispose my garbage. I could use a switch or button to have it move without my hands.

11. The black couch I use has begun to sag and I fall in.
A. The rigidness of the couch has become weak. Maybe I can replace the cushions to make it more rigid.

12. The small wooden desk I use is difficult to use and I have a mess on it.
A. The size of the desk is too small. Maybe I need to replace it for a bigger one.

13. Wearing items in my hair to pull it back and keep it out of my face causes me headaches.
A. The overall design and tightness of the material causes pain. I could find products that tackle this problem specifically.

14. My glasses get dirty overtime I wear them and using my sleeves does not help.
A. The glasses get dirty easily. I could use special wipes to clean them.

15. The slots for cards in the laundry room keep messing up in reading my card and I have to spend time trying multiple times.
A. The slots are old and in need of repair/removal. I could report this to people who do repairs or push for a petition to change/replace the slots.

16. The heating pad in my bed does not always retain the heat in and I sleep with more difficulty.
A. Maybe the covers are too thin to keep the heat in. I could replace them with thicker, more heat-inclined covers.

17. I only have a small space for my books where I live, which limits my collection of books to read.
A. The space is too small and cramped for my books. Maybe I can add more shelves and stack up the books without letting them topple over.

18. My pillows have become thin and are no longer fluffy which makes sleeping harder.
A. The pillows lose their thickness over use of time. Either I replace them with better pillows or I find a way to restful them.

19. Parts of my fingers grow sore over long periods of taking notes.
A. Maybe I put pressure in the wrong places and that leads to the soreness. I could work on that or find writing tools that prevent this from happening.

20. A certain pair of boots have laces that come undone whenever I walk and this slows down my traveling.
A. The laces are very long in length. I replace them or I cut them short with scissors to make them less likely to become untied.

At first it was very difficult to do this because while I may complain of things, I don't complain about this many. Still, after putting myself in this mindset, it became easier to pull off. I completed this assignment in about two days to give myself space and time to think about what else to write down for this post.

Week 2 Reading Reflection

1. I was shocked at the amount of pages I had to read for the chapter. There were so many pages! I was surprised over the breaking down of myths, like how entrepreneurs are claimed to be misfits and freaks but in today's world they are respected for their innovation and drive. It was also a nice surprise that there were elderly entrepreneurs, because the Baby Boomers are taking on a "lifestyle entrepreneur" look in their later years and can be successful like younger people. I usually imagined entrepreneurs as young.

2. I was confused wherever there were numbers in the chapter. Mathematics, statistics, numerical research findings all boggle my brain to no end. I wish there was a way I could better understand the mathematical side of entrepreneurship.

3. Why is it that women and minority groups are on the rise? I would ask this because I wonder if the Recession has led to possibly more or less opportunities that push women and minority groups to move forward. Also, why are the elderly becoming entrepreneurs? I ask this because it piqued my interest that older people and not just younger people who are stepping into this field.

4. I am not sure if I disagreed with anything the author said. I am still new to this type of learning, so I need more time to see if whether or not I agree or disagree with what I am being taught.

My Entrepreneurship Story

Freshman year of college I was told of a speaker's event where Daymond John was going to be at. Daymond John is one of the entrepreneurs found in the TV show Shark Tank, and he is also the founder of the clothing and apparel company FUBU. When I arrived at the event, there were many students there looking forward to seeing him too. Although I could only stay for an hour, Daymond was funny and honest about his beginnings as an entrepreneur, and I enjoyed the overall experience. It would have been nice to stay a little longer and hear more from him, but it was nice to see a successful entrepreneur in real life.

The reason why I joined ENT3003 is to fulfill my requirements for my Innovation Minor. I want to be able to complete my classes for both my major and minor in a timely manner. Still, I am open to learning and enjoying myself in this class, and I hope I will. What I hope to get out of this class is a better understanding of entrepreneurship and skills needed to be a better entrepreneur. As a writer, I need to learn how to be be successful in an industry that is both hard to get into and stay in. I also hope to push myself in this area and achieve success, even when there are risks involved in the process.

Introduction

Hello again! My name is Rocío and I am a student learning at ENT3003. I am Puerto Rican and proud of it, love writing and reading, and I enjoy listening to music and cosplay. I hope to become an accomplished and published writer in my future and to share my stories with everyone. I am also very passionate about comics and enjoy reading series of all types, from Wonder Woman to The Ultimates. If there are any comic lovers out there, contact me!

I've been cosplaying for a while, and I have cosplayed characters from video games, books, and anime. I am also an English major, so I read a lot of books, and I try to do that while reading books for leisure at the same time. I really hope that this class goes well for everyone, and that we enjoy this semester as our personal best one yet.

Entrepreneur's Mantra

First Post!

Hello, everyone! I look forward to learning in this class and I hope we all have a great semester together.

Best,
RC