Self Reflection
During my time as a Political Science student, I have learned that America surely has a seemingly roundabout way of governing its people. However, I have learned that this circularity has a point: it is an effort to make sure every person has a say. But, I have also learned about how corrupt our American democracy can be because it is so easy for politicians to take advantage of our system. I have learned how to actually keep up with the current political news, as I had no idea where to go before for pertinent political information.
As far as learning about working in a group, I have learned that it is possible to work equal amounts in a group of 5. I have never ever worked with such a hardworking, understanding group of students such as Riley, Blaina, Bailey, and Jacob. I have been surprised time and time again with regards to their work ethic. It has certainly kept me in line and hard working. I did not go into this class thinking, “I want to take this class.” I had though politics was droll and uninteresting. However, I have learned to appreciate current events and their political significance. Furthermore, I have learned to stay informed instead of not caring and voting for people based on their charisma.
Previously, I would’ve voted for people based on their external, superficial characteristics. Now, not only do I know where to go to vote and how to get registered, I know what certain politically important people stand for.
What’s more, I have learned that people can be trusted to do their work. Time and time again, I have been worried in group projects because other people procrastinate and simply underperform to the extent of me picking up their slack. During this project, I found myself focusing hard in class to make sure they don’t leave me behind in the amount of work they get accomplished.
I have learned how abysmal my previous knowledge of political science was. Now I know how to identify a social issue, learn the policies that have been set in place, and decide for myself what I think should be done, all in a matter of 20 minutes or less. I truly feel that our final project is incredibly basic, which isn’t to say that the work my group put in isn’t extensive, but rather, that my group has only scratched the surface of this deeply torn educational issue in the city of Detroit.
I have moved on from saying, “Detroit Public Schools are garbage,” to saying, “DPS students are disadvantaged financially, as well as are segregated, which only serves to perpetuate their social standing and continue to leave them with no opportunity for upward social mobility.” It is shocking how many problems Detroit faces. But, the way I see it, it’s a simple myriad of problems to fix, but a difficult road to cross. The reason for this road being difficult to cross is because people are greedy, uneducated, and difficult. It’s often corruption, or unforeseen consequences that throw the carefully crafted policies we cherish down the drain.
It’s disappointing, to finally understand the mess Detroit is in.
Unfortunately, I do not plan to continue working on this problem, directly. One day I will be working in a hospital, or private practice, as a physician. I will be helping people get healthy, which should help them continue as students, educators, or whatever their occupation entails. From the process of group work, I have learned that a big pro is that groups get a lot of work done, far more than any individual could do on their own in the same time. I'm thankful for a great group.
By working in this group, I have learned to discern who is hard working and will be able to be able be less paranoid about who is doing what portion of work, and when. I used to be a control freak in group projects. But, everyone was incredibly laid back and unstressed. I have learned not to go insane under pressure, actually, I've gotten very good under pressure. I recall getting an A on my policy paper after having finished it in about an hour and a half. I have learned to follow specific as well as ambiguous directions/guidelines and to do well in small time constraints. This will certainly help me in medical school and eventually, in the medical field.
As far as learning about working in a group, I have learned that it is possible to work equal amounts in a group of 5. I have never ever worked with such a hardworking, understanding group of students such as Riley, Blaina, Bailey, and Jacob. I have been surprised time and time again with regards to their work ethic. It has certainly kept me in line and hard working. I did not go into this class thinking, “I want to take this class.” I had though politics was droll and uninteresting. However, I have learned to appreciate current events and their political significance. Furthermore, I have learned to stay informed instead of not caring and voting for people based on their charisma.
Previously, I would’ve voted for people based on their external, superficial characteristics. Now, not only do I know where to go to vote and how to get registered, I know what certain politically important people stand for.
What’s more, I have learned that people can be trusted to do their work. Time and time again, I have been worried in group projects because other people procrastinate and simply underperform to the extent of me picking up their slack. During this project, I found myself focusing hard in class to make sure they don’t leave me behind in the amount of work they get accomplished.
I have learned how abysmal my previous knowledge of political science was. Now I know how to identify a social issue, learn the policies that have been set in place, and decide for myself what I think should be done, all in a matter of 20 minutes or less. I truly feel that our final project is incredibly basic, which isn’t to say that the work my group put in isn’t extensive, but rather, that my group has only scratched the surface of this deeply torn educational issue in the city of Detroit.
I have moved on from saying, “Detroit Public Schools are garbage,” to saying, “DPS students are disadvantaged financially, as well as are segregated, which only serves to perpetuate their social standing and continue to leave them with no opportunity for upward social mobility.” It is shocking how many problems Detroit faces. But, the way I see it, it’s a simple myriad of problems to fix, but a difficult road to cross. The reason for this road being difficult to cross is because people are greedy, uneducated, and difficult. It’s often corruption, or unforeseen consequences that throw the carefully crafted policies we cherish down the drain.
It’s disappointing, to finally understand the mess Detroit is in.
Unfortunately, I do not plan to continue working on this problem, directly. One day I will be working in a hospital, or private practice, as a physician. I will be helping people get healthy, which should help them continue as students, educators, or whatever their occupation entails. From the process of group work, I have learned that a big pro is that groups get a lot of work done, far more than any individual could do on their own in the same time. I'm thankful for a great group.
By working in this group, I have learned to discern who is hard working and will be able to be able be less paranoid about who is doing what portion of work, and when. I used to be a control freak in group projects. But, everyone was incredibly laid back and unstressed. I have learned not to go insane under pressure, actually, I've gotten very good under pressure. I recall getting an A on my policy paper after having finished it in about an hour and a half. I have learned to follow specific as well as ambiguous directions/guidelines and to do well in small time constraints. This will certainly help me in medical school and eventually, in the medical field.