Our final night of class was a full night. We all were looking forward to giving our presentation and sharing with the group what we had learned about our countries. We all picked unique and beautiful countries.
My group presented first. Our number of slides was larger than what we had time for, but we all had done our research and allthe information seemed so important when we put it together. Speaking in front of a group is not everyone's cup of tea, but I think my group did a good job.
Splitting the group presentations into two seperate sessions was nice as we got to eat. The food was very good. I am glad everyone liked my flan. I am a baker and when something I make is a hit, I feel very good. It warms my heart to know that I was able to help someone have a moment of pleasure.
After the group presenations we took a the last few minutes to reflect. What each of us shared was pretty cool. As different as we all were, we bonded and felt we were a unit. I have been in classes where the division/differences are huge and the class just doesn't seem to mesh; ours did. It was nice to hear that for several in the group, this was their last class. They were going out with a pleasurable experience. It is nice to go out with your last class being fun and enjoyable instead of stressful and difficult.
I am glad I took this class and had the people in it I did. I hope that the next class for Curtis is as enjoyable and he continues teaching as he does.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Reflection
My job requires me to work closely with Asians and Europeans so I was looking forward to this class. I was hoping to be exposed to the history and a bunch of culture of a group of people that I knew very little about. I was exposed to the culture and the historical events I learned about were new to me. The method in which this was acquired was different than what I was used to. I am leaving the class with ideas of where to look for events and places to visit that will allow me continue to learn more about this topic.
Our class is diverse; we have a wide range of ages and ethnicities. This brought some very good discussions to the classroom. I believe that having several different cultures in one class allowed us to explore the differences a little more than if we had an all American class. The night of Oct 9th is an example; Aram asked a valid question on self deporting. She explained her personal experience with this process. However; this idea created a reaction much different than hers with others in the class. One person left the room it upset her so. I wondered during the discussion if the class had asked to take sides on self deporting to save themselves vs being deported how the class would have divided up?
The class structure content wise was divided into historical sessions and cultural sessions. At times the two could become intertwined as history is often created by a cultural event. Our trip to the market and the upcoming class where we will present our country project are two examples of where history and culture will mingle.
The Mayan's are a huge part of Hispanic history. Where would a class be without touching on the Mayan calendar? We were lucky to have an expert teleport in and give us the big picture. John Pugno joined us on our second night of class to share with us what he has learned about the Mayan calendar. It was very interesting. Beyond the fact that the world is not going to end (I never believed it was going to) on 12/12/12 he shared with us that the Mayan calendar is actually a nine month year not twelve as we use and the calendar is not ending it is just resetting itself. When John was done explaining the calendar he asked if anyone wanted to know their birthday signs in Mayan. I provided my birthdate to him so he was able to give me my Aztec day information:
Day Tochtli (Rabbit) is governed by Mayahuel, Goddess of the Maguey and of Fertility, as its provider of tonalli (Shadow Soul) life energy. Tochtli is a day of self-sacrifice and service to something greater than oneself. It signifies the religious attitude which holds everything sacred and results in experiences of self-transcendence. It is a mystical day, associated by the passages of the moon. It is a good day for communing with nature and spirit, a bad day for acting against others.
http://www.azteccalendar.com/?day=24&month=7&year=1966
This was an intersting topic and think that everyone enjoyed hearing from John.
Our next classes moved onto some readings and discussion on the history of Mexico of what is happening at the boarder today. I know I am going to get into trouble here and if you do not agree with my feelings that is OK, because these are my feelings and thoughts.
We read several sections of Harvest of Empire. The book gave us the history of how the land at the boarder was acquired (in many cases stolen) from the Mexican people. It is not right and there is nothing I can do to change what happened. I read it and felt empathy for the people who this happened to have the land taken from them. However I also am a realist who knows that land was fought over won and lost throughout history. It is never going to change. There will always be a winner and a loser. At this time the winner just happens to be the one located on the north side of the boarder. Boarders are in place for a reason and respect must be had for these boarders. When you cross them you need to adhere to the laws in place to cross and the laws that govern the country you are going into. I am all for increasing the guards at the boarder.
Outside of class I was volunteering at Adams Spanish Immursion school. I enjoyed my time there seeing how the children learned Spanish. The staff was great and I did learn a few Spanish words myself.
I found myself noticing more articles on the topics we were discussing in class. NAFTA is a hot topic. I found this article:
http://www.startribune.com/business/172916331.html
It discusses how the tomato industry in Mexico has grown over the last 10 years and how the US tomato growers are losing out on the revenue that is created by their crop. NAFTA is playing a huge part in how this issue has morphed and who the winner will end up being when it is all said and done.
We did discuss NAFTA in one of our classes. I believe it should never have been put into place. Big business is really the big winner, the average working American and the working Mexican are not reaping the rewards, which is how it was presented to the people.
One good thing that has come out of class is I find myself looking for dishes with a spanish/Mexian flavor. I made the Mexican street corn which was very good and will be put into the meal rotation at my house. I doubt I would have looked twice at the recipe before class.
The session we had putting ourselves into someone else's shoes was a creative way to experience someone elses life without actually stepping into it. I really am not a "feely" type of person. The "how does that make you feel" statement takes me back to when I was in counseling for a issue I was struggling with. I never want to go back to that dark time or to a coulselor, so everytime I hear those words it is like being sucked back into that terrible time in my life. We were given the option to share the feelings we had on D2L, I would prefer to keep what I wrote to myself or if I choose to share them; it will be with someone who is close to me and will understand the "how and why". As I said it was creative, but just not a good method for me to share.
Going to the market was one of the best nights. I had never been there before so it was new experience for me. There were so many interesting things for me to see and I will be going back to shop there and to eat at the cantina. I have already enlisted my sister and nieces to go with me to the cantina some Saturday in the near future. The project of purchasing an item was neat. However, the item I purchased from the market was pretty but so difficult to figure out its origin. I did my research but was not able to find out its origin or confirm 100% where it came from.
To close this out, Curtis made the statement in the first class that everyone has a story. So in an effort to explain so I am not sounding too narrow minded here is my story. I am a white woman who grew up in a small town where the culture was Polish, German and Swedish decent. Anything other than that was not wanted or thought to needed. I moved to the Twin Cities and it has opened up a whole new world and I am now exposed and experiencing a variety of cultures every day. For the most part it does not pose any issues, however there are times when it does. People who immigrate here today choose to keep their culture unlike the immigrants of the past. Those people chose to adapt to what was here, keeping little or none of their culture that was part of them and where they came from. I am respectful of who and what these new immigrants bring to this country; I do not think expecting their respect in return is too much to ask. Keeping an open mind can open many doors and windows into the cultures that are now part of our day to day life. I enjoyed my time in class and I learned a variety of things. I am glad I signed up for it.
Our class is diverse; we have a wide range of ages and ethnicities. This brought some very good discussions to the classroom. I believe that having several different cultures in one class allowed us to explore the differences a little more than if we had an all American class. The night of Oct 9th is an example; Aram asked a valid question on self deporting. She explained her personal experience with this process. However; this idea created a reaction much different than hers with others in the class. One person left the room it upset her so. I wondered during the discussion if the class had asked to take sides on self deporting to save themselves vs being deported how the class would have divided up?
The class structure content wise was divided into historical sessions and cultural sessions. At times the two could become intertwined as history is often created by a cultural event. Our trip to the market and the upcoming class where we will present our country project are two examples of where history and culture will mingle.
The Mayan's are a huge part of Hispanic history. Where would a class be without touching on the Mayan calendar? We were lucky to have an expert teleport in and give us the big picture. John Pugno joined us on our second night of class to share with us what he has learned about the Mayan calendar. It was very interesting. Beyond the fact that the world is not going to end (I never believed it was going to) on 12/12/12 he shared with us that the Mayan calendar is actually a nine month year not twelve as we use and the calendar is not ending it is just resetting itself. When John was done explaining the calendar he asked if anyone wanted to know their birthday signs in Mayan. I provided my birthdate to him so he was able to give me my Aztec day information:
http://www.azteccalendar.com/?day=24&month=7&year=1966
This was an intersting topic and think that everyone enjoyed hearing from John.
Our next classes moved onto some readings and discussion on the history of Mexico of what is happening at the boarder today. I know I am going to get into trouble here and if you do not agree with my feelings that is OK, because these are my feelings and thoughts.
We read several sections of Harvest of Empire. The book gave us the history of how the land at the boarder was acquired (in many cases stolen) from the Mexican people. It is not right and there is nothing I can do to change what happened. I read it and felt empathy for the people who this happened to have the land taken from them. However I also am a realist who knows that land was fought over won and lost throughout history. It is never going to change. There will always be a winner and a loser. At this time the winner just happens to be the one located on the north side of the boarder. Boarders are in place for a reason and respect must be had for these boarders. When you cross them you need to adhere to the laws in place to cross and the laws that govern the country you are going into. I am all for increasing the guards at the boarder.
Outside of class I was volunteering at Adams Spanish Immursion school. I enjoyed my time there seeing how the children learned Spanish. The staff was great and I did learn a few Spanish words myself.
I found myself noticing more articles on the topics we were discussing in class. NAFTA is a hot topic. I found this article:
http://www.startribune.com/business/172916331.html
It discusses how the tomato industry in Mexico has grown over the last 10 years and how the US tomato growers are losing out on the revenue that is created by their crop. NAFTA is playing a huge part in how this issue has morphed and who the winner will end up being when it is all said and done.
We did discuss NAFTA in one of our classes. I believe it should never have been put into place. Big business is really the big winner, the average working American and the working Mexican are not reaping the rewards, which is how it was presented to the people.
One good thing that has come out of class is I find myself looking for dishes with a spanish/Mexian flavor. I made the Mexican street corn which was very good and will be put into the meal rotation at my house. I doubt I would have looked twice at the recipe before class.
The session we had putting ourselves into someone else's shoes was a creative way to experience someone elses life without actually stepping into it. I really am not a "feely" type of person. The "how does that make you feel" statement takes me back to when I was in counseling for a issue I was struggling with. I never want to go back to that dark time or to a coulselor, so everytime I hear those words it is like being sucked back into that terrible time in my life. We were given the option to share the feelings we had on D2L, I would prefer to keep what I wrote to myself or if I choose to share them; it will be with someone who is close to me and will understand the "how and why". As I said it was creative, but just not a good method for me to share.
Going to the market was one of the best nights. I had never been there before so it was new experience for me. There were so many interesting things for me to see and I will be going back to shop there and to eat at the cantina. I have already enlisted my sister and nieces to go with me to the cantina some Saturday in the near future. The project of purchasing an item was neat. However, the item I purchased from the market was pretty but so difficult to figure out its origin. I did my research but was not able to find out its origin or confirm 100% where it came from.
To close this out, Curtis made the statement in the first class that everyone has a story. So in an effort to explain so I am not sounding too narrow minded here is my story. I am a white woman who grew up in a small town where the culture was Polish, German and Swedish decent. Anything other than that was not wanted or thought to needed. I moved to the Twin Cities and it has opened up a whole new world and I am now exposed and experiencing a variety of cultures every day. For the most part it does not pose any issues, however there are times when it does. People who immigrate here today choose to keep their culture unlike the immigrants of the past. Those people chose to adapt to what was here, keeping little or none of their culture that was part of them and where they came from. I am respectful of who and what these new immigrants bring to this country; I do not think expecting their respect in return is too much to ask. Keeping an open mind can open many doors and windows into the cultures that are now part of our day to day life. I enjoyed my time in class and I learned a variety of things. I am glad I signed up for it.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
NAFTA
We discussed NAFTA and how it effects the US and Mexico. Canada is also part of NAFTA and it has effects on that country as well. Maybe its because the people of Canada are closer to what the people of the US are financially.
Being able to produce goods or provide services more cost effectively than it can be done in our own country is quite the big business dream.
The basis is each country has it strong side. Mexico produces foods and crops at low cost allowing the US food distributors to purchase the cheaper Mexican crops than what can be grown in the US. This is good for me the consumer, but it is bad for the workers who life is dependent on the growing and selling the product in teh US. Purchasing from Mexico reduces the need of the product from a US grower, which because of this may be required to let people go. Over time the whole business could disappear due to the lack of requirement.
NAFTA is good and bad, trying to find a medium would be a huge undertaking. Politics would come into the equation. Big business is in business to make money, they would not want to loose the profits they currently are receiving by decreasing the cheaper goods they purchase from Mexico. Even if ths means saving jobs in the US. I completly understand both sides of the coin. We want to acquire our goods for the best price but yet we want to keep as many jobs in the US as possible.
I am not sure how an overhaul would be implemented, but it is long over due.
Being able to produce goods or provide services more cost effectively than it can be done in our own country is quite the big business dream.
The basis is each country has it strong side. Mexico produces foods and crops at low cost allowing the US food distributors to purchase the cheaper Mexican crops than what can be grown in the US. This is good for me the consumer, but it is bad for the workers who life is dependent on the growing and selling the product in teh US. Purchasing from Mexico reduces the need of the product from a US grower, which because of this may be required to let people go. Over time the whole business could disappear due to the lack of requirement.
NAFTA is good and bad, trying to find a medium would be a huge undertaking. Politics would come into the equation. Big business is in business to make money, they would not want to loose the profits they currently are receiving by decreasing the cheaper goods they purchase from Mexico. Even if ths means saving jobs in the US. I completly understand both sides of the coin. We want to acquire our goods for the best price but yet we want to keep as many jobs in the US as possible.
I am not sure how an overhaul would be implemented, but it is long over due.
Item from Market
I purchased a magnet from the market that is of a girl in traditional Sinaloa dress. Sinaloa is a state in Mexico along the Gulf of Mexico. Nowhere on the item does it state where made.
The magnet is made out of dried polymer clay formed into a girl dressed in traditional Sinaloa attire. The clay is with multicolored flowers painted on the skirt of the dress. There are two red stripes going horizontal across the bottom of the dress. The dress has a sparkly decorated collar. She has a red and white headdress.
I began by researching where the clay would come from and found that the majority of it is manufactured in China. I had a feeling that my magnet possibly could have been manufactured in China. I searched and found a few companies that make and sell polymer clay figurines and magnets in Mexico.
I searched to see if I could find my magnet in the list of items the companies in Mexico had for sale but did not find that any of them had this particular item.
After two hours of searching for my item and/or one that is similar I found a company J & Y commercial located in Nalcalpan Mexico. They manufacture a variety of items including polymer clay dolls and magnets.
I do not want to assume that my item came from China to a US warehouse where the market ordered nic nac items from but right now if I were to place my bets I would go with that my item originated in China, imported in by a whole sale company that distributes to locations all over the US.
I found this image the way the women are dressed looks like my magnet
The magnet is made out of dried polymer clay formed into a girl dressed in traditional Sinaloa attire. The clay is with multicolored flowers painted on the skirt of the dress. There are two red stripes going horizontal across the bottom of the dress. The dress has a sparkly decorated collar. She has a red and white headdress.
I began by researching where the clay would come from and found that the majority of it is manufactured in China. I had a feeling that my magnet possibly could have been manufactured in China. I searched and found a few companies that make and sell polymer clay figurines and magnets in Mexico.
I searched to see if I could find my magnet in the list of items the companies in Mexico had for sale but did not find that any of them had this particular item.
After two hours of searching for my item and/or one that is similar I found a company J & Y commercial located in Nalcalpan Mexico. They manufacture a variety of items including polymer clay dolls and magnets.
I do not want to assume that my item came from China to a US warehouse where the market ordered nic nac items from but right now if I were to place my bets I would go with that my item originated in China, imported in by a whole sale company that distributes to locations all over the US.
I found this image the way the women are dressed looks like my magnet
Questions and Answers from Hugo
I asked one of my buyers if he would be willing to answer some questions abotu himself. He was happy to do so.
The questions I asked him were:
1. Where in Mexico are you from? Have you lived there all your life?
I’m from Veracruz. A southern state, in the Gulf of Mexico. My parents, brothers and their families live there. I have 15 years living in Tijuana
2. I am going to assume you went to college; where did you go and was it much different from home? I went to College here in Tijuana, I have a bachelor degree in Business at the “Universidad Autonoma de Baja California
This border city is very different from home because the nature on the northern states in Mexico. Many people converge from different places across the country bringing with them manners and traditions specific from the part of Mexico they come from. Living in Tijuana you can meet people coming from every state of Mexico, it’s amazing.
3. What is some of your history? Ex: where your parents are from, number of children in your family, are you married and have children, is life in your area easy or difficult (jobs, social/economics, tourism)? My parents were born also in Veracruz, my mother was a kinder garden teacher for 30 years, now she is retired, and my father owns a grocery store. I’m 33 years old, I’m married I have 3 kids. My wife is from Sinaloa, Mexico (northwest) also her family is in that place. The reason we are here, far from our families is because this city offers more opportunities to get a good job, and a better quality of life. Even though this city has a lot of opportunities for work, people that work in production areas make less than 100 dlls a week, and this is much better than in other places in Mexico. It’s very marked the differences between poor and rich (not only here but in Mexico in general).
4. Do you want to move to another area in Mexico or to the US?
I’m very happy living in this city, if I had the opportunity to choose for moving I would go to Veracruz if you have money and invest in a business you can grow over there. I also would like to enrich my professional experience working in the US.
5. What are some of the best things about where you live?
I like the food served in this city, it’s amazing the places for eating here, you can find all kind of food from all over the world, of course a wide variety of Mexican food. Also I like because is close to the US, you can cross the border in ten minutes and go on shopping of for fun, California has too many places to visit.
6. Is there a special food that is specific to your region that is famous?
In Veracruz is very popular the Mole, is prepared is with different types of chili, the recipe for this dish comes from pre-hispanic age. Maybe you can find more details on this topic in the web.
7. If you could change one thing about where you live what would it be?
Corruption in all level of public positions and politicians.
I was very pleased that Hugo shared as much with me as he did. He was honest and didn't hide that fact that he moved to Tijuana for a better life for his family. He si a very nice man who I hope will continue to be successful in his work and family life.
The questions I asked him were:
1. Where in Mexico are you from? Have you lived there all your life?
I’m from Veracruz. A southern state, in the Gulf of Mexico. My parents, brothers and their families live there. I have 15 years living in Tijuana
2. I am going to assume you went to college; where did you go and was it much different from home? I went to College here in Tijuana, I have a bachelor degree in Business at the “Universidad Autonoma de Baja California
This border city is very different from home because the nature on the northern states in Mexico. Many people converge from different places across the country bringing with them manners and traditions specific from the part of Mexico they come from. Living in Tijuana you can meet people coming from every state of Mexico, it’s amazing.
3. What is some of your history? Ex: where your parents are from, number of children in your family, are you married and have children, is life in your area easy or difficult (jobs, social/economics, tourism)? My parents were born also in Veracruz, my mother was a kinder garden teacher for 30 years, now she is retired, and my father owns a grocery store. I’m 33 years old, I’m married I have 3 kids. My wife is from Sinaloa, Mexico (northwest) also her family is in that place. The reason we are here, far from our families is because this city offers more opportunities to get a good job, and a better quality of life. Even though this city has a lot of opportunities for work, people that work in production areas make less than 100 dlls a week, and this is much better than in other places in Mexico. It’s very marked the differences between poor and rich (not only here but in Mexico in general).
4. Do you want to move to another area in Mexico or to the US?
I’m very happy living in this city, if I had the opportunity to choose for moving I would go to Veracruz if you have money and invest in a business you can grow over there. I also would like to enrich my professional experience working in the US.
5. What are some of the best things about where you live?
I like the food served in this city, it’s amazing the places for eating here, you can find all kind of food from all over the world, of course a wide variety of Mexican food. Also I like because is close to the US, you can cross the border in ten minutes and go on shopping of for fun, California has too many places to visit.
6. Is there a special food that is specific to your region that is famous?
In Veracruz is very popular the Mole, is prepared is with different types of chili, the recipe for this dish comes from pre-hispanic age. Maybe you can find more details on this topic in the web.
7. If you could change one thing about where you live what would it be?
Corruption in all level of public positions and politicians.
I was very pleased that Hugo shared as much with me as he did. He was honest and didn't hide that fact that he moved to Tijuana for a better life for his family. He si a very nice man who I hope will continue to be successful in his work and family life.
Translation Nation
This is from the Sept 25th class and was posted on D2L as well.
Nikol and I had letter C
Dad
• only spoke Spanish at home
•made it his obsession to lean english but went to meetings held by Guatamalans to keep his culture
•they listened to the radio Habana Cuba (it would bring his mothe to tears)
•continually told him never to forget where he came from
Mom
•when she arrived she put her hair in a beehive and adopted the short skits that they were wearing at that time
•outfitted dad in argyle sweaters
•both parents took citizenships tenyears after arriving
It was interesting as he adapted but yet held onto where he came from.
Nikol and I had letter C
Dad
• only spoke Spanish at home
•made it his obsession to lean english but went to meetings held by Guatamalans to keep his culture
•they listened to the radio Habana Cuba (it would bring his mothe to tears)
•continually told him never to forget where he came from
Mom
•when she arrived she put her hair in a beehive and adopted the short skits that they were wearing at that time
•outfitted dad in argyle sweaters
•both parents took citizenships tenyears after arriving
It was interesting as he adapted but yet held onto where he came from.
Last day of volunteering
Tuesday Oct 9th was my final volunteering session at Adams. I was excited to see what my last day would bring. Nikol had sent me a message in advance of what she had scheduled for me. There were going to be soem 4th and 5th graders in her room for a student counsel of sorts meeting . They called them K Kids. You could see when they arrived they were excited to be there. I was able to gather some of what was bein said but not too much. I did have to leave for a little while to assit the admin with some copying. When I came back it was the question and answer session. One of the questions asked was if the meetings were going to always been in Spanish. The teacher said yes. I found it to be an interesting question as these are children who have possibly been enrolled in the school for 4-5 years and the normal is to spend all day everyday speaking Spanish to the classes. The instructor said that her answer may deter some of them from signing up, but she didn't think she would loose too many.
I then moved onto putting some booklets together. I enjoy putting the booklets together as I am able to look at the picture and the words that go with the pictures. Since I speak no spanish, I am able to decipher a few words. I may not enunciate them correctly, but if I saw the word I would put it together what object goes with that word.
I finised up my task and it was time to head home. I did get a chance to visit with a mom volunteer. She was so very nice, she asked me about my class and my schooling. I share about myself and she shared about her family. She was covering books. She had been at it since 9:00 that morning. It was not 3:00. She skipped her lunch so she could complete the pile. She was a true die hard. I enjoyed talking to her.
My time at the school may be over, but my time there revealed to me that children learn a second language easier when they can sing the works and associate the words with the objects. Most children are excited to be learning and seem to enjoy going to school there. The school has a dedicated staff and the parent volunteers are of huge help to the staff. It was nice to see the parents taking an interest to help the school out.
Nikol does a wonderful job keeping the staff, students and parents on track. Her job is a critial cog in the Adams wheel. She obviously enjoys her job, the students, staff and the parents who come into her room to assist.
If you get a chance to volunteer at this school I would highly recommend it.
I then moved onto putting some booklets together. I enjoy putting the booklets together as I am able to look at the picture and the words that go with the pictures. Since I speak no spanish, I am able to decipher a few words. I may not enunciate them correctly, but if I saw the word I would put it together what object goes with that word.
I finised up my task and it was time to head home. I did get a chance to visit with a mom volunteer. She was so very nice, she asked me about my class and my schooling. I share about myself and she shared about her family. She was covering books. She had been at it since 9:00 that morning. It was not 3:00. She skipped her lunch so she could complete the pile. She was a true die hard. I enjoyed talking to her.
My time at the school may be over, but my time there revealed to me that children learn a second language easier when they can sing the works and associate the words with the objects. Most children are excited to be learning and seem to enjoy going to school there. The school has a dedicated staff and the parent volunteers are of huge help to the staff. It was nice to see the parents taking an interest to help the school out.
Nikol does a wonderful job keeping the staff, students and parents on track. Her job is a critial cog in the Adams wheel. She obviously enjoys her job, the students, staff and the parents who come into her room to assist.
If you get a chance to volunteer at this school I would highly recommend it.
Third Session of volunteering
Wednesday Oct 3rd was my third session of volunteering at Adams school. I worked an a project for the secretary sorting some documents that had confidential information. She needed the help and she could not have the usual parent volunteers sort them as the information pertained to the children who went to school there. I was able to do this since I do not have children who attend the school. When I was done with that I assisted the kindegarten teacher with a project of laminating some flip chart sized pages. She said the children tend to get rough with them so laminating them protects them. The pages contained photo's of items with the Spanish word that pertains to that item. There were several pages that took the photos and words making them into a sentence. She had used something similar when I shadowed in her room last week. I finished that task and moved onto assisting one of the aids with a project of cutting out shapes that the children would be using to make a collage of sorts. I visitied with the aid. He is from MN and has worked at Adams for a couple of years. He works with the teachers to break down where the children are on the learning scale. He shared with me that some children come in and are very comfortable in the bi-lingual world. Others have had little or no exposure to Spanish, but the parents want the children to learn the language as some of the culture that goes along with learning a second language. This can be a good thing, or it can be extremly difficult. There are some children who are also on the complete opposite end and have little grasp of either language. This is where he comes in. He takes on some of the training of the children who need the extra help. I asked if he liked his job and he said yes, it is one of those jobs where while working with children who are struggling only to have them have a break thru and to see how far they can come in one year is rewarding. It was nice to hear that he enjoyed his job and is there as a positive resouce for the children.
Next week Oct 9th will be my last time at the school. I am sad, as I have met some very interesting people. Each one has a unique story of who they are and has been willing to share something about themselves with me.
Next week Oct 9th will be my last time at the school. I am sad, as I have met some very interesting people. Each one has a unique story of who they are and has been willing to share something about themselves with me.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Food yum
I went out for lunch with niece yesterday to El Loro. The food was wonderful. I cannot wait to go back. I had two chicken enchaladas with rice. Their salsa was tangy with no too much onion and garlic. With my touchy stomach I am always a little worried that I am going to be sorry after the fact.
The staff was so very nice. I know they have several locations in the cities, so if you get a chance, give them a try.
The staff was so very nice. I know they have several locations in the cities, so if you get a chance, give them a try.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
War over Tomatoes
In Saturday's Star Tribune business section there was as story about how Mexico and the United States are spating over tomoatoes. The mile high view is - in 11 years the fresh tomato production in Mexico has grown from $412 million to $1.81 billion and American farmers want a bigger piece of this pie.
I will bring the article with to class on Tuesday.
While reading the article I moved back and forth between whose side I was on. I support the American farmers but I also support the Mexico farmers as the quality can at times be better and we know the price is better. If the American farmers win the cost will increase significantly for the consumer and the wealth will increase in the pockets of the big American tomoato growers. I do know that I really do not want the price to increase significantly for tomoates. I thought with Tuesday's topic being about Tommy Tomato we could discuss this as well.
The article also hints that if this goes thru that there maybe retaliation in other area of imports on the Mexico side. The products the US currently exports to them could drop causing an econmic domino effect here which again effects the consumer not the company that makes it.
Here is the link to the article.
http://www.startribune.com/business/172916331.html
I will bring the article with to class on Tuesday.
While reading the article I moved back and forth between whose side I was on. I support the American farmers but I also support the Mexico farmers as the quality can at times be better and we know the price is better. If the American farmers win the cost will increase significantly for the consumer and the wealth will increase in the pockets of the big American tomoato growers. I do know that I really do not want the price to increase significantly for tomoates. I thought with Tuesday's topic being about Tommy Tomato we could discuss this as well.
The article also hints that if this goes thru that there maybe retaliation in other area of imports on the Mexico side. The products the US currently exports to them could drop causing an econmic domino effect here which again effects the consumer not the company that makes it.
Here is the link to the article.
http://www.startribune.com/business/172916331.html
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Mexican Street Corn
I wanted to make something new for dinner last night with a Mexican theme to go with the steak we were having. My husband is quite picky when it comes to vegetables and spices. I found this recipe, I did change one thing ( used sour cream instead of mayo as I HATE mayo). We both liked it. I will be making it again when we have guests.
Mexican Street Corn
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp Corn Oil
3 cups Whole Kernel Corn; Fresh, frozen or canned
½ cup Mayonnaise
¼ tsp Chili Powder
1 Small Jalapeno Pepper, finely chopped
1 tsp Garlic Salt
Freshly Ground Pepper, to taste
Zest of 1 Lime
2 Limes, quartered
Cilantro Sprigs
Directions:
Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet and add corn. Pan roast 4-5 minutes until corn is golden and hot. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, chili powder, jalapeno and garlic salt, then stir to combine. Add to roasted corn and heat through. Top with zest and ground pepper, then serve with lime quarters and cilantro.
I personally really liked the lime and cilantro flavor mixed with the corn.
Enjoy
Mexican Street Corn
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp Corn Oil
3 cups Whole Kernel Corn; Fresh, frozen or canned
½ cup Mayonnaise
¼ tsp Chili Powder
1 Small Jalapeno Pepper, finely chopped
1 tsp Garlic Salt
Freshly Ground Pepper, to taste
Zest of 1 Lime
2 Limes, quartered
Cilantro Sprigs
Directions:
Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet and add corn. Pan roast 4-5 minutes until corn is golden and hot. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, chili powder, jalapeno and garlic salt, then stir to combine. Add to roasted corn and heat through. Top with zest and ground pepper, then serve with lime quarters and cilantro.
I personally really liked the lime and cilantro flavor mixed with the corn.
Enjoy
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Tuesday Oct 2nd class
Tuesday's night class was a very good night.
Not only was it a beautiful night, but we went on a field trip to the market. I had not been in a market like this one before. It was so different from the stores I shop at. The store was very nice, they had items that I do not see in the big box markets I shop at. I bought a strawberry empanada. It was delicious. Nikol bought a salad/salsa that looked very tasty. I am going to have to meet one of my nieces at the market for lunch some Saturday and try something off the menu and get another empanada (maybe a pineapple one).
We did a report/reporter session. Nikol is my partner. When I asked her what she had experienced the last week, she was excited to tell me about the movie she watched on Friday night. It was called A Better life. She throughly enjoyed the movied even if it made her cry. I asked her to give me the high level plot of the story, which she did. It is a story about an illegal immigrant who wants a better life for his son. There are many trials and tribulations for him, but he finally finds a way to make it happen, only to have the hope dashed. While working to get the better life back, his son and him embark on a journey that brings them closer together. I asked how it ends; she did share it with me (I will not post it just in case you do not want to know. The end was sad and while sharing we both became emotional (yes those pesky tears). She said the movie really gave her a look at what people will go thru for their families.
After our field trip we went back to the classroom to discuss NAFTA. Working for a company that profits from NAFTA has me torn. Products my company produces in Mexico are brought back to the US and put into our warehouse in Indianna where we then sell the to customers all over the world. The price is better by having the manufacturing in Mexico, but does it help the Mexican people at all. I know that Donaldson is a good place to work here in the the US, I can only hope that the workers at Donaldson Mexico are treated as well.
I went to Adams school today for my next volunteer session, I will post more on that later.
I am looking forward to next week.
This is all for now.
Not only was it a beautiful night, but we went on a field trip to the market. I had not been in a market like this one before. It was so different from the stores I shop at. The store was very nice, they had items that I do not see in the big box markets I shop at. I bought a strawberry empanada. It was delicious. Nikol bought a salad/salsa that looked very tasty. I am going to have to meet one of my nieces at the market for lunch some Saturday and try something off the menu and get another empanada (maybe a pineapple one).
We did a report/reporter session. Nikol is my partner. When I asked her what she had experienced the last week, she was excited to tell me about the movie she watched on Friday night. It was called A Better life. She throughly enjoyed the movied even if it made her cry. I asked her to give me the high level plot of the story, which she did. It is a story about an illegal immigrant who wants a better life for his son. There are many trials and tribulations for him, but he finally finds a way to make it happen, only to have the hope dashed. While working to get the better life back, his son and him embark on a journey that brings them closer together. I asked how it ends; she did share it with me (I will not post it just in case you do not want to know. The end was sad and while sharing we both became emotional (yes those pesky tears). She said the movie really gave her a look at what people will go thru for their families.
After our field trip we went back to the classroom to discuss NAFTA. Working for a company that profits from NAFTA has me torn. Products my company produces in Mexico are brought back to the US and put into our warehouse in Indianna where we then sell the to customers all over the world. The price is better by having the manufacturing in Mexico, but does it help the Mexican people at all. I know that Donaldson is a good place to work here in the the US, I can only hope that the workers at Donaldson Mexico are treated as well.
I went to Adams school today for my next volunteer session, I will post more on that later.
I am looking forward to next week.
This is all for now.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Culture
Culture as a whole is like a maze. A maz that you can navigate only by experiences and an open mind. You have to leave assumptions at the door or you may not see what a new culture has to offer.
Experiencing a different culture can be exciting and a learning experience. I traveled to Belgium last spring. I discovered that their culture includes french fries with every meal and that meals can take hours. I took photos of all my meals as they all were lovely, it was a presenation on a plate that tasted wonderful. In the US if you choose to stay and visit at the table when you are finished with your meal, you feel the pressure, you know that the extablishment is just waiting to turn your table. The sooner you leave the sooner someone else can be seated therefore making more money. Resturants in Belgium encourage you to linger, enjoy the courses (there are always 4 or more for each meal) and the company of the people you are with. I found that food tastes better when you get to taste it and saver instead of inhaling so the next person can have your chair.
Culture can also take on an ugly side. When cultures clash the positives are hard to find. An example would be muslim women who choose to hold onto wearing berkas and sandels. If this is your choice then do not take jobs that require you to wear pants and steal toed shoes for your safety, only to scream discrimination when you show up and are told you must adhere to the dress code. Its not that the company is discriminating towards you, they have the rules in place for a reason, your own protection. When I heard this story my first thought was WTF! Did these women think they were special? I never heard how the story ended, but I curious to know how the judge ruled on this case.
In Harvest of Empire it states that when the first immigrants from Europe came here, they wanted a new life and they were willing to drop their old culture and make a new one in the new world. Today that does not happen and although we need to make room for all the new cultures that are coming into the US, those people also need to respect what is already here. It is a two way street.
I understand culture and its maze of practices, actions and relationships. How to get everyone on the same page towards different cultures (basically playing nice)is a whole nother maze. I guess if everyone took on the idea that a different culture could enrich your life the world might be at peace.
Experiencing a different culture can be exciting and a learning experience. I traveled to Belgium last spring. I discovered that their culture includes french fries with every meal and that meals can take hours. I took photos of all my meals as they all were lovely, it was a presenation on a plate that tasted wonderful. In the US if you choose to stay and visit at the table when you are finished with your meal, you feel the pressure, you know that the extablishment is just waiting to turn your table. The sooner you leave the sooner someone else can be seated therefore making more money. Resturants in Belgium encourage you to linger, enjoy the courses (there are always 4 or more for each meal) and the company of the people you are with. I found that food tastes better when you get to taste it and saver instead of inhaling so the next person can have your chair.
Culture can also take on an ugly side. When cultures clash the positives are hard to find. An example would be muslim women who choose to hold onto wearing berkas and sandels. If this is your choice then do not take jobs that require you to wear pants and steal toed shoes for your safety, only to scream discrimination when you show up and are told you must adhere to the dress code. Its not that the company is discriminating towards you, they have the rules in place for a reason, your own protection. When I heard this story my first thought was WTF! Did these women think they were special? I never heard how the story ended, but I curious to know how the judge ruled on this case.
In Harvest of Empire it states that when the first immigrants from Europe came here, they wanted a new life and they were willing to drop their old culture and make a new one in the new world. Today that does not happen and although we need to make room for all the new cultures that are coming into the US, those people also need to respect what is already here. It is a two way street.
I understand culture and its maze of practices, actions and relationships. How to get everyone on the same page towards different cultures (basically playing nice)is a whole nother maze. I guess if everyone took on the idea that a different culture could enrich your life the world might be at peace.
My second session of volunteering
This past week I returned to Adams Spanish Immersion school to volunteer. Nikol had arranged for me to sit in with three different classes and observe. I was excited to see the differences in the classrooms.
My first class was Srita Eide in kindegarten. This was the third week of school for the chicos. Srita Eide was very patient with them. To me it was like hearding cats. Once the chicos were settled she took out a book that had a matching CD that when played the book while someone sang the word. The class sang along while she pointed out the different words to the matching pictures. She them did a matching session asking the class if the picture matched or did not match.
My next class was with Srita Peters. My time in class with with second graders. They were making making a tree with fall leaves by tearing construction paper instead of cutting the shapes. The question was asked why can't we cut them in english and answered in spanish because trees and leave are not straight lines. When the demonstration/instructions were complete the chicos headed back to the tables and began tearing and assembling their trees. I was able to walk around and observe them. I found that each of the treesdifferent as what each one of them saw was different as well as the skill level of the chico. I enoyed my time in this classroom and I think the chicos enjoy art with Srita Peters.
My next session with with Sr Casey in first grade. In kindergarten the class sang a song while pointing to the pictures that are associated with the words. First grade does the same thing. I concluded that by singing the chicos much learn quicker. Sr Casey was going to read to the class. He asked for ideas of which book to read. The class chose a story of a big black dog that was to protect a little boy. I enjoyed the story by the photos (I couldn't see the words). There was a pause in class when one chico's lunch came back up. Mr Casey handeled it well. I should have asked what the spanish word is for puke.
When my classroom time was done, I went back to the volunteer room. There are three aids that work at the school. I was able to spend sometime with one of them (I forgot how to spell her name..I will ask again this week). She is 20 and from Spain. She was telling me about Spain and how much she loves it there. She said that with her time here in the US as an aid she will be able to get a job that will pay much greater than not having the experince in the US. She said that English is taught in the lower grades in Spain, but not mandatory once you get out of grade school. She found it intersting that in the US that unless you attend an immersion school that a second language is not taught until high school. She said she personally found a second language comes easier when you are younger. I believe her, as I took French in high school for one year and I found it difficult to get the correct enunsian. From what I have seen singing is a big part of teaching a second language to younger chicos. I had to laugh as I could not see high school students singing to learn.
I enjoy my time at the school and look forward to my next session.
My first class was Srita Eide in kindegarten. This was the third week of school for the chicos. Srita Eide was very patient with them. To me it was like hearding cats. Once the chicos were settled she took out a book that had a matching CD that when played the book while someone sang the word. The class sang along while she pointed out the different words to the matching pictures. She them did a matching session asking the class if the picture matched or did not match.
My next class was with Srita Peters. My time in class with with second graders. They were making making a tree with fall leaves by tearing construction paper instead of cutting the shapes. The question was asked why can't we cut them in english and answered in spanish because trees and leave are not straight lines. When the demonstration/instructions were complete the chicos headed back to the tables and began tearing and assembling their trees. I was able to walk around and observe them. I found that each of the treesdifferent as what each one of them saw was different as well as the skill level of the chico. I enoyed my time in this classroom and I think the chicos enjoy art with Srita Peters.
My next session with with Sr Casey in first grade. In kindergarten the class sang a song while pointing to the pictures that are associated with the words. First grade does the same thing. I concluded that by singing the chicos much learn quicker. Sr Casey was going to read to the class. He asked for ideas of which book to read. The class chose a story of a big black dog that was to protect a little boy. I enjoyed the story by the photos (I couldn't see the words). There was a pause in class when one chico's lunch came back up. Mr Casey handeled it well. I should have asked what the spanish word is for puke.
When my classroom time was done, I went back to the volunteer room. There are three aids that work at the school. I was able to spend sometime with one of them (I forgot how to spell her name..I will ask again this week). She is 20 and from Spain. She was telling me about Spain and how much she loves it there. She said that with her time here in the US as an aid she will be able to get a job that will pay much greater than not having the experince in the US. She said that English is taught in the lower grades in Spain, but not mandatory once you get out of grade school. She found it intersting that in the US that unless you attend an immersion school that a second language is not taught until high school. She said she personally found a second language comes easier when you are younger. I believe her, as I took French in high school for one year and I found it difficult to get the correct enunsian. From what I have seen singing is a big part of teaching a second language to younger chicos. I had to laugh as I could not see high school students singing to learn.
I enjoy my time at the school and look forward to my next session.
Friday, September 21, 2012
This week was a pretty amazing week.
Class was very interesting. Not only was it a night to learn about history but it was a night to learn about the history of some of our classmates. I feel we have a diverse class in culture, age, interests and experiences and some of the differences were shared on Tuesday. The outside shell of a person does not even begin to show what is going on inside or what has happened to that person.
On Wednesday I started my volunteering at Adams's Spanish Immersion school. I had a nice afternoon putting together booklets of the alphabet. I remembered some of the words
I am looking forward to going back on Tuesday and I will be sure to let everyone know how it goes.
Today I asked one of my two buyers where he was from in Mexico. He was very gracious and answered he was from Aguascalientes (hot-water). Donaldson has a plant there and he said it is very beautiful and is one of the better states to live in in Mexico.
This coming week I hope will be as exciting as this past one.
I am having dinner with my niece at a different place, I will compare the food and report in another posting.
Class was very interesting. Not only was it a night to learn about history but it was a night to learn about the history of some of our classmates. I feel we have a diverse class in culture, age, interests and experiences and some of the differences were shared on Tuesday. The outside shell of a person does not even begin to show what is going on inside or what has happened to that person.
On Wednesday I started my volunteering at Adams's Spanish Immersion school. I had a nice afternoon putting together booklets of the alphabet. I remembered some of the words
- goat = cabra
- cat = gato
- goose = ganso
I am looking forward to going back on Tuesday and I will be sure to let everyone know how it goes.
Today I asked one of my two buyers where he was from in Mexico. He was very gracious and answered he was from Aguascalientes (hot-water). Donaldson has a plant there and he said it is very beautiful and is one of the better states to live in in Mexico.
This coming week I hope will be as exciting as this past one.
I am having dinner with my niece at a different place, I will compare the food and report in another posting.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Its not the end its really a new beginning
There has been much hype around the Mayan calendar "ending". There are those who believe that the end signifies our end. I never bought into our end being predicted by anything man has created.
What I did find fascinating and was very quick to share with my husband (he has been trying to convince me he should be able to make a large purchse since the end is coming) that the calendar is not ending, it is going to be rebirth after 16.4 billion years.
We were to read a couple chapters of Gloria Anzaldua's Boarderlands. The suffering her and her family endured living at the boarder between two countries was extremly distressing. I understand the need to have a dividing line. But at what cost to humas does this line have? The line does not have to be visable to feel like it is insurmountable. Mankind has always divided himself into catagories. For instance the Aztec's were called savages by the Spanairds, but if you really look at the situation who is really the savage. Man was made to be different, and having tolorance and an open mind to those who are different often times can enrich our lives. Its when men in power have a closed mind toward those who are different from themselves that death and destruction comes to call. By now you would think that history would not be repeating itself and we would have learned from our mistakes and accept each other for our differences. The line from Terminator II says it all "its in our nature to destroy ourselves". Maybe in the next 16.4 billion years we will finally get it right.
There has been much hype around the Mayan calendar "ending". There are those who believe that the end signifies our end. I never bought into our end being predicted by anything man has created.
What I did find fascinating and was very quick to share with my husband (he has been trying to convince me he should be able to make a large purchse since the end is coming) that the calendar is not ending, it is going to be rebirth after 16.4 billion years.
We were to read a couple chapters of Gloria Anzaldua's Boarderlands. The suffering her and her family endured living at the boarder between two countries was extremly distressing. I understand the need to have a dividing line. But at what cost to humas does this line have? The line does not have to be visable to feel like it is insurmountable. Mankind has always divided himself into catagories. For instance the Aztec's were called savages by the Spanairds, but if you really look at the situation who is really the savage. Man was made to be different, and having tolorance and an open mind to those who are different often times can enrich our lives. Its when men in power have a closed mind toward those who are different from themselves that death and destruction comes to call. By now you would think that history would not be repeating itself and we would have learned from our mistakes and accept each other for our differences. The line from Terminator II says it all "its in our nature to destroy ourselves". Maybe in the next 16.4 billion years we will finally get it right.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Sept 5th
Last night was the first night of the new semester. Not only was it a new semester, but the location of the class was new. We are at the Wellestone Center in St. Paul. Its a beautiful building.
The class is going to be interesting. I know I will take away a new look at a different culture when it is all said and done.
We were to answer two questions:
1. What did it feel like to be asked a question you did not know teh answer to? It was unsettling espcially on the first night as you are trying to find you place in the class. My group was the last group to be put on the spot so we knew an off the wall question was coming. It made it easier and by then the class was more open to the oddities of the question.
2. How does it feel not to answer for yourself? Well for someone who spends most of her day talking for a moment it was like "hey" I got this then it was OK, I need to trust my group. I know I didn't reveal anything damaging so if it comes out bad, its made up. So relax and give yourself a break.
Next week will be a new adventure and this blog process will be a work in progress.
Last night was the first night of the new semester. Not only was it a new semester, but the location of the class was new. We are at the Wellestone Center in St. Paul. Its a beautiful building.
The class is going to be interesting. I know I will take away a new look at a different culture when it is all said and done.
We were to answer two questions:
1. What did it feel like to be asked a question you did not know teh answer to? It was unsettling espcially on the first night as you are trying to find you place in the class. My group was the last group to be put on the spot so we knew an off the wall question was coming. It made it easier and by then the class was more open to the oddities of the question.
2. How does it feel not to answer for yourself? Well for someone who spends most of her day talking for a moment it was like "hey" I got this then it was OK, I need to trust my group. I know I didn't reveal anything damaging so if it comes out bad, its made up. So relax and give yourself a break.
Next week will be a new adventure and this blog process will be a work in progress.
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