CINQ 396 Blog 3

 

  1. In nature, every organism, creature, habitat, and element has a specific function, but ultimately is part of a greater whole when brought together. This same systems approach to thinking can be applied to my work in the Philippines, since there are many various components that need to come together to create our system. Already, we have identified various technical, social, and environmental sources that can be utilized in our plastics recycling project. By approaching these components from nature’s standpoint, I should view each as a part of one bigger ecosystem we are creating. Second, I can use nature as a model to create a system that is resourceful and efficient with its inputs. This can be done by ensuring we utilize our resources in every way possible, whether that be in our own personal recycling or in the energy sources we pull from. Finally, we can consider the fact that the Earth is a state of dynamic equilibrium, to acknowledge the fact that needs and resources around the world are always changing. With this in mind, we can approach our project with an open mind, never getting stuck on one end goal or one set way of accomplishing tasks. Rather, we should constantly be looking to improve to work we are putting forth, and to find advancements that can create a new “equilibrium.”

  2. Life’s Principle which I can apply to my own life is to optimize rather than maximize. Often, with tasks like school work, activities, or projects, one would believe that more work means better results. However, when taking a more optimization mindset, I would be able to prioritize my time better, and recognize what school work or other activities I should allocate my time to efficiently. This way, I am able to multitask or allocate responsibilities to others, rather than taking on too many things myself. Overall, this loops back to the “common goal” mindset, to recognize that my work serves as individual parts towards a larger system.

  3. The Cradle to Cradle Design concept relates directly to our work in the Philippines, beginning with the designs being created with intention. The plastics recycling project centers around the same idea of hope that Cradle to Cradle Design supports, since we are looking to bring beneficial solutions to groups of women in need, that can create sustainable and far-reaching outcomes for the long run. I believe that embodying the mindset that competition should be used to strive together would consider with a lot of work we are looking to do. Most recently, we have put together an entire contact list of outside foundations, cooperatives, support groups, and religious and governmental organizations that we are reaching out to for support with our work. Mainly, we are looking to integrate our work into the ecosystem already in place in the Philippines, rather than come in and walk all over the developments and systems already in place in the country. I propose we look to see how we can collaborate with these groups to enhance all of our work, rather than to just have one group donating or doing work for another, or viewing the other as competition. In the long run, this will bring more sustainable, innovative, and impacting results from all those involved in helping women, plastics recycling, and other social issues in the Philippines and beyond.

  4. One example of something completely new that I learned from someone else was from my sister, who love animals greatly and wants to study animal therapy. Before talking with her, I had no idea that all sorts of animals are used as therapeutic aids to many people to assist with their symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mood disorders. Through hearing her talk and going to different animal centers with her, I was able to learn all about this world and see the passion she has towards these animals.

Another example of a skill I learned from a friend was python coding and other computer science information. My roommate is currently taking three computer science courses and, being a finance and economics major, I knew very little about anything related to coding. She was able to show me the basics, and even one time help me through coding a simple text line for fun once, although I still would need more practice to gain a stronger understanding of the entire concept. Still, it was impressive that she could help me in learning just the basics.

A third concept that I learned from another individual was all about Chabbad and other Jewish celebrations. At home, the immediate area around me is predominantly Catholic, so I had not been exposed much to traditional Jewish culture. However, freshmen year the two roommates across the hall from me had both attended jewish day school and sleep away camp for their whole lives. They invited me to attend Chabbad with them on Fridays, where I was able to experience the traditions and ceremonies that are celebrated in the Jewish faith, and enjoy the large meal that brings many people from school together.  

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