Author: Crystal Rosario

Crystal Rosario

The decision to enter college comes from the want and the expectation of graduating and gaining a successful career. Students experience excitement for that beginning semester, anxiousness after reading the syllabus and wondering “Can I even do this?”. To the fear of midterms and finals and the sigh of great relief when a semester is complete. This is a cycle until completion with a degree. When that is over you come out of college enthusiastically ready to take on the world. However, we tend to forget the process of getting a job. We would all love it if we could just be accepted with arms wide open in the career we chose but we must go through the daunting process of the dreaded interview. The process in which you must outsell yourself and prove why you are the best fit and how you will benefit the job you are applying for. The video From Classrooms to Careers, does an amazing job giving insight on the in between process of graduating and then going into the work field.

The listening sessions provided a great amount of advice for students going into prospective careers. Each individual that spoke gave great advice on how to prepare yourself for the interview process. I appreciate all the advice that was given but the one take away that truly spoke to me was when Juvanie Piquant spoke about knowing who you are and what you will bring to the table. We often get so focused on the process itself and wonder if we are enough, we forget we put in the time and energy to get to this point. Having the confidence in the hard work you put into going to school to better yourself would instantly release the fear of rejection when going into an interview. When you are confident in yourself and the work you have done you know what to do to be prepared. You know to gather all of your research before an interview, you know what questions to ask to make sure this job is the best one for you. Knowing your worth and potential shifts your attitude when going into an interview. 

After watching this listening session I feel confident moving forward with my degrees as well as a job. I realize simply being a part of this program was one great step in networking with exceptional individuals. This session gave me the confidence and knowledge on how to be fully prepared whether or not I am applying for a job or another program in school.

Crystal Rosario

What do you want to do with the rest of your life? 

When the Pandemic first happened in the year of 2019, panic and uncertainty became the main focus of everyone’s lives. The Pandemic brought devastation to many families who lost loved ones as well as their jobs. Children were forced to stay home and not be able to interact with their peers and see their parents afraid of what’s to come. It was a very easy situation to become pessimistic and lose hope. However, I have been blessed to disclose this Pandemic created an opportunity for me to jump back in and finish getting my associates degree. I never pictured myself going back to college because I was extremely discouraged because my GPA was terrible. I did horribly when I first went to college as a teenager fresh out of high school. When classes were forced to go remote my world changed. I was able to care for my home and children and attend classes at night. Being an example to my children is my main goal. I want to finish this semester I am currently taking. After completing my associates degree in Liberal Arts, I will move on to getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources. To answer the question, What do I want to do with the rest of my life? I want to help anyone I can. I come from a poor, teenage mother on public assistance and know the struggle the people in my community go through everyday. The fight everyday to not be generalized by the area I live in and being hispanic. The lack of organic foods in my local supermarkets but liquor stores and smoke shops are fully packed with supplies. I was born into generational poverty. Having to search for opportunities because my family never finished highschool makes me appreciative and grateful for my life and I want to give back. That is why my degree focus is Human Resources. However, Matthew 6:34 states, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” God willing I will achieve my goals but I am flexible and won’t be disappointed if I am led in any other direction

Crystal Rosario

The New College Classroom

     Professor Cathy Davidson and Dr. Christina Katopodis worked together to create a book to help change pedagogy in education. I have to admit this is the first time I have heard the term pedagogy. I went to trusty google to get a definition and it is defined as, the method and practice of teaching. I have alway been a hands-on learner and some aspects of school did not help me thrive the way I possibly could have. Watching these two women address the issues of traditional teaching methods and challenge them was very inspiring. 

    Firstly, they begin by explaining why teachers/professors need to change their methods of teaching. The old fashioned way of teaching, where you’re just expected to read and take notes and listen to what your professor dictates to you, is just not enough to help students excel in the field they are looking to go into. They address how each student has a unique way of learning. The student being active alongside teachers and professors will help them grasp the information they are receiving more efficiently. This will in turn produce better workers. This is what they refer to as active learning. Throughout their presentation they took moments to ask the audience to answer questions and share them with the person next to them. I enjoyed this because it is demonstrating how involving students in their own learning with professors takes them out of their comfort zone. As a student, there are times where a professor would ask a question and ask the student to answer and I am very reserved so I feel afraid to speak up. If classrooms took the approach Professor Cathy Davidson and Dr. Christina Katopodis is suggesting and doing more than just asking questions that will benefit the student.

    Another point in the presentation that really stood out to me is when they addressed providing feedback to students. I personally do better when I have a lot of feedback from my professors because I am always looking to improve and grow. Teachers and professors adopting these suggestions can help students take note of where they need to improve, benefiting their learning experience. After all, we are all in college to learn and grow to eventually apply these concepts in our professional careers. I enjoyed watching these two innovative women establish a new norm in the education system.

Crystal Rosario

Blog 1

The New Classroom

     Professor Cathy Davidson and Dr. Christina Katopodis worked together to create a book to help change pedagogy in education. I have to admit this is the first time I have heard the term pedagogy. I went to trusty google to get a definition and it is defined as, the method and practice of teaching. I have alway been a hands-on learner and some aspects of school did not help me thrive the way I possibly could have. Watching these two women address the issues of traditional teaching methods and challenge them was very inspiring. 

    Firstly, they begin by explaining why teachers/professors need to change their methods of teaching. The old fashioned way of teaching, where you’re just expected to read and take notes and listen to what your professor dictates to you, is just not enough to help students excel in the field they are looking to go into. They address how each student has a unique way of learning. The student being active alongside teachers and professors will help them grasp the information they are receiving more efficiently. This will in turn produce better workers. This is what they refer to as active learning. Throughout their presentation they took moments to ask the audience to answer questions and share them with the person next to them. I enjoyed this because it is demonstrating how involving students in their own learning with professors takes them out of their comfort zone. As a student, there are times where a professor would ask a question and ask the student to answer and I am very reserved so I feel afraid to speak up. If classrooms took the approach Professor Cathy Davidson and Dr. Christina Katopodis is suggesting and doing more than just asking questions that will benefit the student.

    Another point in the presentation that really stood out to me is when they addressed providing feedback to students. I personally do better when I have a lot of feedback from my professors because I am always looking to improve and grow. Teachers and professors adopting these suggestions can help students take note of where they need to improve, benefiting their learning experience. After all, we are all in college to learn and grow to eventually apply these concepts in our professional careers. I enjoyed watching these two innovative women establish a new norm in the education system.

Crystal Rosario

Blog 1

The New College Classroom

     Professor Cathy Davidson and Dr. Christina Katopodis worked together to create a book to help change pedagogy in education. I have to admit this is the first time I have heard the term pedagogy. I went to trusty google to get a definition and it is defined as, the method and practice of teaching. I have alway been a hands-on learner and some aspects of school did not help me thrive the way I possibly could have. Watching these two women address the issues of traditional teaching methods and challenge them was very inspiring. 

    Firstly, they begin by explaining why teachers/professors need to change their methods of teaching. The old fashioned way of teaching, where you’re just expected to read and take notes and listen to what your professor dictates to you, is just not enough to help students excel in the field they are looking to go into. They address how each student has a unique way of learning. The student being active alongside teachers and professors will help them grasp the information they are receiving more efficiently. This will in turn produce better workers. This is what they refer to as active learning. Throughout their presentation they took moments to ask the audience to answer questions and share them with the person next to them. I enjoyed this because it is demonstrating how involving students in their own learning with professors takes them out of their comfort zone. As a student, there are times where a professor would ask a question and ask the student to answer and I am very reserved so I feel afraid to speak up. If classrooms took the approach Professor Cathy Davidson and Dr. Christina Katopodis is suggesting and doing more than just asking questions that will benefit the student.

    Another point in the presentation that really stood out to me is when they addressed providing feedback to students. I personally do better when I have a lot of feedback from my professors because I am always looking to improve and grow. Teachers and professors adopting these suggestions can help students take note of where they need to improve, benefiting their learning experience. After all, we are all in college to learn and grow to eventually apply these concepts in our professional careers. I enjoyed watching these two innovative women establish a new norm in the education system.