Beatriz Alcala

11/30/14

Section 1: Impact of Gateway Experience

The Education and Career Planning projects aided me in exploring
my pursuits further. The degree comparison sheet showed me the work
required for a minor in Spanish, but it also showed me that there was not
space if I wanted to focus on engineering. A minor would most likely not
change my prospects in the job market, so if and when I find a hidden
interest, I may pursue a minor in that field if and only if my schedule allows
it. The resume was useful because resume building is a skill. One must give
the employer a neat, concise, and easy to read resume that should be a
good platform for a further interview. It taught me to expect what was
expected of me concerning certain opportunities, and to learn how to give
the employer what she wants before she knows what she wants. The two
year academic planning worksheet has provided me with the knowledge of
knowing how and where my classes are to be planned. If it was not for the
worksheet, I would not be constantly modifying my spring and summer
schedules to fit in more hours with an even strain of work. The career
research gave me an insight on the requirements and skills that my field of
interest demanded. It helped me understand that the reason I am taking all
these Calculus and Physics courses is not so much for the content, but for

the critical thinking skills required for engineers. My interaction with my

Gateway instructor showed me how easy it is to find co-curricular activities
on campus, and it gave me the push I needed to pursue an RA position. My
meeting with my Gateway TA showed me how to choose my teachers wisely,
and that I should try my hardest, but accept that I am human and some
classes will be a struggle, but what matters most is to keep on pushing
through.
The Goddard Health Center presentation and activities informed me
on the multiple medical resources available at a relatively low cost because
of tuition fees that everyone pays. I had close to no knowledge of Goddard
and that I could take advantage of free flu shots as well as a full pharmacy. I
am really curious about study abroad, so when we had this presentation I
was thrilled. My interests fit perfectly with the Journey to Italy, but I would
love to meet with our presenter to plan where this journey may fit, and what
other journeys or even full semester programs I may seriously consider.
My three biggest takeaways would have to be Time Management,
having a very positive outlook, and staying true to oneself throughout
experiences at OU, because it is the only way to achieve ones full potential.
This course has taught me about my personality and how I work with others
in a group. It has taught me about my talents, and how to grow in tem and
apply them in my life every day. It has taught me how to plan and how
important it is to be aware of both the future and the present. There are vast

amounts of ways to get involved, so many doors are open with opportunities
and experiences on campus, and it is all about making time to take these
opportunities. I believe a better question is: What didnt this class teach me?
Section 2: Future Impact as a Sooner Citizen
Why is it that Mexico has lost more lives in the past twenty years of
supposed peace than the number of lives lost by the United States in the war
versus the Taliban? Currently, protests are underway because the whole
Mexican system is rotted with corruption. It is so apparent that it took a mass
kidnapping and murdering of forty three students by a government officials
command to attract attention. One or two people missing because they were
searching for answers had become such a common occurrence that it took a
huge scandal to finally focus attention to the deep rooted issues within the
government. Unfortunately, the United States is directly affected by such
corruption, as the problems of huge drug business are directly correlated
with the regular buyers, which include senators and governors. I would like to
bring awareness to the fact that in order to lower corruption, both systems
are to be modified and improved because my two countries are in a two way
streak. These seemingly harmless issues actually are the reason for
widespread poverty and oppression throughout Mexico. It is about time that
the government stops being so selfish and actually works for the people. I
intend to organize an educational seminar and present it to organizations
such as HASA to aid me in a campaign of protests, awareness, and

fundraising to provide economical relief for citizens throughout these times

of conflict. I would like to engage in silent protests of dressing in black for
Mexican

Independence

Day

to

question

true

liberty

under

such

circumstances. I would also like to raise awareness on how action and

support between both countries should be made to clean up and be there for
the people, not the power.