Hey there! My Name is Susan Ruiz. I am currently a student at Miami Dade College Padron Campus. I am majoring in Business Administration.
For the past months since I first started college I have learned so much from all of my professors. College is a life-changing experience for everyone, including me.
Democratic Engagement
DE-2: HELP SOMEONE REGISTER TO VOTE (5 PTSX2=10 PTS)
I helped these two girls register to vote because they had no idea how to do so. Registering to vote can be very easy by following these steps. The first thing that I did to help them register was to visit the https://www.registertovoteflorida.gov/ home page. After we clicked on the register, we answered the questions regarding their citizen status. The next step was to affirm their eligibility regarding the mental incapacitation and convicted felon questions. Then we clicked on New Registration to fill in their personal information. For example, date of birth, last four numbers of their social security number, name, address, party affiliation, and race-ethnicity. After all this, they needed to submit and wait for their voter's card to come in the mail. Several factors can affect someone to register to vote, some of those factors can be their age. Many capable people still don't because of how much work is required of them or because of the technology it involves.
DE-6: KNOW YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS AT THE CITY, COUNTY, STATE, AND FEDERAL LEVELS (5 PTS)
My elected officials were:
- Representative Ashley Gantt
- Senator Ileana Garcia
- Representative Frederica S. Wilson
- Senator Marco Rubio
- Senator Rick Scott
I was surprised when I first saw my representatives list on https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/. The only familiar names were Senator Rick Scott and Marco Rubio. I have never heard of Senator Ileana Garcia or Representative Frederica S. Wilson. It is important to know who your elected officials are because they are the ones that make the laws of our everyday life and the same laws that can affect us.
DE-7: RESEARCH TWO OF YOUR CURRENT ELECTED OFFICIALS (10 PTS)
Representative Ashley Viola Gantt is a Democratic candidate for the 109 District of Florida, House of Representatives. She was born in 1984 and is an American lawyer, politician, and former school teacher. She attended the University of Florida and got a B.A. in English, then she joined the Teach For America organization in Mississippi Delta Corp.
Senator Ileana Ydolia Garcia is a Republican politician for the 36th District. She is the first Hispanic female Deputy Press Secretary. She assumed office on November 17, 2020. She attended Miami Senior High School. She is a Broadcaster, Programmer, Radio and TV Personality, Influencer, and Hispanic Engagement.
DE-9: REPORT ISSUE OR CONCERN IN YOUR COMMUNITY TO PROPER GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY (5 PTSX2=10 PTS)
First Issue Reported:
Second Issue Reported:
DE-24: READ AND SUMMARIZE A UNITED STATES FOUNDING DOCUMENT (5 PTS)
The Bill of Rights is a founding document that guarantees civil rights and liberties to individuals. Freedom during the time it was established in 1789, was that protection of their liberty was an important task and that’s when they declared a new purpose for government protection of personal rights. Every person that was part of the U.S back in the 1789s and before that time wanted to have freedom and rights that limited government power. Those freedoms became more and more expanded over the years because it sets rules for everyone and reserved power to the people, as to what their rights should be. This document influences my life today by setting limits to government power. It is still extremely relevant today because it protects citizens and their rights.
DE-25: TAKE THE PRACTICE CITIZENSHIP EXAM WITH A PASSING SCORE (5 PTS)
ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY
ES-1: KNOW THE NATIVE PLANTS OF YOUR COMMUNITY (5 PTS)
Some of the Native Plants are:
- Kumquat
- Blackberries
- Spiderwort
- Purslane
- Swamp Lily
- Black-Eyed Susan
- Passion Flower
- Longleaf Pine
- Saw Palmetto
- Betony
Native plants are important to our environment. The term “native” refers to a species naturally occurring within an area or region. Native plants help the environment and create wildlife habitats. The native plants that I encounter most often out of the ones I mentioned were Kumquat, Blackberries, Black-Eyed Susan, Saw Palmetto, and Longleaf Pines. It is important to have native plants because they provide food sources like nectar, seeds, stems, and leaves for insects, birds, and other animals. They also provide shelter for many animals. Planting native species with deep root structures, create water detention areas. Native plants can adapt to the soil when they grow, and they can save water gathered from rainfall in their roots.
ES-3: ATTEND A FARMER'S MARKET (5 PTS)
My first time attending a farmers market and honestly, it was really good! I enjoyed meeting new people and the air just felt different, it was peaceful, and everyone was nice to me. The prices were insanely better than just shopping for groceries at the supermarket. Prices at the farmer's market were much lower than at the supermarkets. I think that most people prefer going to a farmers’ market because they find more affordable stuff there. Also, things like vegetables are fresh at a farmers’ market. A traditional grocery store might have vegetables out there for days and at a farmers’ market, everything is baked the same day or are fresh if they are vegetables and fruits.
ES-5: COMPLETE THE UN SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES CHECKLIST (5 PTS)
ES-6: COMPLETE THE MIAMI WATERKEEPER'S QUIZ AND READ THE INCLUDED ARTICLE 'BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (5 PTS)
ES-10: WATCH TWO VIDEOS FROM "THE STORY OF STUFF PROJECT" AND TAKE THE CHANGEMAKERS PERSONALITY QUIZ (10 PTS)
ES-11: CLEAN UP TRASH IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, AT A PUBLIC PARK, OR NEAR THE WATER (5 PTS)
These are some pictures of me at a public park I went to clean up. The things that I mostly collected there were leaves. The ones responsible for trash in public places are the people that go there every day. The reason I believe the ones responsible are the people is that everywhere you go, there is a trash can available, and sometimes they even have two trash cans, one to recycle and the other just for the regular trash. Some solutions I believe would help a lot to reduce the amount of trash in public places would be to create more Green Organizations for people to join to educate themselves and for them to educate others. Another possible solution would be to replace single-use plastic bottles and containers with reusable products or to eliminate packaging when it is possible. Regarding the number of leaves at parks or other places, I think more people should help clean from here and there. Parks and other public places should have someone who goes regularly to clean them. We should take care of our environment more since they are the ones that provide our foods and elements for our daily use.
COMMUNITY WELL-BEING
CW-1: COMPLETE A SIGNIFICANT ACT OF KINDNESS (5 PTSX3=15 PTS)
The first act of kindness I did was write a letter of appreciation to my friend Olga. Whom I have known for 7 years now. I chose this action because it reminded me of when she gave me one and how happy it made me to read it. I even cried!!! I really enjoyed doing this letter because it made me think of so many good memories we have together, and the not-so-good ones as well. An act of kindness is significant when you put your heart involved. When you really do it because you want to and not because you have to. I learned from the Positive Psychology article that recipients of kindness can feel loved. Also that it can make you feel calmer and reduces depression.
The second act of kindness I did was that I bought my mom a bouquet of red roses. I chose this action because I know how much she loves red roses and I decided to buy them for her because she deserves them. She works really hard for us every day. Doing this act was really touching, she cried and even I cried. It was also very exciting as well because had no idea I was getting her this! What makes an act of kindness significant? Well for me, an act of kindness is significant when it is done with love and for a good cause. I learned from the Positive Psychology article about kindness that those that volunteer their time or money for charitable causes, they often have fewer aches and pain.
The third act of kindness I did was organizing a sleepover with all of my siblings and cousins. This was one of the best nights we all had, it was really fun. I chose to do this action because we do not see very often or get to hang out much. All of my cousins were having fun, we played games, danced, sang, and even watched movies! Completing this act felt great and they were also feeling great which makes me feel really good about it. An act of kindness is significant because it makes us feel good and it encourages us to be more active. From the Positive Psychology article, I learned that kindness can also make one feel calmer.
CW-17: UNDERSTANDING EMPATHY (15 PTS)
ARTS & CULTURE
AC-1: WATCH A FILM OR DOCUMENTARY (10 PTSX2=20 PTS)
The first documentary I watched is called, The Social Dilemma it was directed by Jeff Orlowski and released on Netflix on September 9th, 2020. This documentary addresses political and social issues. The political issue that the documentary brings is that social media can spread conspiracy theories and disinformation. The social issue is that it nurtures addiction and can manipulate an individual’s emotions, views, and behavior. This documentary was accurate in portraying facts because addiction to media has always been an issue. Also, conspiracy theories and a lot of disinformation are released daily, which are all shared to influence someone else’s opinions. I experienced a lot of feelings while watching this documentary. Some of those feelings were fear, anxiety, depression, and loneliness. The topic that was being portrayed uniquely through the film compared to the audio or the written version is that in the film, people get to see how companies benefit from how much time we spend daily on social media. They are only benefiting themselves instead of helping reduce the problem. Which is making social media and other platforms less addictive. This film can strengthen our communities by spreading the word. By doing so, many people would be more aware of the dangerous addiction and excessive use of social media can bring them. Also, companies benefit themselves more rather than people.
The second documentary I watched is called Wonder Woman! The Untold Story of American Superheroines. This documentary is based on a social issue by expressing how the American history of feminism was created and driven by icons of pop culture from World War 2. I know that this documentary is an accurate portrayal of facts because of the story that is behind feminism in American culture. The documentaries topic of feminism and how it started in the U.S cannot be fully understood with the other written or audio methods, which is why this documentary brings a more vivid experience by giving the audience a clear understanding of the subject. the attitude that is mostly portrayed is "melancholy" in how this comic encourages women through the war. Also, by the time that man comes back from far, then the character of wonder woman suffers by being called a bad influence. At the same time, the documentary makes viewers feel powerful because it encourages and reaches your heart by telling this amazing story. This documentary enriches and strengthens our community by informing and showing us a whole different movement that started and how icons can influence our actions in a good way.
AC-3: RESEARCH THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND TRIBE(S) OF YOUR COMMUNITY (10 PTS)
AC-9: PRESENT ORIGINAL ART FOR AN AUTHENTIC AUDIENCE ON A POLITICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, OR SOCIAL ISSUE (15 PTS)
My main point conveyed with this presented art is that Gordon Parks fought for African Americans to gain equal rights during the civil rights movement. She focused on issues of civil rights, poverty, race relations, and urban life. How she fought for African Americans is what made me work on my own art. My art is based on her work, I recreated some of her famous photographs. Students and professors were really amazed by how great my pictures came out and they enjoyed hearing out the meaning behind each photograph. Creating original art based on important movements in history can enrich our communities. It can inform individuals about other individuals like Gordon Parks, who also fought for equal rights through her images.
AC-10: ATTEND/PARTICIPATE IN AN ART PERFORMANCE, EXHIBITION, CULTURAL WALKING TOUR, OR INFORMATIONAL EVENT RELATING TO CIVIC AND CULTURAL ISSUES (10 PTS)
I attended in person to my college’s art museum. The day I went to was, 02/22/2023 and I was there to learn more about historical events that are now important for people. This Art Museum is located at Miami Dade College, Eduardo J. Padron Campus, they have a lot of different events and historical moments of all kinds. While attending this art museum I learned about the photograph by Bernardo Rodriguez on March 11, 2004. The image shows firefighters, medical workers, and police examining several bodies in the wreckage of the cars at the Atocha train station. The terrorist attacks at the Madrid train stations of Atocha, Santa Eugenia, and El Pozo del Tio Reimundo killed 193 people and 2,050 wounded.
SOCIAL INNOVATION
SI-1: LEARN ABOUT THE CONCEPT OF SOCIAL INNOVATION (5 PTS)
SI-2: READ ABOUT TWO ARTICLES FROM SOLUTIONS JOURNALISM (5 PTSX2 = 10 PTS)
Solutions Journalism is an independent non-profit organization that approaches news reporting that focuses on responses to social issues. Their work advances across the world by reporting the issues. This way it can engage more audiences, and enhance a sense of efficacy as well. The two articles I selected were Climate Solutions and Economic Mobility. The climate change article focuses on leading global conversations on how they can solve climate change. They would keep businesses accountable, and point to ways that organizations, communities, and individuals respond. They also have a Teaching Climate Solutions page. The second article, Economic Mobility is based on providing opportunities for upward economic mobility to ensure that people have access to all types of reports. Not only about problems, but about promising and evidence responses. I chose these two articles because I believe change is important. That is another reason why I decided to work on my Civic Action Portfolio, even the smallest changes make a big difference. Some new insights I gained from these two articles is that there are far more resources to learn and teach others about. For example, the Climate Solutions article is associated with Project DRAWDOWN and other solution stories and assignments to finding solutions.
I selected two more articles to read about. They are Building Racial Equity and Reducing Street Violence with 'Interrupters'. Both of these articles focus on rights and equality. Building Racial Equity focuses on and shares that people of all races and ethnicities deserve rights to live with good health, equal protection, and to have resources to succeed in property ownership, business, and civic participation. The second article is still based on equality but leans more toward violence. Gun violence on city streets, which is most of the time a community-based solution, means the work is done by community members instead of police. I chose these two topics because it reminds me of many more individuals having to deal with this kind of violence, they need to know that other people are here for them. I learned that even though it is a rather compiled mixed record of effectiness the number of studies supporting its effectiveness continues to grow.
SI-3: LEARN ABOUT ASHOKA FELLOWS, WHO THEY ARE AND WHAT THEY DO (5 PTS)
The Ashoka Fellows are the world’s leading social entrepreneurs. They innovate new ideas that help transform society’s systems. They also provide benefits for everyone and help improve the lives of millions of people. They have built and nurtured the largest network of leading social entrepreneurs for more than 35 years. They are important in social innovation because they help change lives and ways of doings. The Ashoka Fellow I selected was Ashoka U. I found interesting about their work is that they work at an institutional level to make a difference in Education. They collaborate with colleges and universities to break down institutional barriers. What I mostly want to learn about them is how they approach educational issues so that I can apply them to other people or in my college. I think this can be really helpful for others to know and that can help them with problems or issues with which they are struggling with.
SI-4: WATCH A TED TALK ON ANY SOCIAL INNOVATION PROJECT (5 PTS)
The first TED Talk I watched is called 4 steps to ending extreme poverty. There are about 400 million people living in ultra-poverty worldwide. It is based on how we can eliminate poverty and food scarcity by having hope and self-worth. A solution to ultra-poverty that addresses income poverty, works primarily with women. The individual behind this social innovation is Shameran Abed and he wants people to be able to lift themselves out of poverty. This work is innovative because it can end world hunger. I think the most challenging thing will be to get people to work for themselves so that they can become better and pull themselves out of situations like hunger. I am also inspired to help other people fight for their futures.
CREATE YOU OWN
IA-1: GRATITUDE JOURNAL (10 PTS)
I did a gratitude journal for a week before going to bed. Writing in a journal can be a way for you to reflect on the things you were grateful for that day. Also, it is a way for you to realize that you have things that other people do not. Most of the time individuals do not realize the things that we have daily which makes them get used to it. For instance, there are parts of the world like Chennai, India where people do not have clean water or are suffering from a water shortage. In other parts of the world, there is a food crisis like in Venezuela. If you think about it, you are now used to food and water, which is my whole point here. Writing in a gratitude journal helps you think about all the things you should be grateful for. Personally, my mental health has increased within a week. I am now happier I have a lot of opportunities and I get to live and see my family and friends. I can implement gratitude journaling into my daily practice to maintain or increase my levels of happiness by doing it every day before going to bed.