Monday, September 25, 2023

"Belonging"




A space where I feel a sense of belonging is at my mother’s home where she provides me comfort. At my mother’s home, the walls may echo with the laughter and stories of the past. Each corner holds a memory, and every scent takes me back to a cherished moment in time. Being with my mother can invoke feelings of unconditional love and acceptance. She has been a constant presence in my life, guiding, nurturing, and supporting me. Returning to her home feels like returning to a part of myself, a part that remains untouched by the world's external changes. Childhood memories, especially the comforting ones, have a unique way of warming my heart. Sleepovers, where I have stayed up late whispering secrets and sharing dreams, festive gatherings with the scent of familiar dishes filling the air, and family game nights where everyone came together in friendly competition—all these are imprints of a time when life perhaps felt simpler and more connected. Such homes are more than just bricks and mortar; they are an archive of emotions, stories, and lessons. The feeling of belonging in these spaces is deep-rooted, interwoven with the very fabric of who I become.  It's a reminder that no matter where life takes me, there's a place where I am always welcomed, loved, and cherished. Cherish this sense of belonging. It's a gift that not everyone possesses, and it serves as a beautiful reminder of the connections and bonds that truly matter in life.

 

Connection: I can connect to this video because the act of being raised by someone is not just about being provided with food, shelter, and basic needs. It's about allowing life lessons, shaping character, and forming emotional and psychological perspectives. My mother did not just bring you into this world; she navigated you through its complexities.


https://www.tiktok.com/@masterclass/video/7232412943764229419?q=alicia%20keys%20family%20affirmation&t=1695686488516

Thursday, September 21, 2023

This Book is an Anti-Racist Response

 This Book is an Anti-Racist Response

Initial Thoughts

"This Book Is Anti-Racist" provides its readers with histories, definitions, and explanations of racism and resistance. It dives deep into the intricacies of identity and the systemic structures that perpetuate racial inequities. This book made me reflect on my own experiences, biases, and roles in the context of racism. I've realized having curly hair can bring a certain attention, and sometimes uncomfortable conversation. Moving forward, I am committed to educating someone and hopefully changing their perspective on curly hair. 


Connections

I chose this TikTok because I can relate. I wasn’t educated enough to know that people were just interested in my kind of hair texture. Now that I am older, I feel more confident in advocating for my natural curly hair.

https://www.tiktok.com/@djdigitalmadness/video/

My Values

 I have many values in life, my number one would be time. I believe that time is a precious thing, and we have no control over it, but we can manage it. I enjoy making time for my family and friends because I can decompress and feel love in the moment. Values ensure that my actions are consistent with my beliefs. I value my health; therefore, I exercise and eat well. "Balance" as a value applies to numerous aspects of my life, from work-life balance to mental and emotional stability. I can recognize the importance of different tasks or aspects of life and try my best to allocate time. Valuing accountability means recognizing and embracing responsibility for my actions, decisions, and behaviors. It promotes growth by acknowledging my mistakes and taking corrective action. Being ambitious I can recognize and appreciate the importance of setting goals, aspiring for progress, and continuously striving for personal and professional growth. I believe that ambition requires persistence. Even when things get tough, I remain committed to my goals and that’s why I value ambition.

https://www.tiktok.com/@444becoming/video/7263438405747477766 

Thursday, September 14, 2023

TED Talk - Color Blindness or Color Brave

Melody Hobson, a respected business leader, gave an outstanding TED Talk titled "Color blind or color brave?" in which she addressed the importance of having candid conversations about race. In this talk, she pushed the audience to be more "color brave" rather than "color blind”. Miss Hobson spoke about the idea of being "color blind" — or deliberately ignoring race. While the intention behind this idea may be noble (people want to treat everyone the same), ignoring race means ignoring the existing racial inequities. It's a way of avoiding the conversation about race. Rather than avoiding the topic, she advocates for addressing race directly and having honest, uncomfortable, talks about it. This approach, which she terms "color brave," allows for greater understanding and progress. She spoke about growing up in Chicago and navigating predominantly white spaces in her professional life, highlighting the challenges and biases she faced. Melody encouraged us to actively address racial disparities. Whether it's in hiring practices, in the boardroom, or everyday life, she stressed the importance of recognizing and valuing the perspectives of people of color. She expressed hope that by being "color brave," people can work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

I chose to share this TikTok – It’s great that her friend educated her about being biased. 

https://www.tiktok.com/@convoswithconjay/video

Saturday, September 9, 2023

Intro


My name is Karina Rodriguez and I was born and and raised in Providence, RI. I currently live in Cranston with my partner Alex and my dog, Journey. I attended CCRI and transferred to RIC. I have a background in early childhood education with a deep understanding of child development principles. I am excited to be part of the YDEV program, and I am ready to conquer this semester! 



Over my summer break, I visited my family in South Carolina. I was happy to see my brother cross the stage and finally spend some time with my mom. I also traveled to Las Vegas with a group of friends and went camping in Maine for the first time.



The kind of hobbies I am into are riding my bike, hiking, visiting museums, traveling, and spending time with my loved ones.


                                                          (Sis, Bro, and Mom)

                                                          (Biking in the Azores)

                                                           (Visiting Canada)

                                                                   (Journey)

                                                       (Mount Monadnock, NH)

                                                                   (Grandma)

                                                       (Whitney Museum, NY)