Required Assignment 2

Mind Body and Spirit
I was quite confused with this survey. I was not sure on how to answer many of the questions because the question did not appear clear to me. And for the questions that I did understand, they were still challenging to answer. I am not as aware as others may be on the mind, body, and spirit. I have some beliefs on how things work, but I have not really studied such information.
In class we studied a little bit on the mind and how it works, but that was not enough to have me make any decisions. I do believe that the mind has control over the body, because in my opinion, the mind controls every part of us. If we allow it to, it can make us do anything. The mind is a lot more powerful than most of us believe it to be. After all, the mind is generated through our perceptions and through everything that we experience.
This survey brought to my attention that the obstacles and experiences that we go through everyday, become a part of who we are today. Nothing really goes by us without affecting us. We can try to deny anything we want, but the mind always stores everything. Through time, our experiences shape us in different ways. Our minds may alter as well as our perception of the world. This was an interesting survey because it made me brainstorm and think of the different ways in which our bodies function.

Core Beliefs: What I Learned From My Parents
This survey has made me realize that my parents have in fact taught me everything that I know today. I have never asked myself or have considered these types of questions. Even though I am answering questions based on my life, it has still showed me the importance of my life. It opened up my eyes to what I should be appreciating and valuing in life.
As children, we forget to appreciate the things that our parents have showed us. Many of us believe that we would be just fine without our parents, but the reality is that I would not be half of what I am today without them. My parents have brought me up correctly and I am satisfied with who I am today.
Not only have they taught me everything that I know today, but they gave me a sense as to how to treat others. I am an intellectual, open-minded girl because I was raised to be that way. I was always told to aim for the best in life, and if you don’t get there then that’s fine. I was never pressured to do anything I didn’t want to, but I did pressure myself into getting the important things in life. Of course our parents may not always make us happy, but we know that everything they do is for our own benefit.

Core Beliefs: How I Was Raised
I found this survey interesting because I noticed that it mentions different customs and practices from various cultures. There were some customs that I have never heard of and that caught my attention. It also made realize how different one culture is from another. Something as simple as eye contact or a hand shake can have a variety of meanings. This shows that people should really take the initiative upon themselves to learn from and about different cultures.
I answered each and every question based on the customs I am used to in my household. My entire family is Cuban and they basically do things the way they want to. There are no set of rules that need to be followed or that should be met. The children need to always listen to their parents regardless of what they want to do. In my culture, your parents are always right and they have a say in what you are to do. When your parents are speaking to you, you must look at them in the eye; if not it is considered disrespectful. Respect is very important when it comes to Cuban parents because they always need to have control of their family. Even though the father is considered the head of the house, I would have to say that my parents make decisions together. The father may make the ultimate decision, but he does it with some of the mothers input.
The family that I have that lives in Florida do not exactly do things the traditional way. My family has become accustomed to the American ways of doing things. I have not really seen much of a difference in the way that I do things and the way that my friends do things. I am sure that the people living in Cuba still have their customs and ways of doing things.

Beliefs About Men
This survey was a bit difficult to answer because most of these questions are based on stereotypical things. For example, I have come across men who do not like to share their feelings and who shutdown when something is wrong, but I know that not all men are like this so I had trouble answering the question. Many of these questions begin to make you wonder what the opposite sex is really like.
I would love to see the results of a male taking this survey. What is interesting is that I know their answers will greatly differ to those of a female. I answered these questions to the best of my knowledge while trying not to be judgmental. Men, on the other hand, would probably also have trouble answering these questions because it may be difficult to see themselves in such a format. Many of these questions do apply to several males that I know, and I am certain that they would still deny the truth. I have heard men say that they have to protect their reputation as men against women.
I am not entirely certain, but I believe that each and every male is different from each other. Yes, they may have qualities that are similar to other males, but they are capable of making their own decisions just like everyone else is. This type of survey is very interesting because it made me eager to find out the real answers. It made me want to analyze men to another extent.

Beliefs About Women
As a woman, I found this women-based survey easier to answer than the men-based one. At times I had to remind myself that I am answering the questions based on ALL women rather than on myself. It was easier for me to answer these questions because being a woman, I have more of an idea of the way we behave and react to different situations. Not only am I able to notice the way I view things, but I frequently have such conversations with my female friends and realize that they feel the same way at times.
Even though this survey was much less difficult in answering, there were still some questions that made me think. I had to picture myself in a certain situation just to see in which way I would react. Being a young woman, I have thought about the ways that I have acted in the past and I know that the way I rationalize today would be completely different. If I was given this survey a few years ago, I could honestly say that my answers would probably be completely different than the answers I have provided today. I have a different mindset than I once did and there have been several factors in life that have changed it. I would even say that my answers might slightly change if I were to take this survey several years from now.
Just like men, women are not all the same. I have heard all kinds of stereotypical comments relating to women and I can see where they come from, but many of them do not always relate to me. One question that always makes me think is whether or not women are more nurturing than men. In my opinion, I feel that most women have that natural instinct to be nurturing rather than a man. I also based this question on my life experience and I find my mother more nurturing than I do my father. Even though I believe all this, I am still not certain as to what the real answer is. I know that men can be just as nurturing as women can and sometimes they might even be better at it.

Beliefs About Race
After completing this survey, I couldn’t help but think about everything I have learned on racism and racial profiling. I found some of these questions to be somewhat disturbing because I know that this is the way some people think. It made me think about all of those people who are racist and who would agree with some of these questions. Many of these questions are based on racial comments I have come into contact with before.
Being Hispanic, I did not have trouble answering these questions at all. I felt that they were all racist based questions that anyone in the right state of mind should have disagreed with all of them. Just because someone is from a certain race, doesn’t mean that they all behave the same way or that they all share the same characteristics. People have the tendency to categorize people based on their ethnicity.
The tricky part about all of this is that sometimes you do see people from a certain race with several things in common. Many of them share the same color eyes, hair, and skin color. But as always, everyone is never the same as another person. There have been times where I try to compare people to guess their ethnicity and I have been proven wrong. This goes to show that not everyone looks or acts the same.

Beliefs About Sex and Gender
I found this survey somewhat difficult to answer. I have absolutely nothing against homosexuals, but I do have my own beliefs as to what I think is right and what is wrong. I had to think about my choice of answer before I marked it because I did not want to make it seem as if I believe they are to be ashamed of. As I have mentioned before, I am perfectly able to communicate with homosexuals and I in fact have many friends who are homosexual. Whether they are gay or lesbians, they are all the same to me. I do not feel awkward around homosexuals and I am able to enjoy my time with anyone as long as I choose to do so. Even though I acknowledge the fact that some people may be homosexuals, I do not necessarily agree with the fact that they are.
I believe that homosexuals should have the same rights as everyone else does because would not be kind to exclude those people who are different from you. Homosexuals obviously have a different view point as to their sex preference in relationships, but this shouldn’t determine what freedoms they have. They need to be treated like every other human being is because that is exactly what they are—human beings.
At the end of the day, no matter which way you look at it, everyone is going to be different than you in one shape or another. If everyone where to be treated rudely because of their differences, then we ourselves would be victims. I may not agree with the choices that homosexuals have made, but I would never believe that they are any less important than any other individual. In my eyes they are not seen as freak shows, weirdo’s, or as people who deserve to be punished. They are regular human beings with wants, desires, hopes, and dreams.

Your Educational Philosophy
I found this survey interesting because it opened my eyes as to what I should be expecting as a teacher. I should have my own views on each and every subject. I should be able to know what learning styles suit my students and how I can best assess them. These questions demonstrate the types of things that teachers need to be well informed in. they need to be prepared to get into a classroom and be able to teach the students effectively. Many times the instructors are told to teach a certain way based on the school rules. Even though the teacher may be limited to certain ways in teaching, they need to be able to use their resources to their advantage and carry on with their lesson.
As a student myself, I find it easier to grasp concepts when they involve hands on activities. I enjoy being able to “see” the material being learned rather than just listening about it. As an instructor I know that young children prefer to do things with their own hands. Being able to keep young children concentrated on the subject can be difficult, but this is where the hands on activities come into play.
Not only is math, reading, and writing important in a child’s education, but it is also important that children know how to use their common sense. Children need to be exposed to these types of things early in their childhood so they can continue to learn as they grow. Such environments that put common sense to use need to be implemented into the classrooms. This in turn helps kids grasp the concept of things quicker and it also helps them rationalize more effectively.

Your Political Typology
After completing this survey and reading my results based on the “upbeat” group, I realized that I agree with things because I choose to agree with them. I never let anyone choose what I should believe in or determine what I think to be right from wrong. I rather not say anything at all than have to make a decision on a subject that I know little about. I am the type of person that does their research in order to come up with their own conclusions. I also have the tendency to second guess people unless I know the for sure answer myself.
My results mention that I am probably a George W. Bush supporter, but I can honestly say that I was never really into politics. I do not know much about George W. Bush because I chose not to know much. I am concerned about the environment and I support those who are trying to make a difference. It also says that I have a favorable view of immigrants which is true. I personally have nothing against people who are striving for a better future. I also believe that immigrants are doing the jobs that most of us would not even think about doing. I have respect for them because they have come a long way and even now that they are where they want to be, most of them are still struggling and working hard for what they have.
This survey was quite interesting in the sense that it made me think of things that I normally may not show an interest for. I never really got into politics or anything of that matter because I don’t seem to share any interests in it. It made me take a stance on different issues concerning our society and government. I enjoy filling out such questionnaires because they show you your results which demonstrate more or less how people view you.