Monday, March 24 – Sunday, March 30
what did I do this week?
This week was a return to normalcy in my class routines. Spring break is now in the rear view and so are my fleeting gaming sessions, hasta luego Fields of Mistria. This week’s course content was fairly light for one of my classes which I appreciate as it gave me time to adjust to re-managing two courses this semester.
Highlighted resources that were discussed in this week’s lectures:
- Dr. Camara Jones Explains the Cliff of Good Health (YouTube, 5:18) – Helpful video visually illustrating public health’s role in prevention and the impact of the social determinants of health.
- The Value of Systems Thinking (YouTube, 10:09) – Introductory video by the CDC on the process of systems thinking.
- Systems Thinking: A Little Film About a Big Idea | Introduction to Cabrera Research Lab (YouTube, 11:55) – This film goes over the four mental models that make up systems thinking: distinction, systems, relationships, and perspectives.
I also took some time to write my first long post for the blog.
what worked?
Believe it or not, taking the time to write something not class-related on the blog actually encouraged me to do even more writing. It was a mini feedback loop that involved coffee and lofi music. I thoroughly enjoyed writing, then re-writing, editing and posting and the positive experience not only helped in completing my assignments, but also made me less intimidated by the idea that I am capable of writing on different topics.
what didn’t work?
Knock, knock?
Who’s there?
Your past self.
Past self, who?
Listen, we’re starting to sound like a broken record, but guess I’ll mention this again. Let’s hope it sticks this time. Starting late on assignments, though understandable, means you have less time to prep, digest information and complete your work. Aren’t you wanting to do a thesis for this program?
You’re right, my bad. Glad you came back to remind me. Let’s catch up next week and I’ll let you know how I’m doing.
Hmmm, okay.
what can I do to improve or will try to improve?
Starting early.
I’m realizing the old noggin needs all the time it can get to stay caught up with assignments and due dates. My past self showed up in my post this week and I can’t disappoint them.
what did I listen to, to get through the week?
This is my third time linking this lofi playlist on the blog, but I’m thoroughly enjoying it. Have a listen: Work Lofi – R&B That Sparks a Mood [rnb , lofi hiphop]
what interesting article or quote did I come across?
From one of my required reads, “Levels of racism: a theoretic framework and a gardener’s tale” by Dr. Camara P. Jones (2010). Dr. Jones provides an allegory of a gardener tending to red flowers and pink flowers and how structural differences and bias leads to one set of flowers growing lush and beautiful and the others barely surviving. Have a read to see how Dr. Jones connects racism and flowers and how we can make all the flowers in our metaphorical gardens thrive and grow together.
To your salud & success,
AW
