Edinsson Peña

Professor Dr. Ellis

1/December/2015        

Digital images and Memory

Picture this!  “A picture can be worth 1000 words”, according ancient Chinese proverb. We humans depend on our memory through our life times. This means that pictures of events, scenery or moments are just as important as self portraits. Most people lack the ability to remember certain moments or events. Cameras have been around for while now. It would simply be expensive or time consuming to go to a dark room and reveal the photos that were taken. However, during 1975 Steven Sasson engineered the first digital camera and this began the digital era for cameras. Sasson invention was a game changer. This is because people can adjust to their local printing place and print their photos. In today’s society there has been controversies about electronic medians become a problem. A glance of this can be read in Nicholas Carr’s “The Shallows”. Carr discusses that way people interact with books or how they do research has changed. In the 21st century everything is digital, so research or reading a book has never been so efficient. Carr does a rebottle and describes the negatives effects of using the social media, doing research online and many other actives. I highly think digital images or photos are very useful. Nevertheless, images or pictures in general are beneficial to the human brain and this allows humans to have a better cognitive process of remembering. I will be discussing two valid points and counter argument to support the statements.  Images boost ability to comprehend a great deals of information within a glace as well as our memory , and the digital camera works as an affordance to our memory with images. Nerveless, some people think digital images can be used in malicious ways, but this does not mean the technology itself is horrible .

Digital images have a great effect on the human brain, this aids the brain to remember events or moments when any situation call for it. Human have an amazing mind; the brain can record a large amount of memories. However, as we age and acquire more memories, it becomes more difficult to be able to recall older memories. “In December, Mr. Reznick clicked through the slide show of his trip to the museum, more than 18 months after the event. His eyes flickered with recognition at a few of the images. When he came upon a picture annotated by his wife, showing bricks engraved with donor names, he nodded and said, ”I remember that.” “  (The New York Times).In other words, digital images are helpful to the brain and a result it our brain become efficient. Everyone loves the ability to recall events or moments that were very dear to us as individuals. In addition, the assertors of human were able to survive in primitive wild environments because they were to remember where to go for hunting and which was the safest path to go back home. This ability was essential for human evolution in general. I will share a personal anecdote to further prove my argument. When I was one years old, I got stranded in the amusement park called “Play land”. I was holding hands with my mother and I remember staring at the rides, and lights. After split second I found myself lost and worried. I started to brainstorm all the possible horrible outcomes that can happen to me. No, I had to remind focus on my goal. I began recalling where I came from and I started to hear a voice. Finally , I found my mother whom was screaming like desperately. “One person’s memory of an event can influence another person and can become part of that person’s memory report” (Gabbert, Memon, Allan, & Wright, 2004). In the other hand , since my mother was in this tragic event every time she see a poster of Playland she able to remember that day and now we share a common trigger for that memory. These special bonds we share with other people, we are able to have the same recorded event or moment with them. Digital images can trigger really instance emotions that can lead to remembering an event. For example a photo of your Ex boyfriend,  girlfriend ,wife or husband. You both share memories together, but you think is best for you to forget about the other person. Nevertheless, you manage to put those memories behind ,then you forgot to delete the last photo. This cause a person to feel mixed emotions and a great deal of flashbacks that can be pleasant or not. Cameras have come along way, now they have many other uses.  

The digital camera has made many affordances in today’s society that contributes to memory. “The concept was simple: sing digital pictures and audio to archive an experience like a weekend visit from the grandchildren, creating a summary of the resulting content by picking crucial images, and reviewing them periodically to awaken and strengthen the memory of the event” (The New York Times). This means that digital Cameras in addition to some software can really recreate an event that a person might have forgotten with rich vivid details. The advances in digital imagery, sound and video allows us to experience moments from others. Example, getting to know someone who is no longer alive or an event you did not take part in. In this case for me was the 9/11 tragedy. I was not in America when this event happened and at first I did not have clue of what it was. After coming to America and going to through their educational system, I was fortunate enough to watch a film on about that event.  Thanks to the film images of the aftermath, I now have a good idea of what would have been like be around the towers during that event. When you see the lives that were lost and the facial expressions of the people who experience this first hand, you can recall how horrible it was for them. Cameras get a lot more detail now, than before, since they upgrade to sensors in them there is more to think about. Taking a perfect shot involve calculations and there is science behind it. Furthermore, as a result our brain is focusing different tasks like making sure the light is well, that you have the right focus and that you are using the right equipment for that shot. After taking the shot, you have solid memory in your hand and you won’t forget that easily seeing that you took the shot. However, there are large quantity of people who have a different perspective about digital images.

There are arguments that illlustrate how digital images are bad and that they are not helpful at all. Everyone is different and the effects of digital images in our life can also differ. “Lazy fools! … People don’t know what to do with their free time, all they do is post photos in social media and others look at those photos for hours on their phones. In my opinion it’s a complete waste of time” – Morrobel. Some people think digital images can use with malicious purposes, but this does not mean the technology itself is terrible. “Two years ago, Mr. Reznick, who has early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and is now 82, signed up for an experiment intended to help people with Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders” (The New York Times). This Illustrates that Cameras and digital images can be used properly to aid people who suffer illness that affects their ability to recall events. This experiment proves that it depends on the individuals and their way they use this technology, since there is not a specific way of you using it. “They’re good to have memories that last a lifetime, as opposed to regular picture that decays over time” – Santiago.  Digital images and cameras are just a tools we can use as we please. Example, we use hammers for hammering nails, but it can also be weapon, we are the ones who give tools purpose.

Ultimately, we live in a digital era, where the internet is the number one medium to use for information. Digital images and cameras are creating memories for people everyday. Images are great way of communication. Digital images are beneficial to towards our learning and essential to the human brain. Yes, digital images can be of bad influence, but we can not allow a simple image with negativity affect us. Finally, a person need to give this technology a humble and good purpose because is a tremendous way of learning.

Work Cited 

• BHATTACHARJEE, YUDHIJIT. “A Little Black Box to Jog Failing Memory.” The New York Times 9 Mar. 2010: 1.
• Gabbert, F., Memon, A., Allan, K., & Wright, D. B. (2004). Say it to my face: Examining the effects of socially encountered misinformation. Legal and Criminological Psychology, 9, 215–227.
• William Santigo. Personal interview. 4 December 2015.
• Tomasa Morrebel. Personal interview.  1 December 2015.

Edinsson Pena

Dr.Ellis

Eng 1101

Nov 8, 2015                      

Electromechanical Engineering Technology

In life is much easier to settle for less, since difficult task requires more effort or as result of fear we limit ourselves. As humans we have the desire to explore, learn and to better ourselves. I go by the name my parents gave me, Edinsson Peña and currently I am in enroll the NYC College of Technology or NYCCT. I am pursuing the major of Electromechanical Engineering Technology or EMT in the school of science and design at the College I am currently enrolled in. This is the perfect career for me, since I always had the desire to work with computers, the thrill of success after fixing an electronic item and the knowledge I gain after every opening up a new laptop or cellphone encourage me to engage in learning about technological device. I will explain my reasons for selecting this specific major, and go more in depth how I plan to succeed in this major and future career. I choose this major for constant change in the world of technology and great paid/job availability.  As a EMT student I will be taught wonderful skills that I can apply in my future career or job.

Electro-mechanical Engineering Technology is a program that brings technical work with a combination of different elements. This is very challenging major because it combines math and science in large part of the major. In addition, to some writing, since students often would need to able to write a clear report on laboratory assignments. In the student College catalog it tell us, “It is multidisciplinary in
nature in that students are taught the fundamentals of electrical
and mechanical technology, computer hardware, software, data communications and networking” (College Catalog, 218). In other words, the EMT program focuses on a great amount of technical work taught by professor here at the college. Furthermore, students who major in the EMT program at NYCCT have the chance of becoming technicians at, “Verizon, Cablevision, Apple, Logic Control, Lutron Electronics, JetBlue, MTA, NYC Transit, NYPD, and the elevator industry” (College catalogue). These are all companies that hire highly skilled prepare electromechanical engineers to improve and Innovate the world of technology. After graduating from NYCCT I would like work as a technician in my field. However, in my field, technicians are prepared to deal with software and hardware problems. I want to specialize in hardware problem solving, since I understand hardware more. However, in this field technician do no just deal with hardware, but “Technician also set up computer equipment, schedule maintenance, perform repairs, and teach clients to use programs. Technicians need strong knowledge of computers and how they operate, including a broad understanding of hardware and software, operating systems, and basic computer programming” (A Technician Shortage, PR 1). Computer technician deal various jobs, in where they have to applied calculations and diagnose other electrical machines besides computer. EMT technicians design and plan schematics for potential plan for products for the companies I mentions earlier in this essay. In addition , they Test the performance of electro-mechanical assemblies, using test instruments like the multi-meter or create circuits on using software programs like multisim to test to potential builds. Technician also Install electronic parts and hardware, using soldering equipment, screwdrivers and other tools. Technicians perform contents  maintenance, but they “upgrade, and test electronic and computer-controlled mechanical systems” (oohb). Technician need to innovate and learning the different components that various companies manufacture. This is because technology is constantly advancing forward. Everyone has their own reasons for pursuing a major that draws their interest.

I choose to enroll in Electro-mechanical engineering technology, since the work field it is just perfect for me. I would not feel comfortable sitting on a desk for eight hours a day, for five days a week. This is because I dislike sitting for a long time not doing anything interesting. “Electro-mechanical technicians work closely with electrical and mechanical engineers. They work primarily in manufacturing, engineering services, and research and development. Their job tasks involve both engineering theory and assembly line production work. Consequently, they often work both at production sites and in offices”(oohb). Technicians are frequently engage in problem solving and learning how to deal with new technical malfunctions everyday in computers or others electronics. I did like to be to be satisfy with myself, since this my dream career and I live by the quote once said by someone “Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life”. Technology is my passion, every time I am able to fix a laptop or cell phone, I get this euphoric feeling. I can recall when took apart an Apple macbook pro model A1260 to swap the bottom housing and change the battery. This macbook pro is old, so it is unibody design. This means that some the components can be interchange, as oppose to the newer and latest macbook pro models. This was a long processes and but I did. I would have done a more professional if had thermal tape and thermal paste for the chips. My only response to this feeling is never ending curiosity and a drive that keeps me  interested in this major. The technology in this era is not perfect because is made by mankind, therefore new problems will show up there will be there will always be the need for a technician. I want to live a comfortable life after sacrificing money and time in college.

     Technology is ubiquitous in today’s society. Without a doubt big cities depend on the different types of electronic devices or other types of technologies like trains. Nevertheless, when they of this things start having issues is best to call a technician. This is because a large part surveillance cameras, Banks and other places in cities like New York or others are under different computer networks. Important information in many countries are in data banks. “An example of a technician shortage can be seen in the cyber operator category. Cyber operators manage networks and provide for network security The U.S. Department of Defense has been looking for 6,000 cyber professionals since 2012”(technician shortage). All this important information needs to be kept away from the wrongs hands. However, to do this great complicated software needs to be install in some of this places. Electro-mechanical Technicians get paid $51820 per year and $24.91according to Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. This is because technicians are constantly working longer shift than most carriers, hey need to make sure to make repairs so that manufacturing operations can continue. I remember when I took classes in phone repair shop. The head technician showed two other students and I how to tear down a phone and how to properly assemble it back together. The most time consuming part his job was waiting on the parts to fix the phones. He told us he takes on multiple projects at a time because of this delays. The product of this was that he could sit around wasting time, since customers are very demanding. Technicians are always need in society, so that system and  manufacture run smoothly.

I am pursing the major Electro-mechanical engineer technology to deal with malfunction or other issues in technological world. I have the desire of becoming a great Electro-mechanical technician in a big company. The reason I’m pursuing this career  is it’s a well paying job and the love I have for technology. I plan to excel in my major by learning and understanding the concepts of my classes. I do not wish to rush through my education and have future misunderstanding in my career so I must do exceptionally well in order to get the job . The milestones I have set for myself for the next 5 is  to applied to Apple to get some work experience and later when I finish my bachelors in Computer Engineering Technology I did like to start a career there.

Work Cited

Denning, Peter J., and Edward E. Gordon. “A Technician         Shortage.”Communications Of The ACM 58.3 (2015): 28-30. Academic Search Complete. Web. 6 Nov. 2015.(Technician shortage)

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook     Handbook, 2014-15 Edition. “Electro-mechanical Technicians.”on the Internet Wednesday.8 Jan.2014.(oohb)

New York City College of Technology College catalog 2015-2016(City Tech) New York: New York City technology,2015.PDF

My name is Edinsson Pena and I am an Immigrant. I migrated from the Dominican Republic with my mother and brother to the U.S.A when I was ten. I did not know what kind of future would be in store for me if I left my country. Now that I am 19 years old and a legal citizen of the United States of America, now I understand life a little better. I currently attend to the New York City college of technology and my major is Electromechanical Engineering Technology. I wanted to talk about change and how it allows to me to overcome many obstacles. Some might argue that leaving family,items they own and comfort, would be a great start for new experience.I can truly say there are a couple of key points that lead me to where I stand now. The impact American society had on my life and some of the struggles I faced was very challenging yet thrilling.Years in high school and the great turning points in my academic life. My time as athlete during  high school shaped me in many different places in my life.

I will never forget why immigrated to America. All my family, old friends and a decent stable home all left behind. Americans might wonder , why would anyone leave behind everything they own ? My mother brought me to America to obtain more opportunities and to have a better education. However, in order to do that she had to spend a great amount of money. In addition to leaving her career and dreams behind for me. She knew that a great sacrifice needed to be done to achieve an extraordinary change in my life. The dream took course once the plane from the dominican  republic touched American soil. The effects of American society impacted my life during the time that I was enroll in the fifth grade in elementary school in brooklyn New York. I was the new kid and everything that I knew was about to change. When the first day of  school arrived that morning I was very excited. My elementary was not that far from my  apartment. During the walked to my destination I was very nervous , my palms were sweaty and  my heart was beating fast. Little did I know that more events were to come. When I got to the school’s lobby I was confused about where to go. I could not speak or understand English. Then someone came and helped me get to my class. My class was bilingual and everyone was hispanic, just like me. In middle of class some kids were being rude to me and even threw pencils at my head. When I was in my country other kids did not treat me with such disrespect. I did get along with kid in my county because they were interested in me and they want to form friendships or play around. Seeing how the other kids in the class who were just like me picked on me, I then realize this country was not just for the generous and humble but for scrafty

I struggled more ever since that day, things were just getting started. I notice that the only way I was going get out of my hell was by learning to speak, write and read the english language. The sad part is that I was horrible at those things in my own language. I started simple,  watched people have dialog and I try to repeating it. In addition, I watched television every channel was in english. The processes was long and hurtful , but it was worth it so I started to be more optimistic about my situation. The Key to succeeding anywhere in your life is to change and end the procrastination. I had to learn that in the long run during middle school.                                                           

Everyone faces a time where they have the desire to change their lives , due to an unfortunate event or situation. I had my greatest academic career during high school, but before I speak on the subject of success and great accomplishments, I will introduce my failures and struggle. The most difficult part of course is that great change comes with trial and errors. I need to see failure eye to eye in order for me to make the first step to dealing with following situation. During middle school I probably had the most terrible grades in my whole class. I notice that if I did not make changes and give the best of abilities in my academic life, I would get left behind that year. I can say it was struggle because I did not grasp  the language, so writing homework and reading books was very difficult. However, I try to the best of my ability. I manage to learned how read at a low English level , also my spelling when horrible to decently good . At the moment was serious I remember my mother coming to teacher and parent conference. I knew that the moment teacher  told I had 65’s my mother would lose it. I would get yelled at , but the worst happened at home where I would be punished. Basically, I started to seeking for help wherever I can find it. I begged professor for extra work to do. My failure and errors will come haunt me when is it time to make a life changing decision that in involves a new start. At least that is what I noticed. I had to face this truth when it was time to pick high schools. Due to my low average during middle school my options were very limited. When I received the paperwork to select my top choices of schools, I was excited about new turning point in my life and it was a turning point indeed. My top choice was lyons community school. I can still remember the day they arrived to recruiting and present their school. There were a couple good policies the high school had. The first being that the high school did not factor in your middle school grades. Second it was a small school, which was able to work with me more individually. Nevertheless, I choose that high school as my top choice and it impacted my life forever. During freshman year my English improve, But I had doubt whether I was going to be able to succeed or fail. However, I worked with a burning determination and faced challenges head on without any worries because my teacher would helped me to the very end. I was thankful that everyone wanted help and with extra support I was able to earn a honor roll certificate. I thought I was not  intelligent enough to earn such Accomplishment.  The only title I know is of “Hard worker”, I might not be the brightest student in the world ,but I can always Apply my determination and persistence where I go.  

Wrestling is an amazing sport. when students participate in sports it helps them focus on academic work and allows them to improve their time management skills. In addition sports and the different kinds  of conditioning  students need to so keeps them in excellent physical condition, so if students are in shape it would be more difficult for them to get sick . I remember when I was wrestler during high school and having a really complex scheduled. I did not having any time be to wasted. I had to do homework or projects and afterwards wrestling practice for two hours. Wrestling practice was always intense. At the end of each practice I was really tired. I just wanted to go home and take a relaxing shower, but at times I also had to focus on homework or sometimes even studying for that upcoming quiz the next morning. I can honestly say that wrestling made me more persistent, also I was able to endure more challenging events in my academic life and outside of it. There was a time where I had study for the English regents and I had practice right after that. While I was running on the treadmill I was remembering essay  layouts, thinking about how to save time and the best course of action. Furthermore, I need to Acquire at least a 65 , since the first time I took it I failed after scoring a 55. Thanks to my couch and hours of homework help I was able to score a 68, so wrestling allow me to focus on my studies more than ever before. During my senior year of school I notice that I had learned how think to more critically and work with more determination under pressure or stress.

Life is all about making changes , going through trials/errors and facing new challenges without change there would not be any growth. I always hear my generation use the phrases like  “I can’t change” or “I stay the same no matter what”. In my opinion those phrases are very Ignorant and not very edifying to their own lives or other around them. I have observed  people around me and I noticed that they hate routines, so they must make a  small change within the cycle of boredom to live life with enjoyment. This small changes can range from take a different route while going home or even one of great magnitude like becoming more social with others. While living in America, I learned that I had to become an ambitious man that is always kind-hearted, understanding and have self-confidence to not only survive but to live a successful life. In my major Electromechanical Engineering Technology changes are fundamental to fixing a calculation to resoldering a different component. Change builds character and maturity. Changing promotes success and gives you new views in every aspect of someone’s life.