Your first OpenLab Discussion assignment is to introduce yourself to your classmates. This assignment is due Thursday, July 13th, at the start of class. Late submissions will receive partial credit.
Assignment. Add a comment in reply to this post introducing yourself to the class. Your comment should be at least 2 paragraphs in length. In the first paragraph, introduce yourself in whatever way you wish. You could include your academic interests, why you chose your major, what you enjoy reading, listening to, watching, and doing in your spare time, or anything else you want to share (include your pronouns, if you wish). In the second paragraph, choose ONE of the following two topics and write a response. Don’t forget to tell us which topic you chose.
Topics (choose ONE).
- Was math ever your favorite subject? If so, when was it? What about math made it your favorite? If math has never been your favorite subject, what about it do you not like?
- Sometimes people can recognize a time when their opinion of math dramatically changed either for the better or the worse. Tell us about it.
Extra Credit. Get to know your classmates! For extra credit, write a response to one of your classmates’ comments. Do you feel the same? Did you learn anything? Do you have any advice? Be kind.
Hi everyone, my name is Cindy, I’m 26 and I’m majoring in Human Services. I am currently a Paraprofessional in a High School. When I started at City Tech in 2017, I honestly didn’t know what I wanted to study, so I chose Liberal Arts. After my second year I decided to change my major to Human Services because its more or less a stable career and I have a strong desire in helping others.
Math isn’t my favorite subject, but I do enjoy it. I always felt like math was pretty easy so that’s what I liked about it. I don’t like statistics though. I’ve taken this course a couple years ago and I did not like it. It doesn’t make sense to me and I didn’t realize it would be this confusing.
I forgot to include that I did take a break in 2020 when the pandemic started and this is my first semester back. I want to finish school and get my diploma. Also the DOE is paying for my classes so I’m taking advantage of that.
A paraprofessional? You are doing yeoman’s work. I did student teaching for a couple of semesters and I have seen and understand what people in your profession go through. Hopefully, your student is as grateful for your service as I am. I’m glad you’re taking advantage of the DOE paying for your schooling.
Statistics is a very interesting subject (at least to me, it is) and I hope we can make it easier for you to understand.
It’s not an easy job. I do wish my student were more interested in getting her work done. Thank you! I hope this semester is much easier for me.
Hello, my name is Peiqiong Li. You can call me Emily. My major is Health Service Administration. I graduated with associate degree with dental hygiene at CityTech last year. When I started working as a hygienist, I realized that lot of employers lack of time to manage their office. That’s why I chose this major for my future career. I usually like to travel when I have time. Also like to enjoy a hot cup of coffee in the morning to start my day.
Topic 2: I don’t like math. However, I realized that math changed me to have a better logical way to solve problems. I did not have good sense of direction before, after I learned trigonometry and algebra, and precalculus, I have better sense to read the maps and got the correct direction. Also, learning math increases my critical thinking. Because we have to make many decisions in our life, math helps me to choose the most beneficial and least risk choice based on the rate or probability.
Hello Peiqiong, I agree that math could change us in a better logical way. In our daily life, we can meet math everywhere; studying it well would be very helpful for many things.
Hello Emily,
I’m guessing the large cups of obviously sugary liquid that I’ve been bringing to class might make you cringe. I’m going to strive to limit them as I think they’ve been making me speak faster than I can think (^_^). Thank you for picking HSA, as you’re right, a lot of private practices are lacking in properly-trained management. Maybe you could do a statistical study on that one day.
You raise an interesting point about statistical knowledge. It seems you might be interested in data-driven decision making – applying your knowledge to determine how to reach the best outcomes. We’ll be developing some of that knowledge for you later this semester.
Hi my name is Nyoutosh Lloyd i’m 26 years old i grew up in Brooklyn. My unique name means someone who is close to nature. Like my name i live up to its meaning I am very close with nature, I am a plant mom and I often stop to hug trees. My Major is Human services. I chose my major because I enjoy helping others. My spirit is very welcoming, nurturing, healing, loving, and helping. On my spare time I like to watch suspenseful , sci-fi movies. Also I am a very creative person I enjoy making things such as anklets, bracelets, wait beads and earrings. My business is called Shaman Healing, you can find me on Instagram @Goddess.Jewelryy_ .
Math has always been a struggle for me, I prefer writing and reading. I’m Good at doing basic math but when it comes to different math subjects its not my strong suit. However I learned when I approach math with a positive mind set I often understand it better, instead of just saying “i’m not good at Math”. One day I would like to enjoy math.
Jewelry as a hobby… that’s a new one for me.
You raise important point; the mindset you are in can greatly affect your ability to learn. Many students who claim “I’m not good at math” resign themselves to failure and they fulfill their own prophecies. Hopefully, you will see the next five weeks as an opportunity to learn something new and grow, like your plants.
Hello everyone, my name is Chulan Xu, pronounced: “Chew land Shoe.” My current major is Health Service Administration, and I plan to complete this Bachelor’s degree in the Spring of 2024. I graduated with an associate degree in the dental hygiene program at City Tech in 2022. I enjoy working as a dental hygienist but decided to continue studying for higher education. I plan to go to graduate school after finishing my Bachelor’s. The language barrier is difficult as an immigrant, but I still want to see how far I can go in my school career. During my spare time, I like shopping, which relaxes me the most.
Topic 1: When I was a teenager, I liked math. When I encounter a complex math problem, I may be very annoyed. But I would be pleased when I find the answers on my own—from unknown, lost, and solve problems. I’m enjoying exploring the process of being successful. It may be the reason for the fascination mathematics has for me.
Hello Chulan,
It’s great that you’ve thought so far ahead. Graduate school? For what discipline? Graduate work often requires that you apply your statistical knowledge in a particular study. Hopefully, we can set up a foundation for you to understand how to use statistics to broaden your knowledge and for grad school.
Ah, the joys of of solving problems. It’s not just math; the skills, the mentality, and the satisfaction transfers to other subjects and life experiences.
Hello everyone, my name is Bertha Asare. I was born and raised in Ghana, West Africa. I am a room attendant at Four Seasons hotel and l am looking to have a fulfilling career in the hospitality industry. I am currently pursuing a degree in Hospitality Management so l can transition into a managerial position. I am a committed Christian and going to church services and attending church activities is so important to me. I love listening to gospel songs and dancing to them. I love reading a good novel or watch a good movie in my spare time. My hobby is sewing.
Math has never been my favorite subject. I like simple math like 1+1 = 2 but anything complicated gives me anxiety. I am taking Statistics because l have to. I wish there were another class l could take instead of Statistics.
Bertha.
Hospitality Management… One of my best friends graduated from that major. Anyway, it sounds like you have a bit of trepidation entering this class. I can tell you not to worry, but it’s up to you to find a way out of mathematical doldrums. You need statistics because as a manager, you don’t just need to know how to handle your own workers, you need to understand the effects of decisions on your guests.
When you make these decisions, it’s important to have justification. As the saying goes, it’s good to have the “numbers back you up” when deciding or making conclusions. There are a few topics that we will discuss, whose implications are very important.
Also, as an HM major, is there any possible way to get free food this summer?
Hi Prof. Lee,
You are right, l did have Fear and trepidation entering this statistics class and still do. The intensity and short duration is not helping matters. I need to try and shake them off and stay positive. About free food, done with my cooking classes.