Your first OpenLab Discussion assignment is to introduce yourself to your classmates. This assignment is due Thursday, July 11th, 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.
Hello everyone,
My name is Zenayda Bonilla. I am a first-generation college student currently in my senior year, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Human Services. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes, but as a worker-owner in two cooperatives, I rarely have time for other leisure activities. I hope to have more free time after completing my degree, which is why I’m taking summer classes to graduate and work full-time.
I excelled in math from elementary through high school in my home country, El Salvador. However, there was a 20-year gap before I started college, so I’m struggling with learning new terms and vocabulary. I often feel anxious and panicked during exams, which can be upsetting and disappointing. Despite this, I remain positive and hopeful that we can support each other as peers in this summer course.
I created a WhatsApp group for our class, if you like to join, just click the link here https://chat.whatsapp.com/Dzv4KhXc7lg0DLVLCCWKP8.
Thank you!
Hello,
I can definitely relate to your experience. I was out of high school for many years before I had to take Algebra the first semester. I also get test anxiety and never feel like I have enough time to complete the test. I’m going to do my best this term to deep breath and try to keep as calm as possible during test days this term.
Hello anna,
You are not the only one with this problem. I always ask for help with math and for the anxiety, the night before, I will do meditation or go to Korean spa (Groupon have sales).
Tanisha
Hey Anna,
I totally agree with you! I will also find ways to reduce my anxiety levels. With our hard work and determination, I’m sure we can learn, apply, and pass this course.
Thank you for sharing your story! I can relate to feeling anxious and panicked when it comes to exams, I always tend to get uncomfortable. As I am navigating through tough times with math, I am learning that you’d have to get uncomfortable to get COMFORTABLE!
You will succeed and I wish you all the best for your future!
P.S., thank you for creating the chat! 🙂
Hi Tiana!
I love that “…learning that you’d have to get uncomfortable to get COMFORTABLE!” you are absolutely right. I hope you join the group chat soon.
Hello Zenayda,
It’s wonderful to meet you! I truly admire your dedication and hard work, especially as a first-generation college student balancing academics and your role in two cooperatives. Your passion for cooking and trying new recipes sounds like a fantastic way to unwind and express creativity, even if time is scarce. It’s inspiring to see how you’re managing to juggle so many responsibilities while striving to complete your degree and transition to full-time work. Your commitment is commendable, and I’m sure it will pay off.
Regarding your experience with math, it’s impressive that you excelled in it throughout your schooling in El Salvador. Returning to college after a 20-year gap must be challenging, especially with the added difficulty of new terms and vocabulary. It’s completely understandable to feel anxious during exams, but your positive attitude and willingness to support and be supported by peers are incredibly encouraging.
Hello Zenayda, a massive gap between high school and college can make college a daunting task. However, you are a senior. You’re almost there, which means you know what it already takes to be a college student. If you know the material, you will be prepared for the tests.
I encourage the rest of the class to join your WhatsApp group. One of the best ways to pass any class is to be able to communicate with your peers inside and outside of class. I am not allowed to join, but I want the rest of the class to be familiar with each other to make this semester better for us all.
Hello Zenayda, I am also apart of the human services major. I’m working full time and part time job as well as taking 15 summer credits so I can relate to not having much free time currently. I too hope for to enjoy my free time after obtaining my degree. I must say I appreciate you creating the WhatsApp group. I highly believe it would come in handy whenever someone may need clarification on anything or there to lend a helping hand so thank you for that and good luck in your studies.
My name is Stephanie Gutierrez, I am a transfer student from another CUNY school and have not declared a major. I have an idea of what I would like to pursue but I would like to finish taking some classes first. During my free time, I like to stay active either by going to the gym or the park to workout or just take walks. I am not much of a reader but I do like music. I enjoy listening to some R&B, soft pop, and latin music.
When I was in high school I enjoyed trigonometry, one of the main reasons was because my teacher was my soccer coach, but also because I understood the material, I enjoyed basic algebra as well. I think I enjoyed those classes because it was mostly numbers and some formulas. However, when I was a sophomore in high school , I had to take geometry and it was one of my absolute least favorite math classes, along with quantitive reasoning. My teachers were great, I got the help I needed but those two classes were the most stressful math classes for me, so far.
Hi Stephanie!
I love listening to music in my free time, especially when I’m cleaning (I think it’s a typical Spanish thing, lol).
I want to emphasize that for challenging subjects like mathematics, having a great instructor is really important. It can change the whole learning experience. Hopefully, this semester will be a good one too!
I hope you can join the group chat so we can support each other.
Hello Stephanie!
I’ve had similar experiences like yours. A teacher really makes or breaks a class and I began hating math in senior year of high school because of an unsupportive teacher. My math teachers throughout my earlier years in high school were very helpful.
Wishing you well for the upcoming semester!
How weird… you enjoyed trigonometry, but you disliked geometry… which forms the foundations for trigonometry… Anyway, you hit on an important point. You enjoyed the class because of your teacher, I guess. I’ll admit that I am kind of “hit-or-miss” at times. I should inform you that while a good teacher is an important factor in your willingness to understand the material, the main factor is often still the student’s motivation to understand the material. I hope you maintain motivation this summer and follow through in this class.
Hello my name is Analeah. I am a registered nurse.I’m in City Tech to finish my Bachelors. I’ve worked in nursing homes and hospitals over the years. Currently, I plan to graduate and become a certified lactation consultant. On my days off, I enjoy cycling and strength training. My hobbies are painting, roller skating, and writing poetry.
I would say that math has always been tough for me. I excel most in English and Science subjects. When I had to take the Algebra/Trigonometry course in my first semester I was very fearful. It had been years since high school at that point, and I had forgotten everything. To my surprise, I was able to follow along. I had to practice the concepts for hours. Ultimately, I passed the course with a grade that I could be proud of. That helped to boost my confidence in my ability to do math.
Hello everyone,
My name is Analeah and I am in this course so that I can complete my Bachelors in nursing. I have worked in both long term care and acute care settings. My goal is to graduate and then become a lactation consultant. I enjoy cycling and strength training when I’m off. My other favorite activity is roller skating. I’m originally from New Jersey, but moved to Brooklyn NY for my first job. My hobbies are: art, poetry, and creative writing.
I have always struggled with Math. My best subjects in school were always Science and English. During my first semester in City Tech, I was very fearful of the Algebra/ Trigonometry class. I studied extremely hard and in the end I earned a grade that I could be proud of.
That sounds really good . Me also I struggle with math in the past but I had a really good teacher and I got better in math . Wishing you the best this semester.
Ah nursing… Nursing is a very difficult major to get into and stay in at City Tech. But it is a high-accountability profession, and even if you dislike math, you probably have demonstrated a willingness to put in work. I expect you to pass this course and set a good example for your colleagues in the profession and in the class. 🙂
Hi everyone my name is Nyoutosh Lloyd , I work as an assistant teacher in department of education. Some things I like to do is read write and create content . Math is not my strong suit but I’m willing to learn and be the best at math .
Hello
You are not the only with problems with math. Hopefully with tutoring and additional help. You will pass this class. good luck
Tanisha
Hi! My name is Tiana R. and my pronouns are she/her. My purpose for this course is to complete my B.S. in science. My major is Healthcare Policy and Management, and I currently work in healthcare. I enjoy listening to Soca, R&B, Hip-Hop, and anything else in between. I am reading The Courage To Be Disliked by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi; thus far, it is a good read.
Math was never my strong suit. My last encounter with any math course was Algebra/Trig Spring of 2023 and I struggled tremendously, even though I passed the course. I enjoy the concept of math and the idea of how it can be used in multiple ways. My opinion of math changed once I reached college-level math because that’s when it became difficult. I hope to find a healthy medium for learning and understanding the different levels of math as I move on with my studies.
Hey Tiana! I completely understand that math can be very stressful, especially at the college level. At some point in time, you will definitely find that healthy medium as you progress in your studies ! 🙂
Healthcare Policy does require that you possess some understanding of statistics, so this class should be helpful to you. It’s important that you mentioned that college is when math became “difficult” I have several musings about why that is, but the best I can do is oversimplify it by saying, “college is a different environment”. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask.
Hi Tiana, my name is Numaan, don’t stress about math. As long as you’re focused in class and review the material you will pass the class with excellent grades. As a class students will always be there to help along with Professor Lee of course. So stay positive and keep working hard. Stress usually makes learning harder.
My name is Tanisha Smalls. I am a transfer student from C.U.N.Y Kings borough Community College with A.A.S Culinary Arts degree. I am attending the Hospitality Management program for my Bachelor degree. My major is hospitality management. My hobbies are travel and being a foodie. Sometimes due to gas prices I love to drive to my foodie location.
I don’t like math. It took me a long time to get out of remedial math in Kingsborough. Now I’m having a nightmare, taking statistics is more complex. I took this class twice. I need tutoring and plenty of he!p. Praying for a miracle.
Hello Tanisha. I myself am a foodie and will scale mountains if some good food is involved. lol. But I am sorry to hear you are having so much difficulty. I wish I could help but I just flat our hate Math. But the great thing is that after having class today, I am extremely impressed with our professor. When he first walked in I felt a little intimidated but as the class went on I became more comfortable. He did an excellent job breaking everything down for us, gave us great tips to help throughout the Semester and is even trying to help us with electronics. He seems like he really wants the best outcome for us and is willing to help us along so I have no doubt he will assist you. Just share your thoughts with him personally. See you tomorrow. 🙂
Gas prices? We still have the MTA. 🙂
I cannot deny that statistics is likely going to be more difficult than remedial math. You will still have to put in that work. However, we do have tutoring options that are available for you here in City Tech. Plus, if you need to speak with me, I exist somewhere within the school. 🙂
Hello Professor
Thanks for the math help information. I have some hope for this season.
I don’t like to wait for buses and the train is to crowed with no seats besides that MTA can not take me to Baltimore Maryland for the Crab fest, oyster and bbq and whiskey festival ( all you can eat and drink) and chili cookout in Charleston, South Carolina and Norwalk oyster festival in Connecticut and the Chowders festival in Westport, Connecticut. I’m a roadrunner beep beep. I will give more information at class. See y’all in class soon.
Hello Everyone. My Name is Nicolette D. I am currently a senior and my major is Healthcare Policy and Management. I chose this major as I currently work in administration at one of the largest health care systems in New York City and would like to advance my career. I enjoy listening to multiple genres of music, it just depends on how I’m feeling that day. I can go from 90s R&B to Jazz to 80s Rock to Classical to Hip-Hop. It all depends. I am big fan of crime/investigative shows. Fictional or Non-Fictional. I can go from Dateline 2020 to Chicago PD. I am on the board of one of the chapters of an international charity and also on the board for a local mutual aid in NYC that delivers free groceries to families that are still food insecure since Co-Vid 19. I have a deep love and passion for servicing my community.
My opinion of math has never wavered, I do not like it. Never have. But interesting enough, I do like numbers. Well, I should say I like money. I like calculating, budgeting, writing down, anything to do with money and numbers I enjoy doing. But math overall, I do not like it. When it starts to get extremely complicated with Pie this and Sin that, it gives me a headache. So my opinion of math itself has never changed for good or bad. I never like it and still don’t. Thank you.
I agree. It’s great to hear about your experiences and interests. It’s impressive to see your dedication to community service through your involvement with international charity and the local mutual aid in NYC. It’s also interesting to hear about your love for numbers and your work in healthcare administration. Keep up the great work, and thanks for sharing!
Well, we do talk about money in statistics, so there is that. Don’t worry, we don’t have to work wit pi or any sort of trig ratios in this class. 😀
Hello everyone! My name is Patricia Gabriel, and I am currently majoring in Healthcare Policy and Management. I chose this field because I am deeply passionate about improving healthcare systems and ensuring that everyone has access to quality medical care. In my spare time, I love traveling to new places and exploring different cultures. I also enjoy reading a variety of genres, from historical fiction to contemporary non-fiction. Listening to music and watching documentaries are some of my favorite ways to unwind. I am excited to be a part of this class and look forward to getting to know all of you better.
I chose the topic: Was math ever your favorite subject? If so, when was it? What about math that made it your favorite? If math has never been your favorite subject, what about it do you not like? Math has never been my favorite subject. I often found it challenging and sometimes frustrating, especially when it came to complex equations and abstract concepts. I prefer subjects that allow for more creativity and open-ended thinking, like literature and social sciences. Despite this, I appreciate the logical structure and problem-solving aspects of math, and I recognize its importance in various fields, including healthcare policy and management.
Hello Patricia, I really liked reading you introduction. I admire your aspiration to help people get access to quality medical care. I’ve seen how hard it is on people around me to not get the care they need and how devastating it could be. I think we need more people like you, who care and want to improve the system and make access to it easier.
Do you have any book recommendations? Has anything stood out to you, that you recently read?
Awesome. Getting to know everyone better helps everyone. I’ve already seen two other HCPM students in this class. Perhaps you know them already?
I don’t wish to debate you on the existence of creative and open-ended thinking in mathematics. I believe it exists. That’s all I’m going to say. 😀
Hello everyone!
My name is Alina. I am new to City Tech, I just started this summer. I have a degree in studio art from Hunter College, I am a painter. I worked as an art teacher for a little bit before going into this transitional stage. I am taking prerequisite classes at City Tech to apply for accelerated nursing programs. I am very excited to be in this class with you, I really appreciated the supportive and upbeat atmosphere in the class. In my spare time I like to watch films and read. I recently read The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison and cannot recommend it enough!
Since my major was art in college I did not take any math classes, I got all of them done in high school. I really enjoyed math classes. Just like some people here, I enjoyed Algebra and Trigonometry very much and disliked Geometry (especially the proofs). What I like about math is that it can be very straightforward and that most concepts in it can be understood and mastered with enough practice. I hope it will be the same with Statistics.
But… I like proofs…
I wish I could go into mathematics in art, but I don’t have the time and I might bore the rest of the class.
Anyway, I hope that we maintain this upbeat and supportive atmosphere over the course of the class.
Good afternoon everyone!
My name is Jocelyn Reinoso. I am a transfer student from LaGuardia Community College currently completing the requirements to fulfill my bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies. My end goal is to go to law school and would like to gain familiarity within the legal field. Unfortunately it has been tough getting employment as a paralegal within NYC, however I am a notary public so I am trying to gain knowledge where I can. In my free time, I like to watch anime and read books. I’ve liked watching anime since high school, I would watch it with my younger brother. Much recently, I’ve started reading a lot more in my free time and I’ve done so because it’s helped me step out of myself for a bit and engage in other perspectives.
I chose topic no. 1, math was my favorite subject back in middle school and beginning of high school. I wouldn’t score very well in english class, literature and composition wasn’t really my strong suit back then. Math was easy then because it was just plugging numbers into formulas, understanding graphs and finding x. The teachers I’ve had for math in high school were also great and they really left their mark on my educational journey; if my end goal of becoming a lawyer fails, I might try to become a high school math teacher.
Hello everyone, my name is Yewande Adesina. I am a transfer student from a non-CUNY school. I have a strong passion for medicine, with hopes of going to medical school . My intended study here at City Tech, is biomedical informatics. I really enjoy reading In my spare time.
In school, math has been a likeable subject because it helps me understand complex medical topics better. Math is also helpful for solving problems during research or practice – so it’s super important for my studies and career goals!
Hi Yewande, I think statistics will be an important foundation to build on going into medicine as you will be going through a large quantity of case studies ranging from chronic disease management, drug interactions, day-to-day hospital operations, etc. Wishing you nothing but the best in your future endeavors.
Hi Yewande,
Thanks for sharing! It’s awesome to hear about your passion for medicine considering that I’m also interested in attending medical school after nursing . I also agree that knowing and understanding math is important for your medical studies. I wish you the best & good luck with everything!
my name is Charmaine, and I currently work in Social Services as a case manager for the undiagnosed elderly population. I’m from Brooklyn, NYC, and I’m a transfer student from Hunter College, majoring in Human Services. In my free time, I enjoy watching anime and playing video games. I’ve always loved math, even though I’ve struggled with it. Since middle school, I found English and science challenging, even though I excelled in them. But math was my favorite because of the challenge it presented. I still enjoy doing puzzles and brain-training activities. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve focused more on the practical side of math, such as managing finances and collecting data for my work in social services..
For me, when I started spending more time in the streets, I lost touch with my true self and started forgetting about things that really mattered. After that, I just couldn’t see the point of remembering information that I didn’t think I’d ever use, even though I wasn’t really sure about that.
Hi my name is Andy, I am a visiting student. I am interested in the healthcare field, specifically the clinical side. I am taking this course as it is a prerequisite course needed to apply for a graduate program I am interested in. In my spare time on the weekends, I like to play an online multiplayer game called Pokemon Unite, while also scrolling through my Youtube recommendation mindlessly. I get told that I’m somewhat aloof, but I’m really just tired from work so I apologize ahead of any negative interactions.
I think when I was taking geometry and algebra was when math was one of my favorite subject. This was around end of middle school and beginning of high school. I think for me there’s a joy being able to read a math problem, having an understanding of what the problem is asking for, and knowing the needed formula/steps to solve it. I think this is true especially for algebra because I remember my high school teacher stressing understanding what a problem is asking being the first step in solving it.
Hello everyone! My name is Princess (she/her). I am currently a nursing student here at City Tech. I chose nursing as a major because I love to help others and wanted to make a positive impact on others lives. I aspire to be a pediatric nurse. I love working with kids, and one way I am able to do that now is by working at a daycare. I enjoy helping my kids grow and learn everyday. Besides working, whenever I have leisure time, I like to binge watch some of my favorite shows. One of the shows I am currently watching is Scandal. I also find myself reading my Bible, braiding hair, and swimming during my free time too!
Topic One: Ever since I was in elementary school, math has always been my favorite subject. I love the way math allows me to critically think and challenge my brain. Math always made me feel the best about myself because it pushes me to think hard and once I finally figured out the answer it makes me feel accomplished. The satisfaction for solving problems and finding solutions feels rewarding!
Hello, my name is Ish-shenelle Jones and I am a readmitted student here at City tech. While I started out in the liberal arts major I transitioned a few terms back to the human services major in hopes I have a clearer vision of my future occupation. Since I’m currently working full time in the healthcare field, I’ve gained an incredible interest in obtaining my masters in Medical social work. Aside from schooling, some of my hobbies are going out for brunch, reading, binging Netflix series are simple cleaning up. I love a tidy space it sets the tone for anything else I would like to accomplish throughout the day. I love hanging out with love ones and simply having a good time.
At time I enjoyed math was in high school. While I can’t remember what math specifically it was, I do know it was my first time having two teachers and I initially hated it. There were a lot of stigma associated with having two teachers and I didn’t want those stigma made towards me. Turned out, that was the best I ever performed in math. I was one of the top students who teachers were comfortable having me as an aide to help other students who weren’t getting the hang of it. I remember the math consist of, exponents, rationals fractions, distributive and associative property things of that sort. I say this to say having good teachers and attentive teachers as long with studying is necessary and really paying attention is necessary in receiving a good grade. I remember taking math 1190 here at city tech and failing and retaking it while exercising my seek tutors and I then received a A. I won’t say I ever hated math, I still think its not my best/ preferred subject, however with constant studying and a great teacher to teach I can earn a good grade which essentially is the end goal.
Hello everyone!
My name is Nathan Exantus. I was born and raised in Port au Prince Haiti and migrated to the U.S. in 2010 to achieve a higher quality of life. I am a career and technical education ( CTE ) teacher’s apprentice in my second year of the Success via Apprenticeship program. I chose to major in Bachelor in Career and Technical Education to meet the NYS requirements to become a Plumbing Teacher at an NYC Public high school and to inspire students to own their educational journeys as my HS construction teacher did. I enjoy listening to gospel, swing jazz, and soul music. Lastly, I enjoy spending time with family in my spare time.
For this second paragraph, I’ll be responding to prompt #2.
Around my junior year of HS, my opinion of math dramatically changed for the better. I spent my junior high years earning low scores on mathematics regents and classes due to my limiting belief that I wasn’t good at Algebra, Geometry, or calculus. luckily, while repeating an algebra class in my junior year of high school, I had a math teacher who stressed practice and study and empowered me to use my notes and resources to solve math problems. After putting his techniques into practice and committing to writing well-organized notes, I passed my state regents and realized that my fear of math led me to believe there was no point in studying. Now, I like the challenge that solving math problems brings and look forward to challenging myself in statistics.
Hello everyone, my name is Numaan Saeed. I’m currently studying as a computer science major because I feel that technology is the fastest-growing field with the most job opportunities. I enjoy participating in fun activities like basketball and playing video games with my friends. I specifically enjoy story-based video games. It’s like being in control of a movie which makes it fascinating to play.
(I answered topic #1) Math has been my favorite subject since elementary school. Other subjects often bored me because it was just memorizing a bunch of information and writing it down. Math was the subject that required more thinking skills which helped make the class more exciting. Working on different problems never seemed like work. It was always fun and made me want to go to school.
Hi Everyone, my name is Fedlyne Jacques. My majors is Health Service administration. In my spare time, I like to exercise.
Math used to be my favorite when I was in High school taking Algebra and trigonometry. It used to be fun solving equations. But after I took statistics two years ago, it just made dislike math in general. That class stressed me out so much and even when I went to tutoring, I still failed. But hopefully I past this time around.
Hi Everyone, my name is Fedlyne Jacques. My majors is Health Service administration. In my spare time, I like to go to gym and workout, I love watching scary and action movies.
Math used to be my favorite when I was in High school taking Algebra and trigonometry. It used to be fun solving equations. But after I took statistics two years ago, it just made dislike math in general. That class stressed me out so much and even when I went to tutoring, I still failed. But hopefully I past this time around.
Hi Fedlyne, I too remember enjoying math back in high school once I got the “hang” of it. I can also remember failing math 1190 here at city tech then passing with a A the second time around. I say that to say, dont be discouraged & don’t give up, stay focus and utilize the tutors that are available. If I’m not mistaken, tutors are available on bright space. I’m not too confident myself but I will be taking my own advice in order to be successful. Good luck in your studies!