Brianna albert- post 2

 

In this group assignment, my group was assigned with the topic of paying it forward. Prior to this assignment I had some previous knowledge on the subject but nothing too extensive. I would like to start this blog off by talking about some of the key things I learnt while doing this presentation and also how working in a group not only can be contributing to the movement of paying it forward but is beneficial to us students in general. I will also add key things I learnt from the other groups presentation.

Paying it forward is a concept and practice rooted in kindness, empathy, and the idea that small acts of goodwill can create a ripple effect of positive change. At its core, paying it forward entails performing an act of kindness for someone without expecting anything in return. The idea is that the recipient of the kindness will, in turn, do something kind for someone else, creating a chain reaction of positive deeds that extend far beyond the initial act. This selfless approach to generosity is a powerful way to make the world a better place and promote a sense of community. The concept of paying it forward gained widespread recognition and popularity with the 2000 film "Pay It Forward". Which our professor asked us to watch before starting our project. We didn't have the chance to watch it all as a group but those who could watched it on their own. The main aspect of the movie is about, a young boy's school project that involves helping three people and encouraging them to help others in return, rather than paying back the favor. This idea underscores the notion that acts of kindness can accumulate as a dominoe effect, as each person touched by a good deed has the opportunity to extend that positivity to others, creating a positive cycle of giving.

Paying it forward doesn't have to be anything crazy either. Paying it forward can take many forms, from simple acts like holding the door open for someone, buying a stranger's coffee, which is something I talked about in my part of the presentation, to more significant deeds such as volunteering at a local charity or supporting a cause that is meaningful to you. The essence of paying it forward lies in the genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others, without the expectation of receiving something in return. This philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that even a single act of kindness can have far-reaching consequences, fostering a sense of unity, compassion, and goodwill within communities and society as a whole. While paying it forward often involves acts of generosity towards strangers, it can also apply to interpersonal relationships. In personal interactions, it means being supportive and helpful to friends, family members, and acquaintances without anticipating reciprocation. This approach fosters stronger bonds and encourages a culture of giving and mutual care within one's social network. We spoke a lot about these interpersonal relationships before our presentation in the study guide section for that reason. Paying it forward is a beautiful and altruistic way to leave a positive mark on the world. It emphasizes the power of individual actions to inspire others and create a more compassionate and generous society. By embracing this practice, we can each contribute to a world where kindness and empathy become the norm, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility for making the world a better place. Being able to learn all of that and in turn talk to the rest of the students in the class to hopeful give that message is such a cool thing to be able to do.

Group 2 talked about Self-care. Self-care is an absolute must, especially as young adults navigating the ups and downs of life. With the struggle of balancing college, work, and social life, it's easy to overlook our own well-being. But taking time for self-care is crucial for maintaining a healthy and balanced life. It's not just about bubble baths and face masks like many people think. It's about setting boundaries, saying no when needed, and prioritizing our physical and mental health. Self-care becomes a valuable tool in managing stress and maintaining a positive mindset. Whether it's hitting the gym, meditating, or just taking a few minutes to unwind with a book, these self-care practices help us de-stress, stay focused, and build resilience. It's about recognizing that our well-being is a top priority and that taking care of ourselves now sets the stage for a happier and healthier future. This is such an important lesson to learn. It seems like such a basic subject, but it is easily disregarded. group 2 did a good job overall and I think their points went across pretty well. 

Group 3 was in charge with discussing good eating, here are some of the main things I learnt through their presentation. Eating healthy is super important, it might not seem like a big deal right now, but it sets the stage for our future well-being. When we choose nutritious foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins, we're giving our bodies the right fuel to perform at their best. It means more energy to get through those long school days, stay focused during class, and even excel in extracurricular activities. Plus, it helps with things like clear skin, maintaining a healthy weight, and overall feeling good about ourselves. Another thing about eating healthy is that it can actually improve our brainpower. That's a big deal when we're dealing with homework, projects, and exams. Foods rich in nutrients can boost our memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. So, by making smart food choices now, we're not just helping ourselves academically, but we're also developing habits that will benefit us later in life. Plus, we'll be less likely to deal with health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity down the road. Overall, I think group 3 did a fantastic job in giving us information about their topic and the presentation looked neat and organized despite them being the first ones to present.

 To finish this blog off I would like to say that I feel as though doing assignments such as this, group based I mean, enhances communication and interpersonal skills. Through the process of dividing responsibilities, brainstorming ideas, and talking, we develop the ability to listen and compromise effectively. having those skills in your back pocket can be so helpful through your professional and academic career. Working as a group can even provide some of those pay it forward beliefs we discussed. I believe this is the case because when students work together, they can help one another understand challenging concepts, offer unique perspectives, and provide support and guidance, creating a symbiotic learning environment. This practice of assisting one another not only ensures the successful completion of the assignment but also cultivates a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, which can be carried forward into other aspects of life, promoting a culture of giving and support. The only real complaint I would have is that I don't think the class leaders helped as much as they should of. That's just a personal opinion but I felt as though I was the one that had to explain everything to everyone and make sure everyone knew what was going on. I don't necessarily think it was fair for k to do her conclusion a 1 sentence slide done at the very last minute and not even help us out. I think we did more work for these projects than them. But again that's just my perspective and I don't know if they helped privately. Anyways, that's all. Cool assignment and some cool things to have learnt.