A521.5.4.RB- Aligning Values

A genuinely ethical community has three basic components:

- Trust

- Loyalty

- Solidarity

These three components are very important in a club like Baja. We have to trust each other, we have to be loyal to the other members and the work we are doing. What is great with Baja, is that we have each others back no matter what. If someone is struggling with anything, there is always someone you can talk to and a shoulder to cry on. 

We are a mix of so different human beings. Sometimes it isn't easy being a group of girls with so many different values and personalities. But, there is something we always agree on: teamwork and trust, loyalty, and solidarity to Baja. We have to put or differences aside to get the group to work and focus on the values we do share. 

I don't feel like we are missing any important values, but I feel we come short in some:

- The ability to attract more people to the club and more sponsors. We are allowed to use as much money we want for our car, but since we don't have any bigger sponsors we have a budget on what the school is willing to sponsor us with.

- Another thing I feel we are lacking is structure and better leadership. Since we are a group of girls, I feel like the captain might come short to lead the group. She might worry to much about what other feel and want. 

The lacking of leadership might be that we as individuals haven't been able to do this in other situations. Most of the girls are missing that experience. What we can do is support the captain and help her on the way by not getting upset by being lead. At least, all we can do is try!

A521.5.1.RB- Core Workplace Value Assessment

I see Baja as my organization. 

For us on theBaja it is important to be creative and building a really good product. This is something we do every year as far as to designing the car and building it. This means we have to be innovative too. Being a part of a team has learned us about teamwork, respect and being valued, developing skills with tools, order and structure and having fun! It is important that we meet deadlines with the car and that we learn how to use our time in a productive, efficient way. As a group of female engineers building a car, we want to have a positive impact on others, especially young girls, and the society. 

My personal values is reflected in some of these values. For me, Baja is about having fun and learning new skills. It is also important for me in my personal life. I was once told to always have fun while learning something new. This will help me work on my creative side, as well as the problem solving aspect. For me, it is really importent to be respected for who you are and what you stand for. It is important, when being a part of a group, that you can be who you are and that you feel valued and heard. For Baja, we have had to pull a few all-nighter, because our time management has been a little off. This can happen in my personal life some times too. I have a bad habit of holding off on doing something I don't want to do, and that is something I need to improve. 

For me, as an individual, it isn't really necessary to stand out and have a big impact on society. If I can have an impact on one or two persons, I have managed to reach a goal that means a lot to me. For Baja, we try to reach out to everyone, at school and in society. We want to show that this is what we have done and that we are proud of it!

A500.5.3.RB- Critical Thinking About Critical Thinking

Since I started this class five weeks ago, I have learned to ask questions in a different way. During my time as an apprentice in an electrical firm, I was told to always ask why. Such as "Why are you doing what you are doing?" I have started asking myself what am I trying to achieve, what is the author trying to say in this chapter, etc when I read. I think this is something I have to keep working on, to get my mind to work this way in many situations/ cases.
I have also implemented this way of thinking when it comes to my dogs. I ask myself why Lucky barks at the door when the neighbor passes, why he is crying instead of showing me what he wants. I think this is a good way to learn why dogs are the way they are.

A500.4.3.RB- Ballet Slippers or Adorable?

Sheena Iyengar speak about an interesting topic.

1. Make your own choice
2. More options leads to better choices, and
3. Never say no to choice

     I have to say, it has really helped me to be able to make my own choices. Being able to wear what I want, having my own dreams and being able to follow them. I can't imagine living in a country where you are told to stay at home to watch kids and clean and cook, not being able to drive, and having to cover up when going outside. I do believe, in all of these points, that it is all up to each person to decide if you are able to make your own choices, the choices that are best for you.
     As for point two, it is all about what kind of person you are. Being in control of yourself. But, more options doesn't necessarily mean better choices. You could have more options and still choose the lesser choice. Although, having options that can benefit all people is good. When people don't have a lot of money, it is good to be able to choose a less expensive brand. And those with more money can choose a cheaper or more expensive brand.
     I don't agree with Ms. Iyengar when it comes to never saying no to a choice, though. If you give a kid a choice of staying up or going to bed, there is a big chance they will choose to stay up. If you offer them candy and fruit, what would they pick?

A521.4.3.RB- Subtitles of Communication and Hidden Messages

     People always say they can read me like an open book. Even if I say that I am okay, my body language tells them something different. I have learned that it is okay to be honest with people.
     I guess I am that kind of person that wear her feelings on the sleeve. I get loud when excited, I cross my arms and legs not only because it is comfortable, but because I don't trust people easily, and I speak fast and mumble during presentations because I always get nervous.
     I could improve on all these to become a better communicator; learn how to be excited in a professional way, trust myself in what I know which will improve my speaking skills, and trust people in the professional way.
     Me and my sister, we don't get along. So we have many situations where we have said something to each other and our body language something else.

A500.3.4.RB.- Explore The Hunt Library

The Hunt Library is available only for student at Embry-Riddle, while the web is open for everyone. The Library has articles that has credibility while anyone can post anything on the internet, true or false.
The main difference between these two sources is the credibility and what alternatives you get when you do a search. In the Library, you get articles, book and videos that has to do with the topic you are searching for. As for the web, your first get explanations what the word means, how you can become a good leader, etc. I personally feel that you have to be so much more specific when you search for something on the web. For a definition, I would easily just google it. As for articles for class, I would search in the Library as I feel I would find what I was looking for faster.

A521.3.4.RB - Personal Reflection

Looking back to my life when I was younger, there are many situations that have formed me to be the person I am today.

I have always been scared of hurting anyone. I guess because of that people have taken advantage of me and pushed me around. Realizing this, I have stood up for myself and trusted my own skills. It has made me a better and more secure leader, in the way that I ask what other people think of a matter but I am the one that has the final say. I am also more clear on what I want and expect from people.

Having people push me around and yelling at me often throughout my childhood and youth, without reason, has made me sensitive to criticism. It has made me work harder and I take failure personally. If something doesn't go as well as I hoped, I get very disappointed in myself.