Ashley Montesino-Padron - Blog #2 - 11/03/2025

  

In the past few weeks, our class presented really good information on various topics and subtopics. 

I learned a lot of new information. Here are some of my favorite parts. 

I learned about the perspectives of family in the U.S. vs. the rest of the world. For example, here in the U.S., "families are more nuclear, focused on freedom and self-expression; marriage is based on romance and choice, and they usually have a higher average income." On the other hand, families in other countries "are more collective; they are focused on discipline, life obligation, and respect; marriage is family-oriented and there are arranged marriages; divorce rates are lower due to laws, cultural beliefs, and religion; they usually have lower average annual income."

Victoria Kaschel presented organizations and their impact on the environment. Some examples are: 

- Local food banks contribute to a healthier, connected society.

- The Boys & Girls Club of America contribute to the decrease of poverty, stress, and homelessness. 

- Women's and children's shelters contribute to a stronger emotional well-being. 

Meli Sosa presented why family is so important. She explained that the way families raise their children reflects how they will treat others. Without a family to help guide children in life, things won't be easier. I agree with families being super important. She also presented about the challenges we are facing when protecting our community. She explained how in the 1980s, the toxic waste in the neighborhoods led to cleanup laws. Today we face climate change, heat, toxins that affect our health, and floods. Our goal is for communities to have safe and healthy homes. 

I like the information Yamil presented about the evolution of family structure. For example, in ancient civilizations (3000 BCE - 500 CE), in Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, and Egypt, families were male-dominated and property based; in the Industrial Revolution (1700s- 1900s), families roles became gender-defined; in the 20th century (1900s - 2000), families could be blended or be a single parent; and in the 21st century (2000 - present), families can be child-free, there are same-sex families, and couples living together before marriage. 

He also presented the policies, attitudes, and actions of the United States and compared to Sweden's policies, attitudes, and actions. 

United States

Policies: Clean Air Act (1970), Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and the Clean Water Act (1972).

Attitudes: There are two political parties, Democrats and Republicans. Democrats believe in climate change being a massive threat, favors rejoining global climate agreements, and advocate for renewable energy and regulations. Republicans are skeptical about climate change being an urgent problem, favors market-driven solutions rather than government mandates, and are concerned about the impacts the environmental regulations can have on the economy. 

Actions: National Parks System that protects around 84 million acres, the investments in solar and hydrogen via federal grants, and companies like Tesla that are pioneering in clean technology. 

Sweden

Policies: Climate Act (2018 - "legally binds the government to reach net-zero emissions by 2045"); Carbon Tax (1991 - "encourages industries and individuals to shift away from fossil fuel"); and Environmental Quality Objectives (16 total - is a framework that addresses biodiversity, water, air, waste, and climate").

Attitudes: "Around 90% of Sweden sees climate change as a massive and serious threat; in the U.S. only approximately 70% do." Sweden has the public's support for recycling, sustainable transport, and renewable energy. Sweden is home to the Friday for Future movements and Greta Thunberg - a Swedish environmental activist who pressures governments to address climate change and other issues. 

Actions: Their waste management (less than 1% of waste goes to landfills); their ambition to be carbon neutral by 2045; and renewable energy (over 50% of the energy comes from renewables such as hydropower and wind). 

I like Grace's interview and the summary she presented. She informed us that after 9/11, Americans stood together, but nowadays we're more divided than ever. People judge each other, there is no respect, and they are quick to judge. In her interview, Steve said that "we need to treat people better and stop letting hate guide our actions." Society is letting celebrities and their moral values guide them, and this causes more harm than good. To fix our society, we need to be kind, stop fighting each other, and have more empathy for others. 

I like how Kevin presented the pros of people having environmental education. Some pros are having knowledge in subjects like math, reading, and science; motivation to learn; and having different skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and oral communication. 

Matthew explained that "more environmentally centered field trips can promote environmental stewardship." You can make plans to go to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. 

I enjoyed how Venshell presented the different perspectives on online learning and traditional learning. 

American Perspective

Online Learning: offers flexibility for working adults and students in college; some challenges are distractions, internet issues, and fewer interactions.

Traditional Learning: encourages face-to-face interaction and builds social connection but is less flexible for people with family responsibilities and jobs. 

World Perspective

Online Learning: limited internet access; in some countries - ex: India or Africa - can't afford technology that is reliable, and some countries, such as Finland, have been able to combine online and face-to-face learning.

Traditional Learning: the main form of education, is focused on respect, in-person teaching, and discipline; technology depends on the funding and the support of the government. 

Isabel presented how healthcare strengthens families. She explained that having a strong healthcare system can help families focus on living instead of worrying. She also shared some healthcare programs. For examples, TRICARE covers military families; Bluebird Kids Healthcare specializes in supporting the growth of children; and Florida Health Care ensures Floridians have accessible and affordable care. 

For my group's presentation, we focused on immigration and the economy. I agree with the statement of the U.S. being an immigrant nation built by immigrants. Carlos explained how immigrants contribute to the United States GDP. Aurora and I presented immigration in the U.S. compared to other countries. I compared the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and North Korea and how their policies and governments view immigration. Aurora compared the U.S., Cuba, and Venezuela. Calixto gave a thorough but at the same time not too complicated explication about the different visas. He spoke a lot about the economy and immigration all wrapped in one. Adrian gave a great explication on the old vs. new immigration. He also explained about how immigration has impacted the nation in terms of culture, economy, and policies, and the future of immigration. Aquilah explained what's happening in the economy and immigration. I love how she presented different time periods, for example, the 1800s - early 1900s, 1920s - 1940s, 1950s - 1970s, and the 1980s - 1990s. She shared a podcast of a Florida policy researcher explaining how immigrants impact the economy. 

In a few words, everyone gave a great presentation and provided super important information. 

The more knowledge you gain, the better.