2nd Reflection Blog

       

                                                  By: Vlada Nekrasov

The last assignment that we had to do as a group was to give an informative powerpoint presentation on gun laws around the world. This was a different approach from the previous powerpoint presentation based on the chapter discussions from the book. This time we had to direct our focus onto speaking instead of writing information on the slides. We were supposed to practice our timed speeches so that all of us could finish the presentation in an hour cohesively. In order to strengthen our speaking skills we had to include visuals such as graphs, videos and pictures. If you are not good at public speaking, this can make it a bit more challenging because it adds more pressure to the assignment. It was also a learning experience to not be emotional about the subject being that it was solely informative. However, I think that our group did a phenomenal job presenting the gun laws around the world. Like always, we communicated well and completed the outline and powerpoint in a timely manner. We followed the professors guidance on how to give a successful informative speech and because of this it greatly influenced our performance. Every group member included amazing visuals that enhanced the experience of our presentation. This gave the speech a personal touch and helped inform the audience of the information that we are trying to convey. 

 

                                           Gun Laws Around The World

I am sure that we all have our own opinions about gun law regulations but it was really interesting and informative to learn about different countries' gun laws around the world and how they compare to ours. It is a bit crazy how our 50 states are regulated separately and not as a whole. The countries in which the citizens trust their government are most ultimately to fight for their country, like Switzerland and Japan for example. They have similar gun laws and strict regulations which include various measures to be taken to be eligible to own a firearm. People will go through various background checks and have mental health evaluations. People are required to go through professional military training if they wish to obtain a license and purchase a weapon. This training allows people to know how to safely handle, shoot and dismantle the gun. Teaching how to safely store the gun is also something that is enforced and equally important for the safety of civilians in the household. This practice and knowledge reduces so many accidental injuries and deaths, especially the ones involving children. Aside from the strict gun regulations and training, these countries typically have higher education and safer communities. I can’t help to think that because of this they have an extremely low rate of mass shootings and overall low crime rate. When you compare their numbers to the United States, it is apparent that our country is defective in its gun control policies, school systems, and this has an impact on crime in our communities. 

                                                             Families At The Border

The second group had presented the topic of families at the border. This in particular was a sensitive topic for me, because my family immigrated into the United States from Moldova when I was 6 years old. After hearing the stories of the poor families and their traveling journeys, it made me think of my family. As a child, I suppose it felt like an adventure for me because I had never been on an airplane before. I had no idea where I was going and that my whole world was about to change. Going to America from such a poor country like Moldova was a dream come true. People actually play the lottery to try to make it here, can you believe it? My parents gave up everything for this chance of a better life. They gave up all their money, careers, friends, family and so much more. My parents were even robbed the day before we were supposed to leave for America, including our passports. How they got them back is another story! Of Course now, it all seems worth it when you finally make it to the land of opportunities and achieve freedom. 

There is a common theme among immigrants that cross into our borders, which is an opportunity for a better life for themselves and their families. However, the stories that were told of these poor were particularly sad and my heart went out to the families that put their lives at risk during their travels. Upon hearing their journeys I gained a lot of respect for their determination to get into our country. They all risked their lives and were put in dangerous situations to travel by foot or water and because of this many lives were lost along the way.  

There is a common theme among immigrants that cross into our borders, which is an opportunity for a better life. However, the stories that were told of these poor were particularly sad and my heart went out to the families that put their lives at risk during their travels. Upon hearing their journeys I gained a lot of respect for their determination to get into our country. They all risked their lives and were put in dangerous situations to travel by foot or water and because of this many lives were lost along the way.         

Upon arrival, the immigrants are not always treated with respect and care, despite all of their sacrifices to make it here. Children are often separated from their parents for many reasons. Sometimes they are sent to travel with a coyote to the United States by themselves in hopes of being reunited with an extended family member that will take them in. Unfortunately, the family member may not be ready for that responsibility and reject the child. Because of this. the child may end up on the streets or end up in foster care. In the event that they are reunited, sometimes it takes a long period of time before they can see each other. Ultimately, this takes a toll on the child’s well being, state of mind and affects their development. Children that were sent to the United States without their parents sometimes end up disappearing, which leads to speculations of human trafficking. 

                       

                                                             Covid 19 

The first group did a presentation on Covid 19, which was definitely an interesting subject considering this is something that is still affecting us today. We have been continuing to feel the after effects of the virus financially, physically and emotionally. In addition to this, the option to go to school virtually became a requirement and continued to become an option continuing the pandemic. For some, attending class via zoom was convenient for those that have families, jobs and others that wanted to save time on travel and money on travel. On the other hand, for other people it was more challenging because they preferred the face to face interaction which helped with learning retention. Overall, Covid 19 has affected people all over the world and is something that we will remember for the rest of our lives.