Alicia Amador - Reflection 2 Group 1

 Aspirations, Education, and Wellness

I had the chance to listen to thoughtful and meaningful presentations, each tackling important topics that influence how we live, connect, and grow. The first presentation, "Education and the Economy," was my group’s topic. I focused especially on how unequal school funding affects opportunities for students depending on their race, income level, and access to technology. It opened my eyes to how deeply systemic inequality is tied to educational outcomes, and how education shapes our future earning power and career access. Next, the "Mental Health and Fun/Social Life" presentation explored the importance of emotional well being, especially for students navigating stress, relationships, and identity. It emphasized that balancing academics while also having fun and connecting is a necessity. Lastly, the "Family and Potential Careers" presentation dove into the powerful influence of family legacy, cultural norms, and expectations. It delved into how inherited dreams and personal passions can sometimes clash. In the sections that follow, I’ll elaborate on what I learned from each presentation, what I found impactful, what I believe could’ve been expanded on, and how each one connects to my own life. 

Education and Economy - Group 1

Working on this presentation changed the way I see education, not just as something personal, but as something political and unevenly distributed. I always knew there were differences between schools, but this project forced me to dig into the reasons why. I learned that school funding in the United States is not equal across the board it largely depends on local property taxes, which means richer neighborhoods get more funding for their schools, while lower income districts receive far less. It shocked me to see how this system reinforces inequality. In communities of color, especially predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods, schools often struggle with outdated textbooks, limited extracurriculars, and underpaid teachers. Meanwhile, schools in wealthier (and often white) districts have advanced technology, more AP classes, and better college counseling services. This presentation really hit home for me, this isn't just about money, it’s about access to opportunity.

What I appreciated most about our presentation was how we connected the dots not just between school funding and student outcomes, but also between education and the broader economy. We showed how higher educational attainment leads to better paying jobs and how underfunded schools limit that potential. I think we did a good job highlighting how this is not just a school issue, it’s an economic justice issue. Education should be a ladder, but in many places, it’s a wall. If I could add anything, I would’ve liked to include more personal stories from students who have experienced these differences firsthand. I think that would’ve helped people in the audience feel the impact emotionally, not just intellectually. 

This topic was deeply personal to me. As someone who didn’t grow up in the most privileged school district, I saw firsthand what it’s like to have limited resources. I remember classrooms with broken computers, overworked teachers, and no real college prep support. There were times when I felt like the system expected less from us and it was disheartening. But being part of this group taught me to think critically about why those conditions existed. It wasn’t our fault. It was the result of a system built on inequality. This project reminded me that education is not just a personal achievement, it’s a civil right that should be guaranteed, not earned based on your zip code or background. 

Mental Health and Fun Social Life - Group 2

This presentation helped me understand that mental health and social well-being are just as important as academic or career success. I learned how things like stress, loneliness, and burnout can affect our ability to communicate, stay motivated, and maintain healthy relationships. One of the most important takeaways for me was that we don’t need to wait until something is wrong to care for our mental health, it should be part of our everyday routine.  

I really appreciated how honest and relatable the presenters were. They didn’t sugarcoat the reality of stress or the emotional struggles many students face, especially in college. It felt validating to hear people talk about the pressure to “have it all together”. I liked the practical suggestions they gave like creating boundaries, prioritizing friendships, and finding time to disconnect from academic pressure. The examples were real and personal, and it made the information more powerful. I think the presentation could have gone deeper into how mental health stigma affects different communities, especially among minorities or immigrant families. As a Hispanic woman, I’ve seen how mental health isn’t always talked about openly. Sometimes it’s seen as a sign of weakness, or something to just “get over,” rather than something that deserves attention and care. Including cultural perspectives would have made the message even stronger and more inclusive. 

This topic really hit home for me. Growing up in a Hispanic household, I was raised to be strong, keep going, and not complain. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that being strong also means knowing when to rest, when to ask for help, and when to say no. I’ve had moments where I felt overwhelmed trying to juggle school, family responsibilities, and my own expectations. This presentation reminded me that I’m not alone, that happiness and friendships are not just extra, they’re part of staying mentally and emotionally grounded. 

Family and Potential Careers - Group 3

This presentation helped me understand how deeply our families influence our career paths both in the values they pass down and the expectations they set. I learned that career decisions are rarely made by yourself. They’re shaped by our culture, gender roles, socioeconomic status, and the unspoken pressure to break the cycle. Some people feel pushed to follow a path just to meet family approval, while others struggle with guilt for choosing something different from what was expected. The presentation showed that a career is not just a job, it’s also a reflection of identity.

I loved the metaphor that Aitana shared legacy is like a tree with roots that hold us, but branches that can grow in any direction. That image stuck with me because it reminds me to honor where I've come from while still creating my own path. I also liked how the group shared different perspectives, some from people following in their family’s footsteps and others from those carving out their own route. The interview with Susana, who went from a farming background to working in international trade, was especially powerful. It showed how ambition and heritage can work together, not against each other. I think the group could have explored more of how class and immigration status affect career choices. Many students, especially from first-generation or working-class families, don’t have the luxury to “follow their dreams” without worrying about financial stability. It also would have been helpful to include more about how gender expectations limit career imagination. For example, how certain careers are encouraged for men but not women in traditional households.

My family has always encouraged hard work, and I carry that with pride, but I also carry the weight of expectation. Sometimes it feels like I’m walking a fine line between being grateful and being true to myself. Choosing a career path isn’t just about what I want, it’s also about what will make my family proud, and what path would allow me to give back for all they’ve sacrificed and done for me. This presentation reminded me that it’s okay to create my own version of success. I can stay connected to my roots while still reaching for something new. Balance is part of what makes my journey meaningful. 

Final Thoughts

Each presentation connected to the other, education sets the stage, mental health sustains us, fun keeps us grounded, and family often directs the path we walk. These topics made me think more about who I am, what I want, and the kind of life I’m building. I’m learning that success isn’t just about grades or a job title, it’s about balance, authenticity, and meaningful connections. Most importantly, I’m learning that while we may not get to choose where we start, we do get to choose how we grow. Each of these presentations brought a different message, but together, they helped me realize something bigger. That our future paths are shaped by the systems we grow up in, the support we receive, and the courage we have to define success on our own terms.