Samarth Sud

During this session we learned about code switching, and the things that people of color at our school have or will experience, including my self. Where we will find the need to change the way in which we speak or behave in different environments to change how we are perceived or will be perceived by others. I couldn’t be examples and pointed raised by Chris very interesting and telling about the experiences of people who enter environments that had been foreign to them prior to their entering them. I also learned about life after PGCC from the panel of people at the end of the meeting who continued the discussion on code switching but also inserted relevant information about their times else where and what they took away from PGCC, such as the 3 students that attend UMD.

We heard a presentation about overcoming hardship by a presenter who discussed losing her brother while she was in school. She connected her story to us and what we might be going through and how mental health is so important. Later went into 3 separate breakout room, I went into the academic and career room where we discussed procrastination, time management and better practices to over come some of our difficulties.

This event hosted numerous speakers, they discussed their experiences with work, life and school, specifically the hardships they faced and what they did to over come them. As I listened to the speakers I was motivated as I saw I was not along in some of the things I am struggling with. I also learned tips and strategies to mitigate some of the problems as they explained those same problems and highlighted how they overcame them. One of the more impactful parts of this advice was that regarding studying habits and things I can do to improve my studying as well as alleviate some stress and anxiety caused by prior habits.

During this meeting we went over how and what we can do to complete our required service hours. As well as the activities that are permitted to complete them, and which are not.

I really found this every helpful, especially the guest speaker who gave us tips on finances and shared her life experience. I have a lot of flatbread around money but how se was able to create opportunities later in life helps ease some worry.