Roses in concrete by "Jeff Duncan Andrade."

Jeff Duncan Andrade makes a good point talking about the Oakland area population and it's negativity in the areas around it. Jeff talks about how crimes such as homicide, robberies and gang activities are increasing day by day. These crimes are affecting the innocent people living in that area. Jeff called these people Roses in concrete because all these people have a valuable life and if these people are directed in the right direction of life with love and support, they can be out shinning stars of future. Most of the people living there have constant stress and destruction to their lives where they can't think straight or focus on a good future unless someone tries to help them. These people need someone strong in their life that can nurture and care for them like they are babies for better future. People living there need to realize their responsibilities toward each other. They have to consider everything  instead of  the mentality that "it's mine" and "it's all about me".

Maybe if people or resources realize how messed up Oakland is and try to help then things can turn out to be hopeful for better future.  I do understand that Jeff has opened our eyes to see how there are so many problems going on in Oakland, but I would like to know the following:

1. Why is the government not giving additional security to Oakland city even after knowing there are so many crimes  happening everyday?

2. Why and when did Piedmont decide that they wanted a secure community?

3. Why are outside resources not helping Oakland community to get better?

Family

Family is my first priority. Being a wife and with two kids, it takes a lot for me to take care of my family, especially since I am in school. With my hectic schedule. I am missing so many precious family moments just so I can provide a better and  more secure future for my family.

I hardly spend time with my family. I get up before dawn and clean the house. Then I finish cooking meals for the day and get ready for my full time job. After working 8-10hrs five days a week, I go to school at night. After doing so much and dealing with so many tasks, I am looking forward to have my nursing license and be part of my family in long run. I have not taken any vacations in the past 5 years just so I can focus on my school, before I face more budget cuts and have less options for classes that I need. I know as the times are passing, nothing is going to be same. There are times when there is a family party going on but I can't make it because of my school. My kids are growing up but I know if I am not educated, it will not help them. They will look up to me and will do better in their future. I cannot wait for the day when I will have my degree in my hands and I will look back at all the sacrificing and say it was totally worth doing what I have done for my family.

I Love my job but...

 It takes a lot for a Medical Assistant to get their daily job done. I know this because I am a Medical Assistant who works really hard on a daily basis. I have to assist my MD's everyday with procedures, taking vitals on patients, giving injection and documenting every little thing that has to do with my patient.

 

When I sit down at lunch time, It's not because I want to eat and relax. It gives me a chance to catch up on my school homework. It's really difficult to go to school when you have a full time job and a dependent family. My job requires a lot physically and mentally, so I have to push myself everyday. I tell myself I have to aim for my degree so one day I be with my family for long run, and when I  am there with them I have secured all of our futures. Sometimes at end of the day I am so tired from working all day, but I have to remind myself that I cannot give up now. I have to get more and more stronger and finish my school. I still feel very fortunate because I work with a very hardworking and nice group of people that help me through out the day.

MONEY TALKS

 Since our economy is not doing so well and everything is getting expensive,  money is one of the major issues I have to face and it is making thriving in college difficult.The amount of money I earn, I use it for my family expenses plus to pay the bills. Most of the things I do or anywhere I go it involves money, especially paying for college education.

Each unit is so expensive that I cannot think of taking more than one class each semester. I have to take one class at a time to make sure I can afford my family expenses and continue to get higher education to live better future. Gas prices have gone up and I have to pay for parking at school as well as. Books and other required materials for each class I take. Overall, It's getting more expensive since I am working less hours now because of my school. Life's only getting harder and harder everyday to live and achieve for better so I have to finish my school within time.

movie passionate

MOVIE PASSIONATE

This movie speaks to us by telling us that we need to discover what we are passionate about. Passion has been forgotten since we are so busy in our world. Most of the people follow what their families have to say and they follow. but never give themselves a chance to truly find out who they truly are and what they want in life. Movie Passion tells is about exploring our selves inside out. It talks about how we have to face some sort of failure in life to see success. To find out what you are ambitious about, and to find right teacher, who walks with and explains you well to have deep understanding. Passion is something that drives you and makes you happy.

I have learned something that I never thought I was doing most of the time and that was pleasing others around me and never thought of myself. I have started focusing on my self because if I am not happy with what I do, I will not be happy for long time. I have started trusting myself instead of listening to others opinion all the time. I know I have to be the

change to change something within me.. I see life beautiful and bloomed because things are more clear and meaningful now. I have waken my passion toward helping others in need by becoming a nurse. This is something makes me happy when I am helping as a medical assistant but it's not enough. My passion is growing stronger and stronger so am I.

CONNECTIONS BETWEEN POVERTY AND PASSION.

People living in poverty knows their limits in their life. They work hard to earn. They are happy with what they have.

 

They are not greedy.  They have polite attitude toward others. Because there is no distractions, they can focus on what they want and what they need in their life. Lack of money gives you more passion. More struggles you face , more you focus in life.There is not so much going on in their life that they will get distracted. Poor person is only concern about bringing food to the table where rich will be thinking about only achieving materialistic things.

 

This is so true since most of us have become selfish. Most of the humans don't bother to think of others. I am sure we human can get rid of the poverty, if we try hard enough by feeling others pain.