Multimedia Midterm

At the beginning of the semester I had no knowledge of windows Movie Maker, orApple’s I movie. As an owner of a windows system my Movie Maker application has laiddormant since it’s inception. The most daunting task on this project was learning how tocoordinate and assemble a quality video. I can’t imagine what producers go through tocreate a three hour movie since it takes me six hours to create one modest three minuteclip. For this same reason I am glad I learned how to utilize images, sound clips, andMovie Maker. It is an excellent format that I would like to use for my own personalpictures along with my favorite music, and see myself becoming proficient at some pointand look forward to helping others when they want to create something independently.Throughout the semester I had collected multiple images of the children, building,outdoor area, and neighborhood, but did not have the faintest idea on what I shouldconsider for a theme. It took me nearly the entire semester and four rough DVD copies ofmy presentation until I thought would be the best choice. Progression. Thanks to the lawbeing passed in Arizona I thought to myself how this seems like a step backwards forMexican-Americans. Then I tried to understand where did they start, and how have theyprogressed in society? How have I progressed in knowledge throughout the semester, andmy volunteering experience? Where I started was a lack of understanding how difficultthe transition can be for someone with not only a language barrier, but amongst peoplewho detest your presence without even knowing you personally. I generally lackedawareness of this because of having little experience with Mexican-Americans,throughout grade and high school. Even at UWM today I do not sense or acknowledge alarge presence of students of their descent. Is it intentional or is it poor observation, lackof each other reaching out to become acquaintances or friends? This experience withvolunteering may not be life changing, but has opened my eyes in a positive way.So in order to visually display how I felt about this experience and where it hastaken me I decided to start my research on the history of Escuela Vieau how and why itbegan. This became my most difficult task as I found little on who lobbied for thisbuilding and who supported their efforts? After all it is tax payer dollars, and privatedonations that keep it afloat. After struggling to get the proper information on this angle Idecided to just stick to the title of progression, and incorporate my own relationshipbuilding with the kids, adults, and staff members. Plus add in modern pop culture iconsand people of importance in congress or other facets of today’s economy, and they are avital part of our society. I blended these pictures with free music from freeplay music andcreative commons sites I had not heard of until this year. Ultimately I hope my videoshows promise, and a positive outlook while addressing that there is still much left to bedone when it comes to fully accepting minorities in our culture.

Progression

Journal Reflection #1

Today March 11th I worked from 3-6pm helping two boys Brian and Christian with there math homework. I noticed right away neither of these boys had any discomfort speaking, or listening to me. They both also enjoyed partaking in anything but there math homework, which became difficult at points keeping them on task. So in order to continue teaching them, I used the only parental skill I know.. bribery. I told them if we finished our assignments I would let them assist me in taking pictures. This did not work out, as I had planned, but nonetheless we did finish the assignment, and hopefully my advice on multiplying and dividing would be beneficial to them.
After my tutoring session ended at 4:30 I proceeded over to the lunch room where for the remainder of the day I played video games, fooseball, and other activities with numerous different kids. The first two boys I played fooseball with did not speak any english so I was not able to catch their names. They to had no sense of fear, or nervousness joining me, and most of the time we were able to overcome the language barrier by similing or high fiving each other, showing enjoyment. Overall for my first experience here Yesenia was right on target these kids do accept just about anyone who wants to join them. They seem upbeat and postive, very rambuncous just like any other kids. I really enjoyed my first day here and look forward to meeting other children, and maybe even some parents.

Journal Reflection #3

Today is my final day of volunteering 5/12/10. This was by far my best expereince at Escula Vieau. Today I decided to stay late till 8pm to work with adults in the library with the English as a second language class. They had exams today, and seemed quite nervous about it, but in a good way. I was impressed by two women specifically on how far they had come along in there knowledge of English language. The first woman's name was pronouced loose, and the second women's name was Elsia. They explained to me why it was important to learn english not only for themselves, but for their children and there jobs. Another women opened up to me and told me she was taking lessons because her husband had passed away, and she made friends with the woman in her group so she decided to join. This was incedible to me that she was willing to discuss this when it was clearly still difficult to discuss, let alone to a stranger. The woman seemed very interested in learning English as well as about me. It was quite hilarious at the beginning when I sat down with them one woman began speaking Spanish directly to me, after she finished I said habla no Espanol. Three woman laughed after they realized I was being serious when someone translated that information for me. Needless to say I finally got to meet some adults and the also accepted me right away which the feeling was mutual. I would really like to continue assisting in that program however I will have to wait till next fall, as they only offer it during the school year.
What I gained from this entire experience is that although we have a slight language barrier, it is not difficult to overcome. A simple smile is a good start to a conversation that can bring a lot of knowledge about each other's ideas and way of life. Although it's difficult to not notice the prominent heritage posted in the hallways, or signs in Spanish I never felt uncomfortable more curious than anything. There is still a lot I would like to know about there heritage, and there language, and hopefully I can continue gaining these through more volunteering.

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a special day for people of Mexican origin around the world. It marks the anniversary of a Mexican military victory over France. A national holiday in Mexico, it has become a day to celebrate Hispanic history and culture. Parades, festivals, and other special events are held each year on this day.
The story behind the holiday begins in 1861. That year the Mexican government could not pay its debts to the countries of France, Britain, and Spain. All of these countries sent ships to Mexico to collect the money owed, but the Mexican president Benito Juarez made deals with the leaders of Britain and Spain to stop them from attacking. The leader of France, Napoleon III, on the other hand, saw a chance to take lands in Mexico.
France first invaded Veracruz, driving the Mexican government out of the city. Later French troops-more than 6,000 men-moved out to attack Puebla de Los Angeles in 1862. President Juarez could only muster up 2,000 people to defend Puebla. Under the leadership of General Zaragoza, the Mexican forces prepared for the French siege. Although they were outnumbered and outgunned, the Mexicans battled the French from dawn to dusk and emerged victorious. In the end, the French retreated. And the date of that battle, May 5, has since become a symbol of Mexican independence.

National Council of La Raza

http://www.nclr.org/