Decision Making

Once Professor Kurpis gave us control of making a decision in which 100% of the class should agree on, someone immediately took on the leadership role. It was definitely necessary, especially with a class as large as ours. The leader was able to keep the class organized and she was also able to multitask. She not only got everyone's input but she also recorded everyone's ideas on the board to keep track. The process we went through to come up with our decision was effective, as long as everybody participated in it. The main problem i saw, was time. I felt that getting everyone's opinion individually, was too time consuming. This caused us to rush some of the ideas. So we rushed the final decision. I think the ideal way to go through the process, is to separate the class into several groups. Let each group come to a decision that each person in the group can agree on. Then after every group has come to an agreement, each group can present their ideas. Then the whole class can come to a decision based on every groups alternatives. Based on the way people handle conflict, I feel that I took on the compromising position. I also think that the class used the compromising method because some of the ideas were composed of two different ideas. This helped gain the satisfaction of those people that disagreed with one or the other. I think that method was ideal because each side was satisfied. I think that the compromising method is effective. Because when two people are in disagreement, compromising can help provide a solution that both sides can agree on.

Planning Process ( egg project )

Our groups egg contraption didn't hold up, which caused our egg to crack. Though we didn't achieve success with the outcome, I feel like we did a pretty good job of going through the steps of the planning process. The only thing we didn't have was a leader. But everyone in the group gave their input. We were able to visualize our ideas and draw our design. We went through the first phase of planning, which was to define our objective and goals. Our goal was to develop a contraption that was going to secure the egg and allow for a clean landing. As for the 2nd step, which was to determine our resources, we had discussed exactly what we were going to do with the straws and tape as soon as we got them. We didn't want to waste any time. Someone also asked each one of us whether we had any strengths in physics. Which can be used to an advantage. We were also able to come up with a couple of other designs, just in case our initial design became unrealistic. We developed a tactical plan for our initial design. Which was to cut all our straws in half as soon as we got the scissors, in order to multiply the amount we can use to cushion the egg. After we got our resources, we all worked together in creating the contraption. Some cut the tape, another handled the egg, and another the straws. Though we failed our objective, which was to land the egg on the ground safely, our planning process was effective. We all worked well together and we stayed focused on our goal.

Dominican Culture

I have traveled to many places within the United States. But the only country I have visited outside the United States, is the Dominican Republic. Which is where my parents were born and raised. Most of my family lives in the Dominican Republic. The Dominican way of life is significantly different from an average American lifestyle. For one, the Caribbean sun is unbelievably hot, but I really enjoy the tropical weather. I can dress comfortably and not have to worry about putting on layers because it is always hot. As for holidays, Christmas and Halloween are not celebrated in the Dominican Republic. Three Kings day is celebrated which is equivalent to Christmas here. Three Kings day is on January 6. In tradition, the three kings arrived on Jan. 6 bearing gifts to baby jesus, which is why gifts are usually opened on that day. Dominican Independence day is also celebrated, which occurred on February 27. During this day every year, there is a carnival where Dominicans are dressed in very colorful and scary looking costumes. Aside from holidays, the Dominican cuisine is also much different. In the U.S., most people would normally eat toast, cereal, scrambled eggs, and/or pancakes for breakfast. While in D.R., Mangu' is traditionally served, which is mashed plantains accompanied with fried onions and fried salami, eggs, or fried white cheese. For lunch, the main course is usually rice, beans, salad, and meat. Breakfast and lunch are usually very heavy meals. Dinner is light, usually a sandwich or just tea. I always enjoy staying at my grandparents house when i would go visit in D.R. At lunch time, there would be so much food prepared, you would think that they were expecting many guests. I definitely put on weight when I am over there. The Dominican Republic is also big on hospitality. Whenever you visit someones house, they go out of there way to make sure you feel comfortable and at home. You are treated royally, and Dominicans take pride in being hospitable. As the saying goes, "mi casa es su casa."

My Intro

Whats your name? Carlos Almonte Where are you from? Well, both my parents were born in the Dominican Republic but i was born in New York City where I lived until I was about 12 yrs. old. I then moved to New Jersey where I have been living for about 9 years now. How has your college career been so far? After graduating High school, I attended Bergen Community College which is in New Jersey. I attended Bergen Community for two years before transferring to Baruch College. Which is actually the school I originally planned on attending right after high school. Due to me being lazy my first two years of high school, i wasn't accepted into any of the colleges i applied to. That just fueled my motivation, which pushed me to do well in community college and allowed me to transfer to Baruch. Though college can be very stressful at times, I try to remain focused and I don't let a grade control me. As long as I know I put in hard work I am satisfied. What year are you in and what do you plan to major in? This is my junior year at Baruch and the major I am focused on is Real Estate Development. Do you currently hold a job and what do you do on your spare time? Yes, I am currently employed at a law firm in New Jersey. My position is in the legal department where I electronically process documents for our clients. During my spare time, I enjoy hanging out friends, I also enjoy traveling and visiting different places. I also like to work out, which keeps me stress free and in good shape.