While I regret to say that I have not been very active on the website/holiday challenge section until today, I am proud that I say that the holiday challenge has still affected me and given me a greater depth of insight into the power of education. Although I cannot say that I have been participating in all of the holiday challenge events or even discussing/thinking about the holiday challenge everyday, merely joining and doing the holiday challenge has helped me to expand my level of thought and appreciation. From the first day of doing the challenge, while writing my introductory blog, I was forced to examine my life and the role of education within it. While I had previously thought of education as something no more than a forced hassle that took up my free time, really taking the time to examine its effect on me has made me appreciate just how important it is.
The website itself has also shown me that while education is important, there are many in the world who are unable to receive this simple yet opportunity-opening privilege. Taking time to look through the causes and all that people are doing to help expand education to those in need of it has also led me to appreciate the drive and work of others while also helping me to think of ways to help others myself. As a current college student hoping to become a doctor, I am extremely grateful for the education that I have received and will be receiving in the future. I am thankful to the givology website/holiday challenge and the people taking part in all of its events for helping me to realize and appreciate the gifts in my life and for helping to further the cause of education and giving the opportunity for a better life to the minds and souls who need it.
The website itself has also shown me that while education is important, there are many in the world who are unable to receive this simple yet opportunity-opening privilege. Taking time to look through the causes and all that people are doing to help expand education to those in need of it has also led me to appreciate the drive and work of others while also helping me to think of ways to help others myself. As a current college student hoping to become a doctor, I am extremely grateful for the education that I have received and will be receiving in the future. I am thankful to the givology website/holiday challenge and the people taking part in all of its events for helping me to realize and appreciate the gifts in my life and for helping to further the cause of education and giving the opportunity for a better life to the minds and souls who need it.
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While I feel that the givology website is certainly a wonderful site that dedicates itself to not only making the lives of others better, but the world as well, I do feel that there are improvements that can be made to the website to further facilitate this goal.
One of the things I noticed about the website when I first logged on, was the lack of user-friendliness and seemingly excess clutter. Although the menu bar helps to organize the different features of the website, it is still difficult to navigate the site fully and find what you are looking with ease. One suggestion that I could make is to use a drop-down menu to show the sub-categories of each category instead of clicking on each. While this seems simple, it helps to show all the categories of the site relatively easy and can help speed up navigation significantly.
Another suggestion I could make is to add a highlight feature on the side of the website that emphasizes a different student and/or event each day. While I am aware this feature is already available on the homepage of the website, I feel that allowing it to run continually throughout each page will not only add to the effectiveness of the highlight but will also reach those who do not always check the front page or who are simply looking at one section/page of the website per day.
Another thing that could be added the website is a forum-like feature instead of the journal or blog which allows for quicker responses and/or sharing of ideas with others. Another thought is a running feed that allows users to connect and post immediately, allowing users to share or discuss any projects or things about the website or simply just give praise easily and quickly.
One of the things I noticed about the website when I first logged on, was the lack of user-friendliness and seemingly excess clutter. Although the menu bar helps to organize the different features of the website, it is still difficult to navigate the site fully and find what you are looking with ease. One suggestion that I could make is to use a drop-down menu to show the sub-categories of each category instead of clicking on each. While this seems simple, it helps to show all the categories of the site relatively easy and can help speed up navigation significantly.
Another suggestion I could make is to add a highlight feature on the side of the website that emphasizes a different student and/or event each day. While I am aware this feature is already available on the homepage of the website, I feel that allowing it to run continually throughout each page will not only add to the effectiveness of the highlight but will also reach those who do not always check the front page or who are simply looking at one section/page of the website per day.
Another thing that could be added the website is a forum-like feature instead of the journal or blog which allows for quicker responses and/or sharing of ideas with others. Another thought is a running feed that allows users to connect and post immediately, allowing users to share or discuss any projects or things about the website or simply just give praise easily and quickly.
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Today, I spoke with my friend, Sara Wong, about the "An Egg Every Day" project. The project is a cause that seeks to provide an egg, a food highly rich in protein and vitamins, a day to students and staff at Guan Ai boarding school in China. The program attempts to create a better life for the 128 students and staff members at Guan Ai by combating malnutrition, an unfortunately growing problem in Northwest China.
During our discussion, Sara and I explored the idea of the project, and were not only surprised at how effective such a seemingly simple measure could be, but were also disappointed with the lack of attention drawn to such simple tasks. A major comparison that we used when discussing this topic was the diet and lifestyle of Americans. While malnutrition is a growing problem in China, obesity has become an epidemic in the United States. These shocking facts not only emphasize how extreme the ends of the spectrum are, but also indicate how changes in our lifestyles, donating some of our food to those in need, can lead to better lives in both cultures. While this program has helped both of us to further appreciate the things we have, it has also driven us to take action and use simple steps to benefit and make better the lives of others in need.
During our discussion, Sara and I explored the idea of the project, and were not only surprised at how effective such a seemingly simple measure could be, but were also disappointed with the lack of attention drawn to such simple tasks. A major comparison that we used when discussing this topic was the diet and lifestyle of Americans. While malnutrition is a growing problem in China, obesity has become an epidemic in the United States. These shocking facts not only emphasize how extreme the ends of the spectrum are, but also indicate how changes in our lifestyles, donating some of our food to those in need, can lead to better lives in both cultures. While this program has helped both of us to further appreciate the things we have, it has also driven us to take action and use simple steps to benefit and make better the lives of others in need.
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Hi everyone! My name is Sean Michael Duenas and I am currently a freshmen at Queens College through the Macaulay Honors Program. I am enrolled in the pre-med track at Macaulay in hopes of pursuing a career as a physician. Aside from academics, some of my interests include music, playing guitar and singing (although my ability to do either is lacking), and just spending time relaxing or enjoying life with friends.
For me, education has been more than an opportunity to expand my knowledge. It has become a cornerstone in my growth, development, and overall lifestyle. As a student in elementary and middle school, I found education to be a source of learning. Learning about the various creatures and animals that existed thousands of years ago; learning about the different planets in the universe; learning about the myriad of cultures around the world. However, as I entered High School, I began use the information I learned to apply to daily life. Trips to amusement parks were viewed through the eyes of physics. Walks home from school involved analyzing the structure of leaves and plants. Even stories in the news were explained through events in history.
I feel that education provides one with the ability to fearlessly venture into the world and view all of the unlimited possibilities the human life holds. Education allows people to explore their interests and learn of the different things, events, and people that have shaped the world as we know it. By providing others with the ability to learn and become educated, we not only fulfill our innate duty to better this world, but also open doors that transform the realm of possibility into a future of promise.
For me, education has been more than an opportunity to expand my knowledge. It has become a cornerstone in my growth, development, and overall lifestyle. As a student in elementary and middle school, I found education to be a source of learning. Learning about the various creatures and animals that existed thousands of years ago; learning about the different planets in the universe; learning about the myriad of cultures around the world. However, as I entered High School, I began use the information I learned to apply to daily life. Trips to amusement parks were viewed through the eyes of physics. Walks home from school involved analyzing the structure of leaves and plants. Even stories in the news were explained through events in history.
I feel that education provides one with the ability to fearlessly venture into the world and view all of the unlimited possibilities the human life holds. Education allows people to explore their interests and learn of the different things, events, and people that have shaped the world as we know it. By providing others with the ability to learn and become educated, we not only fulfill our innate duty to better this world, but also open doors that transform the realm of possibility into a future of promise.
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© 2008 Givology. Givology does not guarantee any repayment or return on your grant of any kind.