For my practicum, I enrolled in the College Park Scholars Program class, CPSP349T. Throughout this class, I studied how society uses technology and resources to build its infrastructure that align with its values. Then I used that information to analyze how the infrastructure making up my surrounding communities is framed and ways to improve it to make it more accommodating for all. CPSP349T grabbed my attention because I read that one of the focal points of the class was the relationship between technology and how it relates to the society around us. In former media scholars classes, we focused on how media can be used as a powerful tool to shape our views and attitudes. Throughout this class, I learned how powerful infrastructure can be as a tool to shape our attitudes. For example, an area with wide sidewalks, bike lanes, benches, clear crosswalks, proper traffic signs, and etc. all function to make the environment and the people more safe and produce a more connected community overall. This class genuinely made me become a more observant person and even engaged resident wherever I’ll reside for both the present and future. For a specific, students had to make a journal entry highlighting infrastructural flaws in a community site, solutions to the flaws, and a creative way to disseminate that information. I chose Prince George’s Mall Plaza and originally, I would’ve seen no flaws in the area because I was able to go in and out the area with no problem. But throughout the class we were analyzing different areas and noticed things like lack of ramps, excess potholes, or minimal streetlights. Then I was able to apply that thinking towards the area I chose and came up with the idea to post my thoughts onto Snapchat because I learned in my past scholar classes, social media is powerful. I was lucky to have the opportunity to take this class considering there’s only 20 seats available but they are still other great options for practicums too. I found a practicum that caught my interest because I was genuinely intrigued by what the class offered. For any future Media Scholars, I’d recommend that they find a topic or internship that is interesting and pleasurable to them because that will make sure they do their best work. Then communicate with Ms. Kelly and Ms. Allison through email or even walking into their offices early on since simple check-ins will make sure that you’re on the right track.
My practicum taught me breathing techniques that I try to do every morning, mapping exercises to help me visualize your surroundings, walking audits that help me familiarize with my communities and things I typically didn’t notice before, but the most important thing I took from this class was learning how to reach other stakeholders in topics I’m interested in. I didn’t realize the amount of community meetings and political officials that are accessible to a college student like me. I was given many resources that taught me how to find my county delegates so I could reach out to them for assignment purposes. But I soon learned I can apply this knowledge to ask questions about any personal issues I have or get into contact with people who can aid me with any school/internship opportunities that I previously had no clue I could actually speak with. This knowledge has helped me become better at networking which is very important for me as I am planning to graduate from the public health science major and go into medical school. Over the next two years I plan to take advantage of the school becoming more and more in-person by joining the research opportunities that weren’t available because of the Covid-19 pandemic. I hope to join some club sports or maybe a fraternity to make up some of the experiences I lost. I believe the more I branch out during these next two years, the more I’ll learn what I’m truly passionate about. A lot is subject to change but as of right now, I am still striving to become the best physician I can be...but being a teacher wouldn’t be too bad either.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c9vS_V0TVSQkqd9i4JhJhO80hu3vv77KJgoN4XhwDQs/
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