Nearing graduation, I take this American studies course with a unique perspective.When I signed up for the class, I was looking for something that rounded out my schedule and gave me a credit boost, in addition to fulfilling my general education requirements. As for me, I'm a 21 year old senior who chose to major in "Management of Aging Services" during my time at UMBC – I’m not really sure why I did that. While I don't regret this choice, I'm a little apprehensive as to what it will be like in the "real world" with such a unique major. To me, culture is hard to define. I think its relative to the people defining it and can rapidly change. I don't like to box myself into holes, so I don't really assign myself a culture. However, in terms of place and culture I will say that I was raised all around Baltimore and feel that the culture here has truly allowed myself significant exploration into determining who I am.
Here's a photo of me next to a sign that I saw in Washington DC. This picture sort of reflects my culture I'd say. If you want to know more info about me or would like to see a better representation of the culture I surround my life with check out my tumblog at
http://bearclawsrock.tumblr.com/
I understand where you are coming from, it is hard to "assign" yourself to one specific form of culture. Personally I enjoy the diversity of cultures our country has to offer.
ReplyDeleteI think your major is really different, I've honestly never heard of it. Is it pretty much exactly what it sounds like? What sort of jobs would stem from that major? I'm always interested to know how majors translate into jobs because it's hard to tell sometimes from the title of the major itself.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Gerald, as much as one may experience culture, to adopt only one (especially living here in the US) is nearly impossible. Saying that a people come from one culture is to generalize them all.
ReplyDelete@ Kelly
ReplyDeleteYeah, my major is pretty different from others. Its pretty much what it sounds like, we learn about aging from a public policy and private practice (ie: nursing homes) perspective.
The thing that really attracted me to the major were the jobs. There are projected to be a lot of jobs in the government, in healthcare, in private nursing facilities because of how rapidly America is growing older. For me though, I look at it as an opportunity. If aging is supposed to be so important in the future, I would like to take advantage of a rapidly developing field from the onset.
So when I saw it offered at UMBC I was like "sure, why not?"
It's a good outlook on life to have, I feel the more culture you're exposed to the more well rounded and wise a person you become.
ReplyDeleteI see your point of defining a culture. It is something that does change with time and location. Thus, it is relative to people.
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