Category: Unit 1

Understanding global warming. What is it? Think about it like this. Our world is changing and eventually it will become a shell of its former self. Now let’s address the elephant in the room. “Why should we care?” Why is this question the center of attention when you look at this paper? Why is it that I want you to understand global warming? Out of every issue, why is it that global warming is so important? To be honest, I’m still trying to figure that out myself. But this is the type of paper where we should learn together and understand how this impacts us as a whole. At the end of all this, we should be able to answer these questions posed because one way or another, global warming will impact us to the point where it can no longer be ignored. Overall, Global Warming as a whole should be taken more seriously, especially by our generation as man made innovation has accelerated the drastic change in climate in our world.

Picture yourself in a world that suffers frequent wildfires, prolong periods of time without water, homes being flooded everywhere around you. We’ll you don’t have to, just look around you. These things are already happening today and in a more frequent way than before. Now this is no coincidence. Katie Collins, writer at CNET, describes how studies have shown that, “Even now, at 1.1 degrees Celsius of warming above pre-industrial levels, we’re seeing firsthand the impacts of human-caused climate change. Significant, unpredictable weather events are causing death, destruction and displacement of people around the world. Arguably, some of the worst-hit areas could already be defined as unlivable by Schipper’s definition” (Collins). Collins’ in her article describes what a liveable future would look like in relation to the changing climate could do to the world. Here, she reiterates how despite there only being a 1.1 degrees celsius in temperature increase, we have already seen the ramifications of global warming first hand. When you think of “worst-hit areas”, you think of islands, countries surrounded by bodies of water that have, because of an increase of temperature being impacted by rising sea levels. Now, let me state this once again, that is only a 1.1 degree increase. Now visualize what an increase even higher than that would do to the rest of the world, which is covered by 71% water. Collins’ then states various ways to ensure a liveable future such as, “Eliminating our dependence on fossil fuels, and allowing this best-case scenario livable future to come to fruition, means tackling one of the biggest transformational challenges laid out by climate experts. Governments and corporations will need an entire mindset shift in order to give up “on the mirage of unlimited economic growth”. Now whether there is serious commitment to combating climate change is dependent on those with the resources and those that are willing to be selfless. Yes, selflessness will come a long way in helping those in poverty stricken areas that would be the ones most impacted by global warming. These countries would struggle to adapt to changing policies that should evidently help everyone. Collins’ describes the feeling of hope for a liveable future, that there is a possibility for a change and most importantly, that it is not too late. All it takes is initiative.  

What does the state of the political world in our country have to do with perception of climate change? It is no shocker that political parties in our government system have divided people, issues and opinions. The issue of climate change is no exception to that. And while every person is entitled to their own opinions, having a strong platform can certainly influence the opinions that the general public formulates. In a collaborative study by  Alec Tyson, Cary Funk And Brian Kennedy, “Nearly eight-in-ten Democrats (78%) now describe climate change as a major threat to the country’s well-being, up from about six-in-ten (58%) a decade ago. By contrast, about one-in-four Republicans (23%) consider climate change a major threat, a share that’s almost identical to 10 years ago”. In context, the two parties are heavily favoring one or the other opinion on climate change, which hence shows where Americans stand when it comes to climate change. There are many negative connotations of the issue of climate change. Negative in the sense that it isn’t taken seriously. It is downplayed, often “debunked” and to put it simply, not true. Climate change is an issue that should bring people together, not divide. In relation to the study of how Americans view climate change, “The perception that the effects of climate change are happening close to home is one factor that could drive public concern and calls for action on the issue. But perceptions are tied more strongly to people’s beliefs about climate change…..For example, Americans living in the Pacific region which includes California, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii and Alaska – are more likely than those in other areas of the country to say that climate change is having a great deal of impact locally”. Geographically here in the US, the country is very diverse. This also makes the country susceptible to a vast majority of natural disasters. Hurricanes, wildfires, winter freezes and even droughts. People don’t care or won’t know unless something is experienced first hand. That’s understandable. But think about the future. When times get rough and they will, peoples homes that have been decimated by global warming will become unlivable. Migrating people will need new homes. Where will they go? To the places named by the study. Overpopulation, a struggle for resources. This sounds apocalyptic, something out of a movie but the things that happen are because of a lack of unity and this needs to change. Everyone’s opinion matters, it has too.

The Last of Us. I’m sure a lot of you gamers are familiar with this name. But to those who aren’t, it is a game set in an apocalyptic time where as a result of rising temperature, cordyceps (a type of fungus) evolved and developed into a something that could turn people into zombie-like figures. Of course, this will never happen as it is near impossible for it to develop that threatening. But it’s the overall them of the game. Also being adapted as a series on HBO MAX, which I strongly recommend, there is one scene that stood out to me and that was the opening scene. Like any paper, you must start off strong and that’s what it does. There is an interview with a scientist warning the audience on a talk show of the possibility but slim chance that if temperature rose, cordyceps could because what it eventually did. The explanation behind how this happened in the video game by Blackman is that “This is because of our functioning immune systems and high body temperatures. Most fungal species cannot grow above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. In fact, says Roberts, this is why some mycologists (fungus experts) hypothesize we’ve evolved to have this body temperature”. Now while this won’t be a major concern of global warming, it just still brings awareness on global warming in a way that gains attention of thrill and fear. This we should feel as well. Well without the thrill part.

Now I don’t have to read your minds for me to know that you don’t want these consequences to come about. But the truth is, it will only get worse at this rate. I’ve been called a pessimist by some of my friends and families but I always like to justify it by saying that I am simply just preparing for the worst. I think that it is too late for the world to be saved from global warming. And by the world I’m referring to the living things on this planet because Earth will still be here with or without us. Whether it happens in 10 years, 50 years, 100 years or so on so forth, global warming will be the cause. So back to the overview, why should you care? Why should you care after I, the writer has stated that I think it is too late. Truth is, there are many people in the world that have this mindset but despite all that we should make the effort to change it.

While my experiences have been dull, there is one I recall vividly. There have always been ups and downs in my life but this one tops the cake. We will have to go back a couple of years to relive that, specifically 10 years. Learning to appreciate the things we have is not only important but essential. Things, time, life, none of these are guaranteed.  

I only have one week left here, and although I have enjoyed the company of my grandparents, I cannot wait to get back home. A month of no internet, all I had was mountains, grass, animals. Who am I kidding, I have had family around me everywhere and that is what is most valuable. The quality of the air was very noticeable the minute I got here; it most certainly beats the city by a mile. I really miss Mom and Dad though, 1 more week and I will be back on that plane flying to the airport, taking the car home and straight into the comfort of my room. Yes, that sounds better, more convincing.  

6 more days, that is all that is left. I got stung by a bee for the first time and fell in cow shit. The highlights of my day. My little brother laughing at me crying about my sting and how I fell only made it better. Luckily for him, this trip has been smooth sailing for him. Yes, he has been bored from his mind sometimes, but he has not gotten a single mosquito bite, I on the other hand have felt those insects every day. I am slowly starting to resent the place my parents grew up in and to be frank, I do not want to come back here again. Just 6 more days and I will be watching YouTube and eating my favorite meal from Mcdonald’s. 

5 days left until I am in the good ole USA. Today has been better than usual. I spent the day with my uncle learning how to ride a horse. Or was it a mule? They were both the same to me, it had four legs so close enough. Getting back to my grandparents’ home and finding my brother playing with our cousin, my grandmother in the kitchen cooking. It is indeed a chill day. Do not get the wrong idea, I love my grandparents, my family there, but I do not know how I would be able to live there year long. A month alone felt like a year. I am glad my parents moved to the United States. “Hey, I’ll take you to go play some football tomorrow, how does that sound?.” That is what my uncle asked me as he left. Personally, I will never turn down the opportunity to play. Football as in soccer by the way, I was not in the United States. But I will be soon, 5 more days. 

4 more days until I wake up at four in the morning, having to wait in the long TSA line. 4 more days until I face my fear of planes again. You know what, staying here did not sound all that bad anymore. It was raining extremely hard last night, more than I have ever seen. The lightning striking down as if it were right next door, the deafening thunder, I would not be surprised if it blew this entire house away. How is anyone sleeping through this? Me and my brother have been sharing a bed this whole month and to my surprise he was sound asleep. He is crazy. That morning, the roads were muddy but somehow still drivable. My grandfather went to his ranch to check on his animals with my uncle to make sure they were all safe. I have not gone back there since that bee sting and did not plan too. I did something better. I spent that whole afternoon asking question after question about my family, how they were able to live in these conditions all these years. I never put much thought as to why my family had moved to the United States, leaving everything behind. All this time I have been acting like a spoiled kid who felt like he needed every unessential “necessity.” I have been ignoring all the factors of what it is like to live in a rural community in Mexico. It is built on a foundation of hard work. That explains my grandfather’s willingness to go out in those terrible conditions to check on his animals. His livestock. I guess you can say I had a moment of revelation. Suddenly that month went from feeling like a year to one week. Maybe I’m saying that because I only had 4 days left here but suddenly, I found myself reflecting on the past month and quickly called my mom and dad to tell them what I had realized. To thank them. 

It was my last day in the place where my parents were born and raised. Tomorrow I will be heading to Mexico City to spend the last 2 days before heading back home. A four-hour drive from here to there. My uncle kept his promise of taking me to football which could not be fulfilled yesterday due to the weather. My brother stayed back with my grandparents as he could not be bothered to go. He is only 7 so that makes sense. I could not wait to be goalkeeper, I felt as if no shot would be able to get past me. Nothing was going to get past me. We lost 6-0. But it was fun, we had a great laugh, great time. I would not have spent it any other way. After our team paid their bet which was a 3 liter of Coca-Cola, it was time to head out as the long-awaited night had come. It no longer felt long awaited, and I learned to appreciate my time there. In fact, I wanted to stay longer. But that time had come. My other uncle offered us a ride back which was well needed. My uncle, who lived close by, went walking home. I never get to ride shotgun back at home but here, it is the only place I sit. I could get used to this. My uncle stopped by the store to get some milk and other things, but I was ready to get back to my grandparents. As we got back into the car, the music played for a good 5 seconds and then stopped. Suddenly we found ourselves speeding down the hill, heading towards the edge of the mountain. Heading toward a 100 feet drop. This is it as I duck and curl into my seat.  

“Where am I?” It is my first thought as I lay in an uncomfortable position. I heard my name repeated repeatedly; it was my uncle calling me to get me out of the car. My first thought was to jump out of the driver’s window which was facing up. I remember seeing those movies where the cars explode after a crash, I am not going to get caught in one as well. All I did was end up bruising my ass. Somehow my uncle managed to crash the car into the side of a hill preventing a nosedive which certainly meant death. Aside from my ass being bruised and the headache, I had no injuries. Neither did my uncle. This is not how I imagined my last day here would go but all I could do is laugh it off. The car had malfunctioned to my luck. Sums up the luck I had this whole month. Aside from that, it was certainly a trip I needed and enjoyed.  

10 years later I have been there three more times, visiting my grandparents. Enjoying life there, the land of my roots. My uncle, who I spent the most time with, is no longer with us but the memories made from my visits were unforgettable and I was grateful for the times he gave me. Looking back, I realize it was more than just a mere trip, it was a lesson. 

My times in Mexico have been unforgettable. I’ve been there several times, 5 to be exact but there was one time I went that changed the way I view things forever. I was only ten years old at that time but I did not know that I was capable of understanding something of gratitude and gratefulness. Yes, I already understood the idea of thanking people, thanking God for what we are given in this world but to be frank, I didn’t know why. Being raised as a kid, you usually are given what you want but also taught a lesson by parents that you can’t expect to be handed everything. But why? Why can’t we just ask for what we want and just get it? Whats wrong with that? A 10 year old me would be able to tell you why after my trip to Mexico.

The ranches, the mountains were endless, never-ending. There was no internet, no TV and pray there wasn’t a storm because the electricity would be out for 2 weeks. I was ready to go home. I wanted to go home. I missed the comfort of my bed and I definitely only wanted to go back because of bed. Definitely didn’t have to do with being able to watch YouTube and play videos games. I missed my Mom and Dad but I had family here. Family that would not see often for a long time.

Sports. I love sports. Why? The emotion, the excitement you get from it. Sports are all around the world and have provided entertainment for all of its inhabitants. It has also provided people with a hobby that people can enjoy. Whether that be for fun or for the competition, you can never go wrong with it. Why am I just yapping about sports though, what is the true purpose of this. Yeah sports are cool and all but are they all that important? Surely there are more priorities or issues to touch base on. Why don’t I just talk about physical activity and how the lack of it negatively affects us. Well I just want to talk about my favorite hobbies, what i’m looking forward to in the sports world. Hopefully we can connect with this. 

First and foremost let’s talk about the NBA. Yesterday the greatest NBA player of all time broke the all time scoring record. A record held for the last 40 years. A moment in the sports world that is very significant and most certainly be one to talk about in the future. I’m glad to witness this moment in history and be able to tell my kids what I witnessed. Still in the NBA world, tomorrow is the trade deadline. One of the most exciting times of the year when it comes to the NBA. For those who may not know, the NBA trade deadline is what it states. The deadline to make trades. In more detail, the last day a team can make a trade to acquire players or give up players to other teams. My mind will be very focused on this day as I hope to see many trades, see how these new players can impact their teams and my personal favorite team, the Knicks.

Music has become essential in our daily lives. There are times where I feel like I can’t do anything without music. Such as going to the gym, the long subway ride to campus or simply going on a walk. Why is this the case? Not just with me but with millions who do the exact same thing. First thing’s first, what is music? What is this thing that captivates us to the point where we feel the need to have headphones with us at all times. The need to pay monthly subscriptions that gives us the ability to play whichever song desired. Music is sound, it’s as simple as that. Sounds that give people emotions which help motivate, comfort or just flat out make you happy. Yes, a sound created by other people that expresses their thoughts, feelings, desires through this process. Can anyone create music? Absolutely but we choose not to. Instead we let others provide us with that very thing. Is it the lack of creativity? The lack of resources or equipment? The lack of talent? I could bang against a table, make a sound that I enjoy, would that be considered music? I say it is, others may not. But yes, music is a concept which has a history that dates back to hundreds of years. Indeed I am very naive about music and just think of it as a pleasant sound. 

Music is everywhere. In churches being played by a choir, on the streets of NYC by those who play for entertainment in hopes of getting tipped, in retail stores as soon as you walk in to look around for a specific product, you get the picture. Let me take back the statement from before, music isn’t just a sound but a form of art. A form of expression in fact. Each with a specific purpose. You certainly can’t make a song out of a blank thought because there is always a reason behind its creation. That’s why there are more “talented” artists when it comes to music. They are people with the ability to express their thoughts and ideas in the form of music that can be enjoyed by a vast majority of people. That’s what makes them talented. That’s what makes them successful. Surely there are songs that can be created by people that could be enjoyed by many, but it is more difficult to realize it for those less talented. When it comes to singing or songwriting or instrumental playing, they all are forms of art created by the thoughts and ideas of people. 

People have made careers out of music, some even generating millions from it. Why is that? How is such a thing possible? Well it goes back to the idea that music has become essential in our lives. We desire it. We pay for it.