Sociology is not just a matter of opinion

Sociology is "the study of human social behavior, especially the study of the origins, organization, institutions, and development of human society."

"Sociology is not just a matter of opinion.'' I agree very strongly with this quote. Yes, it is true that sociology does involve alot of one's opinion. However with every opinion there needs to be some form of facts that helped one form that opinion. One needs to have reason behind their opinion. With every topic someone has an opinion. Sociology is a very debateably topic, as seen in our class. Opinion does not form this subject. Statistics and facts do.
Some might argue that Sociology is a matter of opinion because its not quite set in stone like a math problem.

"Sociology is not just a matter of opinion."

I think it is a matter of opinion, although it has its facts and data, that interpretation is all about what the person is trying to prove. I know that isnt what Dr. Jhonson is looking for but honestly that is my opinion and I think that is what this class is mostly focused on. And last I checked, this was a sociology class. The point of your class so far seems to be developing ideas based upon strands of storyline that you present to us. To formulate our own conclusions from data. I looked around for this quote on the internet, but couldnt find an originator of it. So basicly he gaves us his own words and wanted our Opinions on it. there is really no science so far that contradicts the statement I'm making "Sociology is mostly a matter of opinion" It's taking data and sweet talking your opinion across.

So anyways thats just taking one side, particularily the one that isnt as heavily sided with. Following the rest of the crowd, Sociolgy has methods and ways to research. It can be technically called a "science" because it has facts and numbers. Its not just opinions but research groups that present data based upon people and populations for their cause.

"Sociology is not just a matter of opinion"

Sociology is not just a matter of opinion, rather it is the objective study of the society we live in. Sociology is based on experiments and observations of data and trends. If Sociology were a matter of opinion, then the world we live in would look like something different to anyone who "studied" it. Rather, sociologists must record data, trends and figures to get a true idea of what is really driving the events in society.
In my opinion this applies to the syllabus in that the syllabus is not just a matter of one person's opinion, instead it should be the analysis of what works best in most class situations and what will best suit our specific class structure and the students within it.

"Sociology is not just a matter of opinion." This is completely true. When you look at the different methodology's that were mentioned during class and in the blog you see there is much more to sociology. Sociology involves planning and experiments in some other cases. In others, there is interpretation of previous cases/studies or observation which I guess can be a matter of your own opinion. I believe that sociology has much more substance to it other then opinion.
To relate our solar project to siena it would definitely help us move to a more green approach which is starting to spread through campus. It would involve basically every one on campus, we would need the cooperation of the presidents, vice pres., deans, teaching staff, facilities (to maintain the project), alumni, current students, town of colonie, and the community surrounding siena.
As for the break down of the grades, I think that is way to chaotic and the only thing we have accomplished is that we will evaluate each other on participation. I think it might be easier (a little crazy) if each table decided their own fate (or the individual) so there is not so much frustration. But I also believe that this approach would go against whatever Dr. Johnson it trying to get us to achieve or how he wants us to work together.

Solar Panel and Class Syllabus

I think you're right, Adam, about having to talk to people high up in Siena.
In regards to that, a lot of people in the class are in the Bonner Program (in our group alone we have Keri, Tai, Joe and myself). The program is run by Fr. Ken Pauli, so we do have some connections with getting our ideas heard by the office of the president in that manner. But I think that although this is a great place to start, we will have to find other ways of talking to other people important in the Siena decision making system (ie the Treasury).

On another note, I've done some research on other campuses who have gotten solar panels in an effort to go green... here are some interesting links you guys can look at when you get a chance. Its interesting to see how the schools use the panels, and how they fundraised for such huge projects (a lot of schools obtained various sponsors)...
http://solarpanels.wustl.edu/
http://www.uvm.edu/~solar/?Page=about.html
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/oct2008/2008-10-21-095.asp

On the topic of the syllabus, I agree with Amanda. There definitely needs to be a more effective method of deciding as a group on how to break up the grade system. Having a shouting match over the issue will just result in the most powerful voice being the one who's plan we use. This is obviously not a good method-- just because a person is loud doesn't mean that their opinion holds any more weight that anyone else's. We need to find a way to give everyone, loud or not, a chance to have their imput.

Sociology is more than people's opinions. it is the study of society and how it runs. To me it is similar to economics just economics is by the numbers and sociology is mental aspects of society. Sociology is a subject that constantly ask "Why?" So far i have learned that their is not true definition to most spects of life. There is always something or someone second guessing the present explanation of something.

I agree with amanda that the girl in the back is crazy, one person can not dictate the way my grade is going to be broken down unless it is someone with a Dr. as their title of their name. I still believe taking the averages of all of the groups breakdowns would be fair because it honestly woul work well in our groups favor. I did the averages in my head in class and it comes pretty close to our groups suggested breakdown. If Dr. Johnson opposes the averages i say we should have one main speaker aside from the teacher to lead us in the discussion of decision making. With one leader it will be a basis for the rest of the students to give their input and hopefully at the end we will be able to decide on a fair breakdown of the class.

Siena's Structure and the Sociology Quote

For our solar panel project to be successful, we need to know the people who run Siena's operations. Talking about our plans with the President, Fr. Kevin Mullen, his cabinet of Vice Presidents, such as Fr. Ken Paulli, Linda Richardson, Maryellen Gilroy, David Smith, Paul Stec, and Mike Papadopoulos of Public Safety. The most important people to convince will be the Board of Trustees since they have a significant influence over Siena's future development and character. It will be crucial to include the surrounding Albany community into the discussions as well as the electric company, the company selling the panels, and the contractor installing the solar panels.

"Sociology is not just a matter of opinion."
I think that this quote is trying to show how sociology is a study of society, very similar to the study of a physical science. Studying sociology requires absence of bias and countless hours of observations to make accurate conclusions about humanity's actions with one another. Sociology is not someone's narrow way of thinking about how the world's population works or a view that quickly changes with new information. People can truly benefit from sociology's findings and not just dismiss the data as someone's perspective about the world. Sociology is the critical process of examining social structures and roles, with the intent of finding new methods to advance the dignity of all people and promote their inalienable rights. Sociology, like any other subject, needs people's ideas and opinions to help develop fundamental theories which describe people's relationships with one another. With this understanding, sociology can be seen in a new positive manner, giving hope and optimism to those who have shown despair about social progress during their lives.

As for the class syllabus, I think Dr. Johnson should do his job and make the syllabus. This is one of his duties as a teacher and while it is nice to voice our opinions about the easiest way to get an A in sociology, I feel as if we are wasting time. I do not feel as if I am currently learning anything about sociology. One of the few things that I have learned is how long it can take for people to come to a consensus. In my opinion, learning is the result of making mistakes and having another party show you what you did wrong. I would much rather be a smart student who has learned something and only has a B to show for it than a dumb student who learned nothing from a class and yet has an A. I think that this situation might be a bit extreme, but can we please start learning and stop trying to figure out what the syllabus should be like?

Um..title?

So first, obviously you cant just put that angry girl in charge of creating the syllabus. Perhaps it would be fun simply to oppose every idea that she has in class, just to show her that she doesnt rule the world and there are other people with other GOOD ideas. But debates dont solve problems and since no one was really listening to our group we need to voice aloud one general plan. I mean he said no voting but there are other ways the problems can be solved such as rolling a die (joking) or looking at several governmental structures. I mean the whole reason that the classroom works right now is the main teacher that acts like a president. We need a head speaker, two would probably be a better idea so there is a bit more communication. Shouting out answers, even if we are all not shouting, will result in only the loudest/most confident voice being heard. Perhaps if we combined voting with brainstorming, first thinking of categories that need to be included in the sylabus and then how important each are. We are all going to be looking for the easiest route out, except for that crazy girl, so at least we are going to be on the same page. Seriously, she is kind of frightening when she thinks she is right and no one else is.

Methodology of Sociology

I defined methodology as a system of rules and principles that regulate a discipline (science, sociology). what you do/use to come about a conclusion.
1. observation - using your senses to watch behavior
2. archival research - obtaining information from news articles or biographies
3. experimental research - assigning various treatment to an isolated problem or area
4. content analysis - the use of questionnaires and interviews
5. survey - a random selection of questionnaires to obtain some sort of feedback
6. longutituday study - study of a person over a long period of time
7. life history - the study of ones personal life
8. general research - using the Internet or recent books
9. use of past studies or experiments
10. general knowledge

Syllabus Planning

I like the idea of putting more emphasis on homework and tests for the syllabus. I think that the class should correct half of a graded assignment while Dr. Johnson would provide his input for the other half. Participation should be more than just showing up to class and raising your hand. It should also be providing intelligent, useful information for the group discussions as well as listening attentively. The final project should be a significant part of the final grade but its total grade should be the sum of the class's grading and Dr. Johnson's grading. Another idea is to have the group anonymously grade each other for participation.

Sociological Terms

Did anybody find the ten core ideas/concepts that have to do with the methodology of sociology?

I liked both of the ideas that we had for the social change project. I feel that building a new dorm would pose alot of new problems and issues however, more than that of building the solar panels. In the long run teh solar panels also seem to be more effective and realistic.

I feel that the word community has changed alot over the years, even in my lifetime. The word comunity reminds me of a family in a way. However I feel that participation in the community and volunteering has greatly decreased, especially from the time my parents were my age. I feel that the increased technology has also had some kind of effect on this. In today's society you do not see as much involvement in the community such as volunteering. Everyone always seems to have busy schedules also.

solar

for the solar panels you can put them on top of buildings, which we have plenty of...just to think about that

The idea of our project seems to be to releive the tension of money troubles for siena. A new dorm building or solar pannels would allow for more students to be admitted, so more tuition money, or solar pannels would allow the school to save money as well as become greener and help the environment. Considering that building a new dorm would only maybe solve the over crowding problem (since siena might just crowd even more people) the solar pannels sound like a better idea. Only problem is we really need like a big field for them so perhaps the dorm is a better idea.

Project Idea

Our group idea was to build a new dorm building. Though I believe Siena already had that in the works but do to the economic crisis, it had to be postpone. With the polytech housing no longer available for Siena students, housing is in high demand. Besides that, I was one of the freshman that was in a force triple and that was an experience. Also Padau use to be doubles about ten years ago and now they are going to be quads next year.  A new dorm building will be greatly appreciated. 

Social Changes at Siena

I like the housing idea as well although I feel that the college will have to build inevitably if they continue admitting large classes. I think that maybe Siena students could do something beneficial for the enviornment: raising awareness about climate change, helping plant gardens in the community, or grow some fruits and vegetables in a garden at Siena. Currently, I do not think these ideas are very strong but I think that the social change should help everyone within the Siena community and those in the community surrounding Siena.

i love the idea of a new dorm since Siena's admissions grow every year, it will be difficult to construct such a great project but this will be the most efficent contribution to Siena's campus

change siena

I like the idea of building a new dorm but i also think that with that we would need to expand other buildings like saga. I really like Amanda Simone's idea to build solar panels. I think its a great way to save money in the long run even though to build them it would have a hefty cost. I also think no other group came up with a similar idea so it would sort of have its own uniqueness.

Cultural Shifts

I believe that in the past 20 years or so there have been many cultural shifts that have lead people away from being as social as they once were. In my opinion, advances in technology have played a major role in these shifts. The adults who were once involved socially are now getting older to the point where they are no longer capable of going out and being social. Because most of the new technology is targeted to the younger generation, young people are staying in with technology rather than going out and filling the roles of these older people on the social scene.
Most children today would rather stay at home and surf the Internet or play a video game, rather than go out and play with friends. Most parents let their children do this because they are so busy with their careers and their own technological pastimes that it is easier for them to allow it than to drive their children around anyway.
Most social activities now occur online, from chat rooms to forums, online video games where children can talk to one another, and even blogs like this where people can express and share their opinions. With less and less social interactions occurring everyday, people are loosing not only the desire to go out and be social but also the skills to do so if they so desired.
In my opinion, it is for these reasons that there have been shifts in the social dynamics of our society.

cultural shift

I feel that the word community has changed alot over the years, even in my lifetime. The word comunity reminds me of a family in a way. However I feel that participation in the community and volunteering has greatly decreased, especially from the time my parents were my age. I feel that the increased technology has also had some kind of effect on this. In today's society you do not see as much involvement in the community such as volunteering. Everyone always seems to have busy schedules also.

There are several causes to the cultural shifts away from community. Most of all are new trends and technology. Those who embraced the community have grown old and died or have given up on communities as their numbers dwindle. New people chose not to enter communities since they are more self reliant with new technology and games. They think in a give and take kind of relationship and since communities can no longer supply for them, they see no reason to join and help their community. As the economy slowly fails, even more people become more self resiliant and dont want to be a part of their community unless they obtain something. Technology also allows people to rely on themselves and not other people (since they contact one another indirectly)

Cultural Shifts

If you go to any sort of school campus (high school, college) you do not see students volunteering within their community for the sake of it. Most students are propelled to complete service hours by something like a requirement for a club or class. Many students do not just go out on a daily or monthly basis to do good for others unless it is somehow required.
People in general are very into technology and I believe that it has taken away from things that were even in tact when I was growing up. For instance, I would always be outside playing with the other kids on the block for countless hours during the summer. Today I see that young kids are inside on the computer or playing video games. Yeah the talk to others but these people (such as in X-box) are half way around the world. My neighborhood is filled with kids that are much younger than me. Maybe 3 years ago you could go out on any given sunny warm day and the kids would be playing outside and the parents would all be conversing. Today now that the kids are a little older, they are more into their computer games and tv shows and have less of an interest to go outside. My own community has shifted to technology.
Not only are the kids shifting but the parents are too. We have a yearly block party. there would be monthly meeting starting around January to start planning for the event. Now everything is done through emailing back and forth and there is less social interaction.
This shift I think makes people less sociable because they are spending more time interacting with electronics than other people. They are not building relationships with one another. People loose the desire to get together for fun because it becomes a hassle or inconvenience because someone needs to be pick up or dropped off.

Shifts in Culture

I believe that many people no longer feel the need to be an active member in their community because people do not see the purpose of a community or realize its benefits. In our contemporary society filled with technology, the individual and her or his welfare is more highly valued than the community's welfare. A person can control many aspects of their life with technology's assistance and be connected to the world through the Internet's vast reach. With technology, people should theoretically have more time to socialize with others in their immediate community and develop relationships with their neighbors. However, I think that our culture has become more aware of issues far away from our homes, affecting people we do not know. We are more concerned and interested in their problems without noticing problems that can be taken care of within our immediate communities. The media has also frightened many people from trusting their neighbors when we constantly see, read, or hear about murders and various forms of crime happening in local communities. This mindset and perspective starts at a very early age today for young children. Their parents will not let them play out in the streets or socialize with other children and their parents because they do not want their child abducted. The child learns to fear his or her surroundings and finds comfort through the computer, video games, and junk food. I think there would be more community involvement if people turned off the TV and the computer because their fears would dissipate. They would depend on their community and place a greater importance on maintaining it.
As a culture, we rely on others for our comfort and security, and slowly become isolated from the community. Most people have become very good observers but rarely feel the need to become active participants. Maybe people do not know how to become involved with their community. They do not realize that they can take small steps to achieving a better community and that the community depends on others for its existence. Our culture does not see the benefits of a community because many of them have never participated in a true community. Maybe people do not want to devote the time and energy necessary for maintaining a community. They might feel that it would be a burden. Our culture believes that everyone is unique, not realizing the many similarities we share. People do not see the benefits of regularly meeting with each other and socializing. They think that they can do this through email and Facebook, but I believe that communicating with others in this manner is a travesty. Most communication is not through words but through actions. Community survival relies more on action than by words. People need to think about what they can do to help rebuild a community.
I believe that apathy is currently more visibly seen in the world than love. People are indifferent, allowing someone else to take care of the problem, and vainly hoping that everything will eventually be fine without their participation. These people live in their own worlds, oblivious to any problems with our culture. It is much easier to ignore the problems than to work towards solutions which will resolve them.
Our culture has tranquilized themselves with contentment or paralyzed themselves with fear. Community has become a nebulous term because many people have nothing to compare it to or have not been a member of a community. Our culture places a higher significance on money than developing relationships with other people. We are not aware of the social problems in our neighborhoods and have failed to become familiar with them through common activities or conversation. Our culture has devoted its time to money and selfish complacency. We only see our good and do not realize that we are inactive observers of a community. We should let go of our fear and sacrifice our time to using our talents to help others in our immediate surroundings. We have become more selfish and isolated, not understanding how we hold the power to solving our dilemmas. We would rather not take the risk of taking the first step and instead vainly pursue our own interests for happiness and fulfillment. We have rely too much on ourselves too solve our own issues, self-medicating our bodies to escape the real problems we face. Our culture believes that life is good when the individual pursues their selfish desires and ignores others. I believe that life is good when the individual shares their talents and time with others and finds new ways to achieving their desires. Our culture has to adjust their perspectives and realize the importance of a vibrant community. Only then will we develop a better, more thorough understanding of ourselves and our power when we work together for the common good.

Cultural Shifts

Today people are not investing or participating in their communities and social groups. For example, back in the days, people were more than willing to donate $20 to the Volunteer Firefighters. Who would go around the neighborhood and knock on doors. Though they still go around the neighborhood and knock on the doors but people no longer want to open them. As the cost of living is steadily increasing, people are in debt more than ever.

  

I believe its because Americans do not care anymore. We no longer have anything to fight for thats affecting the homeland. Where as the Women's Rights Movement was the fight for women to vote, own property, etc. The Civil Rights Movement was the fight for equality mainly for African Americans but also for other people of color. During one of the World War's when Americans would ration their food for the soldiers and save money. 

I believe its because Americans are to busy and allows technology to be the shortcut to things. We no longer go visit our relatives in other states, instead we use the web cam. 

Why I Came to Siena

There were many factors that led me to choose Siena as my college. Siena was not my first choice however. My first choice was Delaware, and once I found out I did not get in I channeled my attention to two other schools: Umass Amherst, and Siena. I decided to go back and visit both schools one last time. I felt very at home when I visited Siena and I felt in that I would fit in with the students. I went to a Catholic school my whole life and that also steered me in the direction of a Catholic College. My catholic values were not the only derivatives for coming to Siena but it was just a bonus among the plethora of positives that Siena offers. The campus is very friendly it seems and it has a homey feel that provides comfortable accommodations to the common college student.

Over the years it has been a sad but real truth that people no longer want to be as active in the community as recent generations. I have called my parents and they have told me from their experience my own community has died down from activity with one another. For example i rarely have full conversations with my neigbors and if i do it is awkward because i do not know them that well, or as bowling alone says i do not trust them. The current world seems to be to goal and work oriented to even attempt to get involved in the community. At home i started a program for autistic kids with volunteers, kids did not hesitate to help out. I feel that the generation above us are the people who are slacking off in the category of community commradary. It is a harsh reality that the lack of communication and commradary between communities has died down. some people may say that there is not enough time in todays world, that may be true but i believe people can make enough time to lend a quick hand. It will not hurt to say a quick hello or say do you need a hand. The little things can go far.

Why did i come to Siena?

I visited several college's before i came to visit her, nothing really felt right. As soon as i stepped out onto the car it felt that i was at home. The people were the best part no student hesitated to answer any questions i had for the them. I was given a decent scholarship that my family was able to afford. The education seems that it will improve my daily skills in many aspects. I feel that a proper Siena education will give me the oppurtunities to succeed in post graduation goals. I also wanted to be able to attend a school with a highly competitive sports program because being a sports fan is a big part of what i want out of a collegiate career. I am happy and proud to have find such a school with well known and prestige reputation that will get me places in life.

ooppps...continued

My family and community always taught us to apply yourself and work hard toward your goals. Siena is now becoming a well known school where I am from and many students from my high school are always asking me how I like it and about the school in general. It has a great reputation and attracts the students that live in my community because I believe that the social classes are similar. At my hometown and Siena there are very similar life chances that are presented due to the similarity it social classes. Siena is seen as a school that provides great opportunities for their students and this is recognized within my family and local community.

what brought me to siena

I never had any intention of attending Siena. My mother made me fill out my application online thanksgiving day. Siena offered to waive my application fee and only required me to send in a writing sample. My cousin also graduated from Siena and he graduated with multiple job offerings. Once I had the chance to visit the college, I fell in love. Everyone gave such an open impression. One of the things that has stuck with me from this day was that most of the Siena community opens and holds doors for you literally. Even today ,I try to hold doors open and it gives me the original feeling that Siena showed about a friendly and open environment.

The social reasons that brought me to Siena probally have to do with the social class I grew up in.

Why am I at Siena?

I am currently at Siena for a variety of reasons, including my own decisions and the impact of society.

I chose to go to Siena because I really liked the campus and the campus environment when I visited. I thought that there was a very friendly atmosphere on campus, and so did my mom and dad. My Mom actually is the one who convinced me to apply to Siena, probably because my Grandpa told her that it was a good school, and it was also my Mom who convinced me to visit campus. I personally was set on going to Vassar, Fordham or Binghamton. After visiting the campus though, i felt truly at home and knew that I was going to end up here.

After our class discussion on these topics I can now understand the social reasons as to why I ended up at Siena. First of all, because of my social class and neighborhood, my and my parent's ideas of what a good college are were strongly influenced. An affordable college, with friendly people and a warm atmosphere is something that was important. Growing up in an uppper-middle class community, I have grown up in a neighborhood full of friendly people who care about you as an individual. At Siena I felt that vibe almost instantly, whereas I did not feel the same way at Vassar or Fordham. Both students and teachers at Siena care about the eachother as individuals, something I was used to from both my community and my education, and it is for these reasons that Siena seemed to appealing to me. The social norm at Siena is similar to that of my hometown, had I grown up in a neighborhood and went to a school where everyone only looked out for themselvles and their own advancement, it is quite possible that I would have ended up somewhere else, but because I grew up where I did, I ended up caring about the vibe of the campus community. This is why I ended up at Siena, and I love every minute of it.

Life Choices/Life Chances

When it came to selecting a college, I was faced with choices based upon the chances that were presented. Born into a middle class familly I was given all chances and practically expected to go to college, there wasnt much of a choice. My parents attended and obtained degrees and it was expected that since I was given the opportunity, I would take the chance and also persue a college career. We had the income and a highschool education granted the pre-requesits to college life. I personaly went into this decision with the ability to make my own choices on which college I would attend. Although....I was dragged to Siena by my mother, I was not a fan of the fact it was a christian school since I hold my own views on religion (wont say anything to offend anyone, but I dont believe in pressing a religion onto someone and I thought christian schools were all that way). The science program was good though, the staff friendly and the community small and comforting. These were things I thought were important and influanced my choice to go to Siena vs. some of the other schools I was looking at. I would obtain the well rounded education I wanted as well as take advantge of the chances that I was born into.

Adam 2/3/09

I am currently here at Siena College because of my choices and preferences. I am here as well because of the influences from my society and family.

I am here at Siena because I like the community here probably because the students are very similar to me. The size of the campus is good as well because I am used to small schools and Siena is definitely a small school. There are a variety of majors that the college offers which appealed to me if I did decide to change my major. The distance from home is not too far but far enough where both my parents and I are comfortable. Siena offered the most financial aid to help my parents and I pay for my tuition. Siena is a Catholic college and I wanted to continue my education at a Catholic institution since I went to a Catholic grammar school and high school.

I felt somewhat obligated to go to college since both my parents went to college and all of their brothers and sisters went to college. In today's American society, having a college education can greatly help one get a higher paying job than just a high school education. When I was choosing where to go to college, my parents wanted me to be closer to home and I wanted to go to a school far away where I would be the only person from my high school. In the end, we compromised and I chose Siena. I was thinking about going to a SUNY institution where the tuition is less expense than Siena's tuition. However, my father refused to let me go to a SUNY university even though my parents both graduated from SUNY Buffalo. I respected my parents' wishes and did not even bother applying to any SUNY schools. I did not feel comfortable applying to Harvard because I felt that most Harvard students are in a very different social class than I am in. I currently do not believe that I would feel relaxed constantly interacting with other people who were potentially very different than me. I believe that I am similar to Siena students than Harvard students because I am in the same social class as most Siena students and I feel comfortable with people in my social class. I originally discovered Siena through one of those big books that lists and rates most colleges in America. I visited Siena's website and it seemed like I could potentially go there as a student in the future. If I did not open up that book from the library, there is a good chance that I never would have heard about Siena College.

Why I Chose Siena

Senior year in high school I applied to about 12 schools. Some people asked why did you apply to so many schools? I said because most of the applications are free when you do early action. Siena College was one of those schools. I heard about Siena from Steven Priestley. He is currently a Sophmore on the Siena Men's Basketball team. Steven and I had the same guidance counselor. My guidance counselor and my mom were pushing me for me to go to Siena. For me, Siena was not my top choice. It was not even on the list of my top choices. I wanted to be a New York City girl. Only 45 minutes away from home.

When the financial aid packages started to roll in. My choices of schools started to go down.  I got a full scholarship to Baruch College but there was a problem. It was a commuter school in the city so my mom said no. My dream school was Pace University in Brooklyn. Problem, the tuition/room & board was about $50,000 and they wanted my mom to take out a $30,000 parent loan so that was a big no. I got a big scholarship to the College of New Rochelle and was invited to a Scholarship Brunch at the school. As I was looking around at the attendees of the brunch, I realized there were no boys. The brunch started and the President stated that this was an all girls school. That was another no. Now I was down to two schools. St. John's University and Siena College. My mom did not want me to go to St. John's because they denied me from entering the business program because of my low SAT scores. I did not receive their financial aid package neither. My only choice was Siena College. My mom loved the admissions staff because they were so friendly. The financial aid package was a good deal. So my mom sent the $200 deposit and Siena College here I come. Though a week later, I received my St. John package and it was better than Siena but it was too late. 

I came to grips that I was going to Siena. I realized the good things about the school. Compared to St. Johns, I was not going to be just a number at Siena but my professors will be able to put a name to a face. Siena looked at my SAT scores but did not penalize me. They seen that I had a high standing GPA, extra co-curricular activities and community service.

The friendliness of the staff and students let me know that people do care. The small campus allows me to get anywhere in about 5 minutes. Being three hours away from mom, well I kind of like it. 

Name: Kristin Palmeri
Major: undeclared business
Freshman, live in hines
Hometown: Brightwaters, Long Island
Hobbies in highschool: soccer, basketball
Father's job: works for Blackrock Kelso Capitol
Mother's job:works for Touro College
Father played basketball in college

Community
About five years ago I moved into a new town. I left my old community behind and had to adapt to a new one. I had to meet new people. The same thing happened when I came to Siena College. I was entering a completely new community that would now become a big part of my life. Even though these communities were strange and new to me I have learned to become a part of them.

Learning Experience
My little cousin is autistic. He is about seven years old now. My aunt and uncle were unsure if he would ever even be able to communicate with people. The doctors were also unsure about his outcome. He has been going to special doctors and therapies every day for years. He is smarter than most kids his age and he is able to socialize and communicate. Watching the struggles of my aunt, uncle, and my little cousins has taught me to never give up if you want something that bad. My aunt and uncle could have easily givin up on my cousin, but they didn't. They became even more determined to give him a normal life. They have worked so hard to get him where he is today, and he is still improving. They will never give up on him and neither will the rest of my family.