Who is the individual your group picked? Why did you pick this individual? Saturday, Feb 5 2011

As part of our Service Learning for Freshmen Seminar, we are collaborating with Save Our Cemeteries to focus and explore the psychological and theological effects of the inevitable process of death through exploring the St. Louis Cemetery #2.  As a group of up to four members, we were assigned to choose a specific person that is buried in this particular cemetery to recognize and appreciate New Orleans’ enriched history.  However, our group decided to focus on the cemetery as a whole and how the plague of 1853, more commonly known as Yellow Fever, affected the history of New Orleans.

There are many reasons why we decided to choose this topic.  The first reason was simply because Dr. Homan asked us to.  The second reason was that another group already took the person that we wanted to research and lastly, we wanted to take a broader scope of the entire cemetery.  When Dr. Homan was introducing and informing us about its history, he mentioned that the people of New Orleans were not fully aware that Yellow Fever was spread through the mosquito species.  They believed that Yellow Fever was airborne so they had no way of actually combating it.  When learning this, my group became interested in this topic; we wanted to learn more about this historical event.

By focusing on the cemetery, we are able to explore and understand the history of the St. Louis Cemetery and the perception of death from the New Orleans’ culture.  In addition, we can explore how the people of New Orleans dealt and fought against the Yellow Fever epidemic to determine the amount of burials that this disease was responsible for.

Overall, I think focusing on the St. Louis Cemetery #2 as a whole, allows us to really appreciate New Orleans’ cemetery, history, and culture.

 

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What are your thoughts about Xavier and its mission after your first semester? Sunday, Nov 28 2010

Before coming to Xavier, I knew very little about this university.  I neglected to research and look up information about this college before attending.  The only statisitc that I took into consideration was the fact that Xavier was ranked number one in placing “minorities” into medical school.  However, after one semester, my perception has changed completely as I learned new things about this school.

The first thing I noticed was that Xavier was not number one for placing minorities into medical school, but it was number one for placing afican americans into medical school.  Although at first, I felt discouraged, this all changed after my first semester.  I believe that Xavier can help me succeed and achieve my goal which is to gain entry into Medical or Dental school.   If Xavier was able to do the “impossible” at that time which was to promote African American and Native American rights by educating them into highly respectable and knowledgable figures in society, maybe Xavier is able to the impossible with me.

In addition, I learned about the mission of Xavier.  It is ashame that I did not even take the time to look up or read Xavier’s mission before attending here.  However, I believe that Xavier has a unique mission which I know that I can help contribute to.  I am eagered to be one of this institution’s graduates that is part of a mission to promote a humane and just society.

Although this first semester has been extremely hectic due to the transition of high school to college, I believe that Xavier has many more prosperous semesters and years to come.  Of course it will not be easy, but I believe that with this institution, I will be prepared to fullfill this mission and grow both academically and spiritually.

 

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Pick three other students in your section and leave detailed comments on their blog for weeks 6,7, or 11. Comments need to demonstrate engagement with the text. For your entry just post the names of the students and the number representing which week’s blog on which you commented. Sunday, Nov 28 2010

cnguye14 (Cindy ) :  Week 7

dannixula (Danielle): Week 6

antonioroberts (Antonio): Week 7

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Farmer tries to balance his desire to treat individual patients with the need for his attendance at high profile meetings. Which of these two is ultimately more important. Sunday, Nov 28 2010

The balance that Farmer tries to keep between his desire to treat individual patients and the need for his attendance at high profile meetings are equally important.  It is extremely difficult to choose between which is more important than the other because without one, the balance is lost.  For example, his desire to treat individual patients is crucial to his career as a physician and philanthropist.  A doctor’s role in society is to maintain and promote the health of individuals in the community.

On the other hand, his attendance at high profile meetings is also a necessity.  In addition to maintaining a society’s health, cooperation among fellow doctors play a vital role in global change.  Due to him being knowledgeable and skillful, the world needs more doctors similar to that of Paul Farmer.  In order to train doctors to be like Paul Farmer, his attendance at meetings with other doctors is a must.  In addition, with the current advancing technology, every single doctor’s opinion on the technology is important.  Paul Farmer is not only a normal physician, but he is a leader which must be at every meeting that disccusses important and lifechanging matters.

Overall, I believe that these two aspects are both equally important in Paul Farmer’s mission.  Without one, he will not be as effective and respected as the physician that is balncing both aspects.  In addition, I believe that this is why it is referred to as Paul Farmer’s balance.  Both are equivalentely significant; neither one is more important than the other.

 

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Send an email to your favorite teacher at Xavier thanking them for their work, and post the text of the email in your blog. Sunday, Nov 28 2010

Dear Dr. Carmicheal,

It is truly an honor to be in your biology lecture class.  Throughout my high school career I have always been interested in biology but never actually gained the concept of it.  I used to think that biology was a subject that could not be taught.  I believed the only way to grasp this concept was to read the textbook, which I neglected to do.  Although I took three years of biology in high school, I felt that I was not as strong in biology as other students were when coming to your class. However, you changed my perception completely.  You were able to teach and help me understand the concepts.  Even though this is only a general course, I believe that due to your teaching skills and your assistance, you have rekindled a flame that I once had in the natural sciences, specifically, biology.  After being unsatisfied with the first exam,  I went to you during your office hours and you helped me understand the “hypo/hypertonic” concept and broke down the processes of “cellular respiration” which I was able to pick up entirely.  After your encouragement, I did achieve my goal in the second exam, and honestly, I owe it all to you.

In addition, your weekly clicker quizzes are also a BIG help.  Although you do include many difficult questions, you allow us to associate among our classmates before answering a clicker question.  I know I cannot speak for the entire class, but this style of teaching really helps me.  By associating with other students, we give our classmates the chance to teach and fill in any gap holes that we might not understand.  This is one reason that distingueshes you amongst other biology teachers, you make full use of the power of the “clicker.”

Another trait that makes you a great teacher is your willingness to help.  Whenever anyone has a question, you are not hesitant to answer or clarify it.  Whenever anyone needs help, you make it clear that everyone is welcome to your office for assistance.  Also, you follow the pace of the students and at that same time keep us on track.  Thank you for everything you’ve done.  You are a great teacher and if you do plan on teaching any upper level biology courses, please let me know!

Sincerely, David Nguyen

 

 

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Interview a Xavier senior about his/her thoughts on Xavier’s mission and blog about what they say. Sunday, Nov 28 2010

Upon request, the senior that I interviewed will be anonymous.

“Are you a senior here at Xavier University?”

Anonymous:  Yes, I am.

“Can I interview you for my freshmen seminar class, I promise it’ll be quick!

Anonymous:  Haha, sure.

“What is your major?

Anonymous:  Biology Pre-med

“I am too, but how do you like it?  Do you think you chose the right path in pursuing this major and trusting Xavier to help get you this degree?  In other words, are you proud of being a Xaver graduate?

Anonymous:  I have to admit that its really tough, but if you like biology and you know this is what you would like to do for the rest of your life, then go for it.  I do think I chose the right path because Xavier has a really strong biology department.  I feel that from the past four years here, I learned all that is possible in relation to my field of study.  I am proud of being a Xavier graduate, because everyone knows Xavier is number one in placing African Americans into Medical School and I’m hoping to be a part of those statistics.

“Ok now that I know you alittle bit better, can I ask you a few questions regarding the Mission of Xavier University?

Anonymous:  Uhh, sure.

“You do know what Xavier’s mission is right?”

Anonymous:  Something to deal with promoting a humane and just society.  Right?

“Exactly, so how do you feel about this mission?  Do you think you can contribute to this mission after graduating?

Anonymous:  Xavier’s mission is truly unique.  It doesn’t specifically aim for the short term goals of simply graduating students, but its looks above and beyound to the long term goal of promoting a just and humane society through its graduates.  I feel that Xavier’s mission is perfect just the way it is and should not be altered in any way.  Afterall, it is what Xavier University was founded on.  I do think that I can contribute to this mission after I graduate by giving back to Xavier and teaching, but I feel that I will be able to contribute to this mission more effectively after I graduate from Medical School. By becoming a physician, I believe that I will directly contribute to this just and humane society by sharing my knowledge to help preserve the health of the community.

“Well that’s it. Thank you for your time, I truly appreciate it.”

Anonymous:  Your welcome. I hope this is good enough!

 

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Do some research on Katherine Drexel. Do you think she would be happy with Xavier today? Why or why not? Sunday, Nov 28 2010

Katherine Drexel was a philanthropist that established the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and found the historically black and catholic school of Xavier University of Louisiana.  After inheriting her father’s wealth, Katherine Drexel decided to donate the majority of her family’s money to help and assist the African Americans and Native Americans that were being suppressed and neglected at that time.  As a result, she devoted her life to serving these minorities by establishing the Sisters of Blessed Sacrament and ultimately, invested her inheritance into Xavier University of Louisiana which at that time, focused primarily on promoting african and native american rights and human equality.

If St. Katherine Drexel was able to see Xavier University of Louisiana today, I feel that she would not only be happy, but completely satisfied with this institution.  Her goal was to promote education and equality to African Americans and Native Americans which has been a complete success through Xavier University.  However, the minority range has expanded and included, but not restricted to  minority groups such as African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian Americans. In addition to promoting minority rights, St. Katherine Drexel was a strong supporter of faith and religion in the importance of humane and just society.  As a result, she recognized and established Xavier University of Louisana as a Catholic University.  To this day, Xavier University of Louisiana is recongized as one of the most academically strongest historically black catholic university.

In addition, St. Katherine Drexel would be proud to hear that Xavier University is ranked number one in placing African Americans into medical school, graduating African Americans with a four year degree in biology, natural sciences, and physical sciences, and placing African Americans into graduate school.  This title keeps Xavier University’s reputation among the top schools in the nation.  With this in mind, I truly believe that St. Katherine Drexel would be pleased and satisfied with this institution.

 

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How has money played a role in Farmer’s quest to provide healthcare? Thursday, Oct 14 2010

Although healthcare shouldn’t be based solely on money, money does play a vital role in Farmer’s quest to provide healthcare.  Without money, Farmer’s healthcare facilities would not have the necessary equipment or medicine to efficiently treat patients.  Paul Farmer recognizes the significance of money in providing healthcare.  For example in chapter 9, Farmer appearing thin and famished more than ever, admits that he donated his entire pay check to a patient with HIV/AIDS.   Although this seemed impractical at that time,  Farmer believed that money had a huge impact on one’s life.

In addition, Paul Farmer had numerous ideas to establish and improve the healthcare system in regions with poverty, in paritcular, Haiti.  However, he was not financially stable enough to donate millions of dollars in order to get his plans to work.  He knew that money acted as the catalysts of his ideas.  As a result, he fundraised and set up donation programs, but still did not raise enough money to impove Haiti’s healthcare.  However, Paul Farmer befriended Tom White, an extremely wealthy owner of a heavy construction company.  Knowing White’s generosity, Farmer asked White if he could possibly make donations to his “healthcare improvement plans” and White did just that.  He donated enough money to inititate Paul Farmer’s plans and goals to help improve Haiti’s healthcare.

Overall, money does have a huge impact on the Paul Farmer’s quest to provide the best possible healthcare.  Through donations and giving money,  Paul Farmer shows that although money doesn’t cure everything,  it does have an effect and a huge impact on the lives of a lot of people, in particular, the people in poverty.

 

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What role does Paul Farmer’s Catholic heritage play in his work? Does your religious heritage influence your work? Wednesday, Oct 13 2010

Paul Farmer’s Catholic heritage plays a vital role in his quest for improving healthcare of humanity.  As a Catholic, Farmer has always been taught to follow the word of God which is to be kind and serve others to the best of ones ability.  Through religion, Paul Farmer developed morals which ultimately leads him to fullfilling his goal which is to “cure infectious diseases” to all humanity regardless of age, race, gender, and class.  His altruism and determination has probably developed from his faith and strongwill to serve others.  As evidence, there are some instances in which his patients compare him to that of a saint. Paul Farmer treats everyone as equal and as the children of God.  All children of God should have the best healthcare provider that one can offer.

 

Similar to Paul Farmer, my Catholic heritage strongly influences my work.  I am firm believer in the Golden Rule and I believe in treating others the way you want to be treated.  Whenever possible, I try to help anyone that asks whether it is in tutoring a certain subject or listening to one’s problems.  Throughout my high school, I tried to contribute back to my community and those less foruntate in any way possible.   For example, one primary event that I participated in was the “Westbank Special Olympics” .  This event focused on assisting students with special needs to participate in athletic events.

In addition, I have a huge amount of respect and love for my elders, especially my parents.  I strive to succeed academically in hopes of making them happy.  My determination and perserverance in school is dedicated to christian faith and hope.  My motto is that “as long as God is watching over me, failure is never an option.”

 

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How has poverty benefited Haiti and New Orleans? How has it hurt Haiti and New Orleans? Do you believe in the preferential option for the poor? Wednesday, Oct 13 2010

Poverty has affected many regions worldwide, in particular, the country of Haiti and the city of New Orleans.  It plays both a beneficial factor and a negative factor in the development and advancement of societies.  Generally, when a region encounters poverty, assistance is usually offered to help the people of the society in that region “get back on its feet.”  For example, when Hurricane Katrina flooded New Orleans, the national governemnt immediately offerred assistance.  After this catastrophe, many believed that this impoverished city would not fully recover for a long time.  As a result, many programs were pioneered in order to assist the people of the city.  Due to the storm and evacuations, many people were not able to work and thus, money was scarce.  If money was scarce, so was food.  As a result, FEMA and other federal aid were provided  such as the Red Cross Relief and the “Road Home” program.  This can be seen as a benefit to New Orleans because assistance is provided to help restore the economy and society in general.  These federal programs are extremely benefiical in the growth of a society.  In addition, assistance was also provided to Haiti when the earthquake cause this already poor country to be even more impoverished.  Once again, programs and assistance from other nations are extrememly helpful in recovery.

On the other hand, poverty also damages a society significantly.  Poverty leads to lack of jobs and employment, which leads to an increase of homeless people.  In addition, poverty leads to poor healthcare providers because in this day and age, healthcare is based on one’s ability to pay.  Ultimately, it harms the societies’ reputation and leads to a increase of deaths at earlier ages.

In my opinion, I do believe in the preferential option for the poor.  I agree with Paul Farmer that healthcare should not be based on one’s ability to pay.  Healthcare should be provided to anyone that desperately needs it.  Afterall, a doctor takes an oath to help anyone and everyone that is in dire need at all times.  This includes even people that are not capable of paying a tremendous amount of money.

 

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