Why Do I Do What I Do?

It’s been 4 months since my last blog update. The reason of such a gap in time is… because I truly wanted to immerse myself in the experience of being a Head of Department. However, such title or job position does not fully convey a personal objective. I personally did not accept to coordinate the Academy of Sciences because of money or prestige. I accepted the challenge because I truly believe that one can transcend through education. I accepted the challenge because I firmly believe that everyone, regardless of age, gender, and social background is good at Math and Science.

Let me elaborate on that point. Back when I was in middle school I had a teacher who revolutionized my previous conceptions of how Algebra is taught. In a time where most of my classmates seemed to despise Mathematics, along came a teacher who had a “special gift” that no other teacher had. He made Math elegant and simple to follow. While he was explaining abstract concepts, he moved gracefully in front of the class, and used magnificently structured procedures to illustrate new analytical notions. That is when I realized that not only Mathematics but Science in general could be shared, and everyone would be delighted in the learning process.

As the years rolled by, I had the opportunity to become a Science and Math teacher. In the 4 years I have taught Science and Math I have NEVER found ANYONE who is terrible at them. Even some of the students who had a very negative predisposition to subjects such as Algebra, Calculus, Chemistry and Physics eventually started to demonstrate a positive bond with these disciplines. How is that possible? How could a teacher inspire a student to get rid of stereotypes regarding Math and Science? How could a teacher demonstrate that Science and Math have an actual application in real life? The key term is motivation. Since motivation is such a contagious feeling, not only it affects the mental structure of a student, but it percolates all the way into his or her emotions. A student must establish an emotional connection with Math and Science. In other words, Math and Science have to make not only logical, but emotional “sense”.

Coordinating the Academy of Sciences has led me through a path of trial and error, long working nights, sleep deprivations, mood swings, and fear. However, the premise of changing how Mathematics and Science are perceived is what drives me to collaborate with the teachers who support the Academy and the students with whom we share our classes as teachers. This is my code of beliefs. This is why I do this.

I am tired of listening to the mantra “I hate Math. I hate Sciences. They are difficult. They are boring. There are no good Math and Science Teachers. My parents tell me that I’m not good at Algebra. My parents were never good at Math and Science.”

So, if you are a teacher or student who is reading this statement, I encourage you to believe that Science and Mathematics can be fun, interesting, and transcendental. Science and Mathematics can be learned and enjoyed by everyone. Let’s demonstrate that to the world.

New Year's Resolution and the Florida Experience

This is an uninspiring title for my first blog entry of 2012. I know it, rest assured. However, I have experienced a particular urge to unleash some creative juices. For a couple of months, a slight yearn to write has pervaded my thoughts. The best way to do it is to keep on nourishing this blog which I started almost a year ago. It is not surprising that I left it almost unattended during the last quarter. The chores and responsibilities of coordinating the Academy of Sciences, completing a Master's course, starting a CA on Management, and providing significant academic experiences consumed my energy. Thus, the only new year resolution that I have made to myself is to... WRITE.

Let's begin!

There is a recent anecdote that I would like to share with you. I had the opportunity to travel to Florida during Christmastime. 20 years had passed since I visited Orlando's theme parks. That visit, back in 1991, is still in my memory as one of the most influential experiences of my life . Not only did I enjoy the chance to meet Mickey, or ride a Delorean in Back to The Future: The Ride; I got exposed to the English language. I noticed my parent's frustration while trying to communicate in a language they did not grasp. Nevertheless, English appeared to me as an intellectually appealing tongue that narrated Epcot's rides. English narrated the Future. Moreover, I regarded USA as a pristine land of wide highways, largen-than-life shopping malls,sky-high bookstores and a Shangri-La for gamers and readers. Even the airports smelled like new cars. To summarize, USA became my tomorrowland when compared to Guadalajara.

Fast forward 20 years until last week...

What happened to the United States?
What happened to what Epcot and the Magic Kingdom used to represent?

First, I do not know why there is no decent or easy to understand public transportation in the Orlando area. The only means to arrive to one's hotel is by either taxy or renting a car. Both options are expensive, and the distance to Disney's theme parks from the airport is around 25 miles. Add to it, the traffic, ridiculous toll lanes (that charge $0.75 cents every 4 miles), and fuel consumption. In other words, Orlando's transportation system is not economically sustainable for tourists. I do not want to get into the environmental issue, but you may figure it out based on what I've just wrote.

Secondly, there was a time when Disney's Florida theme parks were landmarks of innovation. The Future was designed in the dark spaces of Space Mountain or in the scenes of Horizons at Epcot. Now, the monorail looks outdated, the Contemporary and Polinesian hotels appear worn out, and there was not a single original idea living in Epcot. Both the Magic Kingdom and Epcot are stuck in an old vision of what the future promised. Such a vision, under present lenses, only produces melancholy. Why has Disney stopped iinvesting in new and inspiring IP? Could it be due to executive corruption where personal wallets are more important than vision?

On a third and final note, we had lunch at the Tortuga Tavern at Adventureland in Magic Kingdom. Burritos and salads were ordered. I was given by the cast members a handful of sour cream packets, which were around 4 ounces each (quite respectable). We only used 2 packets. The other 3 packets were not even opened. I asked one of the cast members what should I do with the unopened packets. Her answer? "Throw them away". Does Disney have any idea of how much money the company could earn by controlling that flow of unwanted packets? What happens to the whole "sustainable" speech if one of America's top companies dismisses it?

The only spark of innovation of what used to be a land of dreams were Universal Studios. The Marvel and Harry Potter areas at Islands of Adventure are filled with innovative and creative rides that promise a bright future for the theme park industry.

It is no wonder that nations and companies change, but ideals cannot be prostituted by negligence such as the one I experienced at Orlando Florida and Disney's Theme Parks.

Comments? Be my guest!