FINAL ESSAY

Since the beginning of this year I have changed tremendously. Not only as a student but as a person in general. Yes, the challenges and experiences I’ve had this year have helped me evolve into the person I am today, but also the lectures and strategies that have been taught to me by Dr. Preston this year have really developed my thinking process and helped me make smarter choices. A year with Dr. Preston has also helped me become organized and taught me how to manage my time properly. Learning how to manage my time properly has been very effective in showing me how to complete my homework and chores, and still have some free time to spare. This was a very important strategy/tool for me to learn especially because I like to keep myself busy so that I would stay out of trouble and also because there’s so many things that I want/love to do. The only way I can continue doing all these things that I love too much to let go is by managing my time properly. My reading and writing skills have also improved. I began noticing an improvement in my reading while I was reading a book for my third literature analysis last semester. My reading skills are still increasing every day exponentially. As for my writing skills, they have also been getting better and better every day not only because writing is almost involved in everything we do now a days, but also because Dr. Preston used to prepare vocabulary quizzes every week with new vocabulary words each week. I honestly think that we did deserve to be treated as colleagues because we are now considered as young adults and we aren’t little kids anymore. Also it helps strengthen the relationship between the student and the teacher almost as if they were friends, except the difference is that the student still has respect for the teacher. We did not earn this write to be treated as colleagues. Dr. Preston just decided to take this teaching process and tried to change it so that it can benefit both the student and teacher in their own ways.

Survey

https://surveymonkey.com/Home_Landing.aspx?sm=1q8NgsZQ1QySaOsaBiYYOtWwOFQUdR%2bcNcOIy7xq0kI%3d

BEGINNINGS

I honestly don't feel like my masterpiece is opening a new chapter for me. If I were to get the proper preparations for it then maybe it would, but as of right now with everything, all the information that I've gathered I don't feel like my masterpiece is really playing a huge roll in my life. My masterpiece is to rebuild and or reconstruct a new and improved class room. So students can feel comfortable in the environment in which they spend every day learning. I guess my masterpiece does open something new to me, but I don't know if it affects my life or not. It opens my eyes and shows me what architects think of every day before designing a building. They focus a lot on the structure of things and the way they look, but they also take in consideration the different needs and customs people will have. They have to take everyone's opinions before officially establishing something. This is something that I never knew before I began working on my masterpiece. I didn't learn this information myself or by research. I came across this information when I  visited the architecture studio that's offered in Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. I already knew I was a very creative person and especially as an artist, but building a class room is something completely new to me and it has helped my creativity expand to a whole new level of thinking. 

CONNECTIONS

3-5 things today that reminded me or had me make some kind of connection with my masterpiece are:
First thing that reminded me of my masterpiece today was when I entered my art classroom today and I sat next to Taylor Harms, someone who is helping me with me masterpiece, and we briefly discussed what we are going to do for our masterpiece.
Second time I was reminded of my masterpiece was when  I entered art class, because what I'm doing for my masterpiece requires the capacity to draw.
Third thing that reminded me of my masterpiece was looking at the different structures that architects utilized in creating the homes in Orcutt.

DESIGN

I think hacking into your physical environment can benefit you to be more successful. After spending five hours in the Architecture Studio I saw pure evidence with my own eyes that hacking into the environment in which you work at can help you tremendously. The architecture students changed the structure of their studio and constructed/ redecorated their class room completely different from the original structure to a structure more suitable for them. Changing your environment can help a person feel more at home, comfortable, and maybe even help them focus or learn more. For example I love working in my bedroom because it has all my books, pencils, calculators, laptop, and all the other accessories necessary to do my school work. Changing your environment can benefit someone in many ways.

EXPERIENCE AT CAL POLY(Architecture)

If I remember correctly Dustin, Taylor, Cecilio, and I volunteered our time to travel to the famous University known as Cal Poly. I honestly had no idea of what I was getting myself into, but I've always loved to take risks and this was a perfect opportunity to do so. When I first entered the Architecture Studio I was so nervous and shy to meet people who are pursuing the career that I one day hope to pursue. I introduced myself and then quickly sat down and joined in on the conversation that they were having. We began the lecture like any normal, standardized class. Dr. Preston led the lecture or the talk by asking us questions that we had no preparation what so ever for. I really don't like being put on the spot especially in front of a class full of college students, but we answer all of his questions at the best of our abilities. After a short period of time Dr. Preston had to attend to private matters and we continued without him. No offense to Dr. Preston, but I felt a lot less nervous and more accustomed to the collaboration once he left. We all brought snacks and shared and ate together. Afterwards we split into groups and we collaborated about their class project. They began asking me a bunch of questions about high school and how I think we can make it a better place for students to learn and study in the environment that their in. They were shocked to find out that not a lot of students spend their time in the library our school provides us with because they utilize their library frequently, almost all the time. Afterwards we presented what we came up with to the class. The trip to Cal Poly was an experience that I will never forget. Thank you Dr. Preston fopr making one of my biggest dreams come true.

ESSAY: PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Matthew Berumen

Period: 0

Parental Involvement

            Is parental involvement in children’s learning environment beneficial for the child? Most people believe it to be true and encourage parents to be more active in their child’s academics, but statistics have proven otherwise. It’d make more sense if children benefited from the guidance of their parents. It’s ironic to me that the results of this experiment resulted in the way it did, because when I was a kid I remember that my parent’s involvement with my academics was a tremendous help in my school work. My parents were always active and involved in everything that I participated in. Their help, support, and motivation is what kept me going all these years and still is the main source that drives me to succeed.  I was so shocked to find out that parental involvement affected the young students negatively.

            Over the past few years studies have been focused on whether or not the parental engagement in children’s academic lives improve test scores and grades. Despite this, increasing parental involvement has been one of the focal points of both President George W. Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act and President Obama’s Race to the Top. Both programs promote parental engagement as one remedy for persistent socioeconomic and racial achievement gaps. What did we find? One group of parents, including blacks and Hispanics, as well as some Asians (like Cambodians, Vietnamese and Pacific Islanders), appeared quite similar to a second group, made up of white parents and other Asians (like Chinese, Koreans and Indians) in the frequency of their involvement. The majority of the time the reason why children do worse in the first group because maybe education isn’t seen as important or valuable in the eyes of the student which reflects on the parents and their teaching habits.

            Like I stated earlier my parents were always involved in my school work and they were also active in all the extracurricular activities I participated in. I honestly don’t think that parental involvement can ever be in any way negative. At the same time I can understand why parental involvement can result negatively. Not all children are blessed with such loving and supporting parents who have the time and patience to help their child like the way my parents did with my siblings and I.

            In conclusion the article believes that parents should not be involved in their child’s learning activities/criteria.

THE CROSSROADS BETWEEN SHOULD AND MUST

      The article "The Crossroads Between Should and Must" is an article that explains exactly what the title states. It compares and contrasts them both. Should is a road in which you have the power to make a choice or not to make a choice. In other words you have the opportunity to act on something or not. Only small risks are made when you on the road/path of should. Usually when you choose this path you don't feel obligated or pressured to make a decision.
      Must is a road in which you don't have that freedom or the will to decide for yourself. It's when you either don't have a choice because one specific way is the best and most likely the most beneficial choice/way. A good example for must is like when you have to attend jury duty. You must go to the jury or your freedom can be put at steak. I believe if you don't go to court when you're asked to then you go to jail.

LITERATURE ANALYSIS

Nonfiction Analysis:
Topics and/or Events:
Into The Wild is a children's fantasy novel written by Kate Cary under the pseudonym Erin Hunter after concepts and outlines created and developed by Victoria Holmes.
Into The Wild begins with a battle between ThunderClan and RiverClan over Sunningrocks, a strip of land. ThunderClan is outnumbered and their deputy, Redtail, calls a retreat. In ThunderClan territory, the medicine cat, Spottedleaf, receives a prophecy from the spirits of their ancestors, StarClan: "Fire alone can save our Clan." The leader, Bluestar, says that it is impossible, because fire is feared by all the cats.
Rusty, a house cat, runs into a ThunderClan apprentice, Graypaw, in his backyard. Rusty, however, does not run away, but fights back. Bluestar and Lionheart, Graypaw's mentor, having watched the confrontation, invite Rusty to join ThunderClan. Rusty accepts the next day, but is unwelcomed by most of the Clan. Rusty loses his collar after a fight with Longtail, and Bluestar gives Rusty a new name: Firepaw. He forms a strong bond with Graypaw and Ravenpaw, but Firepaw finds out that Tigerclaw, an ambitious member of the Clan, murdered Redtail, and will stop at nothing to attain his goal of becoming Clan leader. Tigerclaw realizes that Ravenpaw might spill his secret, having watched Tigerclaw kill Redtail, so he plans to kill Ravenpaw. To prevent this from happening, Firepaw and Graypaw lead Ravenpaw to a barn where he would be safe and have company, living with a loner named Barley.
Tigerclaw realizes Firepaw knows his secret, but is still trusted by the Clan. While Bluestar, Tigerclaw, Ravenpaw, Firepaw and Graypaw are away, ShadowClan attacks ThunderClan's camp and kills Lionheart, the new ThunderClan deputy. A few days later, Frostfur's kits are stolen by the ShadowClan leader and his warriors. Firepaw leads a rescue party to search for the lost kits in ShadowClan territory and emerges victorious. Having won because of Firepaw, Bluestar gives Firepaw his warrior name, Fireheart, along with making Graypaw a warrior, giving him the name Graystripe.
I belive that my author decided to write about this event that took place in his childhood to tell a story or give an insight on his life.
In all honesty the the title sold me from the moment I laid eyes on it. Nothing is better than entering the wild and exploring the beauties of nature.
Yes I did find this book realistic to a certain extent. I don't think every single detail that was included in this book was real.
I think that the author's inturrpretation of the story would be slightly different if it were told by someone else because only him alone was going through all those different emotions that take place in the book.
Into the Wild did occasionally remind me of the Harry Potter books, both in writing style and content. Rusty forms a firm friendship with an apprentice (warrior in training, more than six months old) called Graypaw, a longhaired solid grey tom. Graypaw adds the laughter to what is, when you really think about it, a rather gritty story. This friendship reminded me strongly of Harry on Ron when they first met in the Philosopher's Stone. Cats such as Bluestar and Yellowfang form the older authority figures. These two characters reminded me of Dumbledore and Snape (though not too closely.

Resource of the day

http://architecture.about.com/cs/careers/f/archprepare.htm
This link lists and explains the courses I'll need to take to become what I so passionately desire to become, and Architect/Architectural Engineer.

Architectural Engineer (5 page Research paper)

Matthew Berumen

Period: 0

Architectural Engineer

What is an architect? Most people assume that an architect is a person who doodles ideas or plans, so that construction workers can make that idea into reality. Being a architect takes more time, patience, and skill than what most people think. An architect is a person train and licensed to plan, design, and oversee the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to provide services in connection with the design and construction of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the buildings that have as their principal purpose human occupancy or use.

            Professionally, an architect’s decisions affect public safety and thus an architect must undergo specialized training consisting of advanced education and a practicum (or internship) for practical experience to earn a license to practice architecture. Practical, technical, and academic requirements for becoming an architect vary by jurisdiction.

            The terms architect and architecture are also used in the disciplines of landscape architecture, naval architecture and often information technology (for example, a network architect or software architect). In most jurisdictions, the professional and commercial

Uses of the terms “architect” and “landscape architect” are legally protected.

            In most developed countries, only qualified persons with appropriate licensure, certification, and registration with a relevant body often governmental may legally practice architecture. Such licensure usually requires an accredited university degree, successfully completion of exams, and a training period. The use of terms and titles, and the representation of oneself as an architect is restricted to licensed individuals by law, although in general, derivatives such as architectural designer are not legally protected.

            In the architectural profession, technical knowledge, management, and an understanding of business are as important as design. An architect accepts commission from a client. The commission might involve preparing feasibility reports, buildings, structures, and the space among them. The architect participates in developing requirements the client wants in the building. Throughout the project (planning to occupancy), the architect co-ordinates a design team. Structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers and other specialists are hired by the client or the architect, who must ensure that is co-ordinated to construct the design.

            Architects typically put project to tender on behalf of their client’s advice on the award of the project to a general contractor, and review the progress of the work during construction. They typically review contractor shop drawings and other submittals, prepare and issue site instructions, and provide construction contract administration and certificates for payment to the contractor. In many jurisdictions, manufactory certifications or assurance of the work is required.

            Depending on the client’s needs and the jurisdiction’s requirements, the spectrum of the architect’s services may be extensive (detailed document preparation and construction review) or less inclusive (such as allowing a contractor to exercise considerable design-build functions). With very large, complex projects, an independent construction manager is sometimes is sometimes hired to assist in design and to manage construction.  In the United Kingdom and other countries, a quantity surveyor is often part of the team to provide cost consulting.

            Recent decades have seen the rise of specializations within the profession. Many architects and architectural firms focus on certain project types (for example, health care, retail, public housing, event management), technological expertise or project delivery methods. Some architects specialize as building code, building envelope, sustainable design, technical writing, historic preservation(US) and conservation(UK), accessibility and other forms of specialists consultants.

            Architectural engineers apply engineering principles to the construction, planning, and design of buildings and other structures. They often work with other engineers and with architects, who focus on function layout or aesthetics of building projects. Architectural Engineering often encompasses elements of other engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and others. The architectural engineers are responsible for the different systems within a building, structure, or complex. Architectural engineers focus several area, including: the structural integrity of buildings the design and analysis of heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, efficiency and design of plumbing, fire protection and electrical systems, acoustic and lighting planning, and energy conservation issues. Architectural Engineering graduates will enter a field that has a great deal in common with both civil and mechanical engineering – but architectural engineers have chosen to concentrate on building projects. They will work on building system design, structural and computer-aided design, and address challenges such as earthquake and hurricane preparedness. A bachelor’s degree in engineering is required for almost all entry-level engineering jobs. Accredited architectural engineering programs usually provide broad studies in mathematics and physics in addition to course work in civil engineering. It is important to select a program that is accredited in Architectural Engineering.

Admissions requirements for undergraduate engineering schools include a solid background in mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus) and science (biology, chemistry, and physics), and courses in English, social studies, humanities, and computer and information technology. Having calculus in high school can provide a substantial advantage when working toward an architectural engineering degree. Bachelor’s degree programs in engineering typically are designed to last 4 years, but many students find that it takes between 4 and 5 years to complete their studies. Some Architectural Engineering programs are five years, instead of four. In a typical 4-year college curriculum, the first 2 years are spent studying mathematics, basic sciences, introductory engineering, humanities, and social sciences. In the last 2 years, most courses are in engineering, usually with a concentration in one branch. For example, the last two years of an architectural engineering program might include courses in architectural design, engineering economics, fluid mechanics, structural design and analysis, and thermodynamics.

Architectural Engineers work in teams with other engineers an architects to design, construct, and maintain buildings and building complexes. They might focus on designing structural systems, evaluating and planning heating and air conditioning, lighting, electrical, plumbing, and/or fire protection systems for buildings. Architectural Engineers may work on new building projects, or renovations of existing structures. Usually, architects design the look or aesthetics of a building and design a building that meets the needs of a client. Architectural engineers are responsible for taking the design and developing the details of the building systems, including structural, heating/air conditioning, plumbing, fire protection, and electrical. They use their expertise in engineering, mathematics, and physics to make sure the structure is sound and functional.

Architectural engineers often work in teams. Some Architectural engineers focus on specific issues, such as a structure's ability to withstand the stress of hurricanes, heavy snow, or earthquakes. Others might focus on air quality, energy efficiency, or the impact new construction has on the environment. They may participate in legal or financial consulting regarding construction planning, processes, equipment, or issues. Most Architectural Engineers work in the construction industry or related areas. Others may choose to work at non-profit organizations or firms. Architectural Engineers usually work in a comfortable environment. Most of their time is spent in offices consulting with clients and working with other engineers and architects. However, they often visit construction sites to review the progress of projects. Although most architects work approximately 40 hours per week, they often have to work nights and weekends to meet deadlines. Architectural engineers may find themselves working in different geographic locations based on the site of a construction project.  

This is all the information I’ve been gathering. Of course I’ve searched for more, but most of the information I find becomes very repetitive. This research paper explains all the steps I will need to make to get to the destiny I so passionately desire. Only time, dedication, and hard work will get me there. One day I will be an architectural engineer constructing houses and any other project available to me.