Mass chaos in the classroom

While the tests were being given out, the room was full of sighs.  For some, it was like dreams were shot down.  Once we were told what we were to do, I knew it would be difficult regardless of which way it was going to be handled.  It was chaos from the very beginning until someone named themselves a leader. 

            Out of the five ways people act when they encounter a decision making conflict, I chose “accommodation.”  Personally, I was fine with the test the way it was.  It was very clear that not many people agreed with me so I was open to everyone’s suggestions and was eager to listen to their proposals. Taking the first test showed me what to expect for the next one and now I know how to study for it.  

            I feel that most of the class chose “compete to win.”  There were many people that were arguing with others that didn’t approve of their other classmates’ ideas.  Coming to a unanimous decision was no where near easy.  The back and forth arguing continued until most of the class realized that if we don’t come to an agreement on something then we get nothing.  This is when some people started to accommodate others and compromise.

            I think the only way this could have been done quicker is if there was one leader who was reported to by a small group of leaders that listened to a designated group of students.  Although a unanimous decision would still be difficult to get, there would be more order and things may have gone a little smoother.   

Playing with raw eggs

When Professor Kurpis told us that Wednesdays class would be one of the most interesting classes we've ever had, he wasn't kidding.  Its not every day where you're asked to drop raw eggs in class.  When I walked in on Wednesday, I was dumbfounded to see a dozen eggs, a box of straws, and tape.  No one could even begin to think what we would be doing with all this stuff.  When we were told what we had to do, the class blurted out in laughter; it wasn't exactly what most of us were expecting.  Thankfully, I was happy with most of my group members and we worked together well.

For the most part, we followed pretty much all the steps in the 25 minute planning process.  We were quite organized and followed something like a protocol.  We addressed priorities first and took care of the less important things last.  We spent most of our planning time trying to come up with a suitable idea for something to protect our egg from cracking.  Not only did we have to think about it but we also had to try to "sell"  the idea to our fellow group members.  The majority of us agreed on a said design but it didn't turn out as planned.  When the team was given its supplies, we were still discussing our best option to protect the egg.  While we were doing this, two of our group members started building their "idea" of what we were going to build.  At this point, we didn't have enough time to start all over again and build what we wanted and it wasn't worth getting into an arguement.  Although a few members of the group, including myself, did not agree with what was being done, we all helped because after all...there's no "i" in team. 

Culture shock: Mediterranean edition

Most people are surprised when I tell them that I'm half Greek.  For what reason; I have no idea.  Maybe because there aren't an insane amount of Greeks in the city?  Who knows.  I was baptised Greek Orthodox but I'm also half Italian so I am exposed to both Greek and Italian cultures.  Since the Greek side of my family speaks the language, I consider them more different from the American culture than the Italian side.

I don't consider my family's Italian culture to be very different from the American culture we live in.  The most "Italian thing" I do is talk with my hands lol.  Most Italians use a lot of hand movement when they speak and I do it all the time without realizing it.  It's second nature for me and everyone else in my family.  One thing that I realize about my family is that we always have big family dinners when we get together.  Everyone sits at the table at once and its probably the loudest dinner table in the world; there isn't one person who isn't talking.  I've realized that in the American culture, family dinners aren't as important.  My family makes it a point to have dinner together almost every Sunday which always consists of pasta.

When I get together with the other half of my family who is Greek, it's quite different.  The first thing one would realize would be the fact that most of us speakGreek.  Those who don't, understand it but can't speak it.  In the Greek tradition, it is normal to kiss a family member or friend on both cheeks when greeting them.  The foods we eat are very different than the other half of my family eats.  We eat lamb, octopus and lots of other seafoods that Italians don't eat much of.  Every culture has its own traditional foods. 

Other than the food and the language difference, both Greek and Italian people are very similar in cultures.  They are both countries in the mediterranean, have some similar customs,  and are very close to each other geographically.  If anyones curious about either culture, just ask!  Now lets see what you have to say about yours... 

About me

Where else to start but my name;  I'm Christopher Berlingieri.  I am a senior at Baruch College and trasfered here in the fall of 2009 from Long Island University.  At LIU, I was studying pharmacy but decided that it wasn't for me.  I decided to attend Baruch because I know it is always beneficial to a person to know the ways of business.  I am a NYS certified pharmacy technician and the event coordinator at Baruch City Advertising Society (BCAS).  I'm a marketing management major and will be graduating in two semesters.  I lost over 40 credits when transfering which is why its taking so long to graduate.  I commute for 2 hours each way from Belle Harbor, Queens every day.  It isn't fun ,but it has to be done.  A lot of people find it to be ironic that I am attending Baruch and pursuing a business degree becauseI am going to be a police officer.  I have taken the police exam for the NYPD over a year ago and I am taking the Suffolk County police exam in June.  I hope to work for the DEA as a special agent after 10 years as a police officer.  I love working on cars (making them fast, not maintenance), exercising, and going out with friends.  If you'd like to know anything else about me, don't be shy to ask.