Mind, Brain, Behavior

This semester has been going by way too quickly. We have been in school for just over one month and we have completed so much in that short amount of time. We are already on our independent component. Since the summer, I determined to get a college class that was somehow related to my topic. When the class were put up, I first looked under the subject of psychology. I wasn't able to find anything directly linked, other than freshmen, general classes. When I went to my senior meeting with Mrs. Hunzeker, she recommended that I look into a class called Mind, Brain, and Behavior: An Integrated Study. From the name alone, I was already intrigued. I had found that the class perfectly fit my schedule and that other young scholars had successfully passes the class. I immediately emailed the professor and he quickly replied with a welcoming approval of me attending his class. I had asked him if the class would help me with my topic of psychopathology and he was slightly unsure. He claimed that it would not cover all aspects of the subject, but focus on the neurological science to the psychology.

When the independent component was officially announced, I wasn't sure if I would be able to use my class for it. I continued doing research on the class and also the professor and found that it is more related to my topic than expected. Also, based on the professor's credentials, I may be able to use him in an interview, if he allows. I was also unsure if I would feel comfortable taking a more challenging class by myself. I would have potentially been the only Young Scholar in the class. I later found that another senior was accepting to the class. I have a much greater confidence in this class and completing it successfully. It was a great relief to know that I had that matter out of the way. Now I would be able to focus on completely my mentorship hours.

Blog 6: Second Interview Questions

I am planning on interviewing Blanca Flores. She has worked in the Fashion industry for just over 12 years. She is currently unemployed, but has gathered experience and expert knowledge of the inner workings of business deals and communications.

5 questions on her background:

1. I’m interested in studying International Business. What can you tell me about it?
2. From your perspective, what could I study that would be significant to other people?
3. Who else would you recommend I talk to?
4. What kinds of places or activities do you recommend I do for the mentorship component?
5. What books should I read in this field? Who else can I interview?

The status of this mentor is still not confirmed, but it is looking very positive. 

Blog 5: Project Reflection and Working EQ

"Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand." -Homer Simpson

The Pentagon: 

1. Positive Statement: I have come to understand my topic more than I had when I chose it in the first place. I realized that there is so much more to psychopathology and it has many sub-topics within it. This is helping me narrow down what I would like to focus my essential question on. Also, from my interview I gained a place where I can hopefully fulfill my mentorship.

2. EQ Content: "Without Conscience" written by Robert D. Hare is my second most important piece of research I have collected. Other articles and books I have read have focused on personality traits of those who have the specific personality disorder, but this non fiction piece introduces hard evidence, research experiments, and several resources within itself.

My interview was also very useful. The process of finding a mentor and mentorship has become a more doable task with help from Andrew Williams, the interviewee from my first interview. I am planning another trip to the library to collect various resources he recommended.

3.  I personally love the research checks every week. As seniors, we have so much going on throughout the week and it's nice to have time to focus on what needs to be done and get it done as quickly and productively as possible. I find my research very interesting and it helps keep me focused, even though it may seem like a long time to just sit and stay quiet.

4. The hardest part of the senior project is finding a mentor. Then again, that does not have to do with the project, mainly my topic itself. It seems like we have just started school and we have several due dates given to us, but that is expected of senior year.

5. Finding Value:

• What determines that a person can be classified as "mentally ill" or as "psychopathic" in the law system?
• The person I interviewed has referred me to a lady named Dr. Jennifer Rousch. She works with clients directly admitted to BHC Alhambra Hospital, a private, for-profit psychiatric hospital.