Blog

 This new round of class presentations from all the groups was not only informative but also very engaging in how everyone delivered their information. The addition of professional interviews added a whole new level of credibility and interest to the projects. Hearing from experts who spoke from real experience was fascinating because they weren’t just talking about theories—they were sharing their knowledge and insights in a way that connected deeply with the audience. I felt that all the groups who included interviews used them effectively to support their points and highlight key topics. The experts brought so much more meaning to the presentations, helping every group strengthen their overall message.

One of the presentations that stood out to me the most was the one that connected immigration and the economy. These are both topics that are very relevant today, especially with ongoing political discussions under the current Trump administration. Because immigration and economic policy can often be controversial and emotionally charged, I was really curious to see how the presenters would handle them. To my surprise, the group approached the topics with professionalism and balance. They avoided personal bias and focused on objective facts. What impressed me most was how they managed to blend multiple aspects of immigration and the economy into one cohesive project. Each presenter had their own section, but they tied them together in a way that made everything flow naturally and feel interconnected.

The topic of immigration also resonated with me on a personal level because of my family’s history. I am the son of two immigrants who came from Cuba. Growing up, I constantly heard stories about their struggles to succeed in the United States and the sacrifices they had to make. Because of this, my parents have always had strong opinions about immigration, and their experiences have shaped my own perspective as well. Hearing about immigration in this presentation—something that has always been part of my identity—was especially meaningful. It reminded me of where I come from and made the project feel even more personal and powerful.

Another group that caught my attention focused on civic issues and healthcare. Both topics were handled with professionalism and strong research. These issues felt especially relevant to me and my peers because they impact us directly in our daily lives. Civic issues like social rights, education, poverty, and climate change are things that our generation—Generation Z—has become very vocal about. We are growing up in a time when speaking out on social issues matters more than ever. That’s why I connected so strongly to this group’s presentation. They managed to make their information feel personal, urgent, and relatable.

The part about mental health also hit close to home for me. Growing up in a Hispanic community, I have seen how mental health is often treated as a taboo topic. Families tend to avoid conversations about depression, anxiety, or emotional struggles. My mom works as a psychologist, and through her, I’ve learned just how important mental health is. I’ve also had the chance to speak to psychologists and even a professor at MDC Kendall who discussed how stigma and cultural barriers prevent people from seeking help. Because of these experiences, the mental health presentation felt incredibly powerful to me. It showed how important it is to address these topics openly and compassionately, especially in our own communities.

One of the most impactful elements of this entire project was the interview component. Across all the groups, there were interviews with a wide variety of professionals, each bringing something unique to their topic. One that stood out to me was the interview with an ex-FBI agent. It was impressive that someone with such a background agreed to be part of a student project, but even more impressive was how detailed and informative his answers were. The interviewer asked great questions—concise, clear, and thought-provoking—and the agent’s responses were full of insight. For the groups who weren’t able to secure a personal interview, using video clips like TED Talks was a smart and effective alternative. These videos were informative, well-edited, and presented complex information in an understandable way. Overall, the interviews added a level of professionalism that made the presentations even more engaging.

Working on my own group’s project was also a very meaningful experience. Our topic focused on how education and the environment interact in different ways. My personal section was about the role of environmental education in shaping future generations and comparing how environmental topics are taught in the United States versus other parts of the world. Through my research, I learned how different countries approach environmental education, and it was eye-opening to see the differences and similarities. Environmental education is not just about learning facts—it’s about shaping values, promoting awareness, and inspiring responsibility. Students who learn about the environment at a young age are more likely to grow up understanding the importance of sustainability and taking action to protect the planet.

One of my favorite parts of the project was my interview with Melissa Lau from the MDC Earth Ethics Institute. She was extremely kind, knowledgeable, and passionate about environmental education. I sent her my interview questions beforehand, and she came prepared with thoughtful, detailed answers. She spoke passionately about how we can inspire young people to care for the planet and become leaders in environmental responsibility. Hearing her enthusiasm made me even more inspired to care about environmental education. It reminded me how passion can make learning more meaningful and how educators can truly influence the next generation.

When reflecting on everyone’s work, I have to mention Calixto Alfonso’s presentation in particular. Calixto has a way of speaking that immediately captures attention. His voice is confident, his pacing steady, and his delivery engaging. He doesn’t just present—he connects with the audience. His ability to make complex topics sound conversational while keeping them informative is something I truly admire. Watching him made me realize how much presentation style matters. It’s not just about the information you deliver, but how you deliver it that makes people listen and remember.

Looking back on this entire project, I can confidently say that it was one of the best class experiences I’ve had. Each presentation showed effort, creativity, and care. The topics covered—immigration, healthcare, mental health, education, and the environment—are some of the most pressing issues in today’s society, and learning about them from my classmates’ perspectives was inspiring. Every interview, video, and discussion added new layers of understanding.

Most importantly, this project reminded me that education is more than just learning facts—it’s about creating awareness and inspiring change. Civic engagement starts with learning, but it grows through compassion and action. Whether it’s through volunteering, advocating for mental health, or promoting environmental awareness, we all have the power to make a difference. This experience taught me that knowledge is most powerful when it’s shared and applied. As students, we have the tools to become informed citizens who care about the world around us, and this project reminded me just how meaningful that responsibility truly is.