Actual Text #1: The past three decades “1/3 of the worlds total natural resources have been consumed. 80 percent of the world’s forests are gone and 99% of the stuff we run through the systems is trashed within six months.”

Response #1:
These statistics amazed me. The fact that in the amount of time that I have lived on this planet, we ourselves have used up one-third of the worlds’ natural resources. There should always be distributive justice and everyone needs to find a way to better work together so that these numbers do not increase. The problem most of the time is that even though we know right from wrong, and are well aware that we are quickly destroying our finite planet, we some how think that we “ourselves” are the exception. We automatically do not think we could be the ones contributing to the problem. If everyone just faced the fact that each and every individuals role in society has an impact, then maybe we will have a better grasp on how to save our planet.

Actual Text #2: Three steps to change: Identify the heart of the problem, the big idea. Then realize you all have to work together to accomplish this goal. Lastly, take action. “Faith is taking the first step even though you do not see the whole staircase."

Response #2: Many things seem beyond our control, but the problem we all have is that we know what is wrong, we know we have to work together to fix it, but we never exactly find the courage to take action. That third step may be the scariest because that means you have to change the structure of things and polices but we do not make improvement in life without having a little bravery that with our help we can make change. I have noted this before, but I truly think this is a great quote. “ You know, sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage. Just literally 20 seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you; something great will come of it. If people like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Oscar Romero and Abraham Lincoln, can find it in them to make change happen, I think we can find a way to get together and back them. They risked everything for us and this world will not survive much longer if we don't find those 20 seconds to have courage.

“The Story of Stuff” had a ton of information about consumer product supply chain and the impact a consumer society has on the environment and its people. One of the most interesting things that Annie Leonard said was American consumers no longer use or own 99% of their purchased products 6 months after purchase. This concept isn’t expanded further, but I’m fairly sure it has to include things like food packaging – even still, 99% of all purchased material is an alarming rate.

This was not the first time I’ve heard the terms “planned obsolescence” and “perceived obsolescence” but “The Story of Stuff” gave it a new perspective. The idea that planned obsolescence was a conscious decision, and that it correlates to the time when American unhappiness began to decline, says a lot about our value system. Even if we think we want stuff, we don’t need things, stuff doesn’t actually bring happiness. The visualization of the treadmill/cycle of tired from work, watch TV, TV tells us to buy, need to work to buy, return to work to make money, get tired from work… etc… illustrated this point perfectly.

I decided to watch “The Story of Change” after finishing “The Story of Stuff.” I loved the idea presented in this video that we can’t just encourage people to do the right thing, because it’s often hard to do the right thing. The right item to buy might be a lot more expensive, so people without the means will be stuck funding a product that damages people, or the environment, or themselves. Instead, the video suggest we have to change the economy so the right thing is the easy thing. When the right choice is easy for consumers to make, the easy to buy product becomes second nature.

Another concept I took from “The Story of Change” was the idea that people can use what they’re good at and apply it to being a “change maker.” Not everyone has time to stand around demonstrating, or the know-how to create a Fair Trade company, for example. Instead, people can take their own talents and apply them to creating the world they want to live in.

Text 1: "I want to share with you how I came to this hopeful perspective and my mission to help provide low-cost, high quality assisted living solutions for seniors."

Response 1: The author opened with this powerful saying. She describes her work as hopeful and claims that was she does is her mission, not just her job. This opening sets the tone for the rest of the passage, allowing the reader to identify with the emotional perspective the author conveys, rather than reading the passage as if the author were talking merely about her job. Conchy Bretos, the author of this passage, expresses her hope in the senior care living business, yet admits that she was not always as positive. She exemplifies the power of doing good by making a career out of her passion of fairness.

Text 2: "Before our model, residents of public and subsidized housing were evicted from their units when they could no longer live independently."

Response 2: Before Mia Senior Living Solutions many elderly people were evicted simply because they were not physically able to take care of their properties. These people were forced to move into expensive and depressing nursing homes, or would have to become homeless. Mia provides a solution by allowing the elderly to remain in the comfort of their homes by bringing care to them. Mia Living Solutions accomplishes the never ending quest of saving the government money as well as creating and maintaining safe and comfortable places for the elderly to live. Mia is both fair and nurturing to its customers while simultaneously conducting a profitable business. Other business should consider following a path similar to that of Mia Living Solutions.

Quote #1: "CBS news presented the case for my work extremely well. The research showed that, for every person we provide services, we were saving the Medicaid budget $18,000 per year."

Response to #1: I am definitely much more motivated by practicality, and this article did a very good job convincing me that Mia would be more cost-efficient. It is a topic that everyone thinks of. Many people have older relatives that they would like to see in good living situations, or they think of their parents, or even themselves when they get older. It's certainly a topic that interests many, especially since the government takes money out of our paychecks for Social Security. Being able to see Bloomberg, CBS, etc. and some numbers made me feel more reassured that this idea could actually work.

Quote #2: "The public also mistrusts corporate America.The good news about this has been an increased motivation on the part of corporations to engage with social service organizations and show their commitment toward the communities in which they operate."

Response to #2: For some reason, I'm really in love with this quote. It is very truthful. Most people would agree that they don't trust corporate America. In fact, 99% of our Fair Trade would certainly agree with this because of all that is written about unfair wages and practices and that the CEOs make absurd amounts of money. But I really like that this author didn't try to say that huge corporations were good, but merely pointed out that there is a positive spin. Many companies do give a lot to charity and hold and sponsor events. Maybe the intention is public relations, and is not genuine, but intention doesn't matter much in the big picture if people are being helped.

Text 1:
"All of our projects are totally self-sustainable and replicable and generate
good operating margins. Many private sector investors are motivated by these
revenues. Our projects have proven to drastically cut Medicare and Medicaid
costs. We have used these results to convince state and federal governments
and legislators to properly fund community care and in the end effect policy
change at the federal level."

Response 1:
It was surprising to read about such a revolutionary and innovative approach to senior housing, and to not have heard about it previously. It's amazing to see that someone has come up with a self-sufficient business model for senior housing and can be easily replicable. I also like how Conchy uses the available government resources available to make his idea a success. It leaves me wondering why the government or anyone else has not seen the potential advantages of the resources provided. Conchy mentioned all of the awards and accolades Mia has received (rightfully so) which shows that the public is conscious of the changes he is bringing. I hope to hear more about Mia and its expansion in the near future.

Text 2:
Living in an orphanage taught me to identify with those less fortunate,
with their plight and needs. Ever since, I have not been able to face injustice
and remain uninvolved.... And I said to myself, "The world must not know about this, and I must be here for a reason. I think that I am the right person to change this. I need to tell everybody what is going on.”

Response 2:
The story of Conchy Bretos' background and history was very touching and motivating. He had to learn how to be responsible and independent at an early age. he faced many injustices himself which led to his yearning to help those who face similar situations. Seeing social injustice first hand, fuels his efforts in helping and making a difference. This is a trait that I am very found of and hope that I can develop. Most people become disheartened when they see groups being marginalized and they focus on the negatives. People like Conchy Bretos and Oscar Romero gain motivation and a type of inner-fire when they either witness or experience these injustices firs hand. It is people with this type of characteristic that are going to make major social changes and impacts in the future.

Actual Text 1: “We stack subsidies to make the program self-sustainable. In other words, we have created a model of providing services to residents of publish and subsidized housing by layering federal and state funds and providing services to enable them to stay in their homes at a considerable savings to taxpayers. Our ability to have access to government funding to create this new affordable model is unique, and our firm is the only one in the nation with the expertise to make it work.” (Bretos, pp. 32)

Response 1: This part of the article took me a little by surprise. The way the organization is funding the projects is by this seemingly not so complex process that uses both state and federal funding. My first thought was to use this method of funding and replicate it for other projects that struggle with a lack of funding. It is specifically stated that this form of funding is an “affordable model” yet requires much “expertise” for the funding to work. This gives anyone who is in need the ability to the facilities, even if the individual is unable to pay. This complex funding process is highly rewarding but has drawbacks due to the fact that it is so hard to do. We need to figure out a way make this process easier and more accessible to other sectors in need.

Actual Text 2: “The world must not know about this, and I must be here for a reason. I think that I am the right person to change this. I need to tell everybody what is going on.” (Brentos, pp. 34)

Response 2: This quote really spoke to me. I have said something to this extent before and truly believe in it. Conchy Bretos called upon himself to take action to defend justice and create equality for elderly people. He says this quote in the article right after he tells us the atrocities in Fort Lauderdale. After coming to the US when he was only fourteen years old, he said he could never face injustice without trying to fix it. This is exactly what Conchy did, he took action. His words in the quote above touched me. He says in the beginning of the quote that he does not want anyone to know the filth he saw in the apartments in Fort Lauderdale (and all over the country). However, at the end of the quote, he says he needs to inform everyone of what is going on. He believed it was his mission to change thousands of peoples lives and create justice in an incredibly unjust sector of life. He was obviously right in saying this and found a way to help. Finding something we are incredibly passionate about is one of our best hopes in bettering society.

Text 1: Biennial evaluations of Mia have proven that the model improves the elderly's cognitive and physical health, reduction of prescription drugs, number of hospitalizations and emergency room admissions, uses of wheelchairs, and incidences of falls. Health care costs have subsequently been significantly reduced due to the decreased need for assistance.

Response 1: I think this piece of the text speaks a lot to the ability of the quality of someone's life and how much of a factor it is relating to health. It reminds me of the saying that smiling more makes you live longer. I hope this is true and I would have to agree that the surrounding environment plays a huge role in the lifespan of a person. Sometimes medicine is not always the answer. If I were an elderly person, I would much rather be in a system like Mia than in a nursing home taking numerous kinds of medicine. As it may have a homeopathic sentiment, I believe that being content rather than stressed can increase the lifespan and physical health of a person.

Text 2: "Living in an orphanage taught me to identify with those less fortunate, with their plight and needs. Ever since, i have not been able to face injustice and remain uninvolved."

Response 2: I feel a sentiment towards Conchy Bretos because like her, my stepmother immigrated to America from Cuba. I find it amazing that someone from another country, who some Americans would look at as "just another immigrant," was able to come here and do such a great thing for our country. Not only that, but she chose to identify with an age group that is not hers, which i find extremely unselfish. She is a great example of someone who chooses to come to the greatest country in the world not only to reap the benefits, but to give back so much more as well.

Text 1: "Before our model, residents of public and subsidized housing were evicted from their units when they could no longer live independently. With few, if any, options, these residents became homeless or moved to costly and depressing nursing home care, prematurely taxing the states' Medicaid budgets."

Response: Mia has found the niche that is a win win for all parties involved. The realism however, that those unable to live independently end up evicted is horrifying. One would think that those unable to live independently would be served with the most help possible just on a human empathy level, but this is not the case. You can see in this excerpt the domino effect that does trickle to our Medicaid budget being that there are premature taxes due to the initial eviction and inevitable depressing nursing home that is to follow the fate of one who cannot live independently. Now, with Mia's new model this is all about to change and not only make sense on a monetary level but on a human respect level.

Actual Text 2: "For the first time in the history of this country, older people will outnumber teenagers two to one."

Response: This fact surprised me because I never really thought about that statistic. But it makes sense being that the baby boomers' generation is aging. With this thought in mind Mia could not have happened at a better time. If they can have this movement spread for the largest older generation ever, then we will have a bright future.

-This story was about a persons thoughts and experiences with fairness towards certain people. In one paragraph he talks about how his mother had to send him away from Cuba because of problems with military schools being started. He says that once he was on his own he felt liberated and was able to do whatever he wanted. He then says he kept going to school and was bale to get into college, and give back to others.
-I liked this paragraph because the author showed his true character. A person being taken away from their family and being forced to start over in an unfamiliar place could really affect a person negatively. This man was able to overcome that and become a stronger person, stay in school, and still give back to others. I like his determination to do more than the average person, and give back to as many people as he could. He genuinely cares about other people’s well being, which is a quality that every person should want to have.
-“I have tried and failed many times, but I have never failed to try.”
-This quote is one I find significant because it is very true. People should always be willing to try something, even if they fail it should not matter. I agree with the idea that if you don’t try you will never know what might happen, which is more detrimental than failing. Attempting something and trying and failing can spark so much in someone. For example, make the person want to try again, want to succeed, want to do better. So this quote seems very accurate to me.

Text1: The research showed that, for every person we provide services, we were saving the Medicaid budget $18,000 per year

Response1: This piece of information struck me as vital to the survival Mia. It is one thing to operate in an altruistic fashion, helping low income seniors wherever possible. It is completely different to do this in such a way that actually saves money. Often organizations such as Mia must be on a very small scale, because the government simply cannot or will not fund outrageously expensive programs, whether they help people or not. However, I find it remarkable that Mia has found a solution that is not only socially responsible, but also financially responsible.

Text2: "I was so inspired when I walked into the room on the day of the award ceremony to find over 200 people, most of them much older than I was, tackling and succeeding in some of the most difficult problems confronting our community."

Response 2: I feel that change occurs when people can come together to solve problems. As much emphasis is put on an individual 'making difference' in our society, true change happens when individuals work together on a common problem and make it a goal to correct. The fact that so many people have made it their personal goal to confront the issues in our community is reassuring. It lets you know that no matter your age, you can always help make the world a better place.

Text 1: One quote that thoroughly stuck out to me was, "The public also mistrusts corporate America.The good news about this has been an increased motivation on the part of corporations to engage with social service organizations..."

Response: This quote stuck out to me because, in a way it shows a change in human behavior. I mean corporate America has always had a bad name. Bad people making tons of money, while disregarding the lives of those who are "below" them. And the crazy thing is that I have always wanted to work in corporate America because I love business. However, this bad reputation has led to many bad connotations towards business students as well as people who aspire to work at an accounting firm, or for a fortune 500 company. Anyways it is great to see a change in ideas and values and that companies are waging a war against this bad reputation that has been placed on big business since the oil barons. Since then the business world has evolved greatly and has grown globally as well. It is amazing to see companies like Google and Apple, not only treat their companies well, but move forward and try to create an industry where people can be treated fairly.

Text 2: "Living in an orphanage taught me to identify with those less fortunate with their plight and needs." This really stood out to me. I mean was raised in an exceptionally wealthy family, and although that was my upbringing i never once believed that i was better than someone who was homeless, or less fortunate than me.

Response: Like i said, i have never been a person who believes I am better than anyone else. I am lucky to have been born in the family i was born into, and It is amazing to say that i have this wealth to help me out in life. But that doesn't mean i am above people who are less fortunate, just because i came from a prominent family does not mean i don't see the lives of the less fortunate. I think in this modern world, too many people believe that where you are born defines you. Sure our experiences mold who we are, but by saying were we are born defines us, is an obvious misconception. I can completely understand how growing up in an orphanage can completely change your ideal on life, but just because i have not been in that situation does not mean i am any less aware of the situations less fortunate people are in. No matter what situations arise in your life, just be fair, be honest, and be just. That's all anyone can do to be an outstanding person who can care for people, whether they be less fortunate, or more fortunate than you.

Text 1:
"All of our projects are totally self-sustainable and replicable and generate good operating margins. Many private sector investors are motivated by these revenues. Our projects have been proven to drastically cut Medicare and Medicaid costs."

Response:
What I think is so interesting about the mission created by Mia is that it is beneficial for more than one parties. A lot of times companies will focus on pleasing only one group, for instance the seniors, or just the government. This is a business model that should be looked at more often and used to try and create new outlets. The company creates a balance between providing optimal care for the elder generation as well as cutting high government costs. This is an issue that it very relevant for our generation so finding solutions is crucial.

Text #2:
"I often wonder if we live in a just society, with the number of eople who are systematically disadvantaged, including the poor, the seniors, and the disabled; and given these injustices what kind of change is required today?

Response:
I like this part of the text because it shows that he realized that there were problems in our society. Everyday people are living at a disadvantage and due to his experiences he realizes that something needed to be done. He took it upon himself to make a change. He saw an injustice and from there created a way to solve a problem. I thought this was inspiring and intriguing because it proves that we can all make a difference through businesses. As students we can take what we have learned at Fordham and use it to better the lives of people. It is so easy to turn a blind eye to all that is wrong in the world, but by creating a solution we can better ourselves as well as many members of society.

Text: Convincing state and federal governments to shift emphasis from institutionalization was difficult, partly because of the inability of policy-makers to be proactive and responsive to individual's needs and preferences. Another factor has been the lobbying strength of nursing homes that see this shift as a threat to their livelihoods.
It is sad and says a lot about our government and society that one of the large barriers Mia has faced comes from the lack of sympathy of policy-makers and the polarized government system in which politics has taken more importance than human rights. The fact that decisions that should be made in defense of human rights are being made based off of political power and political benefits is pathetic - though obviously politics hold a high seat in policy making in the government, it is sad that this program was recognized more for saving the government money than for being the proper thing to do ethically. Unfortunately, people rarely are willing to consider that a change in how things are run could save the government money while also doing the right thing for people benefiting from taxes as well as for people paying taxes.


Text: I have always believed that altruism is part of us, that as social beings we are inherently compassionate. . . Given that we live in a global society where we are all interconnected we are now coming to the realization that to survive, as human beings, we need to connect with others and be more sympathetic.
Bretos' point of view that society is altruistic is sweet if somewhat idealistic. Though he is right because most people should/would make decisions based on justice if they would benefit financially or in another way, many people would rather be passive than proactively help society. The writer's actions and experiences are noteworthy because he has acted for the good of others rather than for his own personal gains. Assuming all people had it in them to act in this way, society's flaws would be significantly decreased. The need to be sympathetic and connect with others on a global as well as national and local level demands people to bring their best selves forward and act in ways that benefit society as a whole and not just in the little bubble they interact with on a daily basis. The call to action presently is strong - as the writer said, the failures and crises that society is currently dealing with may prove to be blessings for groups that aim to help others and that aim to improve society's caliber as a whole.

Actual Text #1: “I have learned more from those failures than from my success. ‘Why?’ It is because when you fail you realize how much you need to do to succeed. “

Response #1:

I really like this statement because many people think that to succeed you must not make any mistakes, but that is not the case. The only way you truly can grow as a person and learn is by making mistakes. You should be able to ask as many questions as you would like and use lessons learned from your failures to make improvements. No one is perfect but we can all gain more knowledge and become better people with the recognition that our failures and lessons make us that much stronger.

Actual Text #2:

“I have always believed that altruism is part of us, that as social being we are inherently compassionate…we are all interconnected we are now coming to the realization that to survive, as human beings, we need to connect with others and be more sympathetic. Most of our problems would be over if we had an array of people committed to serving others. “

Response #2:

It is a constant tread in all the pieces of readings that we are assigned that community and teamwork are key in getting anything done. We must work together in order to maintain a long-lasting goal. The benefit of working with other is that we can learn from each other. We all have strengths and weaknesses and if we collaborated more we can achieve even greater things. I think it is awesome that the MIA Senior Living Solutions can allow people to hold on to their dignity. There is no need to take that away from people. Working together is beneficially to everyone. These seniors need our help because we all know that if we were in their shoes, we would be hoping the exact same thing. If we put in a little effort to help, these individuals can live with pride and will be more likely to live longer lives because their happiness will not be drained out of them from the depressing, gloomy setting of a nursing home. Not only will we be helping them live happier lives but also will be able to because we will be saving millions of dollars.

Text #1: "I have never been afraid to fail, and in fact I suggested to the president of Ashoka that they should start recognizing people for their failures and not their accomplishments. It shows the true caliber of people when they fail and come back. I have tried and failed many times, but I have never failed to try."

Response #1: I thought this was, in a sense, motivational. The basic meaning is never give up and it's something heard throughout one's life, but I think it's probably one of the truest statements. Bretos is proof that failure can lead to success if you continue doing what you think is right. At some point, those who are against what you think is right will eventually "see the light." There's no harm in trying, which is why I don't see why someone won't continue to strive and try to get what they want if they are able to do so. In the end, after all the failures, Bretos was able to get better housing for the elderly so they don't have to live in nursing home where they're uncomfortable. With Mia, you're allowed to live in your own home, which is amazing because how much freedom do you really have in a nursing home? You can't do what you would in your own home. I would say Bretos is letting them live their life until the end instead of ending it prematurely by placing them in a nursing home.

Text #2: "The public also mistrusts corporate America. The good news about this has been an increased motivation on the part of corporations to engage with social service organizations and show their commitment toward the communities in which they operate."

Response #2: I agree completely with the first sentence, especially after this recession. The public has no reason to trust corporate America when the goal of businesses is to maximize their profit, sometimes in the most unethical way. If companies, who rake in all the money, are only interested in stuffing their pockets and not helping the public, then who will? The gap between the rich and poor is continually increasing, and the is a less chance of the public being able to adequately help themselves. In the article, it said, "Five people had died, and eleven more had continued to living in the building, which had been totally destroyed, because they had no place to go. When I arrived there, I saw things that put me to shame. I saw rat-infested apartments, rotten food, and people lying on beds of feces, surrounded by worms." A horrible condition to live in, yet these people had no choice because they had no where to go. We often see corporate executives living in nice houses and conditions, but here are people, who are definitely not the first, to be forced to live in rubble. My question to corporate America is, do you not care?

Mia has gained enough attention from media outlets to catch the attention of corporate America, because of which they are now putting their money to use - helping those who need it the most. Although the companies are getting attention for themselves and are showing that they are ethical, at least they are trying to do good and help their communities.