Sociological Imagination and Mindfulness

There is so much more to life than what meets the eye. Sociological mindfulness and sociological imagination play a day to day role in everyone's world in one way or another. Sociological imagination is understanding how individuals are affected by where and when they grew up. For example, an individual living in a small town in Pennsylvania in the 1970's will be affected differently than an individual living in the twenty first century in a busy city. My father grew up in such a town in Pennsylvania, and therefore he has been impacted differently than what I at first could even imagine. He was raised in an area with not much to do, and because of that, he was always outside, making up random games with his friends around the town just for some entertainment and something to do. Me on the other hand, my life is full of bombing technology and many attractions to visit and spend time with friends. It is a whole different way of growing up. My dad has had a huge impact on me because of this. Learning the idea of sociological imagination, I was able to quickly connect with it. Because my dad was influenced the way he was, he wanted to make sure my brothers and I always had something to do. He gave my brothers every piece he could of technology that they wanted and every winter break he took my family and I to Disney World. I have been influenced on not just when and where I have grown up, but also the people in my life. Because of his actions, I have the social imagination to realize that family always comes first. The strong bonds I share with my brothers are because of our parents influence on us, always making sure we were together. Sociological mindfulness is involved with realizing that people have unique qualities and to appreciate them. Every individual has his or her own impact on the world and the people around them. Just a simple task like holding the door open for the next person behind you can be sociologically mindful. While walking into school the other day, there was a student walking right in front of me and another student in front of them. The student first in line barley opened up the door wide enough so he alone could fit through, then he let the door slam behind him. The student in front of me was able to catch the door before it closed and held it open until everyone who was walking in was through. This one action made my day more bright and put a smile on my face. I think that this is a great example of sociological mindfulness because it shows how just one person can impact another. It is great to learn and to be able to understand that where, when, and other people have an impact on your own life, but that you as an individual have an impact on others as well.

Who Am I?

       Who Am I? It seems like such an easy question to most individuals, but when you stop to consider the answer, it then seems impossible to put everything that you are into words. My name is Brooke and I am a senior at a suburban high school in Illinois. I see myself as a caring person and my true friends and family really do mean the world to me. I have two older brothers, Blake and Devin. I am super close with my brothers and that makes me so happy. My oldest brother Blake lives in Florida, but when we visit him, it is like we were never apart at all. My brother Devin and I are also close, spending hours just talking about anything. My three year old Siberian Husky is named Misty, and she has the ability to make me happy no matter what the problem is. My family and friends are the safe place I can go were I can be myself. I am a very shy and careful person at first glance, but if you take the time to get to know me, I am loud and crazy and will do anything to make you happy. I have been the captain of my fencing team for three years now and it is a sport I am glad I discovered. Most people comment "Oh cool you get to stab people for fun!", but it is more than that. I really love how it is a sport of quick decisions, wit, and outsmarting the opponent. Through the team, I have made new friendships that share the bond of commitment and determination for something in common that we love. I also have a love for singing and music. Music is something I find I can just connect too and seems to have a way of dealing with every type of emotion I can have. The biggest influence in my life are my grandparents. They will do anything in their power for their family and are always there for me. Just one example is that they will come to every fencing tournament I have, even those four hours away. To see them come all the way there just to see me shows me how amazing they are. Out of everything, I just want to be happy and have the people around me to be happy. Nobody deserves to feel alone and sad and I want to be one of those people who strives to do anything just to make someone smile.