Learning and its Creative Process
Written by Prof. Dr. Marcela Moyano
Miramar, FL –
The President’s Graduation Reception took place on Friday, June 28th at 10:00 a.m. at the J. Alberto Moyano Auditorium.
The event started with the pitching of the Business Expo students enrolled in Prof. Jack Rose who meticulously had put together their business ventures displays at the Summer Business Expo 2024. Watch a video of each of the student entrepreneurs in Prof. Rose’s blog post on the Business Expo.
Followed by the student business pitching, the Wired: Satisfying Narratives Through Shapes, Colors, and Textures art gallery was officially opened and artists, Andres Zorrilla, Fernando Zicarelli, and Charly Silva were introduced. Art dealer and manager German Chavez from Colour Senses Project was also introduced and Dr. Marcela Moyano, Director of Communications of United International College thanked him and the artists for their support in enhancing the arts at UIC.
Then, Prof. Rose commemorated President Lydia Bautista Möller and mentioned that United International College is about leadership that starts with UIC’s president. He said that leadership channels in the kind of team work that can be witnessed in events such as the President’s Graduation Reception.
Right after Prof. Rose’s words, Dr. Marcela Moyano introduced the Documentary course that Communications and Mass Media students take as part of their last requirement of the program and presented senior students, Valerie Seguin, film Director, and Renata Diniz, film Assistant Director.
During the course of six weeks, the students learned about the theory and historical background of the art of documentary production and produced United in Diversity: Voices of International UIC Students. The film features five students native to Colombia, Venezuela, Haiti, Romania, and Russia. The purpose of the documentary is to portray the journey of international students from the moment they decide to embark on the journey of studying in the United States and explore all the challenges and opportunities they encounter along the way.
The students opened up during interviews with Valerie Seguin and shared their most intimate emotions of their journey. The documentary is an uplifting piece of work that demonstrates to other international students of how their experience is alike and inspires students around the world to embark in such daring journeys that certainly elevates their life.
Angelica Moyano, Provost of United International College is featured in the film and shares the history of UIC throughout its 24 years of having been established in South Florida and its passion for serving international students.
The running time of the documentary is 32:02 minutes. After the screening, the audience asked questions to the filmmakers and Ana Maria Socha who was one of the students featured in the film. Everyone in the auditorium was moved and congratulated the filmmaker for having accomplished such a film in a short frame of time. They also thanked Ana Maria Socha and the other students for sharing their personal experiences in the film.
The reception concluded and everyone was looking forward to celebration the XXII Commencement Ceremony on the very next day. A few of the students who participated in this event were graduating.
- Learn more about Associate, Bachelor, or Master Degree programs. Learn more about UIC Programs,
- How to apply to UIC
- How to enroll as an International Student
- and how to become a student athlete at UIC
Future Entrepreneurs Showcase their Business Ventures
Written by Prof. Jack Rose
Miramar, FL – The Summer 2024 term, at United International College, ended with the largest Business Expo in the college’s history, when 22 budding entrepreneurs showcased their businesses to visitors attending the Expo.
Under the direction of Professor Jack J. Rose, students learned not only the challenges of opening up a new business, but the importance of growing their business to achieve a higher level of success. Students had to submit their product/service for approval and identify their primary and secondary target markets. Ongoing marketing research was a key ingredient that Professor Rose emphasized, since each location has different clientele. As a former buyer, he stressed the importance of a merchandise plan, and knowing everything about their customers. Today, localization marketing is the key to all businesses having more than one location.
From an economic standpoint, most cities want businesses to come to their community to boost the economy – providing employment and becoming involved community members. Globally, student must know the laws of each city/country, and the importance of knowing what marketing techniques are best to reach the target customer.
Chikamo Farms is the brainchild of Kumawuese Chiattitor. The farm specializes in producing organic vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, pepper, carrots, different bean varieties, and celery.
At the Expo, Kuma spoke with Thai Tran, the founder of Chao, featuring traditional Vietnamese Cuisine. Since Thai’s business is built on quality ingredients, a “marriage” was made between the two entrepreneurs.
Diana Carolina Enciso’s Exquisite Clean is a high-end luxury cleaning service and exclusive provider of cleaning and maintenance solutions for luxury home and properties located in the affluent neighborhoods of South Florida.
Rank Marathon Digital Solutions is the service provider created by Sadat Fahim. His company offers a comprehensive range of marketing services, including, but not limited to, Website Audit, Email Marketing, Influencer Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media Marketing, On-Page SEO, Of-Page SEO, Google Ads, and META ads. Rank Marathon’s goal is to provide convenient and effective marketing solutions for start-ups and established companies.
Nicholas Lamont Gravely’s 2047 Restaurant is the fulfillment of his dream to open a restaurant featuring American and Soul food, and become an important member of the community by being open 24 hour — serving breakfast, lunch and dinner 24/7. Every item arrives from the kitchen freshly made with the finest ingredients and love. Most important is the customer service experience to keep his customers returning to his business.
SnackSmart’s motto is “Fuel Your Day the Smart Way” and founder Jahed Hosson’s company provides vending machines to any company or organization that wants to promote healthy choices to their employees. These machines offer a wide-range of products, including organic snacks, gluten-free options, protein bars, fresh fruits, and natural beverages.
Sam’s Sweet Bakery attracted many attendees since they were invited to sample some of Samantha Igor’s delectable creations. Her slogan, “Find Happiness in Every Bite” came to fruition as each visitor sampled her baked goods. Within five years, Sam intends to build a great marketing brand and be an active member of the community.
Tanjim Ul Kahn’s Green Buds Waste company specializes in repurposing cigarette butts into a range of eco-friendly products including keyrings, mosquito repellants, pillows, dolls and more. By recycling these discarded butts, the company not only reduces environmental pollution, but also creates unique and sustainable items that serve various purposes.
Zen Rolls is looking to be the premiere establishment for sushi rolls. The brainchild of Maria Paula Malaver, her goal is to become the go-to place for real hand rolls, where besides the traditional rolls, customers will have the opportunity to sample different rolls, all made of the finest quality ingredients.
Marrying his love of baseball and his dream of owning a restaurant, Anthony Monroy, plans to open All Star Kitchens, using a baseball theme motif throughout the venue. His target market are families, students, and tourists who enjoy experiencing different cuisines in a friendly, inviting atmosphere. His future growth of his company includes becoming a source for family events, company picnic, and community events as the only source for successful events in the area.
Aqua Flow Essentials is a business that Benjamin Morganti is extremely excited about since his passion for water sports lit the lightbulb of excitement for his business as an entrepreneur. His tagline, “Flowing Towards Efficiency – Unlocking the Power of Fluid Dynamics for a Sustainable Future” aptly states the intention for his business. Benjamin sees his business location on the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk offering top-quality paddle boards, water sports clothing, and extreme sports gear. His future goal is to grow his business within other beachfront locations throughout Florida and beyond.
Carolina Posse’s Inner Journey Expeditions is a travel agency that seeks to sell tours for women to erotic destinations or with a spiritual vibe, not only to get to know the destination, but to make a healing workshop on different topics such as female lineage, healing of the uterus, healing of father and mother, etc. Her target market is the group of Latin women (because tours will be in Spanish), over 35 years of age, and who are in search for their lkigai (purpose of life).
David Rhead’s Hills and Valleys clothing company reflects his religious beliefs and looks forward to spreading the word throughout the USA and Canada by helping others represent their faith. His target market are Christians, ages 20-35, and is convinced his slogan, “Put God First” will attract more people to love and believe in their faith.
Mikael Silva’s MSS Soccer Club, fulfills the dreams of this Brazilian Soccer player who wants to develop talents for this sport. His ambitious goals are to start with five youngsters that he will coach, and grow MSS Soccer Club in five years to ten coaches, each having a group of 50 kids. With his drive, hard work, and motivation, Mikael will succeed in developing players for not only Brazil, but the world.
Artem Sorokin has created JumpBall Agency to assist athletes to locate schools in the USA and Europe where they can receive a great education and participate in the college of university’s basketball program. A member of the United International College’s basketball team, Artem has the experience in knowledge in navigating this goal for so many young people.
Elite Skills FL was created by Elias Vera and his tagline, “Create Your Own Path,” mirrors his goal for training young athletes interested in basketball, with an emphasis on skills development, fitness training, and competitiveness drills. Within five years, Elias sees Elite Skills FL becoming the only destination for basketball training in the region, expanding their services to include summer camps, specialized coaching programs, and partnerships with school and youth leagues.
- Learn more about Associate, Bachelor, or Master Degree programs. Learn more about UIC Programs,
- How to apply to UIC
- How to enroll as an International Student
- and how to become a student athlete at UIC
It Takes a Village and Gratitude to Get to Commencement Day: UIC Celebrates its XXII Commencement Ceremony
Written by Dr. Marcela Moyano
Miramar, Florida – United International College held its 22nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, June 29th, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Savor Cinema Fort Lauderdale, 503 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 awarding Master, Bachelor, and Associate degrees to 34 students representing the USA, Pakistan, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Canada, Bangladesh, China, Romania, France, Haiti, Vietnam, Colombia, Brazil, and Honduras.
The ceremony was opened with the interpretation of the National Anthem of the United States, the Star Spangled Banner by Alin Turculescu, a former Romanian folklore music singer and Business Administration Bachelor Degree recipient.
UIC’s co-founder and President, Lydia Bautista Moller, delivered her speech and started by congratulating the Class of 2024. She accoladed the UIC Eagle Rays and mentioned her own love for the sport of Basketball. She also urged the students to always look for what makes them happy as the Holistic Model of Education of UIC teaches.
Jean Souffrant, the Executive Director at Pierre Toussaint Leadership and Learning Center, and Director of Notre Dame D’Haiti Catholic Church served as the Commencement Speaker. He works alongside Father Reginald Jean-Mary who has been an influential agent of change in the Haitian diaspora in the United States, always bringing together Haitian migrants and prominent leaders , and empowering them with a message of hope from a powerful spiritual faith.
Souffrant started his speech singing a religious song, delivered an empowering speech motivating students to always continue reaching their dreams, and concluded his speech with a teaching of Apostle Paul by stating that “in everything that you do, always maintain an attitude of gratitude…never forget where you came from.”
Luis Hernandez was the Magna Cum Laude Business Administration Undergraduate Commencement Speaker. Hernandez is an Eagle Ray Baseball student athlete who shared in his speech the nuances of his daily work being a student athlete to reach the moment of his commencement ceremony from his associate in Business Administration. (a dream com true)
Hernandez mentioned that he had arrived from Venezuela as an international student to play baseball. He told the graduating class of 2024 that anyone in the world would love the chance to be in their place as graduates from UIC in the United States. He also recognized that students’ workload and responsibilities might seem stressful and over achievable and added: “we will always find a way to accomplish everything we desire and succeed.”
You can learn about Luis’ journey as an Eagle Ray Baseball student athlete in a blog post that Prof. Jack Rose wrote about him after interviewing him. Learn about Luis
Angelica Moyano, the Provost of UIC, awarded the diplomas to students. The President guided the Alumni Oath, and the Graduating Class recognized Faculty and family members for their support throughout the years. The ceremony concluded with a sense of accomplishment and immense joy.
Ximena Caraballo, an alumna from the Communications and Mass Media program, volunteered to conduct the media coverage and live stream of the ceremony. A fine team of volunteers joined to facilitate the Commencement Ceremony including UIC students, staff, and members of the community, including Detective Yesenia Diaz, from the Miramar Police Department of the City of Miramar.
UIC Eagle Rays have a home away from home and they are always welcome back to study another degree or to share their life stories with their UIC family.
- Learn more about Associate, Bachelor, or Master Degree programs. Learn more about UIC Programs,
- How to apply to UIC
- How to enroll as an International Student
- and how to become a student athlete at UIC
Discipline Motivates Achievement
Written by Prof. Jack Rose
Miramar, Florida – There are times when I just need to take a break and recharge my batteries, like the Energizer Bunny. For me, this usually happens during football season when I can wake up, shower, and crawl in bed for the day to watch the games. However, as a professor, I tell students that I have learned more in my lifetime by listening and observing. While books are important, listening to others, observing what is happening in our environment brings more knowledge, and important life skills.
While students are number one, each student is an individual and must be challenged to reach a high altitude. Then, there are those who truly amaze me and I wish I can clone them. Knowing that I cannot, I decided to interview Luis Alejandro Hernandez, a member of our UIIC Baseball Team, a catcher and second baseman, to find out how Luis manages to succeed on the field, in the classroom, at his job, and with his peers.
Luis was born in Venezuela and came to United International College last year, as a Business Administration major, not only to obtain his college degree, but to be a member of a college baseball team. At 21 years old, Luis has set many goals for himself and strives to achieve them. Having had Luis in different classes, and aware of his position on the baseball team, Luis shared with me that he also works. He just doesn’t have a job; he is a manager and shared with me how he practices customer service excellence and instills that to his team.
Luis takes pride in his strong work ethics, which contributed to his advancement to a management position at 100 Montaditos Restaurant in Miami Lakes. Starting as a cook, Luis developed his culinary skills, and was promoted to kitchen leader, and began showcasing his leadership abilities. Noticed and impressed by his ability to multi-task and his belief that the customer must leave happy, Luis became a manager, not only responsible for the training and development of new employees, but accepted the challenge to work with his existing team and challenged staff to exceed customer service excellence. He also accepted the responsibility of the entire operations of the restaurant, from working with vendors and suppliers, to planning the daily and weekly menus.
I asked Luis how he manages to do everything, and do it well. He quickly answered, “Discipline” and then continued to state, “I strongly believe in discipline that can truly drive responsibility,” and he confides that past teachers and professors have noticed that about him.
Luis lives by a philosophy that he has instilled in himself. “Be better and be the best,” and explains, “It doesn’t matter what people do to you, but I have to be better and not do the same thing to another person. “I have to be better because I want to assure myself that in every aspect of my life/career, I will give my best efforts to be good at it, and do my best.
Luis concludes by saying something that really hit home. “What motivates me is the sense of discipline, and making my family, people around me, and myself, proud of everything I do as well as the desire of accomplishing the kind of life I want to have.”
In speaking with other professors, when the name of Luis Hernandez is mentioned, the positive feedback is immediate reflected on his philosophy of always wanting to be better. Perhaps, this interview will inspire others to develop the philosophy that helps Luis to succeed. Are you up to that challenge?
Luis was chosen to be the Student Speaker of the XXII Commencement Ceremony of United International College.
Congratulations, Luis, on your accomplishments and we are certain that you will keep climbing higher and higher, not only for you, but for your family, friends, and mentors.
- Learn more about Associate, Bachelor, or Master Degree programs. Learn more about UIC Programs,
- How to enroll as an International Student
- and how to become a student athlete at UIC
Becoming Entrepreneurs: Business Communication Students Experience the Mock Interview
Written by Prof. Jack Rose
Miramar, FL – The Spring 2024 term for students, at United International College, came to a close with several activities enjoyed by students before taking their final exams.
One such educational activity was the Mock Interviews that students in Professor Jack J. Rose’s Business Communications class participated in as the final activity of the term. The course covers both oral and written communications and students are challenged to hone their communication skills through various projects and activities throughout the term. The Mock Interviews are the culminating activity to the course.
Several students in this class completed Professor Rose’s Human Resources Management class and, therefore, sparked an idea to challenge those students to interview their peers to put theory into practice. The interviewers and the interviewees switched roles so each gained the knowledge and experience in interviewing techniques.
Student feedback was most favorable and several stated that the event helped to build their self-confidence and to ease any nervousness they might have had.
UIC Business Expo Showcases Future Entrepreneurs
Written by Prof. Jack Rose
Miramar – Students in Professor Jack Rose’s Business Expo class showcased their businesses on Friday, April 29, 2022 in the Dr. Alberto Moyano Auditorium at United International College, 3130 Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL. These budding entrepreneurs unveiled their future business plans and appreciated the large turnout and networking opportunities that they acquired during the very special evening event. Prior to their own business expo, Professor Rose accompanied the students to the recently held Small Business Expo at the Downtown Hilton in Miami where they had the opportunity to see a great trade show/expo, interact with vendors, and attend different workshops.
Professor Rose was quick to extend accolades to the students based on feedback from all those in attendance and is confident that they will be successful in their future endeavors.
Valerie Seguin’s company is called The Essential Oil Boutique. “Essential oils have been around for centuries. They are used to give natural flavor and aroma, but also play the role of preservatives. Essential oils also affect our mind, body, and spirit. These essential oils are extracted from plants, roots or seeds and the Essential Oils Boutique is a business about essential oils which matches with the need of a part of our society to find a holistic way of life. Valerie commented that following the pandemic, more people are interested in natural products. He product displays and samples gave attendees a “taste” of her products and the great services she personally provides all clients.
Emanveli, LLC is a photography service by Lilit Muradian. Her company was founded and based in Miami in 2020 and provides photography and marketing services for restaurants and photo shoots for all special events. A native of Armenia, Lilit wanted to have a business where she could utilize her exceptional skills as a photographer, while offering a great marketing service to restaurants. Her team works with the business client and takes a table photo of guests who are mostly tourists. They receive one picture free that has the restaurant logo in the picture and the restaurant receives great reviews after the guests are asked to go online and leave a review of the restaurant. In addition, additional pictures are made available should other guests at the table wishes another copy. Emanveli, LLC is very popular in the South Beach tourist area where a large majority of visitors frequent, and Lilit hopes to expand into other destinations, both domestically and internationally.
OVO Nails and Spa is the creation of student Oanh Van. Oanh’s salon provides many different services for nail care, facials, eyebrow shaping, and other services and only uses top quality products. Her luxury salon that she plans to open in the Miramar area in a high traffic shopping center with plenty of parking and close to shops and restaurants, is planned for the near future, after graduation. Oahn will be successful since she states that she will only employ those technicians who are the best, who take pride in their work, and who believes in customer service excellence.
AFRODISIACO began in a small home in Maria Fernanda Correa’s basement in Colombia and specializes in creating and designing unique fashions for women, such as bathing suits, that are custom-made for each client to ensure a perfect fit using the highest quality fabrics that will not fade or appear bleached due to chlorine used in swimming pools. Maria will eventually add a men’s line followed by a children’s line to accomplish her goal of designing fashions for the entire family unit. Maria’s enthusiasm and creative design techniques will ensure her success.
“Working with these great students and watching them develop their ideas and bringing them to fruition, is the result of their coursework in marketing, management, accounting, finance, business planning, and entrepreneurship, added Professor Rose. Over the years, many successful entrepreneurs have started and grown their businesses successfully.” United International College believes in holistic education where students not only learn about becoming an entrepreneur, but can learn how to use their inner strengths to reach a higher altitude. United International College offers Associate and Bachelor Degree programs in Business Administration, International Business Management, Communications and Mass Media, Travel and Tourism Management and an MBA program in Business. United Language Institute also offers an exclusive English as a Second Language Program.
For further information, call United International College, (954) 607-4344.
#Entrepreneurship #startups #AppliedEducation
Future Entrepreneurs Visit Small Business Expo
Written by Prof. Jack Rose
Miramar, FL – While on Spring Break, education continued with a field trip to the Small Business Expo held on Friday, March 25, 2022 at the Hilton Miami Downtown. These future entrepreneurs, and Professor Jack J. Rose, journeyed to Miami to see a real-life trade show/expo. “Attending these events can result in networking opportunities and increasing business trend knowledge,” Rose said. “By attending the Small Business Expo, students learned how important trade shows are in preparation for their own Business Expo that will be on campus on Friday, April 22, in the Moyano Auditorium. Students visited several of the booths and the vendors were thrilled to interact with the students.
The highlight of the visit was a group workshop conducted by Bob DelVecchio, Founder and CEO of Drumming Up Business. Mr. DelVecchio shared that he was a drummer for many well-known stars and after retiring, he pursued his dream of helping individuals seek franchise opportunities around the world. He has clients in 82 countries and also works with small business owners in developing franchise opportunities for their business. His company takes care of everything, from legal to marketing, to real estate, to training opportunities. He spoke of marketing opportunities and because of his prior involvement in the music industry, he had to incorporate his love for drums in his business; thus, DRUMMING UP BUSINESS became a reality and has grown into an over billion-dollar business. He shared that his proudest moments have been working with entrepreneurs on building their business, from starting a business to growing a business.
Every student spent the morning learning, networking, and more confident that their future business will be a very successful venture.
#SmallBusinessExpo #Entrepreneurship
Learn more about UIC or talk to a representative (954) 607-4344.
Back on the Air! The Forward Motion Business Show resumes broadcasting from UIC
Written by Prof. Kenneth Ninomiya
The Forward Motion Business Show with Prof. Ken and Professor Paul A. Marino is back live streaming on YouTube from United International College. The first guest on Show #15 live stream on October 26, 2021, was Kadie Black from Kristi’s House in Miami.
Kristi House is dedicated to eradicating child abuse and child sex trafficking – working nationally on solutions and locally to heal child victims. They operate the only Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) in Miami-Dade County and are responsible for coordinating child victims’ legal, medical, and social services needs. Kristi House was founded in 1995 as a private, not-for-profit organization to provide an integrated solution for families navigating the complex services involved in the healing process. The Center is nationally recognized for its evidence-based, therapeutic expertise in treating child trauma. All services are free of charge to child victims and their families.
Kadie shared insights and expressed the importance of community support and how local businesses can support our women and kids for abused and sex-trafficked individuals at their shelter. Kadie also explained the Kristi House’s Project GOLD, the first and longest-running program in Miami-Dade County dedicated to child sex trafficking—providing the only Drop-In Center in South Florida exclusively for underage girls overcoming trafficking. At the Drop-In Center, girls receive restorative services, including case management, therapy, advocacy, transportation, and educational and recreational enrichment. Visit them to learn more and contribute at KristiHouse.org.
Prof. Ken and Professor Paul also discuss the recent failure of Quibi after only seven short months of operation. Quibi’s business model was to provide video content exclusively for the phone. Quibi stands for a “Quick Bite” because their video content would be no longer than 10 minutes.
Executive Meg Whitman led the start-up company. She took eBay to a multibillion-dollar company and turned them into what they are today, and holds degrees from Harvard and Princeton. Executive Jeffrey Katzenberg from DreamWorks fame, who created many successful shows and movies such as Shrek and The Lion King also led the start-up. The two of them together were a pretty amazing executive team which allowed them to raise $1.7 Billion to get the company started. To launch in the Spring of 2020, they took out an ad during the 2020 Super Bowl and the 2020 Oscars before the service was even available.
The concept lasted about seven months and became a rapid failure. The idea was to stream a 5 to 10-minute video to people standing around or waiting for something to happen. Quibi was hoping to take users away from Instagram and Facebook.
I immediately subscribed to the service because it sounded great and used a remarkable technology that allowed you to watch the video in portrait mode or horizontal mode on your phone. They also had a ton of content creators and big names, but the content was not that good.
Even though $1.7 Billion is a lot of money, it wasn’t enough. Their biggest competitor Netflix spends about $15 billion a year to generate new shows. Quibi also didn’t have a library of older content for viewers to watch. For example, Netflix has all the older TV shows, and Disney has older movies. So, it’s not just the new stuff that wasn’t good, but they didn’t have any older content to fill in the gaps.
Quibi also learned that most users preferred to get short-form video content for Free on competitors’ YouTube site, so people dropped it when they started to charge for the subscription. But the real nail in their coffin was the untimely launch in April 2020, just as Covid was shutting us all down. So, if the idea was to have people watch a video when you’re standing around waiting in line waiting for the bus or waiting for the subway, it didn’t work because no one was waiting around in line. We were all locked in our houses watching Netflix. It’s hard to predict bad timing when launching a business, so that is an unexpected turn. Still, they underestimated their competition, misread their target market, and didn’t have enough money to compete. These are the lessons any business can learn from.
This Forward Motion broadcast also discussed the book The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale. This was a timely discussion for all of us coming through the Covid pandemic. The book covers five essential principles to maintain a positive attitude. These were to believe in yourself, give and take care of others, you shouldn’t face your problems on your own, your attitude will affect your thoughts, and the basic concept of don’t worry, be happy!
I think that we all need to be happy and not worry
about the small stuff. During Covid, it was only natural to feel worried, insecure, depressed, or just simply down. It’s reasonable to worry about your finances and health, but it creates more unhappiness and can ev
en exasperate illness. Worrying is a bad habit that can be switched, and your mind can be trained to re-evaluate things from a different perspective. Breaking the habit of worrying is easy if you can believe that it is possible to move on and not let it consume you daily. The best thing I do is imagine a worry-free life and that “this too shall pass.” It sounds easier than it is, and most people struggle with this concept, even me, at times. The goal should be a worry-free life, and then you can start to enjoy the power of positive thinking.
Join Professor Ken and Professor Paul for the next Forward Motion Business Show Live Stream from United International College on Tuesday, November 30, 2020, at 6:15 PM EST.
Below are helpful links from this broadcast:
Kristi House – https://kristihouse.org/
United International College: https://www.uinternational.edu/
The Forward Motion Business Show: https://www.theforwardmotionbusinessshow.com/
YouTube Channel for The Forward Motion Business Show: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiBJ22vZ002KQ–bQoeqXjg
YouTube Channel for United International College: https://www.youtube.com/c/UnitedInternationalCollege
Professor Ken: https://www.profken.us/
#ProfKenUS #Kristihouse #ForwardMotion #ForwardMotionBusinessShow #UIC
For further information, contact United International College at (954) 607-4344.
Aging is an Art: The Challenge of Showing the World that Aging also Has its Value
Written by Deborah Viaro
English Composition Writing Student
English Composition Prof. Joseph Weisler
English Writing Tutor Prof. Jack Rose
When I was younger, I once heard a sentence that went something like this: “I remember seeing a rose, but I don’t remember seeing the rosebud in the garden” (author unknown, just a memory of mine…).
In the past, it was even possible to understand why society ignored or paid little attention to the elderly: they were relatively few and mostly relegated to invisibility within their own families – for better or for worse. Today this attitude is no longer possible.
The Brazilian singer and lyricist Arnaldo Antunes, in his song “Envelhecer” (Aging), says that the most modern thing in life is getting old.
And that is how we need to think about Aging, care for and value the Elderly, defend their role in the family and in Society and, above all, show that they, through their experience have a lot to teach the younger ones.
It is known that one of humanity’s greatest achievements was the increase in years of life, in addition to an improvement in the health of the elderly population, even if these achievements are not even close to the ideal. Reaching old age, which in the past was a privilege of few people, is now common, even in underdeveloped countries. However, this achievement has become one of the great challenges for the 21st century.
Through the research of books that deal with the subject, I was able to verify that, according to Hoyer and Roodin in the book Adult Development and Aging (2003) “… the chronological age, which quantifies the passage of time elapsed in days, months and years since the birth, is one of the most common and simplest means of obtaining information about a person. Biological age is defined by bodily and mental changes that occur throughout the development process and characterize the human aging process”. Social age, on the other hand, according to Hoyer and Roodin, is defined “through habits and social status to fulfill social roles”. The authors also define psychological age as the set of skills to which individuals adapt to the environment. It can also be defined by patterns of behavior acquired throughout life. It is understood, then, that aging is the result of a socio-historical construction experienced by the individual throughout life.
Beauvoir (1990), previously, in her book The Coming of Age, highlighted the history of old age in some societies, especially in ancient China and Japan, which favored their elderly. The old Chinese instituted a centralized and authoritarian power. According to Beauvoir, “Confucius modeled in the image of the collectivity the microcosm that gave it the family as its basis. The whole house owed obedience to the older man”. It is believed that the elderly person was seen as possessing a certain supernatural power, due to their long life, occupying a prominent place, associating wisdom and experience. Also, according to Confucius, old age brings with it wisdom: “At 15, he devoted himself to the study of wisdom; at 30, I confirmed myself in it; at 40 I had no doubts, at 60 nothing else in the world could shock me; at 70 I could follow the dictates of my heart without transgressing the moral law”. Beauvoir claimed that the idea of honor was related to old age. For the author, old age was integrated with wisdom, with longevity giving her experience and authority.
Also, during our recent works through book reading, the movie and interpreting them, I was able to understand and admire “The Help”, a book based on the novel by Kathryn Stockett, where the aspiring writer, Skeeter, decides to write a book from the point of view of maids on the white families they worked for, along with the difficulties they regularly suffered. New friendships and bonds were formed, and Skeeter ends up shaking an entire Society when these untold stories are shared with the general public.
And so, I learned to admire Skeeter, this young writer who through her book showed the racism suffered by maids in white houses; I also learned to admire amazing characters like Minny Jackson and Aibileen Clark, people who never played poor things or put themselves in a victim position because they didn’t need to, but in the end, their voices could be heard and changed the understanding of those people within the context in which they lived.
Inspired by Skeeter, obviously without any pretensions, my challenge will be, not how she did it, but using another instrument, yes because obviously I’m not going to write a book, but somehow show how much we can value the elders; how much your “life baggage” built over the years is useful and still very important to us.
And still inspired by Skeeter, since I couldn’t interview him in person, I tried to discover a little of the “life story” of someone who, despite knowing very little, already had time to admire and recognize his great value. I am talking nothing less than Professor Jack J. Rose, a dear Professor at UIC, who upon my request, took no more than two hours to present me an interview, recently conducted by a student. By reading his “Curriculum of Life”, and not a Professional, I could
understand why a person who, honestly, even though I have no idea of his age (and not the indiscretion of asking, because for me this is just a detail), has a unique ability to bring to us, “simple mortals”, a little of its great wisdom.
I will now transcribe (duly authorized by him) just a little of the interview he sent me, requested by me with the aim of enriching my work, but whose author was not informed to me.
“One of the most respected and loved professor at United International College is Professor Rose. I had the pleasure of interviewing Professor Rose recently, and I have been a student in his Business Expo class. Due to his reputation, I was so excited when I learned he would be my professor. Every student at UIC knows that he truly cares about all his students, and he constantly motivate them to learn and grow. However, I didn’t know much about his background until I interviewed him.
Professor Rose started working at the age of eight selling newspapers on a street corner in New Jersey where he grew up. At the age of 12, he started his own business taking orders at the local beauty salon for breakfast, lunch, and mid-afternoon. This particular salon had 18 hairdressers, 4 shampoo girls, and 8 manicurists, so we know it was a very busy place. He made a deal with a local luncheonette that he would take the orders, get them filled, and deliver them. He even set up an account for the workers who were too busy to stop and pay after each delivery. He worked on tips and then informed his boss that he was leaving and working with another local restaurant because they were going to pay him $20.00 per day, plus tips. He was happy when his boss agreed to pay him. He worked after school on Friday and all-day Saturday, making anywhere between $50-75, which, at that time, was great pay.
Professor Rose has his own marketing and management consulting company, and we wonder when he has time to sleep. I asked him that very question, and he said, “I’m like the Energizer Bunny in that every so often, I spend Sunday in bed watching sports, while I recharge my batteries.” He adds, “I love working with students and hope I contribute a little bit to their future.” Professor Rose, you have contributed much to our futures and know how much you are loved, respected, and admired. Thank you for always caring and sharing your expertise with us”.
How can we not admire and fail to extol such ability? Perhaps only one book would translate the life experience of this Professional who, in all his classes, shares all his years of experience with his students.
In addition to Professor Rose’s example, I would also like to mention a dear aunt in Brazil. Aunt Janete. An 87-year-old widow who, with her daughter, manages a Portuguese candy factory in a city in the interior of the state of São Paulo. Aunt Janete is tireless; every day she works in the Factory’s Production Sector, when she is not paying attention to one of the many customers who insist on being served by her. And she is the one who makes all the purchases of the necessary supplies to make the candies. We know that the Purchasing Sector is one of the most important of a Company, you can only sell well if you buy well. And so follows Tia Janete with her prosperous company with almost 40 years of existence.
And the reason I made a point of mentioning, even paying homage to these two nice and dear figures, is precisely for all the capacity of both of them who, “at the best age”, still productive, insist on continuing to work, being examples and “school” for many young people.
The elderly is increasingly active, taking care of health and working, being involved in social, economic, cultural, spiritual, and civil issues. As Linda Gorman puts it, “…increasing life expectancy in the United States has been associated with healthier life expectancy. Thus, it is possible for Americans to respond by working more or saving more during their working lives.”
It is also worth mentioning the autonomy of these “Professionals” (I prefer to refer to this than “these Seniors”) in managing their own financial life, often even helping with the family’s income. They are totally capable! According to Anek Belbase and Geoffrey T. Sanzenbacher, in Cognitive Aging and the Capacity to Manage Money to pay the bills, handle debt, and maintain good credit for workers in their 50s and 60s. For example, one study that directly measured financial capability using a standardized test found that 95 percent of adults without cognitive impairment were fully able to manage their own finances.”
And so, they continue to contribute, teaching a little of their “Old Age” to the “Young” ones.
Aging is to write once more (rewrite) what has already been written, regardless of whether this writing was more difficult, painful, or smoother and calmer. It is giving new meanings to the text of life; it is to continue stimulating the body, the mind; is to keep dreaming, working; is to produce!
For further information, contact United International College at (954) 607-4344. Learn more about UIC’s Business Programs.