Ruth+P.

Phase I: Who Am I? What's My Place?


 * What __really__ makes up your identity?

My identity consists of the roles and relationships within my home, peers, school, and community. I am a mother, daughter, wife, and student. I see myself as androgynous women. I am nurturing, independent, protective, hardworking, caring, and etc. I love value the time I spent with my family.

I can attribute my sense of place by the various locations I have lived: Los Angeles, Hawaii, and North Carolina. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. I love the various racial and cultural background that compose the beautiful and diverse environment. In Los Angeles, you become aware that despite the difference between cultural you can always find something in common with someone else whether its the love of a sports time or the love to protect the rights of others :). In Hawaii, I found peace being in touch with nature. I love the "Aloha" spirit. Finally, North Carolina, has provided an environment of "southern hospitality". People are kind and outgoing. People are always willing to help one another out.
 * What __really__ makes up your sense of place?


 * What roles do your identity and sense of place play when you work with others in a group project?

When working with others on a group project, I believe that my identity and sense of place provides me with the open minded to communicate effectively with others. I understand that people come from difference places and have different values. However, we are always able to find some common group where we can work together.


 * What are the qualities that you bring to the GLIP conversation that will help you make a contribution to your global group?

I am knowledgeable about many resources (technological tools) that could help us collaborate towards our common goal. I am definitely a problem solver. I look for ways to communicate and collaborative with each other more smoothly. Since we are all from various locations, I am understanding of any issues that may arise. I am willing to assist an group member in any way I can because I understand that "life happens".


 * What is one local problem (where you live) that you believe needs to be addressed? Suggest some steps could you take to try to solve it?

A local problem in North Carolina is cultural competence within the education system. Educators sometimes lack the ability to interact and communicate with students from different cultures. As educators, we have to consider that people have different values, norms, and traditions that affect how students think, interact, behave, and make decisions.They often try to impose their own values and ask other cultures to conform to their cultures. In order resolve this issue, we need to become aware of our own cultural worldview, attitude towards cultural differences, knowledge of different cultural practices and worldviews, and cross-cultural skills.

For more information: [|Cultural Competence]


 * Finally, some problems have been around for a long time. What qualities do you think a person must have to step up and try to solve them?

I believe in order to make a significant change people need to be open minded and willing to work and collaborate with others. No problem is ever resolved by one person. It always requires a group of people working together for a common goal.

Phase II: Sense of Place

Fayetteville, NC

Three facts of Fayetteville, NC:
 * 1) Recently, Fayetteville won "All American City" award. [|Fayetteville, NC All American Video]
 * 2) Fayetteville is the 6th largest city and the 5th largest metropolitan area in North Carolina. It is among the fastest-growing areas in the state
 * 3) About 50,000 military personnel are stationed at Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base. In addition to active-duty personnel, the military employs approximately 10,000 civilians

I believe this image represents everything I wanted to convey about the beauty and pride of my town :) This picture and the video I included represent the spirit of my town. It has changed from once percieved "bad" community to a thriving community. We consist of a large military population. I am currently living here because my husband proudly serves in the United States Army and is stationed on Fort Bragg. Even though, this picture doesn't necessarily give a skyline view of the town, it shows the heart of it. This town is proud of the military community that surrounds it. It proudly supports it military members and family. This place is unique because it contains so much military history from WWI to present. In particular, this image is of the Airborne and Special Operations Museum which displays the history of the military units on Fort Bragg and their contribution to WWI to present.

Phase III: Identify Local Issue:

Our local issues:

Homeless Veteran Population

We have a high number of homeless veterans who have been discharge from the military and have been unable to cope with civilian life. Many suffer stresses that can lead to homelessness such as brain injuries, drug and alcohol abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Recently, there has been an increase in female homeless veterans.Of the 504 homeless veterans Fayetteville serves, about 90 of them are women, //the Fay Observer// reports.

I believe we need to collaborate with the community and federal agencies to provide information and resources to increase homeless Veteran access to healthcare, income, and stable affordable housing. [|Homeless Veteran in Fayetteville, NC] [|Rise In Homeless Female Vets]

The global impact of homeless is that it has proven to be expensive to the tax payers and society as a whole. The majority of the costs of interventions, such as Medicare, psychiatric institutions, and incarceration, are borne by the states. Counties also spend substantial amounts in medical expenses and incarcerations, while cities provide shelter and supportive services. Since homeless persons have no regular place to stay, they use a variety of public systems in an inefficient and costly way. Those who need short term assistance are unable to find it and get back on their feet. Those who need long term assistance for mental health issues are not finding the right long term assistance needed.

Add these thoughts to your Group's Discussion Forum on Local Issues