Possible Interview Questions for my Mentor

1. Where did you go to college?
2. What was your major and how did that help you with getting your job?
3. What your favorite part of your job?
4. What was your first job?
5. What would be your biggest success in life?
6. What is the most difficult or boring part of your job and how do you deal with it?
7. Why did you choose to work here?
8. How did you get your job here?
9. Was this your original position, or have you been promoted?
10. How long have you been working here?
11. How old were you when you had your very first job?
12. What do you think of the intern program?
13. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
14. What were some of the difficulties you had when you first started here?
15. What is your favorite part of your day?
16. What do you want to do with the rest of your life?
17. What is the most interesting or funny story you can tell about something that happened while working here?
18. What influenced you to get into this industry?
19. How does your work impact the outside world?
    
20. What advice can you give to others who may be following in a similar path as yours?
    

First Day of Internship

Today was the first day I spent at my internship at the California Center for Sustainable Energy. I'm glad that I was placed here because I like the organization's overall objective. They are a non-profit that works to "Green the World" through outreach events, public education, free workshops, etc. They are dedicated to educating the public on alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power.

I got to my internship on the HTH shuttle. Riding with me was Leo, Chandler, and Vanessa, and also a few HTHI students and one girl from HTH. We left school around 12:10 and Leo, Chandler and I were the second to last stop.

I didn't eat lunch today because I wasn't exactly sure where I was supposed to be for the shuttle, but maybe since I know now I'll be able to eat lunch.

I met my mentor, Kimberly, when I first got there and she is probably the best mentor I could have gotten. She's really nice, funny, and laid-back. I'm the first intern she's ever had, so she told me it would be a learning experience for both of us, which I think makes things more interesting.

The first thing we did was take a tour around the entire office, which was really really big. I met a lot of people and they were all really nice. After that, I sat in on an interview for a job applicant. It was over an hour long and it was hard to stay awake. It was kind of like paneling for a POL. Still, I'm glad I did that because I took away some tips for interviewing and also learned a little more background information on CCSE.

After that, my mentor and I talked for awhile and she told me what her job was like and some of the things I could help her with over the next couple of months. As far as the work environment goes, I like it a lot. It's still like an office with cubicles and desks, but most of the people, especially my mentor, make it more fun and cute. She puts signs on her door and stickers everywhere and she's very enthusiastic about everything, which makes even boring things a little interesting.

After all that, I left around four o'clock and went home with my dad.

Overall, everything went well and wasn't as bad as I had expected it to be. I'm happy that my mentor has such a great personality. I still think it will be weird to go there twice every week, but hopefully I'll get used to that. It was a little weird being the youngest person surrounded by adults that I had just met, but they were all super nice. I wasn't as outgoing as I would have liked to be and was a little quiet, but I think I made a good first impression and I hope I will prove myself this semester.

JFK's Speech and Today's Society

John F. Kennedy was a President with bold ideas for the good of Americans, but tragically, his term of presidency ended early due to his assassination. Though he was elected President in 1961, Kennedy's Inaugural Address is very relevant to modern society through references to protecting citizens of the United States and other nations and making decisions about war.

John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural highlighted the importance of service to the country and America’s role in the world. He also told citizens that he would do everything in his power to project their liberties and freedom—“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty." Nearly fifty years later, President Obama had very similar words to say at his inauguration—“And for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.” To me, this means protection on all levels, like a strong military and rebuilding and reinforcing the economy. President Obama says that he plans on “protecting America by securing 90 major ports and creating a better communications network for local law enforcement and public safety officials in the event of an emergency.” Both Presidents made it a priority to let Americans know that they would be protected. Today, Americans may want to feel protected more than anything, with every crisis that we are stuck in the middle of.

“To those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction.” One of the goals Kennedy set out to accomplish was creating and maintaining good alliances with other countries. Kennedy went on, "So let us begin anew--remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof.” He continued, “Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate." This an example of America attempting to build strong ties with other countries. Today, Barack Obama is setting up attempts to negotiate with Iran. Just a day into office, Barack Obama is making plans to talk to Iran, "'without preconditions' and will work towards the abolition of nuclear weapons" This negotiation seems like a strong attempt at keeping both nations safe. “The United States has been concerned over increasing Iranian influence around the Middle East.”

Another similarity between John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address and modern day would be the issue of war. When he gave his speech, he mentioned the then-current state of America being “overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind's final war.” This is very relevant to modern day in many ways. One would be the obvious relationship, “the cost of modern weapons” The Iraq War costs $341.4 million per day. Obama has been talking about his plans to slowly withdraw troops over time. According to BBC News, “withdrawal would be complete by summer 2010.” Kennedy knew and Obama knows that struggle that war brings to America and both were prepared with plans of action.

History often repeats itself. So many of the ideologies brought up in the 1960’s are even more relevant today, as seen comparing Kennedy’s speech to modern America.

---

Kennedy, John F.; Inaugural Address, 20 January 1961, Link, Accessed 22 January 2009.

Obama, Barack; Inaugural Address, 20 January 2009, Link, Accessed 25 January 2009.

Obama, Barack; Unprecedented crisis requires unprecedented action, The Oval: Obama Administration News & Coverage, 24 January 2009, Link, Accessed 25 January 2009.

Kennedy, John F.; Inaugural Address, 20 January 1961, Link, Accessed 22 January 2009.

Kennedy, John F.; Inaugural Address, 20 January 1961, Link, Accessed 22 January 2009.

Borger, Julian; Barack Obama: Administration willing to talk to Iran 'without preconditions', 21 January 2009, guardian.co.uk, Link, Accessed 22 January 2009.

Keath, Lee; Iran: Obama must seek ‘new’ Mideast foreign policy, Associated Press, 22 January 2009, Link, Accessed 22 January 2009.

Kennedy, John F.; Inaugural Address, 20 January 1961, Link, Accessed 22 January 2009.

Cost of War, National Priorities Project, Link, Accessed 25 January 2009.

Barack Obama’s Priorities for 2009, BBC News, 5 January 2009, Link, Accessed 25 January 2009.

Historic Addresses Outline

• Speech: John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address
• Thesis: Though he was elected President in 1961, John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address is very relevant to modern society through references to protection of citizens and forming strong alliances.
  

• Topic Sentence: John F. Kennedy was super cool and idk.
  
• JFK Evidence: "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty." (Kennedy, John F.; Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961, Link)
• Analysis: Relevent to today's War on Terrorism and each President's determination to keep Americans safe and protect their liberties.
  
• JFK Evidence: Kennedy explained the then-current stance of Americans being, "overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind's final war." (Kennedy, John F.; Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961, Link, Accessed 22 January 2009.)
• Analysis: War and weapons have always been and will always be expensive.
  
• Current Event Evidence: The Iraq War costs $341.4 Million each day. (National Priorities Project-- Cost of War, Link, Accessed 22 January 2009.)
  

• Topic Sentence: One of the goals John F. Kennedy set out to accomplish was creating and maintaining good alliances with other countries. This is also the case today, as Barack Obama attempts to negotiate with Iran.
  
• JFK Evidence: "So let us begin anew--remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate." (Kennedy, John F.; Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961, Link, Accessed 22 January 2009.)
• Analysis: This an example of America attempting to build strong ties with other countries. It is very similar to the current situation of Barack Obama making plans to talk to Iran.
  
• Current Event Evidence: Just a day into office, Barack Obama is making plans to negotiate with Iran, "'without preconditions' and will work towards the abolition of nuclear weapons" (Borger, Julian; Barack Obama: Administration willing to talk to Iran 'without preconditions', 21 January 2009, guardian.co.uk, Link, Accessed 22 January 2009.)
  
• Analysis: This negotiation seems like a strong attempt at keeping both nations safe.

Inauguration!

OBAMA! (:

"To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West – know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist." (Find full transcript here)

I chose this section of Obama's inauguaral Address because I feel like it shows the true leadership of Barack Obama. Also, it was written in a way that makes it difficult to forget and each word is impactful. The first part of the quote reminded me of ideas that have come up often during class. The idea is that it doesn't help much to be 'anti' something, like 'anti' war or 'anti' slavery; being 'pro' peace or 'pro' equality is what makes more of a difference. To me, Obama reflected the same idea in his speech when he said "know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy." The last part of the quote is something that I remembered long after the speech was through-- "To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist." To me, this said that to those who are willing to recieve help will receieve it, but those who choose to corrupt and put others in harm will not be given as much compassion. I think this is good because when you are the leader of such a powerful nation and you have the safety of an entire country in your hands, you will need to be merciful, yet have the right amount of agression.

Even though this isn't something that impacts my personal life, it reminded me of what is happening right now in Guantanamo Bay and how prisoners are being tortured and some being held without being told what their crimes are. If this is all true, I don't understand it because, we condemn acts of torturing in other countries, yet it is instigated there. And does our policy of a fair trial apply to all prisoners in Guantanamo Bay? The reason I was reminded of this after thinking about Obama's speech was because he talked about lending a helping hand to those who accept it and told the people who still "cling to power through corruption and deceit" that they are living in the past. It made me think that an idealistic way of dealing with people looking to harm others is justice tempered with mercy. I know some prisoners in Guantanamo Bay are the worst of the worst and justice should be served, but is torture necessary? The quote, "we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist." also reminded me of normal everday life because sometimes there are people who do need help but won't accept it. I think everybody has either had or will have an experience like that with someone in their life.

Artist's Statement Outline

My quote: "Oh people, look among you. It's there your hope must lie." (Browne, Jackson. "Rock Me on the Water" Lyrics. Jackson Browne Asylum Records, 1972.)
Connecting to: The 2008 election and the current mood of the country as Barack Obama assumes presidency.
Thesis: Jackson Browne's lyrics are connected to the 2008 election literally, in the sense that one of Obama's key messages was "hope", as well in a larger, foreshadowing sense because America showed that the future and hopefulness relies on the nation as a whole, not just a single leader.

Body Paragraphs:

• Topic Sentence: Barack Obama's campaign relied strongly on instilling a sense of hope back into the minds of Americans.
  
• Evidence: "Hope in the face of difficulty, hope in the face of uncertainty, the audacity of hope: In the end, that is God's greatest gift to us, the bedrock of this nation, a belief in things not seen, a belief that there are better days ahead." (Obama, Barack; Transcript of Democratic National Convention in Boston, 27 July 2004, Link, Accessed 13 January 2009.)
• Analysis: Even in 2004, when he was a Senate hopeful, Barack Obama was a firm believer in spreading the concept of a hopeful nation.
  
• Transition: His years of campaigning and staying hopeful brought a wave of energy through the nation during the recent and historical presidential election.
  

• Topic Sentence: Barack Obama approached America during a time of confusion and worry. One of the accomplishments he receives much of his praise for is his ability to bring a renewed sense of hope and enthusiasm to his supporters, along with his calm demeanor.
• Evidence: "While the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress," and "This is your victory." (Obama, Barack; Victory Speech Transcript, 4 November 2008, Link, Accessed 13 January 2009.)
• Analysis: It was widely agreed upon that Obama's win at the election brought an overwhelming feeling of inspiration. His win is definately noted as a milestone of acheivement for America as a nation.
  
• Transition: For so many people, Obama's win itself brought optimism and perhaps, altered the way people look at the country.
  

• Topic Sentence: Barack Obama now undertakes countless responsibilities in order to bring America together, and keep it together.
• Evidence: "Obama understood that he had become a giant screen upon which Americans projected their hopes and fears, dreams and frustrations. Maybe such a person never really existed, couldn't exist, but people wanted a savior nonetheless." (Newsweek Magazine, "How He Did It", 5 November 2008, Link, Accessed 13 January 2009.)
• Analysis: The underlying theme is the fact that hope has always been in Americans. Hope has always been there, but Barack Obama seemed to be a catalyst during the past year and helped to ignite the hope that may have been fading
  
• Transition: To many people, Obama may have been the personification of hope, but really, the hope lied in the hands of each and every citizen.
  

Conclusion: "Oh people, look among you. It's there your hope must lie." The word 'hope' was used so many times during the campaign and I really think it gave everyone something to look foward to. During difficult times or times of devastation, people tend to want someone or something to turn to. Barack Obama could have been that figure for many people, but really, the hopefulness was always there. In some ways, the election was a catalyst of hope in the sense that it brought a rapid wave of optimism through the mindsets of Americans.

George Bush and the Environment

Bush to Protect Three Areas In Pacific
By Juliet Eilperin, washingtonpost.com
Published January 6, 2009

Bush's Seven Deadly Environmental Sins
By Katharine Mieszkowski, salon.com
Published November 8, 2008

In comparison to the "Bush to Protect Three Areas In Pacific" article, the page titled, "Bush's Seven Deadly Environmental Sins" seems very critical. The first article mentioned more of the positive aspects of Bush's environmental record. It spent time discussing the recent event of George Bush deciding to protect a total of 195,280 square miles in the Pacific Ocean. Later on, the article became mildly critical of Bush when examining the disagreements and opposing opinions, mostly from fishermen--"'If you're going to keep the public out of a public area, you need a darned good reason to do that,' said Nussman, whose group represents manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers who supply the sport fishing industry. 'We don't think they've met that 'darned good reason' test.'" ("Bush to Protect Three Areas In Pacific")

The other article, "Bush's Seven Deadly Environmental Sins", discussed a much broader scope of Bush's environmental record. The tone of the article is very negative as it describes seven incidents, or environmental wrongdoings, that will stay with us after Bush leaves the office. It then gives a short summary of what Barack Obama will need to do to fix the damage that was left behind. One thought that I read and thought was interesting is the concept that maybe Bush's environmental ideas were flawed to begin with--"By taking environmental policy making away from scientists, and turning it over to industry cronies, Bush has made a mockery of the nation's environmental laws and values." ("Bush's Seven Deadly Environmental Sins")

Both authors filled their writing with evidence and quotations. I can't say that one is more legitimate or reliable than the other. I do think it is obvious, however, that they are both at least slightly biased. While they do provide facts, each one takes a different spin on the topic. Eilperin's article, "Bush to Protect Three Areas In Pacific", closes with the statement, "For a president that's not very green, ironically, this is going to be his largest legacy." Though this may seem slightly critical, it is a big understatement in comparison to "Bush's Seven Deadly Environmental Sins" by Mieszkowski, who included lines like, "Somewhere up north, a polar bear, on a melting ice floe, is wiping its sweaty brow, thinking, "Fewer than 80 days before these oil freaks are out of office." and, "Bush's myriad environmental sins could have him serving penance for years. But we decided to highlight seven of his most deadly." Personally, I found Mieszkowski's writing style much more interesting and easy to understand. The way she writes and the problem-solution style to the article was much easier for me to comprehend.

Many Americans wouldn't deny the fact that many environmental mishaps have occurred since Bush has been in office. One article seems to take a positive thing he did and expand on it, the other seems to "highlight seven of his most deadly" environmental incidents.

Internship

What do you hope to learn or discover about the "adult" world of work while you are at your internship?

I hope that as I work at my internship, I gain an understanding of what it means to work day-to-day in a professional work place. It is my hope that I learn what is needed to succeed in different career fields. I think that by seeing professionals at their job and by working with them in the same environment, I'll grasp a good understanding of what the job is like each day. In all honesty, I'm not very worried that my internship will not fit my ideal career choice because I don't really know what my ideal career choice would be. I do hope, however, that my internship fits some of my interests and it will be easy for me to gain something from it. I think it will be interesting to have an internship and see how I am able to fit in with the "adult world of work".

What do you hope to learn or discover about yourself and your identity while you are at your internship this semester?

My goal is to gain a sense of maturity and responsibility through my internship. It's something that I would never think I was capable of doing and I hope that I can prove myself wrong by succeeding. I hope to learn that I am more self-competent than I thought. I am hoping that I will be able to live up to the expectations of my mentor and do a consistently good job, from the first day to the very last day. I want to prove to myself that I can work hard and that the hard work I put forth will be acknowledged and appreciated.

What goals do you have for yourself for your internship experience?

• Meet and exceed the expectations of my mentor
• Keep my attitude positive and go in each day with an open mind
• Maintain and balance school, homework, honors, projects, and internship
• Become familiar with what is expected in a professional career
• Learn a lot about the field in which I'm interning-- whether I think I would want to pursue it in the future or not