Question 3

3). Pick one other concept in the book that you feel needs further discussion?

I think one important concept that should be further discussed is interview skills. There is not too much information about how to conduct and interview or even what to disclose within an interview. Especially right of college, new grads easily become nervous and unsure about what to say or not to say. I work in the HR and Staffing Dept at my company and I can tell when speaking to both experienced or inexperienced candidates that simple things like posture, tone, words or even how they carry them selves says a lot about who they are and motivation.

I had a few interviews this week and usually in the first 5 to 10 minutes of the interview, you can already get an impression of who someone is. It's like the saying goes, "you don't get a second chance at a first impression".

Question 2

2). What concept/s in this class have you found most interesting? What was it about that concept/s that you found interesting?

One thing that I found interesting was actually what we read this week and the different research methods. I did know of a few of them but ones that were new to me included the Unobtrusive Methods and Conversation Analysis. Another favorite concept that I really agreed with was the way media communicated to their audience, in particular, the media agenda. I am a firm believer in this especially when it comes to news reporting. I honestly do not watch the news too much because the concepts and ideas in which they show are all the same; who is corrupt, who is dying, who is killing. It's really sad but I do understand a lot of these type of events happen.

Duck's Attraction Filter of friends and romatic partners was also a very intersting concept. It is something we take for granted in everyday life and as apart of what we do. It is interseting how it is broken down into the 4 phases; sociological cues, preinteraction cues, interaction cues, and cognitive cues. Sub-conciously we do this on a daily basis and depending on where someone falls within these filters determines how we interact with them on a personal level.

Question 1

1). (Regarding Chapter 13) Which of the research methods listed in Table 13.3 seem the most interesting? Assume you want to study some aspect of deception. Frame a research question. Which method would you choose to answer the question. Why?

For me I think that performing an ethnography research would be the most interesting because you are actually apart of the group you study. It is also maybe the most challenging because as a researcher, you are trying to blend in and not influence the group that you are studying. I feel that you can not completely understand a group or people or person until you actually walk in their shoes without any previous bias.

To perform a study on deception, I would probably use the conversation analysis. I would use this because usually when people try to deceive each other, it is done by talking or some sort of messaging within the context. This method analyzes everyday interaction and the moves someone makes in a conversation.

A proposed research question would be: In what ways does an individual who is lying in a conversation, get to have someone believe what they are saying?

Question 3

My favorite and most interesting part of this weeks reading is media agendas. The gatekeepers especially in news reporting I feel are controversial because they get to choose what is relevant to them or the news station. Fox News is known as a republican type station where they tailor their news stories to the opinions of the republican party or to make the party look better. More times than not, the media, especially the use of television, brings stories their relevance even if there is not one. One of the stories lately that I feel the media has made a bigger deal than in reality is the pandemic of the swine flu. Yes it is important for health officials and people to be more aware of this but the media has made it to a point where people are over reacting about every little sniffle or cough.

Question 2

2). Do you agree with Marshall McLuhan that the medium is the message, i.e. that the format or logic of a medium is as important as its content and, in fact, determines what content will be broadcast through that channel? Evaluate his idea that television is a cool medium.

I would have to definitely agree with McLuhan about the medium as part of the message. Even today with the internet, the way we communicate on the internet today is a lot different than the messages that are displayed in both TV and print. I have heard this notion before that those who have grown up watching TV expect information to be more instant and are less likely to pick up a newspaper and read. The same is also turning true with those people who have grown up with the internet. Information is even faster and now people are watching shows, news, and downloading other information even faster without having to leave their comfort of their room.

McLuhan's notion of television being a cool medium refers to how much detailed information this form of communication gets out to audience. The cool medium allows its viewers to fill in the gaps of detail since the viewers can see actions and situations in which a particular message is being portrayed. Unlike the radio, detail information needs to be communicated because the audience can not get an actual picture and thus making messages hotter, or more detailed.

Question 1

1). Have you made friendships that exist exclusively in cyberspace? If so, how are they different from f2f relationships? If you have not formed cyber relationships, why not?

I have had, still have, and made relationships via cyber space. It almost seems like now, everything could be cyber space especially text messaging but for the sake of this argument I'll talk about online, email, or instant messengers. These friendships seem more accessible, meaning that you can talk to someone a lot more instantly than waiting to see them in person. By communicating via cyberspace, it is done more than if someone were to pick up the phone and talk.

For me personally, I really don't like having friendships that don't include some face to face time or even conversations on the phone because it seems more impersonal. I feel that by communicating via email, instant messenger, or online gives people an opportunity to be more scripted. For example, I find myself writing an email or instant message to someone but then delete what I wrote because I felt that I could word it differently, or I shouldn't say that. Too much can get lost in translation where as face to face friendships and conversations, context, tone, and pace of what you talk about can be better understood.

To me it is somewhat frustrating because I'd rather talk to people face to face or even on the phone because it does not give anyone the chance to hide behind a screen. Anyone can be anybody when they are communicating online but it is not until you see someones body language, demeanor, and actions that you can really get the chance to know someone. Communicating online is very convenient but at the same time, not as effective as communicating with someone face to face.

Question 3

3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading (not already discussed for this week) that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.

One of the things i found interesting and it actually did not hit me until i read it is how most organizations operate on a hierarchy and bureaucracy style of governing. It is ironic how America likes to show themselves as a democratic style government but in reality, most of the economic and business structures that the country operates on is based on both the hierarchy and bureaucracy styles of governing.

It is possible to have these types of governing and structures as long as there is a upward and downward flow of communication because typically, these structures show examples of downward communication which in turn becomes detrimental to the voice of the subordinates.

Question 2

2). Review the etiquette rules suggested in the text. Respond to each one. Have you ever been bothered by cell phone, answering machines, or beepers? What do you feel about call waiting? Is it rude to put people on hold to take another call?

I have been bothered by cell phones, especially when people are texting while you are trying to have a conversation with them. It's understandable if, for example, you receive a phone call at dinner and it is important but to the point where friends are calling or other irrelevant phone calls are received and answered, it is not only bad etiquette but rude.

I think call waiting is basically the same thing. One thing I do if I get put on hold because the person I was talking to answered another line, I only wait on the line for about 30-45 seconds. Not only because I don't want to waste my minutes but I subtly sends a message to the other person that I'm not going to wait around for you, if we are conversating, let's conversate at that moment. I think that answering another phone call briefly depending on how important it is, is ok. But, if you answer the other call and put someone on hold for minutes at a time, then that is completely rude.

Question 1

1). How are organizations tied to the environment? What is the relationship between the school you attend and the city or town in which it is situated? What, if any, ethical obligations does an organization like a college or university have to the local community?

Organizations can have both positive and negative impact on an environment and the environment can also do the same to the organization. If organizations change and expand, then more stress and demand is asked of the environment to support the organization whether it be resources, energy, transportation etc. If the environment changes and the organization can not adapt, then eventually the organization will fail or die.

San Jose State is in the middle of downtown San Jose and both the organization and environment feed off of each other. There are many restaurants, shops, and other venues that are frequently used by college students or those who work in relation to the organization. The organization's presence helps stimulate the economic environment but also puts more stress on transportation needs, capacity, energy and housing. For a university or college, there has to be a two way street between its environment and the organization. From an ethical standpoint, the college must be able to give back to the community just as much as the community gives back to them. Examples of this might be community service work done by college students, or donations given to the community for various projects like road work, or building plans.

It is a check and balance between the university and community because at the same time, the community feeds the college not only through providing tuition costs if local students attend, but the stresses and demands that the university asks of its environment to continue to be successful.

Question 2

2). Think about the filters you use to eliminate people from consideration as potential romantic partners. What characteristics or behaviours lead you to judge others as unattractive? Does Duck's theory make sense to you? Have you ever eliminated someone by using a sociological or pre-interaction cue only to reconsider them based on interaction and cognitive cues?

Sociological and pre-interaction cues are all apart of gaining a first impression of people. When I first meet someone, I pay attention to things like where this person lives, how they live and their physical appearance. It is human nature to begin judging people at a first glance to get an idea if they might be right for you. I believe Duck's theory to be true because it is a step by step process based on the information you receive. I feel like everyone does part take in this filtration process to find friends or romantic partners

For me, I have eliminated someone based on sociological and pre-interaction cues because those are the first few questions that you ask yourself if someone "qualifies" to continue to the next level of interaction and closeness. But I have found that even though you might eliminate someone based on these two factors, by getting to know them more and more, you can begin developing a closeness based on interaction and cognitive cues. To me, these two are more important than the other two because you begin to see what a person is made up of, their values, your interaction and chemistry with them, and shared beliefs. I think today, distance between two people become less and less of a factor because of technology. You are able to call someone from any where, or communicate through text messaging, email, or video phone calls.

Question 1

1. Which pattern (rigid complementarity, competitive symmetry, or submissive symmetry) do you think would be the most difficult to change? Why? Which would be the most damaging to a relationship? Which would be the most potentially damaging to the self-esteem of the individuals involved?

I think that submissive symmetry would be the hardest to break. I think this is true because when people are both in a submissive state of mind, they become comfortable and scared at the same time. They don't want to displease the other person but don't want to make a decision for themselves. Yet at the same time by not making a decision and knowing the other person won't either, it leaves both people in a sense of control because they already know how the other person is going to respond.

In a relationship, I think rigid complementarity is the most damaging. I say this because to get to a point where the submissive or dominant partner wants to relinquish their roles, they fell into those roles through a complementary pattern either on accident or on purpose. Since they have been in these roles for so long, the other partner may not want to take a new role because of comfort or other reasons. Sometimes when trying to transition out of a new role, people may not go about it in the right way and thus cause arguments and fights. It's very tricky especially if a relationship has been the same for a long time.

In addition, the same would be damaging for those individuals involved because it may send a wrong message. By being more submissive or dominant, the other person may receive that message as being unhappy, or not caring about the other person when in fact, they may not be the case. A transition in roles can be misleading and even more hurtful especially if a relationship has been the same for many many years.

Week 11 Question 2

2). Do you believe in the rationality, perfectibility, and mutability premises? What social institutions and practices are based on these beliefs?

I believe that only the mutability and perfectibility premise are only true. I say this because the rationality premise, the average person varies based on location and their beliefs and morals that they were grown up to know. The average person is different between California and Texas because life styles are different, culture is different, and values are different. The average person is hard to define because it does vary and the decisions that these "average" people make will depend on their ways of thinking. For example the proposition of gay marriage, depending on where you live or culture will determine if you think it is right on wrong.

Perfectibility premise is that people can achieve goodness through effort and control. I believe this is true because IF someone puts in the time and effort to become a better person, in time they will achieve this. Self control is sometimes hard but when someone has the desire and will to control themselves, it goes a long way.

Mutability assumes that behavior is shaped by the environment and to improve humans is through physical and psychological circumstances. I believe this premise is the truest because by improving both aspects mentally and physically, can really improve someones health, self esteem, and overall well being. For example, when you see someone emotionally and psychologically drained, you can normally tell in their body language or their physical state.

All three of these premises remind me of religion. I say this because in religion, most of the time it is talking about being a better person and releasing your sins to become healthy mentally and spiritually. When you are a better person mentally and spiritually, it then translates to better physical health.

Week 11 Question 1

1). Do you agree with anthropologist Ruth Benedict that we are "creatures of our culture" and that our habits, beliefs, and impossibilities are shaped by our culture? If so, how can we break through the limits of our cultures?

I would have to agree that we are a creation of our culture. It starts out when we are children and what are parents begin teaching us what is right and wrong based on what society has taught them to be true. What are habits are, our beliefs, and what we can or can't accomplish is outlined for us by the culture in which we grow up in because it is usually all we know.

Most people do not get the opportunity to live in another country or culture with different values of their own so they do not know any better. The closet thing someone might come to experience different culture beliefs is if they go on vacation to another country, and even then, they might see that country's culture as "weird" or "not normal".

To break out of the tendency to follow what culture has made us believe and the path to follow, is learn about different cultures and live it. Communicating cross culturally is beneficial because you receive more perspectives in life than just your own, or perspectives that have been given to you. Being able to utilize and experience other cultures beliefs may begin to develop your own beliefs even if it does not follow your culture's norm.

Week 7 Question 3

One of the most interesting parts of the reading was under the Kinesic Code II about facial expression and behavior. It was interesting to read and re-enforcing the concept about how people tend to neutralize and mask their behavior with other actions or emotions. The example of a runner up at a beauty pageant is a prime example of how this happens. In addition, the act of smiling in Japan is used to cover up concern or a feeling of disappointment.

But my favorite part is when the book talks about eye behavior. There is a lot of things that you can feel when looking into someones eyes, and usually you can get a good sense of how someone is feeling just by how they look at you. I found it interesting how eye behavior can be used to serve and maintain social positioning. I never really thought of it that way but it does makes sense when someone sits at the head of the table or meeting, they want your attention.

I have also noticed too at work when I speak to others, I notice their lack of eye contact which makes me feel that they possibly are not interested in communicating with me, or they themselves feel awkward about a situation. This portion of the reading made me realize how important facial expressions are, especially eye behavior in effectively communicating.

Week 7 Question 2

2). Although nonverbal messages are more universal than verbal messages, nonverbals do not always carry the same meanings in other cultures. Can you give examples of some of the nonverbal displays that take on different meanings in other countries? If you have moved around within this country, have you ever encountered regional differences in nonverbal meaning?

Working in a corporate environment, there are many international points of contact and people I speak with from other countries. One of the biggest non-verbal messages that comes to mind is more of an action that most American's don't think about. When sitting down, it is common for people to cross their legs. An example is when someone crosses their legs but has their foot resting on their knee exposing the sole of their shoe.

Normally this is not a representation of anything outside of resting or relaxing.But in Middle Eastern cultures, if you sat that way exposing the bottom of your shoe, it is a sign of disrespect. This goes to show that simple actions in one culture may mean something completely different in another. If someone did this with no ill intent, the consequences and relationships between people still may begin to fall.

In different regions of this country and even state, you do find differences in how people act or their mannerisms. It's hard for me right now to pick out a particular incident or an example but these different nonverbal messages are a reflection of the culture within that town, region, state or location. It stems from how people were raised and what values a particular location emphasize.

Week 7 Question 1

1). Because nonverbal messages can be ambiguous, they are open to misinterpretation. Have you ever been wrong about the meaning of someones nonverbal message? Describe what happened. How can people increase the accuracy with which they interpret nonverbal message?

I definitely have been misinterpreted when it comes time to my non-verbal communication. An example of when this happened when I was actually out at a night club with my friends on a Friday night. I had been tired from work all day since I was up early and I went to San Francisco to visit a friend of mine that I haven't seen in a long time. Going into the night, I was already somewhat tired and just wanted to relax and wind down from the day and week. As the night progressed and when we got to the night club, I was just standing back relaxing enjoying my drink and perfectly fine just socializing with people. I was a little quieter than usual but I was still talking to all of my friends. A couple friends of mine came up to me and asked me if I was upset or bothered by something and I answered no.

I truly was not bothered or upset by anything. Only thing that was different about me was that I was relaxing and taking it easy; not dancing or bouncing off the wall like most other people that night.

I believe the best way to interpret nonverbal message is first to ask someone how they are feeling based on their actions because times actions can be misinterpreted too based on how someone else is feeling or their actions. The more you interact with someone, the more you can begin to understand what their non-verbal messages mean. Even after being around someone and feeling like you are able to get an idea about how they are feeling, asking still does not hurt because situations vary on a daily basis.

Week 6 Question 3

My favorite part of this weeks readings was understanding the difference between listening and hearing. The book brings up a good point about how listening takes skill and metal effort. It is a good point, it is very easy to tune someone out and not realize that you are doing so. I have experienced this especially at work. Sometimes I catch myself talking on the telephone with someone while I am trying to answer emails and totally miss what the person was saying on the phone.

I agree how listening and hearing are two different things and it is not until you realize when you are, or not listening how it affects your communication. The book also points out how we are grown up to not listen and ignore certain situations or things which I found out very interesting as well.

Week 6 Question 2

2). Do you agree that men and women use language differently? In what areas?

Yes I do agree that men and women do use language differently. In addition, they also communicate differently. It has been seen that women use language as a form of communication more often then men do to express thoughts, feelings, and emotions. With this, women look to find out detailed information about the topic at hand to get a more further in depth understanding.

For men, they are less willing to sit down and communicate through language. Men have a tendency to be less expressive about their thoughts, feelings and emotions. This could be because of two reasons. the first, is the natural nature of men or two, society has developed the idea that "men" are not suppose to express themselves as freely as women.

From TV shows, to books, to plays and dramas, it has always been the perception that men do not express themselves. This could be that art is reflecting life, or life reflecting art.

Either way, the some situations in which women differ in using language is romantic relationships, work environments, and friendships.

For example in the work environment, typically men are more assertive in how they direct, communicate, and perform their job responsibilities. At times, by not fully using language and communication, they may not get the entire picture of what they are suppose to do. Typically women can communicate or use language more passively but wanting to get details of assigned project

Week 6 Question 1

1). Is it possible to perceive others without, in some way, judging or categorizing them? If so, how? If not, how can we make the judgments we do make, more fair?

I believe that it is not possible to not judge or categorize someone, especially when you first meet them. I say this because it is very common for people to always try and gauge who someone is through their first impressions. By attempting to do so, you try to make yourself more comfortable around strangers you do not know.

Judging and categorizing people happens on a daily basis because you learn and see how people act. Once this happens, based on their actions or words, you begin associating people with similar groups to make you feel more comfortable on how to act towards these people.

The only way I believe to make judgments fair, especially first impressions and judgments, is to have an open mind when meeting new people. Once you meet someone and talk to them, then it will become fair based on their words and actions on how to try and classify them more accurately than if you didn't wait. Once you already have your mind made up of who someone is before meeting them, it becomes tougher for you and them to begin changing that perception, especially if it is incorrect.

Week 4 Question 3

My favorite part of this week's chapter would have to be the 6 Social Functions of Rhetoric. The public speakers that I remember the most shared all of these qualities and characteristics when they presented. Even former coaches that I used to play for in sports, the ones I remember the most, also had these qualities. For me, one of the most important functions would have to be building community. I say this because when people have concerns or issues, they want to know and feel like they are not the only ones concerned about this. Once you have a presenter that understands and speaks to these issues, then the audience begins developing a sense of "we" instead of just "me" creating a want to be apart of fixing the problem.

Week 4 Question 2

I'm going to just continue with speaking about Barack Obama since he is a perfect example of what it means to be a good speaker. He displays all three characteristics of a good speaker; credibility, attractiveness and power. When Obama speaks, he speaks with confidence in his words, thus creating his audience to then have confidence in him. People honestly and truly believe in Barack Obama and how he can be a leader for this country. He is attractive to the American people because they feel they can relate to him, which then builds trust. And lastly, he brings the characteristic of power. Not only is he the president, but he has the resources and opportunities to back up what he says and changes people's lives.

Week 4 Question 1

For me, the most memorable and influential speaker today would be our President Barack Obama. His confidence in his words and expressions when he publicly addresses the country are felt by almost everyone. His passion and his ability to address the main concerns of the people give him the influence to persuade and enlighten. As I was reading the social functions of rhetoric, I can already picture and hear Obama constructing his speeches in this manner.

He has his facts, he tests his ideas and the ideas of others to balance out what is the logical choice and how Americans can contribute to getting the country back on its feet. In addition, he builds a sense of patriotism, community, and distribution of power just by using his catch phrase "Yes we can". With this, he asks everyone, not just the government, to be apart of working out of the current recession that we are in. His ideas, and knowledge become contagious and that is what makes him an effective speaker.

Now in a bad speaker, for me, the most noticeable thing is when someone doesn't know their facts, and/or is not confident in what they are saying. Even if you feel like you are wrong, your mannerisms and strength in your voice can still make people listen. It is very easy to not pay attention to someone who does not also look at their audience because it is very important to connect with them. I've seen other students give presentations in classes where they do some of these things and more times than not, the message they are trying to get across is not remembered or listened to.

Week 2 Question 2

According to the pragmatic view, "communication consists of a system of interlocking, interdependent behaviors that become patterned over time"(Trenholm). It makes sense that certain actions are a results of others thus following a pattern. In one of last weeks discussions, the ritual of saying hello to someone follows a very similar pattern from person to person. But at the same time, the pragmatic view does not take in to factor any other outside influences. Instead it just focuses on the actions and reactions. Outside incluences would include cutlure, personal needs, or intentions.

Communication is similar like a game because based on what someone says, your response is based upon answering their statement. The situation and context of what is being communicated gives you a range of options of what you can respond to, much like a game of chess. Every piece of this game has limited ranges of movement, and based on what your opponent moves, you select the most appropriate piece to defend or gain an advantage.

Communication is different from a game because communication factors in outside influences. A game is in response to the others move, but communication is a response based on someones past, present and future. No two people communicate the same or have gone through the exact same experiences the same way, thus influencing how they communicate.

Week 2 Question 1

The Social Constructionist Model says that "communication is a process whereby people in groups, using the tools provided by their culture, create collective representations of reality"(Trenholm). We build our worlds based on what we have grown around from concepts, to what is right and wrong. We take pieces of our experiences that our culture sees as significant, and respond to them that our culture would see as significant.

An example of this would be if a man proposed to a woman, it is seen here in American culture as a significant event in both people's lives because it is a symbol of a future marriage. Reactions would include possible tears of joy, hugs or kisses; that is the typical response to this significant event in American culture. If the same were to occur in another country where marriages are arranged, the reactions would include confusion because that is not how heir culture views marriage. It may be seen in this culture that if a man proposed to a woman, this is strange and disrespectful. The views of an engagement vary per culture and country based on what their culture has constructed through stories and examples about what it means to be married and the significance of it.

The event of an engagement is seen as one of the happiest moments in people's lives here in our country, but sometimes in other cultures, it may be seen as a sad time. This proves that certain events that have been communicated by culture will translate on how people should react in these situations.

Question #3

My favorite part of this weeks readings were the 5 canons of rhetoric; invention, style, arrangement, memory and delivery. Reading this made me think that already we uses these in constructing a speech but at times, we may forget to factor in others. Memory is not as important as it once was because of the use of technology today, but I feel that if someone were to memorize a piece of rhetoric and be able to deliver this in an organized manner, that is a special tool.

One of my favorite parts of these canons is invention because there are mulitple perspectives that someone can argue or persuade a point. I was able to learn this tool especially in my argument and debate class because even though you may not have believed in the side you are arguing, you were forced to look at different perspectives on how to argue effectively.

Question # 2

As good as the Greeks may believe that to a be an orator, you had to be morally good, I do not agree with this. The name that comes to mind who would be an example of someone who was a good public speaker but not morally right, was Adolf Hitler. During his reign in Germany, he convinced many German people through the power of his words and fist to discriminate against a certain percentage of the population. Even today when you hear him speak, you can feel the passion in his words and he means every bit of what he says. Sometimes you may not have to know exactly what he is saying to begin getting the idea that his public speaking skills are powerful.

The Greeks believed, especially the great rhetoricians like Aristotle and Cicero, that rhetoric is not to win arguments but to discover truths. According to this theory and philosophy, there would be a link between goodness, truth, and public communication. Out of "goodness" the "truth" would be uncovered and to show what is true, effective "public communication" would be needed. Yet, this is not always the case. Someone who is not morally good, like Hitler, can alter truths. With being a good public speaker, he then manipulate his words to make a lie sound truthful, thus breaking the link of goodness, truth and public speaking.

Question # 1

1. Think of a speaker you admire. Does his or her power to persuade come from ethos, pathos, or logos? Think about your own ability to persuade others. What personal qualities do you have that make you persuasive? Does Aristotle's classification scheme work for them, or do they fit into another category?

Many other people have mentioned Barack Obama in their blogs and I would have to agree with them. Right now, he is probably one of the most famous and popular people in the world. All eyes are on him with how he deals with the current issues that face this country.

His power to persuade and empower people comes from his ability to touch people’s emotions with his words; thus his speaking ability would be pathos. With how he represents not only himself and how he presents his words, every American is looking for the light at the end of the tunnel, especially in this economic struggle that the country is in. This hope and desire for change by Americans is something that Barack Obama speaks to in every one of his speeches. You can tell he is compassionate and brings hope to the country. His ability to touch people’s emotions to believe that we all can work together to get through these tough times has people really believing that the end of this recession is coming closer.

For me, I feel like I am also a pathos persuasive speaker. The way in how I word things and even my tone of voice, I show compassion for other people’s situations and emotions to persuade people. I never have liked or felt comfortable with being a type of person who is pushy to make decisions, but I outline the choices and options someone has and show how I understand the ways of thinking of these choices. Yet, if there is a particular choice that I want someone to choose, I give deeper detail about the benefits of this and how it can, and will make them feel.

Hello!

Hello Everyone,

Well as you may see by my Alias that I am and uncle and that my name is Chris. I currently am a Senior at SJSU majoring in Communication Studies with a minor in Business. I currently work at SanDisk Corporation in Milpitas in the HR Staffing Dept. I put people to work and I am very fortunate to have been working there for about 2 1/2 years now.

In my spare time, i am a big sports fan. I mainly follow the 49ers, Giants, A's and Sharks. I play indoor soccer and hockey at least once a week. I'm a big fan of competition and it helps me get my mind of school and work. I currently am living in Union City and this is my one of two Communication online classes that I am taking this semester.

My communication story begins with, I believe, Dr. Byrd. It was a multicultural communication class which felt was a good way to start my tenure at SJSU. I am lucky enough that the skills and tools that i have learned at SJSU, and particularlly from communication studies, have translated to how I interact and work with people. Especially being in a corporate environment for the past 2 1/2 and I'm not even 25 yet, has really made me learn on the go. I've been able to not only keep up with presentations and other issues, but I've been looked up to as a source of information and mentoring. I am looking forward to having this class continue to hone my skill and make me an even better communicator than I am today.