Public Speaking 101 with Class, Group 3 & 4 Carolina Lopez

 Group 3 Education & Families

Introduction: In our recent class presentations, we explored how education is much more than textbooks, grading scales, and classroom routines. Education is a partnership between students, teachers, families, schools, and entire communities. Each of my classmates presented different perspectives on how families influence education and how education, in return, shapes families’ opportunities and futures. Through their topics, I learned that the relationship between family and education is not just academic it is emotional, cultural, and even political.

Melinda Fernandez began the conversation by examining family involvement in education from a United States perspective. She explained that education in America is decentralized, meaning schools often make decisions at local levels rather than following a national system. Because of this structure, family involvement varies depending on the community. Melinda shared that family engagement in the United States often focuses on volunteering, school events, and civic participation. She compared this with other countries, where involvement tends to be more collective and based on national policy. For example, in some nations, families and schools collaborate to build systems that promote equality and community well-being instead of just focusing on individual success. She also highlighted Miami Dade College as a civic leader that connects students and families with community resources and encourages educational involvement beyond the classroom.

Next, Ricardo Vinas focused on why education matters for families and communities. He explained that education opens doors to economic mobility and creates opportunities that shape a family’s future. Ricardo shared how student success can vary depending on the region of the United States. Schools in the Northeast and West typically have higher GPAs and more access to advanced classes, while schools in the rural Midwest and the South often have limited resources. According to Ricardo, these differences can be caused by community expectations, teacher preparation, school funding, and the level of family involvement. He also tied history into his presentation by explaining how policies like the Common School Movement and the Every Student Succeeds Act shaped how education operates today.

Nel Ryan Philippe Abella expanded our view by discussing how national organizations influence educational standards. He talked about groups such as the U.S. Department of Education, the National Governors Association, and teacher associations and explained how they create academic standards, guide funding, and support teachers. Nel also compared the U.S. education system with other countries, showing that while we all value equal opportunities and teacher qualifications, other countries prioritize collaboration and community support more than competition and test performance.

Melissa Larramendi shared how government programs, such as scholarships, free schooling, nutritional support, and early childhood education, help families participate in their children’s academic lives. She pointed out that learning begins at home. Families teach skills like language, technology use, etiquette, and hygiene skills that shape children long before they enter a classroom.

Finally, Lys Rodriguez discussed the American mindset toward education. In the United States, success is often measured by grades, GPAs, and standardized tests. While parental involvement is encouraged, these intense academic pressures can create stress for students. Lys contrasted this with other countries where collaboration, emotional balance, and life skills are valued over competition.

After listening to these presentations, I realized that families are the heart of education. Schools may teach content, but families teach motivation, support, and values. Education succeeds the most when families and schools work together.

Group 4 Environment Safety of People & Education

During this round of class presentations, our focus shifted from education to real-world issues that affect the daily lives of families, communities, and the future of our planet. Each classmate explored different topics related to environmental protection, public safety, and the role of the economy. Although the subjects varied, they all connected to the same idea: laws and policies guide the way we live, the choices we make, and the world we leave behind.

Sury Canales began the discussions by focusing on environmental protection in the United States. She explained that the environment influences every aspect of our lives, from the quality of the air we breathe to the safety of the water we drink. Sury emphasized that culture, money, and even how people are raised affect how individuals treat the environment. She described how laws are created to protect the environment. Congress creates laws, the president signs them, and government agencies enforce them. Sury listed important laws such as the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. She explained that environmental laws often happen only after disasters or after the public demands change. Sury also spoke about major legal cases that shaped environmental policy. In Massachusetts v. EPA, the Supreme Court ruled that greenhouse gases are pollutants. The Love Canal disaster led to cleanup programs, and Juliana v. United States involved young people fighting for climate protection. Her presentation made it clear that environmental protection requires both legal action and public involvement.

Roger Donado expanded the conversation by comparing how other countries approach environmental protection. He explained that pollution, mass production, and fossil fuel use damage the environment globally, but different nations have their own ways of trying to prevent this harm. Sweden created an environmental code that combines multiple laws to protect water, land, and air. Costa Rica created forestry laws to stop deforestation and protect biodiversity. Germany has strong laws that focus on renewable energy and reducing fossil fuel emissions. Germany also made a commitment to significantly reduce carbon emissions by the year 2050. Roger emphasized that protecting the environment is not just a government responsibility. It is a cultural mindset that values future generations over short term financial gain.

Next, the topic shifted from protecting the earth to protecting the people. Trinity Fontela presented information about public safety in the United States. One of the most urgent concerns today is cybersecurity. Many law enforcement agencies have reported cyber attacks, making this one of the fastest growing public safety threats. Trinity explained how safety laws such as the Gun Control Act and workplace safety laws protect citizens. She also mentioned quarantine laws used during public health emergencies.

Following Trinity, Victor Pedroso compared public safety in Great Britain with public safety in the United States. He shared that Britain faces cybersecurity concerns and changing crime trends as well. Britain has a different approach to policing, including strict rules about how officers must identify themselves and explain the legal reasons for searches. Victor also highlighted workplace safety laws and building safety regulations.

Finally, Savannah Samuel discussed how the economy influences government decisions. When the economy is strong, there is more money available for safety enforcement and environmental protection. When the economy struggles, businesses push for fewer regulations in order to reduce costs. Savannah explained that policymakers must balance protecting people and protecting the economy.

Through these presentations, I realized that laws and policies shape our environment, our safety, and even our future. Change does not begin with the government alone. It begins with awareness.