Video: Microbiologist Raul Cuero PhD on Sparking Creativity on Living Smart with Patricia Gras

After watching Dr. Raul Cuero's interview on living smart, I didn't find too many connections personally. Given, he comes from a background far different from anything I've ever heard and circumstances not known to the majority of Americans in general. Though he is one of the best known international contributors to gene science and technology, I find it hard how I can apply any of his concepts to everyday life. 

We live in a digital era where technology changes everyday. I mean, humanity has achieved more in the last 5 years than in the last 20 years in every area, specifically in automation, AI, and the human genome. Given the filming date of this video, Cuero's concept of the "universal conscious" would only apply to people in similar situations where poverty and corrupt stereotyping occur everyday in third world countries. Cuero wanted to get out of his habitual upbringing/living situation, so he had no choice but to fight and make strides his entire life far beyond what the majority of our classroom can fathom. 

Fortunately, I never came close to any of those experiences, so my mindset was focused on the opposite- "local ideology." In terms of education, work-life balance and achieving personal successes. Thats what society is today, focusing on yourself regardless of the individuals around you. And with this ideology at hand, having this "universal conscious" and thinking about the nature of things, is irrelevant and a concept that would never be tolerated in achieving the "American Dream." 

I did enjoy watching this video to hear about what his life was like and how Cuero amassed his many successes. But I cannot relate to his concepts in any way given his situation from birth to present. 

Classroom Feels

First day of Class? I was soaked from the rain, took 25 minutes to find parking, my new Cole Haans were drenched, but overall, the classroom experience itself was great!

I always enjoy hearing the student introductions- background knowledge of your peers is KEY. And then of course, the boring syllabus every professor runs through. 

My Name is Iram Cesani. I graduated from The University of Tampa back in 2014 with a Bachelors of Science- Marketing. I am now back completing my second degree, Bachelors of Arts- Advertising & Public Relations.

I am one of 4 brothers, all in college, and we are all pursuing the same degrees. I am Korean and Puerto-Rican and as unique as my name is pronounced.I currently hold a full time position as the Associate Marketing Manager for one of the largest agencies in the country, specifically in Digital assets. ( www.proforma.com). Hence the evening classes. 

I only have one hobby other than being the creative lead in my current role, that is- consuming caffeine, HAPPY HOURS in social settings, and most importantly travel. I've studied abroad three times (Shanghai (2) & Hong Kong (1)) and wouldn't trade these experiences for the world. 

As far as the class goes, I chose this class because I needed extra credits to fulfill my last semester here before grad school. I chose this class because the name was satisfying. I was never the design aspect in creative, I was always the curator in creative design. Taking whats already present and fine tuning this to perfection in terms of engagement. I am also a tech guru, so that was another major player in my selection process. Overall, I have no expectations from this class because I do not want to chance being let down from an expectation. I want to enjoy this class and learn as much as I can this term.