Historic Buildings in Eau Claire, Wisconsin

It was wonderful the walking tour I took in downtown Eau Claire, Wisconsin. There are many amazing historic buildings. I chose two of them that are really wondrous.

The first one is Herman Schlegelmilch House located at 217 South Barstow Street. This is the first brick commercial building in Eau Claire and was built in1866.

The second one is Parish House, Christ Church Cathedral and is located at 510 South Farwell Street. "On the ground level, three pairs of recessed windows contain the crests thatdocument the history of the Episcopal faith."

I hope you have the opportunity to take a walking tour in downtown Eau Claire. I am sure you will enjoy it as I did.

Does Culture Define Institutions or Do Institutions Define Culture?

According to the web site http://www.yourdictionary.com/, an institution can be defined as a custom, practice, relationship, or behavioral pattern of importance in the life of a community or society: the institutions of marriage and the family. Also, it mentions “an established organization or foundation, especially one dedicated to education, public service, or culture.”

Institutions are founded with a specific purpose. I consider that their success basically depends on the principles, values and rules that govern them. The role of culture is fundamental for the establishment of every institution; they are the result of hard work. I believe that culture defines institutions because individuals are the ones who shape them according to their values and thoughts.

However, some institutions such as educational institutions also define the way individuals think. For example, if an individual has the opportunity to study in college this makes him/her conscious of many things they were not aware. In this case the role of this kind of institutions is essential for society. Another example is religious institutions which are really significant for many people because they can learn to guide their lives according to God's principles and discern what is the most convenient for their lives.

Through the years many institutions become an essential part of our lives. Base on our culture we define institutions, but at the same time they shape our lives and have a significant role in them in many diverse ways.

Comparison Between Costa Rica and the United States in Regard to Their Students at University.

After 22 days in the United States it results difficult to me to compare it with Costa Rica in regard to their educational system and student’s behavior because at first glance it seems that there are only differences between them. 

I would like to clarify that I do not want to discredit the educational system of my country but, there are many aspects that can be improved in many ways.  First of all, many policies are very different in Costa Rica, for instance the first day of classes is not required to attend. In the United States if you do not attend to the first class it means that probably you dropped the course. 

Besides, the relation with the professor in the United States is very formal, you have to address them by their academic degree and their last name. In Costa Rica, we address professors by the first name and without using their academic degree, or just as professor. 

Also, in Costa Rica many people are not punctual; even some professors arrive late to the classroom. It is very common to hear students excusing themselves saying “I missed the bus”. Some professors allow this students to take the quizzes in spite they are late for class. To me this is bawdry and instead of representing a benefit for the students it impairs them. 

In addition, at the end of the class the professor tell the students which is the homework for next week. Back home I never had to check my syllabus because if the professor does not say anything at the end of the class it means that you do not have homework. Here, it works completely different. You are responsible for checking your syllabus, D2L and bring your homework by the beginning of the class because that is your responsibility, not of your professors. 

Although there are many differences, also there is one main similarity which is that there are many students who really care about their future and try to be successful in everything they do. To me is really significant to have the opportunity to study in the United States because that help me to improve en many ways, not only in my English skills but, also to be more confident and appreciate the value of education.