week 4
What I really liked about this chapter was "The process of knowledge and learning" how entreprenuors need to be aware of this process in order to succeed. It was also interesting the fact that there are common idea killer and if entreprenuors do not detect them, this words can cause a negative impact on any project. Therefore, the importance of "the nature of the creative process". The four phases of this process were new to me. I found them very helpful. In addition, all these theories are connected to how our brain works. Using our brain properly, sounds easy but getting the facts of how our brain really works was fascinated to me. It was a very fun reading, getting the knowledge of how our left hemisphere is associated with or right hemisphere and how this can affect or help on the creative process. One question that I would like to ask the author is. How can I prevent the block of mental habits that impede creative thinking? I would like to have more examples about this.
Conclusively, I agree with all the points made by the author in this chapter. Everything was well explained, easy to read, very enjoyable and I did understand the entire chapter.
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Customer Interview No. 1
WEEK 4
1. Opportunity:
My potential opportunity is about the maintenance service at my Cousin's community complex. I have heard her a million times complaining about that service and since last week I went to visit her I found the opportunity right there to interview her neighbors about this situation. I found it interesting since it's a common issue that had happened to me at the apartment complex that I used to live. I would like to create a more efficient system where residents can request their petitions without any long waits and faster service. In addition, residents would be able to make their request and get a 24 hour service to solution any issue presented. That way, residents would have faster service and happy lives.
2. Who might have the unmet need:
I think residents from that community are the ones who might have that need since they could get a faster service without the discomfort of having something that is not working well at their home.
3. List of questions:
1. When you make a maintenance request, what do you think about the wait time? is it too long?
2. How long does it takes your service to be fixed, Is it hours or days?
3. Have you ever experience a situation which you were dissatisfied with the maintenance request system? if yes, explain the situation. if no, are always satisfied by this service?
4. In general, what do you think about maintenance service?
4. What I learned about the opportunity:
In general terms, I learned that residents have experienced different kind of services from the same provider and it definitely could be improve in order to have the same impact on everyone and people would complaint less about that service.
5. What I learned about that interviewing customers:
I did enjoy the interviewing part, having the opportunity of interviewing my cousin's neighbors was something that I have never done before and it was fun. It did turns out that some of them were actually happy with the service that my cousin though it was awful for everyone, so it helped me understand that everyone's opinions are different and may vary.
1. Opportunity:
My potential opportunity is about the maintenance service at my Cousin's community complex. I have heard her a million times complaining about that service and since last week I went to visit her I found the opportunity right there to interview her neighbors about this situation. I found it interesting since it's a common issue that had happened to me at the apartment complex that I used to live. I would like to create a more efficient system where residents can request their petitions without any long waits and faster service. In addition, residents would be able to make their request and get a 24 hour service to solution any issue presented. That way, residents would have faster service and happy lives.
2. Who might have the unmet need:
I think residents from that community are the ones who might have that need since they could get a faster service without the discomfort of having something that is not working well at their home.
3. List of questions:
1. When you make a maintenance request, what do you think about the wait time? is it too long?
2. How long does it takes your service to be fixed, Is it hours or days?
3. Have you ever experience a situation which you were dissatisfied with the maintenance request system? if yes, explain the situation. if no, are always satisfied by this service?
4. In general, what do you think about maintenance service?
4. What I learned about the opportunity:
In general terms, I learned that residents have experienced different kind of services from the same provider and it definitely could be improve in order to have the same impact on everyone and people would complaint less about that service.
5. What I learned about that interviewing customers:
I did enjoy the interviewing part, having the opportunity of interviewing my cousin's neighbors was something that I have never done before and it was fun. It did turns out that some of them were actually happy with the service that my cousin though it was awful for everyone, so it helped me understand that everyone's opinions are different and may vary.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Top 5 World Problems
week 4
Top 5 Problems:
1. Uneducated people.
2. Hunger.
3. Violence.
4. Religions.
5. Selfishness.
Top 5 Solutions:
1. Everyone should have the opportunity to get education. In some countries, college is so expensive that not everyone have access to it, this is something that has to changed. Governments should implement ways for people to go to college and in some cases kids that can go to school.
2. In third world countries, governments should make campaigns to give free breakfast to people who needs it.
3. This solution is number three because it goes hand in hand with numbers one and two. If we have more educated population and well fed population, the percentage of violence is going to decrease. Hunger and ignorance are two big factors that increment violence.
4. I don't think religions have to disappear, what I do think is through education, people most understand that everyone is free to practice the religion they want. Being able to respect the other's religion is a right that we all have. Religions does not have to be the subject of arguments.
5. What we need in this world is more selfless people. How do we do that? I believe we establish that at home. Raising kids in a nice environment
full of respect and love, each of us can contribute to have more selfless persons.
1. Uneducated people.
2. Hunger.
3. Violence.
4. Religions.
5. Selfishness.
Top 5 Solutions:
1. Everyone should have the opportunity to get education. In some countries, college is so expensive that not everyone have access to it, this is something that has to changed. Governments should implement ways for people to go to college and in some cases kids that can go to school.2. In third world countries, governments should make campaigns to give free breakfast to people who needs it.
3. This solution is number three because it goes hand in hand with numbers one and two. If we have more educated population and well fed population, the percentage of violence is going to decrease. Hunger and ignorance are two big factors that increment violence.
4. I don't think religions have to disappear, what I do think is through education, people most understand that everyone is free to practice the religion they want. Being able to respect the other's religion is a right that we all have. Religions does not have to be the subject of arguments.
5. What we need in this world is more selfless people. How do we do that? I believe we establish that at home. Raising kids in a nice environment
full of respect and love, each of us can contribute to have more selfless persons.
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Week 3 Reading Reflection
Week 3
This week's reading was very helpful for all of us that some day would like to start our journey as entrepreneurs. This second chapter mentioned something that really caught my attention. "Perseverance and Commitment", those two characteristics are often not taken seriously. Future entrepreneurs have to understand the importance of those two characteristics. The example given by the book was admirable and having the chance to read it, makes me think about the journeys that most of entrepreneurs have to face. Sometimes, it is not enough to fix one problem, there is a time in live where one is going to face a difficult journey but there is when the real entrepreneur is challenged, and that is the point when the real entrepreneur has to keep going and believe in himself/ herself by being self-confidence and optimistic because entrepreneurs are always going to be exposed to obstacles. On the other hand, it is important to have a "Team Building". Well prepared people that will help the entrepreneur to handle any obstacles. This chapter also presented the most common characteristics presented by already successful entrepreneurs.
This week's reading was very helpful for all of us that some day would like to start our journey as entrepreneurs. This second chapter mentioned something that really caught my attention. "Perseverance and Commitment", those two characteristics are often not taken seriously. Future entrepreneurs have to understand the importance of those two characteristics. The example given by the book was admirable and having the chance to read it, makes me think about the journeys that most of entrepreneurs have to face. Sometimes, it is not enough to fix one problem, there is a time in live where one is going to face a difficult journey but there is when the real entrepreneur is challenged, and that is the point when the real entrepreneur has to keep going and believe in himself/ herself by being self-confidence and optimistic because entrepreneurs are always going to be exposed to obstacles. On the other hand, it is important to have a "Team Building". Well prepared people that will help the entrepreneur to handle any obstacles. This chapter also presented the most common characteristics presented by already successful entrepreneurs.
Friday, January 22, 2016
Very Short Interview No. 1
Week 3Gaciel Santana Photography, this is the name of her company. Gaciel is a very good friend of my mother. She is from Dominican Republic and she is a photographer. She started this carrier as a hobby that later on became a profession. She takes the most beautiful pictures of weddings. she perfectly captures every single moment of joy and transmits nothing but the best of her subjects. Now, her company has growth tremendously and I am so happy for her.
Natalia: What encores you to start your own photography business?
Gaciel: " As the unofficial photographer of family and friend's functions, many times people told me that I had an eye for photography. Then I decide to take it seriously and there is nothing that gives me more pleasure than to witnesses those instants of sheer in a couples faces when they are getting married".
Natalia: what do you wish you had been taught in school before out on your own path as an entrepreneur?
Gaciel: well, First of all, I consider that I would like to had some basics such as, managing, marketing your own business etc. but I truly believe that being an entrepreneur is more about put yourself out of your comfort zone and try to be the best at what you are doing. In my case, I have had the luck to choose only one path in this profession which is being a weddings photographer.
Natalia: What does it mean to you to be an entrepreneur?
Gaciel: Being an entrepreneur is being able to take a risk for what your passionate about. I feel so blessed to have turned my passion into my livelihood; as I always says to my two kids. I breathe, I dream, I love photography. So, educate yourself, be the best in what you do and enjoy it.
Natalia: Thank you so much for your time. I love your work I know you already know this but some day you will be the photographer of my wedding.
Gaciel is one of those women that makes you want to be her friend. She is passionate about life and she live it as intense as she can. I known her since forever and she inspires everyone that is close to her, including myself. Her company it is going to keep growing and i wish her nothing but the best in her journey.
PS: Gaciel took those two picures of my friends and I a couple of years ago, I hope you guys like it.
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
World's Biggest Problems
week 3
I believe we are living in a era where humanity is becoming more indifferent to all kinds of situations.
1. What I think it is the number one problem is selfish people and when I say people I am including myself. I am from a country where safety it's not something easy to maintaining. Societies are full of inequalities which, make the least fortunate person act differently. By saying, different I meant that we are used to judge people for what they do but we do not take the time to look at what's really going on. I am not saying that I agree with criminals behaviors or terroristic attacks. What I want people to see it's that sometimes we just have to look at out the box and realized where is the real problem. If is people? if is society? or is it both?. What I think humanity needs, is a cup a tolerance, respect and kindness to start building a better future for the coming generations.
2. Governments. We need people that want to rule a country without nothing in return besides the people's well being.
3. Excesses. We live in a society where is more important what you have (things you own) rather than what you are as a person. It's time to do a brain wash in today's society about what it is really important.
4. Racism. Although, humanity has overcome a lot in this area, I think that some recent terrorist events have to do with racism. If we learn how to love each other no matter what color your skin is, or where are you from. I believe we can coexist way better.
5. Religions. I have to clarify that I am not against to any religion actually I consider myself catholic but I do believe that everything that you do you have todo it with respect to the others that not share that same believe that you do. Practice a religion in high intensity can turn people to act in manners that cannot be described. I do think religions are necessaries but with respect and tolerance.
6. Waste of our natural resources. Planet Earth is our home and sometimes most of us forget about that or maybe we think that it's going to last forever. We all should be aware that it's the time to take care of our planet if we want to left something to the future generations.
7. Egocentrism. Our history through the ages has showed us that we only care for our own good. If we were less selfless and more kind to others, I think we can make a change as a society.
8. Uneducated people. In third world countries the rate of uneducated kids is unbelievable. I think it's necessary to give give education to the majority of any country population.
9. violence/war. we as humans need to think of new ways to resolve our conflicts. Violent acts are not the way to make thing work.
10. Hunger. we have a planet full of resources that sometimes it's such a shame to se how some people is suffering of starvation.
I believe we are living in a era where humanity is becoming more indifferent to all kinds of situations.
1. What I think it is the number one problem is selfish people and when I say people I am including myself. I am from a country where safety it's not something easy to maintaining. Societies are full of inequalities which, make the least fortunate person act differently. By saying, different I meant that we are used to judge people for what they do but we do not take the time to look at what's really going on. I am not saying that I agree with criminals behaviors or terroristic attacks. What I want people to see it's that sometimes we just have to look at out the box and realized where is the real problem. If is people? if is society? or is it both?. What I think humanity needs, is a cup a tolerance, respect and kindness to start building a better future for the coming generations.2. Governments. We need people that want to rule a country without nothing in return besides the people's well being.
3. Excesses. We live in a society where is more important what you have (things you own) rather than what you are as a person. It's time to do a brain wash in today's society about what it is really important.
4. Racism. Although, humanity has overcome a lot in this area, I think that some recent terrorist events have to do with racism. If we learn how to love each other no matter what color your skin is, or where are you from. I believe we can coexist way better.
5. Religions. I have to clarify that I am not against to any religion actually I consider myself catholic but I do believe that everything that you do you have todo it with respect to the others that not share that same believe that you do. Practice a religion in high intensity can turn people to act in manners that cannot be described. I do think religions are necessaries but with respect and tolerance.
6. Waste of our natural resources. Planet Earth is our home and sometimes most of us forget about that or maybe we think that it's going to last forever. We all should be aware that it's the time to take care of our planet if we want to left something to the future generations.
7. Egocentrism. Our history through the ages has showed us that we only care for our own good. If we were less selfless and more kind to others, I think we can make a change as a society.
8. Uneducated people. In third world countries the rate of uneducated kids is unbelievable. I think it's necessary to give give education to the majority of any country population.
9. violence/war. we as humans need to think of new ways to resolve our conflicts. Violent acts are not the way to make thing work.
10. Hunger. we have a planet full of resources that sometimes it's such a shame to se how some people is suffering of starvation.
Sunday, January 17, 2016
Week 2 Reading Reflection
week two
The biggest surprise that I found on this week's reading was the myths of entrepreneurship. It was very interesting reading about myths that I was not even aware of. For example, entrepreneurs are born, not made is a huge misunderstanding that most of people have. This first chapter really made me want to start working on my goals and showed me well enough to material to keep going. However, there was a part that confused me. "The entrepreneurial assessment approach" developed by Robert C. Ronstadt, was not very clear to me. I would like the author to give more examples of this because it did confused me a little bit. Overall, this first chapter was interesting enough that it made me want to keep reading. The way the author of the book break down the chapter and give examples was very easy to read it and not get bored easily. I am looking forward to see the rest of the chapters.
The biggest surprise that I found on this week's reading was the myths of entrepreneurship. It was very interesting reading about myths that I was not even aware of. For example, entrepreneurs are born, not made is a huge misunderstanding that most of people have. This first chapter really made me want to start working on my goals and showed me well enough to material to keep going. However, there was a part that confused me. "The entrepreneurial assessment approach" developed by Robert C. Ronstadt, was not very clear to me. I would like the author to give more examples of this because it did confused me a little bit. Overall, this first chapter was interesting enough that it made me want to keep reading. The way the author of the book break down the chapter and give examples was very easy to read it and not get bored easily. I am looking forward to see the rest of the chapters.
Bug list
Week Two
Here are 20 things that bugs me.
1. Why is it that almost during the entire day the Starbucks on Marston library at UF is always full. To order a cup of coffee it will take you no less than 7 minutes. it really bothers me.
2. For the last couple of years I have been moving from one apartment complex to another one. I can say that in the past four years in every single complex that I have lived the laciness is incredible. I do not understand why I have to call the office more than three times if I want to get something fix at my apartment.
3.Why is it with people (including myself) that the new years resolution is has something to do with lose weigh. It is very annoying how the South West gym at UF it is always packed. It does not matter the hour because I have tried almost every single hour of the day, the gym is always full. Let's hope half of that people give up on their resolutions and the gym can go back to normal.
4. Why is it that during rush hour 20th street is full of traffic. Trying to get home during that time it will take me more than an hour.
5. It really bothers when I am having a good productive day. Sometimes, I don't understand the need of some people to ruin your day. For example, negativity, laciness and just disrespectful people can turn a good day into a bad one.
6. why some employees do not care about their jobs and just treat customers very bad. It makes me mad that some employees at the Wallmart on Archer are very disrespectful.
7. When you pay for a service you want that service to be as good as possible. Sometimes the Chipotle at Archer don't serve good food.
8. Why is it with deliveries from Bento that takes forever? almost every single tame that I order something from Bento it do not take lass than an hour to get it. It is very disrespectful with the customer to take that long.
9. Taxis service in Gainesville have a bad reputation.
10. I don't understand why when you go to the emergency at the hospital it takes too much time to get a doctor to check you out.
11. When you go to eat out you expect a good service and delicious food.Well, one day I had a terrible experience at Outback restaurant.
12. When you buy fruits at the supermarket and you get home to find out that they are not in good shape and sometimes they are not even ready to eat.
13. Nissan at Gainesville do a very bad job with customer service.
14. Why is it that the Internet at UF sometimes is very slow.
15. Why do I have to call my landlord twelve times in order to have a respond from he/she. The lack of availability it really bothers me.
16. When ATT&T try to give you extra bills that you didn't even know.
17. Why is it that every single time that I try to call to att&t customer service, they never really help me with what I need.
18. Why always happens that you buy an electronic from Best Buy and you also buy one kind of insurance and when that insurance expires that is the time when your electronic get ruined. so, you never got to used the insurance.
19. When your delivery takes forever.
20. The old system "saki" was very annoying. Sometimes I had to submit homework twice if I wanted to be sure to send them.
This exercise was a real challenge to me. It was not easy at all to find twenty things that bothers me. But I am glad I had the chance to complete it.
Here are 20 things that bugs me.
1. Why is it that almost during the entire day the Starbucks on Marston library at UF is always full. To order a cup of coffee it will take you no less than 7 minutes. it really bothers me.
2. For the last couple of years I have been moving from one apartment complex to another one. I can say that in the past four years in every single complex that I have lived the laciness is incredible. I do not understand why I have to call the office more than three times if I want to get something fix at my apartment.
3.Why is it with people (including myself) that the new years resolution is has something to do with lose weigh. It is very annoying how the South West gym at UF it is always packed. It does not matter the hour because I have tried almost every single hour of the day, the gym is always full. Let's hope half of that people give up on their resolutions and the gym can go back to normal.
4. Why is it that during rush hour 20th street is full of traffic. Trying to get home during that time it will take me more than an hour.
5. It really bothers when I am having a good productive day. Sometimes, I don't understand the need of some people to ruin your day. For example, negativity, laciness and just disrespectful people can turn a good day into a bad one.
6. why some employees do not care about their jobs and just treat customers very bad. It makes me mad that some employees at the Wallmart on Archer are very disrespectful.
7. When you pay for a service you want that service to be as good as possible. Sometimes the Chipotle at Archer don't serve good food.
8. Why is it with deliveries from Bento that takes forever? almost every single tame that I order something from Bento it do not take lass than an hour to get it. It is very disrespectful with the customer to take that long.
9. Taxis service in Gainesville have a bad reputation.
10. I don't understand why when you go to the emergency at the hospital it takes too much time to get a doctor to check you out.
11. When you go to eat out you expect a good service and delicious food.Well, one day I had a terrible experience at Outback restaurant.
12. When you buy fruits at the supermarket and you get home to find out that they are not in good shape and sometimes they are not even ready to eat.
13. Nissan at Gainesville do a very bad job with customer service.
14. Why is it that the Internet at UF sometimes is very slow.
15. Why do I have to call my landlord twelve times in order to have a respond from he/she. The lack of availability it really bothers me.
16. When ATT&T try to give you extra bills that you didn't even know.
17. Why is it that every single time that I try to call to att&t customer service, they never really help me with what I need.
18. Why always happens that you buy an electronic from Best Buy and you also buy one kind of insurance and when that insurance expires that is the time when your electronic get ruined. so, you never got to used the insurance.
19. When your delivery takes forever.
20. The old system "saki" was very annoying. Sometimes I had to submit homework twice if I wanted to be sure to send them.
This exercise was a real challenge to me. It was not easy at all to find twenty things that bothers me. But I am glad I had the chance to complete it.
Thursday, January 14, 2016
My Entrepreneurship Story
Week two.
I believe I have been surrounded by entrepreneurs my entire life. My dad's family were the first families in Cali, Colombia who start the public transportation business and when I said Transportation, it meas that they were one of the first families that built a company of public busses for the city. However, my entrepreneurship story is going to be about my cousin.
My cousin, Monica went to a school where besides the normal academic stuff, she was thought ballet. So, by the time she graduated from high school she also became a Ballet dancer. On her college years she had a part time job teaching little girls how to dance ballet. When she finished college, she open her own dance academy. Those times were not easy at all for her. She had to sacrificed lots of things but it was worth it, since 12 years later today, Petipa Dance Academy, is one if the must prestigious dance academies in Bogota, Colombia. She is a great example of perseverance and passion. Her journey was not easy, she had been through so many obstacles but today she can say that she has her dream job and her dream of having her own dance academy came true. Monica, is a remarkable example to me. She is one of those people who inspires others. I want to follow her steps and take intelligent risks in order to achieve my own dreams. On the other hand, I wanted to take this course because some day I would like to be an entrepreneur.
Week two.
I believe I have been surrounded by entrepreneurs my entire life. My dad's family were the first families in Cali, Colombia who start the public transportation business and when I said Transportation, it meas that they were one of the first families that built a company of public busses for the city. However, my entrepreneurship story is going to be about my cousin.
My cousin, Monica went to a school where besides the normal academic stuff, she was thought ballet. So, by the time she graduated from high school she also became a Ballet dancer. On her college years she had a part time job teaching little girls how to dance ballet. When she finished college, she open her own dance academy. Those times were not easy at all for her. She had to sacrificed lots of things but it was worth it, since 12 years later today, Petipa Dance Academy, is one if the must prestigious dance academies in Bogota, Colombia. She is a great example of perseverance and passion. Her journey was not easy, she had been through so many obstacles but today she can say that she has her dream job and her dream of having her own dance academy came true. Monica, is a remarkable example to me. She is one of those people who inspires others. I want to follow her steps and take intelligent risks in order to achieve my own dreams. On the other hand, I wanted to take this course because some day I would like to be an entrepreneur.
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Introduction
WEEK TWO
Introduction
Hello, my name is Natalia García and I
grew up in Cali, Colombia. I did high school there and came to Santa Fe College
(Gainesville, FL) in fall 2011. I started as a Phycology major and a year
after, I changed to my actual major: Telecommunication Management. I
transferred to the University of Florida in Spring 2015 as a junior. In my free time I like to stay at home and
spend quality time with my family; I really like watching movies and reading. I
also, like to travel. I believe traveling is the best way to learn new
cultures, its values, manners, and ways of living. Therefore, I try to travel
every chance I have, I like going to places I have never been before. I can say
that. On the other hand, my family is very important to me. I have such a good
relationship with them. My father is the funniest guy I have ever meet. Well,
at least to me, my mother is very smart and passionate, and my little brother
who is fifteen years younger than I am, is such a good kid. As Colombian I can
say that family is one of the most important mottos in our lives and I am glad
I have such a lovely one. I have to say
that one of my favorite places that I have been is Rome, Italy. I had the opportunity
to go to Italy and France in summer 2012 with Santa Fe College, and I have to
say that it was one of the best experiences of my life. I just fell in love
with Rome, it’s definitely a magic city. Full of history, delicious food, and
charming people.
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Mandala: Coloring Book
I use Sunday mornings to get ready for the week ahead and plan all my upcoming events. well, today was different. while I was organizing my room I found this Mandala Book ( It's a coloring book for adults that helps to inspire creativity, reduce stress, and bring balance). These coloring books for adults have become very popular lately.
Mandala means circle, translated from ancient Indian Sanskrit. It is also known as the circle of life, and a sense of connection between the universe and humans. I just painted one Mandala and I can tell why it is very popular to do it. I am not going to lie, maybe it's not the best thing one can do to relief stress but it may work. So, I will keep my book and encourage people to try it.
I use Sunday mornings to get ready for the week ahead and plan all my upcoming events. well, today was different. while I was organizing my room I found this Mandala Book ( It's a coloring book for adults that helps to inspire creativity, reduce stress, and bring balance). These coloring books for adults have become very popular lately.
Mandala means circle, translated from ancient Indian Sanskrit. It is also known as the circle of life, and a sense of connection between the universe and humans. I just painted one Mandala and I can tell why it is very popular to do it. I am not going to lie, maybe it's not the best thing one can do to relief stress but it may work. So, I will keep my book and encourage people to try it.
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