Hello everyone, I joined this class late, so I wanted to introduce myself. My name is McAnthony Bernard, and I’m a senior at UMass Dartmouth studying Business Management. I’m particularly interested in the construction industry from a business management perspective. I’m originally from the Bahamas but now live in Brockton. My family is also connected to UMass Dartmouth—my younger brother is currently a freshman here as well. In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym with friends, playing video games, and working on my clothing brand, Angels Gift.
For this assignment, I read the blog article “18 Life-Learnings from 18 Years of The Marginalian” from the Philosophy collection. As a graduating student, this article stood out to me because it offers advice on navigating life. One lesson that connected with me was choosing joy. It reminded me that happiness is a choice, not just something that happens. As I enter the workforce, I want to find a career that I enjoy, not just one that pays well. The blog also emphasized appreciating the small moments in life. It made me realize that success isn’t just about big achievements but also about finding meaning in everyday experiences. This lesson is something I’ll carry with me as I move forward.
One way this blog may serve as a model for my work is in how it distills complex ideas into an engaging and accessible narrative. The author’s ability to explore deep philosophical concepts while maintaining clarity is something I admire, particularly when trying to communicate challenging ideas. The blog’s reflections on life, joy, and resilience demonstrate how meaningful insights can be shared in a way that resonates both personally and universally. However, the blog primarily focuses on philosophical musings, which differs from my focus. While its themes encourage introspection and creative exploration, my work requires balancing abstract principles with more practical applications. Nonetheless, the blog serves as a reminder that even complex ideas can be relatable through storytelling and thoughtful reflection.
The city of Brockton, where I’m from, is facing increased flood risks due to climate change, with more frequent and severe rainfall overwhelming the city’s aging stormwater infrastructure. Low-lying areas near rivers and streams are especially vulnerable. To address these challenges, the city is exploring green infrastructure solutions such as wetlands and permeable surfaces. With the support of federal and state funding, Brockton is working to improve stormwater management, reduce environmental impacts like water pollution, and strengthen its climate resilience for the future.