Learning, Sharing, and Growing Online
Welcome to my first blog post!
My name is Ivette Mesa Menendez, and I am currently a student at the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) pursuing an Associate of Business. I moved to the United States from Cuba two years ago, and my journey as a student has been both challenging and rewarding. I am passionate about learning, personal growth, and building a strong foundation for my future in business, real estate, and digital marketing.
My first impression of IS101 – Introduction to Information Systems has been very positive. This class has helped me understand how technology is used in academic, professional, and everyday environments. I appreciate how the course emphasizes organization, digital responsibility, and practical skills that are essential beyond the classroom. The structure of the course has encouraged me to become more independent, detail-oriented, and confident when using technology. I am especially grateful to Professor Albert Wu for his patience, encouragement, and the time he takes to help students understand the material. His clear explanations and willingness to support us have made the learning experience more engaging and less intimidating.
Social media has been part of my life but reading more about how it actually works helped me see it in a new way. I used to think of platforms like Instagram and Facebook mainly as places to share photos and stay connected. However, learning about different platforms like LinkedIn and Bluesky showed me that each one serves a different purpose, from personal expression to professional networking and public communication. What stood out to me the most were the risks of social media, especially how anonymity can encourage negative behavior, how algorithms promote extreme content, and how difficult it is to erase anything once it's posted online. This made me more aware of the importance of privacy settings and being intentional about what I share. Overall, this reading encouraged me to be more mindful of my digital identity and to use social media responsibly, not just as a form of entertainment but as a powerful tool that can impact how others see me.
This blog is a space where I will continue to share what I learn and how it applies to real life. I'm excited to keep growing my digital skills and becoming a more informed and responsible user in today's digital world. Outside of academics, I enjoy learning from new experiences, especially traveling and being exposed to different perspectives. I see this blog as a space to reflect, grow, and share parts of my journey as I continue learning and moving forward.
I am glad reading 1.2.10 Social Media Facts encouraged you to be more mindful of your digital identity and see social media beyond its entertainment value into the impact on how other people perceive you :-)
ReplyDeleteI am proud to hear the way I structured the IS101 course is encouraging you to be more independent, detail-oriented, and confident when using technology, and the way I conduct the course and interact with students is making the learning experience more engaging and less intimidating ^_^ Thank you Ivette.
Your excitement for growing your digital skills and becoming a more informed responsible user in today's digital world is why I go above-and-beyond for my students. IS101-3005, Spring 2026 is off to a brilliant start!
Ivette, even when I was younger, I was cautious about social media. I worried about how personal information could be misused or invade privacy. Unfortunately, today, social media is expected. Employers check online presence. So, keeping it professional matters. I think it’s good you’re reflecting on privacy and intention. I also now see social media as a tool, not just for fun. In today’s world, being mindful of our digital presence is key. It’s just part of how we manage our image now.
ReplyDeleteSuch a professional sounding way to breakdown everything about you and what you have learned so far and honestly it is impressive. I felt like I am reading an actually blog that is written from a Wall Street Journal. Look at that, I connected it to your business mindset and career choice!
ReplyDeleteThe internet is such a wild place to be and anything that you hit send with is now your digital footprint. As funny as we find the videos in our TikToks and Instagram, it still something to consider what we put out there since we don't want it to reflect on us after years. That being said, I hope I can read more of your blogs and keep up the great work!
Hello Ivette, I use social media mostly as a form of entertainment. Most people who know me in real life aren't really connected to me via social media. I agree with how anonymity can encourage negative behavior because you rarely see people acting out in public the way they would feel entitled to behind a screen. It's amazing how different people act in different social media apps as well. Being mindful of our social media presence is key to a clean digital footprint.
ReplyDeleteHi Ivette, I like how you looked at social media from a new perspective. It’s easy to just see Instagram or Facebook as apps for fun, but noticing platforms like LinkedIn and Bluesky for professional and public use really shows how versatile social media can be. I also think it’s important how you pointed out the risks.
ReplyDeleteHi Ivette. I enjoyed reading your post about social media. You have a point when you say that it can be difficult to remove content once you post it online. I rarely post content on social media for that reason.
ReplyDeleteHey Ivette! Moving to a new country and starting college at the same time must be challenging, so it’s impressive that you’re pursuing a business degree, I also agree with what you said about social media. A lot of people see platforms like Instagram or Facebook as just entertainment, but learning about algorithms, privacy, and digital footprints really changes how you think about what you post online.
ReplyDeleteIvette, your transition from Cuba to pursuing an Associate of Business at CSN reflects a dedicated commitment to personal and professional growth, particularly through your newfound understanding of how intentional social media management and digital networking on platforms like LinkedIn can strategically shape your professional identity in real estate and marketing.
ReplyDeleteHey Ivette, Glad to hear your taking up business so am I. Seeing as how you truly have a plan to take that into real estate speaks to how goal-oriented you are by already knowing what you want to do with your degree.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you on what you said about about social media. Too many times we do things without a second thought on the internet of understanding what risks may come after. All in all best of luck to you!
Hello, Ivette, speaking from experience, it is very impressive of you to decide to move to a different country in pursue of education, I personally moved to the U.S. from Taiwan for 6th grade, and while I had time to adapt to the culture, education, language, etc. You were only here for 2 years before enrolling in college. I'm also pursuing an Associate of Business degree as well! Good luck on your journey!
ReplyDeleteHi Ivette, it’s great to see another Cuban working hard and building a future here. I liked how you talked about learning the real impact of social media and being more careful about what we share online. I’m sure you’ll do great this semester.
ReplyDeleteHey Ivette, cute name! I like how your experience with social media showed you the importance of privacy. It's extremely important to stay secured and as anonymous as possible especially nowadays with AI which makes it easy to do scams or simply just get fed as a data/reference for AI among many others. It's refreshing to see someone be aware of the risks of social media platforms :)
ReplyDeleteHi Ivette, after reading your post and seeing how articulate you express your experiences, I'm sure you will have no problem achieving your goals towards your business degree. Your passion about learning and personal growth shows that you already have the foundation to accomplish the goals you have in mind. Since a lot of businesses use Microsoft programs, this class will definitely set the stepping stone for greater things moving forward. Have a great semester!
ReplyDeleteHello Ivette, social media has truly changed they way we do everything and has become an important tool. Since it's everywhere and everyone seems to have it, it's always nice to be reminded that our privacy is something that should not be overlooked.
ReplyDeleteHi, Ivette I am really proud of you for having a growth mindset. I think personal growth is very important in life to continue and do better in life. I really admire that you have a plan going on and a good foundation for your future. Also, with social media, I know that it is a high risk in what we post online because it leaves a digital footprint.
ReplyDeleteHello Ivette, I am excited as well to be a more informed internet user. I agree, algorithms and anonymity can create a hostile internet environment. This is why I strive to learn digital literacy.
ReplyDeleteHi Ivette, I am also pursuing my Associate of business degree and I agree that this class is very informative. Professor Wu also makes everything a bit easier to understand. It is so true that you really want to be careful what you decide to post online, things you delete are not necessarily deleted. Even when you remove a video the content could already be downloaded and shared several times. I do love your passion and positivity; I hope that you reach your goals quickly but enjoy the journey.
ReplyDeleteHey Ivette, I really liked your post! It’s inspiring how focused you are on your goals, especially after moving here. I also liked what you said about social media and being more mindful of what you share that’s something a lot of people don’t think about.
ReplyDeleteHi Ivette! How cool that you're from Cuba—I have a lot of friends who come from Cuba, too. It's also great that you want to learn about technology, since it really is very important in professional life, and just in general.
ReplyDeleteHi Ivette, it’s inspiring to see how motivated and focused you are on your future in business. I am also pursuing an Associate of Business and I also immigrated from my country to become a professional, so I can relate to you. I also really liked what you said about social media and I agree with you that this class helps us beyond the classroom. Your post was very nice and I hope everything you have planned comes true.
ReplyDeleteHey Ivette, I liked your post! It’s really inspiring how you’ve come so far after moving here, and your goals sound great. I also liked what you said about social media, it made me think about it differently too.
ReplyDeleteHi Ivette, I like the part you mentioned about understanding how different social media platforms serve different purposes, it really changes how you view them.
ReplyDeleteHello Ivette. I've never met someone from Cuba before! I agree with your thoughts on social media. It is very important to be mindful of what you post online.
ReplyDeleteHi Ivette! It is always a good thing to stay mindful of the things you post/interact with on social media platforms. As someone who is looking into going into real estate, I am very excited to hear that you are too! Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteHello Ivette! I do agree with you on the usefulness of the material presented in this class. Professor Albert has been very helpful, and patient and that is something I appreciate. Not many professors extend a helping hand as much as he has. The internet is a amazing, and scary place at times.
ReplyDeleteHey Ivette, Hope all is well and Cuba sounds amazing to visit, I would think, I hope that you really thrive and succeed!
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