Posted on by mtompkins

Introduction

Hi everyone! My name is Madison Tompkins, but I prefer to be called Madi. This is my second semester as a fully online transfer student at UMassD majoring in Women’s and Gender Studies, and I am set to graduate in Spring 2021. I live in upstate New York where I work full time for a facility called Transitions through my county’s ARC chapter. What I do as a peer mentor is support young adults with learning differences to foster their independence in their professional, educational, and personal lives. Part of my job that is pretty different from most is my schedule, as I sleep overnights from Tuesday until Thursday every week at a supportive apartment to help further the learning experience outside of a classroom setting. I love my job despite its challenges, it is extremely rewarding and having four days off allows me to pursue my education.

When looking through the collection of feminist blogs, one that was familiar to me was Everyday Feminism. I have personally been on EF’s site before because I have followed it on social media for some time, but I also had experience in classes from my previous semester where some sources provided from my professor was from EF. This blog has a wide variety of feminist topics that is discussed by different feminist authors to provide more diverse standpoints into issues that one may not have an inside perspective on. I also feel that this site is also very informative, last semester I recall reading an article about the strategy “calling in” rather than calling out people for their wrongdoings. I feel as though I can take away from EF’s blog styling by researching multiple standpoints so that I can potentially provide more informative postings about different topics. One aspect of this blog that I hope to differ from is making the posts more personal. EF’s authors make their articles personal, but the blog as a whole has more community contributors, so I hope to make my blog more in depth into my personal experiences.

One environmental issue I believe is very relevant to where I live is water pollution. Where I live in New York, the Mohawk River runs through many of my neighboring towns and cities. According to a local news source The Daily Gazette, starting in 2016 to 2018 it is estimated that nearly 500,000 gallons of sewage was flowing into the Mohawk River due to overwhelmed sewage collection systems during storms or periods of increased runoff. During this time, the Department of Environmental Conservation urged people to avoid fishing and swimming in the river. Since then, New York State government has provided funding toward the Mohawk Valley watershed and to other cities impacted by the sewage flow. Growing up in towns along the Mohawk, I remember it always being littered with garbage and just a generally dirty body of water. Water pollution is a growing issue across the world with the prevalence of discussions surrounding cleaning up our oceans, but other smaller bodies of water are also suffering from the impacts of water pollution.

 

Coming into this class, I do admit that the concept of Ecofeminism is still foreign to me. I am intrigued to learn what this class has to offer on another standpoint of feminism, and I look forward to learning with everybody this semester!

 

528 Replies to “Introduction”

  2. Wow that was odd. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show
    up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to
    say excellent blog!

    Reply

  7. What seems more challenging: TKA Saintek or Soshum?

    This question truthfully often arises so often ,
    mainly from 12th graders setting themselves up for TKA.
    Some say STEM track is scary because of those Physics and Chemistry
    subjects , while some students find it tough that Social
    Studies track is confusing because it involves lots of memorization .

    So in reality , which path feels more difficult ?

    For me , the answer is: the difficulty varies on your natural strengths.
    To give more context , let’s discuss it one by one.

    What’s the Difference Between TKA Saintek and Soshum?

    TKA STEM usually contains tasks on Math plus Physics, Biology, Chemistry .
    It matches best with students from the STEM track who are experienced in playing with numbers and experiments and lab work .

    Meanwhile, TKA Soshum usually revolves around subjects such as
    Sociology, History, Economics, and Geography .
    students from the social studies stream generally feel more prepared here because they are already familiar
    with analyzing societies and economic concepts .

    According to an academic survey from Universitas Negeri
    Jakarta , (Sutanto, 2022), the difficulty level of TKA tests is technically almost equal .
    But , the most important element that makes it feel harder or easier is how well-prepared the student is and
    learning style .

    Why Do Many Students Struggle with TKA Math?

    Be real , Math always feels like a nightmare . This isn’t limited to in TKA Saintek
    , and surprisingly in TKA Hybrid, many examinees
    report this part makes their brain freeze .

    I used to assist a younger student whose math performance
    stagnated at 30 points. Once he joined a private tutoring session at NgajarPrivat.com, he came to understand the main obstacle wasn’t that he couldn’t solve it , but tiny mistakes
    that consistently showed up . A private tutor can pinpoint the
    exact mistakes and offer time-saving tips.

    And guess what , after a couple of months , his score shot up to the around 70 .

    So sometimes, it’s not about genius, but about having someone making
    sure the details aren’t missed so they don’t happen again .

    TKA Soshum Is Not Just Memorization

    Quite a few kids make the mistake of thinking that
    Soshum is simple because you just cram data .
    That’s not the case, it’s not purely rote memory .
    For example, in Economic problems , there are mathematical elements that require
    logic .

    According to academic analysis from Gadjah Mada
    University (Handayani, 2021), students who learn Soshum through collaborative dialogue
    absorb concepts faster than those who just rely on rote learning
    . That’s why a dedicated mentor who applies story-like methods
    or guided dialogue can make the subject matter last in memory.

    At KoncoSinau.id, I once experienced a tutor who delivered history lessons not
    by saying “this year, that person,” but by narrating it
    like a tale . Interestingly, it was much easier to remember .

    Intensive Study for TKA Mixed

    So , if you go for TKA Mixed , you must prepare both worlds at once.

    From the stories of my friend who went for the mixed version, the secret
    is time management .

    Commonly , they prepare a special schedule, for example Monday–Wednesday for Saintek and Thursday–Friday for Soshum .
    A mentor usually also guides in creating this kind of
    roadmap so students don’t collapse from fatigue.

    At LapakGuruPrivat.com, there’s an option for module-based
    tutoring . This means you can focus first on the subjects you struggle with .
    For example, if you’re already comfortable with Biology, you can skip it and focus more to the Econ test.

    Online or Offline: Which Is More Effective?

    I personally tested both methods . In-person lessons
    works well for extended explanation , but digital lessons have the advantage of flexibility .

    You can learn late at night without leaving home .

    According to a Harvard survey (Miller, 2020), online learning can be equally powerful with face-to-face if the
    participation is lively . So the real factor is
    not the platform , but how the instructor maintains interaction .

    So, Is Private Tutoring for TKA Important?

    If you’re aiming for top results , my conclusion is: definitely yes .
    Private tutoring makes the exam readiness
    more concentrated , gives constant check-ins, and makes
    improvement checks straightforward.

    Especially for TKA, which will be a countrywide academic gauge.
    It’s no surprise more and more students are looking for
    support through platforms like NgajarPrivat.com,
    KoncoSinau.id, and LapakGuruPrivat.com .

    Reply

  11. Which seems more challenging: TKA Saintek or Social Science Track ?

    This question frankly speaking often arises so often , mainly from final-year students
    who are preparing for TKA. Many argue Saintek
    is overwhelming because of Physics and Chemistry , while some students
    find it tough that Social Studies track is complicated because it involves lots of memorization .

    So actually , which one is harder ?

    From my perspective , the answer is: it’s relative
    on which side you’re comfortable with .
    But to make it clearer , let’s analyze one by
    one.

    What’s the Difference Between TKA Saintek and Soshum?

    TKA Saintek typically covers exam items
    on Mathematics, Physics, Biology, and Chemistry .

    It suits students from the STEM track who are already used to
    playing with numbers and experiments and practical experiments.

    Meanwhile, TKA Soshum is more focused on subjects such as Sociology, History,
    Economics, and Geography . IPS students are usually more confident
    here because they are already familiar with
    analyzing societies and economic theories .

    According to an academic survey from Jakarta State University , (Sutanto, 2022),
    the level of hardness of TKA tests is essentially
    relatively the same . But , the main factor that determines the
    difficulty experience is the level of preparation and way of processing information.

    Why Do Many Students Struggle with TKA Math?

    Let’s face it, the math section always feels like a nightmare .
    It’s not just in TKA STEM, and surprisingly in TKA Hybrid, countless kids report this section makes their
    thoughts stuck.

    I personally guided a underclassman whose math performance stagnated at 30 points.
    After enrolling in a one-on-one class at NgajarPrivat.com, he came to understand the
    main obstacle wasn’t that he couldn’t solve it , but small slips that happened again and again .

    A personal teacher can pinpoint the exact mistakes and give
    shortcuts .

    And surprisingly, after eight weeks, his grades jumped
    to the more than 70. So sometimes, it’s less about intelligence , but about
    having supervision for the tiny parts so they don’t keep coming
    back.

    TKA Soshum Is Not Just Memorization

    Plenty of learners wrongly assume that
    this part of the exam is simple because you just
    remember dates and names . In reality , it’s way deeper than that.
    For example, in the Economics subject, there are plenty
    of computations that demand reasoning .

    According to findings from Gadjah Mada University (Handayani, 2021), students who approach Soshum through
    discussion-based learning understand better than those who stick to memorization .
    That’s why a private tutor who teaches via storytelling or interactive talk can make the lessons easier
    to recall .

    At KoncoSinau.id, I once saw a tutor who taught history not by saying
    “this year, that person,” but by framing it as a fun story.
    As it turned out , it was way more memorable .

    Intensive Study for TKA Mixed

    Now , if you register for TKA Combined , you’ll face both worlds at once.
    From the testimony of my friend who went for the mixed version, the main point is
    scheduling .

    Typically, they prepare a special schedule, for example dedicating some
    days to STEM, others to Social Studies .
    A personal teacher usually also supports in planning this kind of strategy so students don’t collapse from fatigue.

    At LapakGuruPrivat.com, there’s an option for modular lessons .

    This means you can spend more effort on the subjects you struggle with .

    For example, if you’re already confident in Biology , you can set it
    aside and give more attention to the economic subject .

    Online or Offline: Which Is More Effective?

    I personally had lessons in both ways. Offline tutoring works well for extended explanation , but online classes have the advantage of
    time freedom. You can study at night without stepping out.

    According to Harvard University research (Miller, 2020), digital education can be on par with face-to-face if the interaction is active .

    So the real factor is not the channel, but how the instructor maintains interaction .

    So, Is Private Tutoring for TKA Important?

    If you’re aiming for top results , my opinion is: without a doubt
    . Private tutoring makes the study process clearer,
    gives guidance , and makes evaluation easier .

    Especially for TKA, which will be a countrywide academic gauge.
    It’s no surprise more and more students are seeking help through platforms like KoncoSinau.id,
    NgajarPrivat.com, and LapakGuruPrivat.com .

    Reply

  14. Practical Tips on Selecting Interior Design & Contractor Options that Make Your
    Home Comfortable and Aesthetic

    A while ago, I talked to a friend about their newly renovated house.

    They said, “I thought choosing an interior contractor would
    be easy, but it wasn’t that simple.”
    From their story, I learned a lot about how to pick interior design and contractor services that truly make a
    home comfortable, functional, and aesthetic.

    A study from Trisakti University (Rahman, 2020) indicates that professional interior services significantly
    improve occupant satisfaction by up to 40%.
    In my personal experience, this has proven to be accurate.

    Why Choosing Professionals Matters

    A lot of people assume interior design is mainly about colors and
    furniture.
    In reality, it’s more than just that:

    How rooms are designed and scaled impacts comfort and livability.

    Good lighting and airflow make the house feel larger and more comfortable.

    Using functional furniture ensures the home feels orderly and spacious.

    Ciptarancang.com manages not only decor and furnishings but also lighting, ergonomics,
    and efficient storage solutions.

    Universitas Indonesia research (Santoso, 2021) indicates that professionally designed interiors can increase space utilization efficiency by up to 25%.

    Steps for a Smooth Interior Renovation

    In my experience and according to friends, a structured interior renovation by
    professionals usually includes:

    Initial Consultation – Discuss your home concept and desired style.

    Design Mockups – Professionals prepare visual layouts including furniture placement, color palettes, and lighting.

    Choosing Materials and Furniture – Professionals pick items that match the design and budget.

    Implementation – Professionals execute installation of furniture,
    finishing touches, and decoration.

    Final Review – Inspect to confirm all work meets
    the design and functionality expectations.

    Diponegoro University (Hidayat, 2021) mentions that structured interior planning improves efficiency up to 20%.

    Tips to Save Money While Maintaining Aesthetics

    Cost concerns often discourage people from pursuing interior design projects.

    Based on my own experience:
    Choose materials that are high-quality yet cost-effective.

    Emphasize furniture that serves multiple purposes over
    decorative excess.
    Hire contractors who provide detailed cost breakdowns.

    With Ciptarancang.com, budget details are transparent right from the beginning.

    Small Homes Can Still Feel Spacious

    My friend had a 45-square-meter house and feared
    that interior renovation would make it feel cramped.

    Professionals made the house feel larger, maximizing light and organizing
    storage effectively.
    Research from ITB (Prasetya, 2020) indicates that small homes feel
    15–20% more spacious with professional interior services.

    Fun Stories from Interior Renovation

    I loved that the renovation process was enjoyable and stress-free.

    At times, I consulted the contractor team about furniture layout
    and lighting.
    The team was patient, helpful, and professional throughout.

    UNDIP research confirms that professional interior services improve
    client satisfaction by nearly 45%.

    Professional Interior = Future Investment

    Interior design by professionals improves both home comfort and resale
    value.
    The professionally designed home now appears
    elegant, comfortable, and admired by neighbors.

    According to Santoso (UGM, 2021), hiring professionals for interior design can boost home
    value 20–30%.

    Project Safety and Security

    Safety precautions are vital in any interior design project.

    Safety equipment is mandatory for all workers on professional interior
    sites.
    Furniture is placed and fixed with safety in mind.
    Supervision is provided throughout to avoid accidents or property damage.

    Research from ITS (Pratama, 2020) shows safety management reduces workplace accidents by 50%.

    Reply

  15. How to Select a Reliable Contractor for Your Home Renovation?

    If you plan to remodel or build a house, the first thing
    you might ask yourself is: “Which contractor is reliable?”
    I found myself unsure whether to choose a large contractor, a local handyman, or
    a design firm.

    A study by Gadjah Mada University found that involving skilled contractors with proven experience improves project success and reduces mistakes (Santoso, 2021).

    I experienced firsthand the benefits of working with KonstruksiTuntas.com.

    What Is the Difference Between Professional Contractors and Regular Builders?

    A key difference is that professional contractors offer complete teams—architects, interior
    experts, and trained workers.
    Local handymen usually handle only the manual work with no design or structured workflow.

    During my kitchen renovation, I started with a small
    local builder.
    Although functional, some details such as paint and tile work were uneven.
    After hiring the professional team from Ciptarancang.com, all
    aspects—from design, material estimation, to finishing—were neat
    and matched the original plan.

    ITB research finds that professional contractors with
    skilled teams significantly improve satisfaction—by around 35%—compared
    to local labor (Prasetya, 2020, p. 45).

    How to Make Home Renovation Efficient?

    Following certain stages ensures a renovation is done efficiently.

    Consulting with the design team helps clarify your vision and desired style.

    Designers often provide alternative plans and suitable materials.

    Material and Budget Calculation – Professional contractors make detailed calculations to avoid waste.

    Execution of Structure and Interior – Physical work starts according to
    priority order: main structure first, finishing later, interior last.

    Final Inspection and Project Handover – All results are checked in detail to ensure they match
    the initial design.

    Diponegoro University (2021) found that structured renovation increases time efficiency by
    20% versus unplanned work (Hidayat, 2021).

    Why Interior Design Matters in Renovation?

    Many focus solely on structural changes, ignoring interior design.
    The right interior design enhances comfort, aesthetics, and functionality.

    Budget Alignment – Many homeowners struggle with budget overruns.

    Opt for materials that balance quality and cost.
    Transparent contractors help minimize surprises in expenses.

    Focus on the most important tasks initially.

    Can Contractors Handle Small and Large Home Renovations?

    Experienced contractors can handle homes of any size.

    A friend of mine renovated a two-story minimalist modern home.

    Floor plans, materials, and interiors were optimized by the
    team.
    The result was a spacious, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing home without excessive cost or time.

    Reply

  16. How to Choose the Right Contractor and Home Renovation Service?

    When planning home renovations, many wonder: “How do I pick a trustworthy contractor?”
    I personally faced this dilemma, torn between large
    construction companies, local workers, and professional interior services.

    Gadjah Mada University’s 2021 research indicates that using
    experienced contractors ensures timely, high-quality, and
    low-revision results (Santoso, 2021).
    Working with KonstruksiTuntas.com confirmed these findings for me.

    What Is the Difference Between Professional Contractors and
    Regular Builders?

    Professional contractors generally have multidisciplinary teams,
    including architects, interior designers, and skilled craftsmen.
    In contrast, independent builders or handymen focus solely on physical
    construction without formal design planning or project management.

    When I first remodeled my kitchen, I only hired a local handyman.
    It turned out okay, yet some areas, such as tiling and painting, weren’t perfect.

    With Ciptarancang.com, everything from layout,
    materials, and final touches looked polished and aligned.

    Research from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB, 2020) shows that projects managed by professional contractors with multidisciplinary teams achieve 35%
    higher client satisfaction compared to projects relying solely on regular builders (Prasetya, 2020, p.
    45).

    How to Make Home Renovation Efficient?

    Efficient renovation relies on clear, organized steps, as I experienced.

    Initial Design Consultation – You can share your concept and preferred style.

    They may suggest multiple layouts and material options.

    Material and Budget Calculation – A reliable contractor
    prepares thorough calculations for materials and budget.

    Execution of Structure and Interior – Physical work starts
    according to priority order: main structure first, finishing
    later, interior last.

    Final Inspection and Project Handover – A final review ensures the renovation meets the
    agreed design.

    Using structured planning leads to 20% faster project completion (Hidayat, 2021).

    Why Interior Design Matters in Renovation?

    Some assume home renovation only involves basic construction.
    Good interior planning elevates both aesthetics and practicality of a home.

    Budget Alignment – A common challenge is exceeding the budget.

    Opt for materials that balance quality and cost.
    Clear budget planning prevents overspending.
    Focus on the most important tasks initially.

    Can Contractors Handle Small and Large Home Renovations?

    Yes, professional teams manage both small and large projects effectively.

    A friend of mine renovated a two-story minimalist modern home.

    They assisted with layout, material estimation, and interior planning.

    The final result combined space, comfort, and style efficiently.

    Reply

  17. How to Choose the Right Contractor and Home Renovation Service?

    When deciding to renovate a house or build a new home, the first question that comes up is usually: “How do I choose a contractor I can really trust?”
    Choosing between different construction services—big contractors,
    local builders, or designers—was confusing for me.

    Research from Gadjah Mada University shows that experienced contractors with past projects deliver more predictable, faster, and
    precise outcomes (Santoso, 2021).
    From my own experience, this was clearly noticeable while working with the KonstruksiTuntas.com team.

    What Is the Difference Between Professional Contractors
    and Regular Builders?

    Professional contractors generally have multidisciplinary teams, including architects, interior designers, and skilled
    craftsmen.
    Solo builders or small-scale handymen work manually without structured management or design input.

    At the start of my kitchen remodel, I depended on a local craftsman.
    The outcome was acceptable, but some details were sloppy—like tile alignment and paint
    finishing.
    Once we engaged Ciptarancang.com, every step, from design to completion, was precise and consistent.

    Projects managed by professional contractors with multidisciplinary teams have 35% higher satisfaction than those using
    only regular workers (ITB, 2020).

    How to Make Home Renovation Efficient?

    Efficient renovation relies on clear, organized steps,
    as I experienced.

    The first step is a design discussion to outline your preferences.

    Professionals usually recommend various layouts and materials to match your style.

    Material and Budget Calculation – A reliable contractor prepares thorough calculations for materials and budget.

    Execution of Structure and Interior – The building process progresses
    logically: structure, then final touches, interior.

    Final Inspection and Project Handover – The contractor inspects everything to confirm alignment with original plans.

    Using structured planning leads to 20% faster project completion (Hidayat, 2021).

    Why Interior Design Matters in Renovation?

    Some assume home renovation only involves basic construction.
    The right interior design enhances comfort, aesthetics, and
    functionality.

    Budget Alignment – A common challenge is exceeding the budget.

    Opt for materials that balance quality and cost.

    Contractors who disclose all costs aid budget management.
    Do high-priority jobs first to manage resources efficiently.

    Can Contractors Handle Small and Large Home Renovations?

    Yes, professional teams manage both small and large projects effectively.

    One example is a friend’s two-floor modern minimalist renovation.
    Floor plans, materials, and interiors were optimized
    by the team.
    The result was a spacious, comfortable, and aesthetically
    pleasing home without excessive cost or time.

    Reply

  22. Guide to Preparing for STIS Without Feeling Stressed?

    At first, I was anxious about the STIS application.

    The exam seemed tricky, not just memorization but also
    requiring logic, statistics, and analytical skills.

    I doubted whether I was ready for STIS.

    But after trying several strategies, I realized preparation can be much more relaxed and effective if done properly.

    Why Do Many People Struggle With STIS Exams?

    Many assume that rote learning is sufficient to
    tackle the exam.

    However, STIS requires conceptual knowledge and logical reasoning.

    The study indicates that memorizing formulas alone causes difficulty
    with analytical STIS questions (Pratama, 2022).

    Memorization alone won’t help when facing analytical questions.

    How I Started Preparing for STIS
    I initially reviewed my own skills and weak
    points.

    I was fine in fundamental mathematics, yet struggled with
    statistical applications and logic.

    I understood that tutoring would be very beneficial here.

    Using NgajarPrivat.com, I learned from tutors who taught me logic and reasoning instead
    of shortcuts.

    Complex probability questions became simpler because the tutor
    broke them down logically.

    Research by Bloom (1984) shows tutoring individually improves performance significantly compared to large classrooms.

    Tryouts Online to Avoid Exam Surprises
    Alongside private lessons, I took online simulations on BelajarCPNS.com.

    The format was exactly like the real exam.

    My initial scores were disappointing, yet consistent practice improved my pacing and understanding.

    Simulated practice familiarizes the brain with pressure,
    improving results significantly (Means et al., 2013).

    Frequent practice made me feel more confident and less stressed for the real STIS exam.

    Learning Communities Can Boost Motivation
    Occasionally, I lacked motivation to study solo.

    Joining KoncoSinau.id gave me a peer support network.

    Other students across Indonesia who were preparing for STIS participated.

    At times, we discussed tricky questions; other times,
    we shared encouragement.

    Peers can motivate learning, increasing dedication and focus by nearly 40% (Wibowo,
    2020).

    Intensive Weekend Sessions
    Weekends were for deep-dive sessions focusing on problem areas with my tutor.

    Instead of normal study, we focused intensively on challenging topics.

    Logic and probability distribution were my main struggles, and these sessions addressed them thoroughly.

    Ericsson (1993) states that deliberate practice focused on weaknesses accelerates progress.

    Preventing Burnout
    Use intervals for studying to avoid fatigue: 50 minutes work, 10 minutes rest.

    Don’t just study theory, solve problems daily.

    Study with a community for encouragement.

    Short workouts keep energy and concentration high.

    Ariga & Lleras (2011) show that short breaks improve long-term focus.

    Conclusion
    Preparation for STIS requires strategy, but it can be stress-free with the right methods.

    NgajarPrivat.com provides tutors who teach concepts, not just answers.

    Practice exams at BelajarCPNS.com mimic actual STIS questions.

    KoncoSinau.id connects students preparing for STIS.

    Focus your weekends with LapakGuruPrivat.com on tough subjects.

    With regular practice, fatigue and exam anxiety will pay off
    when your name appears on the passing list.

    Reply

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