Reflection
The Intercultural Communication was one of my first classes taken at Utah Valley University that was not only part of the Global Intercultural Distinction, but also required Service Learning. Throughout the course, this class has taught me a lot about myself and influenced a change in my career choice. I went from studying Law and Communications to seeking a career that would allow me to work more closely with others and would allow me to serve those in need.
Previous to this class, I had always enjoyed traveling the world and learning about new cultures. In addition, I have always held a strong desire to help those in need. During this course, I had the privilege to work with a refugee organization, “Because He First Loved Us”. Throughout this opportunity, I discovered that I was able to take two passions of mine and put them together. Not only did I get to learn about a new culture and meet new people, but I had the chance to serve them and make a difference in their life.
In addition to the service learning I performed throughout this class, a variety of topics were discussed in class during the semester. Two of those topics have specifically stuck out. The first being Privilege. During this experience, we wrote a reflection on our own privilege. Reflecting back on this assignment, I was able to see my first thoughts on privilege and how it has affected my life:
“In some aspects, I’ve always seen myself as somewhat privileged. Not in an arrogant way, but I never thought
of myself as someone who has ever gone without things. After doing our Privilege activity in class, I learned
that I didn’t grow up the way that I thought I had. This brought a new light to me and is something that I am
going to try and be more aware of.”
After reading this, I realized how much my views have changed on this particular topic. I realized that I have changed and grown so much in the last two years. I am more aware of myself and my privileges that I may and may not hold. It is also amazing to see how much both my schooling and my experiences have contributed to this change.
In continuing to review my coursework, the other topic that has stuck out to me is the topic of Stereotypes. Reading my self-reflection, I came across this segment:
“I have always tried not to Stereotype people, but after this section in class, I realized that there were a lot more stereotypes that I had then I realized. I recognized that I often do this when I’m working on the cruise ship. Although sometimes it can help me when working with a guest, it can also inhibit me.”
As I read this, I have discovered yet again how much I have changed since I have taken this class. I have tried to limit my stereotyping and instead tried to learn and understand others. As I look back on these two topics that were discussed, I recognized that these topics are no longer things that I reflect on as much, which I contribute to my growth and understanding.
The last part of this course in which I felt has contributed significantly to my learning was the Signature Assignment for this course. We were required to take a TED Talk that was given on a cultural issue and present on how it affects us and what we learned from it. I chose to focus on the talk “The Hate Crimes of Islamophobia” given by Suzanne Barakat. Still today, this talk has had a large impact on me and is something that I often refer others to.
Suzanne Barakat gave a movement talk to end hate crimes against Islamic people. She spoke of how she and her family have been victims of Islamophobia. She gave a powerful and impactful story about how her brother, sister-in-law and friend were brutally murdered in 2015 by their neighbor simply for being Islamic and Muslim. She also spoke on how she, being a doctor, has had patients refuse medical services from her because she is Islamic and Muslim. Throughout her TED Talk, Suzanne explains the various hate crimes and discrimination that she and her family have faced. She described being “randomly” screened at the airport every time she travels. She explained how her family have had services refused to them for simply wearing a piece of cloth on their heads. After 9/11, she stated that Islamophobia has increased throughout the United States and that it is more prevalent today than ever before. She concluded her talk by asking for those listening to “end the hate”.
Not only did Suzanne’s talk open my eyes, but it has had a large impact on me. As I work with a refugee group, I have come to know and become friends with many Muslim refugee families. This talk made me think of all of those I know and wonder how Islamophobia has affected them. After doing this Signature Assignment, I have made it my goal to do what I can to “stop the hate”. I have driven myself to learn more about the Muslim religion. I have not only gained my own education, but I have tried to educate those around me on this topic.
This particular course helped me achieve a greater understanding for cultural and global issues. It was due to this course that I decided to pursue the Global-Intercultural Distinction. Thanks to the lessons, experiences I have gained through this course and the instructor, I can say without a doubt that this course has influenced and changed my views, actions and thoughts.
Previous to this class, I had always enjoyed traveling the world and learning about new cultures. In addition, I have always held a strong desire to help those in need. During this course, I had the privilege to work with a refugee organization, “Because He First Loved Us”. Throughout this opportunity, I discovered that I was able to take two passions of mine and put them together. Not only did I get to learn about a new culture and meet new people, but I had the chance to serve them and make a difference in their life.
In addition to the service learning I performed throughout this class, a variety of topics were discussed in class during the semester. Two of those topics have specifically stuck out. The first being Privilege. During this experience, we wrote a reflection on our own privilege. Reflecting back on this assignment, I was able to see my first thoughts on privilege and how it has affected my life:
“In some aspects, I’ve always seen myself as somewhat privileged. Not in an arrogant way, but I never thought
of myself as someone who has ever gone without things. After doing our Privilege activity in class, I learned
that I didn’t grow up the way that I thought I had. This brought a new light to me and is something that I am
going to try and be more aware of.”
After reading this, I realized how much my views have changed on this particular topic. I realized that I have changed and grown so much in the last two years. I am more aware of myself and my privileges that I may and may not hold. It is also amazing to see how much both my schooling and my experiences have contributed to this change.
In continuing to review my coursework, the other topic that has stuck out to me is the topic of Stereotypes. Reading my self-reflection, I came across this segment:
“I have always tried not to Stereotype people, but after this section in class, I realized that there were a lot more stereotypes that I had then I realized. I recognized that I often do this when I’m working on the cruise ship. Although sometimes it can help me when working with a guest, it can also inhibit me.”
As I read this, I have discovered yet again how much I have changed since I have taken this class. I have tried to limit my stereotyping and instead tried to learn and understand others. As I look back on these two topics that were discussed, I recognized that these topics are no longer things that I reflect on as much, which I contribute to my growth and understanding.
The last part of this course in which I felt has contributed significantly to my learning was the Signature Assignment for this course. We were required to take a TED Talk that was given on a cultural issue and present on how it affects us and what we learned from it. I chose to focus on the talk “The Hate Crimes of Islamophobia” given by Suzanne Barakat. Still today, this talk has had a large impact on me and is something that I often refer others to.
Suzanne Barakat gave a movement talk to end hate crimes against Islamic people. She spoke of how she and her family have been victims of Islamophobia. She gave a powerful and impactful story about how her brother, sister-in-law and friend were brutally murdered in 2015 by their neighbor simply for being Islamic and Muslim. She also spoke on how she, being a doctor, has had patients refuse medical services from her because she is Islamic and Muslim. Throughout her TED Talk, Suzanne explains the various hate crimes and discrimination that she and her family have faced. She described being “randomly” screened at the airport every time she travels. She explained how her family have had services refused to them for simply wearing a piece of cloth on their heads. After 9/11, she stated that Islamophobia has increased throughout the United States and that it is more prevalent today than ever before. She concluded her talk by asking for those listening to “end the hate”.
Not only did Suzanne’s talk open my eyes, but it has had a large impact on me. As I work with a refugee group, I have come to know and become friends with many Muslim refugee families. This talk made me think of all of those I know and wonder how Islamophobia has affected them. After doing this Signature Assignment, I have made it my goal to do what I can to “stop the hate”. I have driven myself to learn more about the Muslim religion. I have not only gained my own education, but I have tried to educate those around me on this topic.
This particular course helped me achieve a greater understanding for cultural and global issues. It was due to this course that I decided to pursue the Global-Intercultural Distinction. Thanks to the lessons, experiences I have gained through this course and the instructor, I can say without a doubt that this course has influenced and changed my views, actions and thoughts.
|
Click Button to view Blog created for the course.
|
