Blog #10

December 6th, 2020

This semester has been an experience for us all and so much has happened in very little time. As I read my semester’s worth of weekly blogs, I reflected on my strengths and weaknesses in my achievements in this course. For one, I definitely gained a vast amount of insight that I could not experience by just visiting another country. Now when I visit new places, I can apply the information from this course to make connections and have a richer travelling experience. I have also gained better writing skills. The weekly writing assignments have taught me how to research, explain, and synthesize as I have had consistent practice with these skills. This skill is also immensely beneficial in my other courses as well as good preparation for pharmacy school. Having advanced research and writing skills is very useful when dealing with medical/science careers. In addition to writing skills, the assignments also have helped me see how my personal culture affects my behaviors and values. However, something I wish I did differently is take more time for this class. I did try to spread my assignments out throughout the week, but as the semester went on- it got more last minute. I wish I had more time to read deeper into the material and make better connections by doing personal research. Overall, this course has been one of my favorites in my undergrad journey and the lessons and skills will carry with me into my professional and personal future.

Blog #9

November 22nd, 2020

This semester, my e-Portfolio was a tool that helped me reflect on the course material in addition to my own life perspectives. I’ve learned a lot about myself while studying the concepts of cross-cultural psychology. The first few blog posts (1, 2, and 3) required me to analyze my values, goals, and traits. I reflected on my education/career plans and the motivations behind those goals specifically in blog 2. This blog post correlated with the second writing assignment that discussed values in American culture versus the outside world. Both assignments made me reflect on two different categories of my values, but overall, reinforced my aspirations and my self-image. Blog 3 analyzed my personality using the Five Factor Theory and the NEO personality test. I scored highest on extraversion and neuroticism. However, this was not my first time being exposed to this test. In my Lifespan Development class, we also looked at FFT and personality. The difference between Lifespan and Cross-Cultural Psych is that Lifespan emphasized the effect of age on the results. Cross-Cultural Psychology more so focuses on the cultural and societal aspects that influence personality. This helped my understanding in that personality is not derived from one single source, but is the result of a multitude of factors. Overall, this course and its assignments opened my eyes to how culture influences our mental processes. From this, I have a better understanding of why everyone is different and have greater sensitivity to other cultures. Intercultural sensitivity is something that is very important and I am glad this course brought that to light. 

Blog #8

November 15th, 2020

While emotions may be felt similar universally, the expression of said emotions is not. Typically, in Western cultures, we are encouraged to display our emotions outwardly. If we are happy, we are encouraged to smile and “jump for joy.” If we are sad, we are encouraged to pout and cry. This is not necessarily the case outside of our culture. As the article explained, many cultures (such as East Asian) do not prefer to display their emotions externally as intensely as Americans, for example, would. They tend to mask their internal emotions. That is just how the differing cultural norms have shaped our mindsets when growing up.

Similar to East Asian culture, Middle Eastern culture generally does not encourage expressing negative emotions. Growing up, I was raised to mask externally if I am sad, annoyed, or angry. Being happy and positive was more so encouraged. Now that I am fully grown, I’ve realized I am not as expressive in my emotions compared to a lot of people. Americans around me are generally way more expressive than the Middle Easterners I was raised around. Due to the differing cultural display rules, this clash is explained.

Blog #7

November 8th, 2020

Fairy tales held a huge role universally in our lives as children. These stories we grew up watching and reading have been around for years and hold a lot of value. However, the values in these stories do not always accurately reflect our cultural norms and values. Typically, the blueprint of a fairy tale is the “damsel in distress”- a dainty princess/woman in danger- being saved by her “prince charming” and they fall in love. Stories like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Aladdin all have this recurring theme. These princesses’ lives depended on the male character. This is due to society’s cultural norm during the time these stories were made. Women are weak and need a man. This is not the message we want to send to younger children. However, we have greatly shifted away from this idea since then. Women have more powerful, stronger, and independent characters in movies- especially fairy tales.

My favorite Disney movie will always be Tangled. She was one of the first Disney princesses that not only saved her own life but she saved the life of the male character too. She was a very strong and powerful character. She spoke her mind, took risks, and acted how typically the “man” would be. Rapunzel is a model for young girls that we can be just as strong and brave- that we do not need a man to save us, we can save ourselves.

Blog #5

October 25th, 2020

“Who Am I?”

1. I am…a woman
2. I am…middle eastern
3. I am…independent
4. I am…confident
5. I am…told I add energy to a room
6. I am…outgoing yet closed off
7. I am…persistent
8. I am…procrastinative
9. I am…aloof
10. I am…intelligent

The idea we have of who we are as individuals are our self-concepts. A lot of our traits come from our own organized thoughts and feelings about ourselves. However, these views are not only created from our personal views, but they can be dependent on the surroundings we have around us. Culture and environment heavily influence these traits. This the difference between a “independent construal of self” and an “interdependent construal of self.” Statements 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 are my independent-self construes. Statements 1, 2, and 5 are my interdependent self-construes. Based on the majority of my responses, I am more independent rather than interdependent. My view on myself revolves heavily on my own beliefs and feelings towards myself as opposed to my environment.

The first proverb that came to mind when thinking about independent construal of self was: “love yourself first and everything else falls into line.” Another classic quote/proverb is “be yourself, everyone else is already taken” by Oscar Wilde. It was a lot easier for me to think of independent self-proverbs since I am a very independent person. I do not like relying on other people for anything. I like getting my tasks done by myself and forming my own opinions.

Blog #4

October 11th, 2020

This process of reworking my incorrect answers was actually very helpful. Most of the time taking tests- I just submit, see my score, and move on with my day. However, this method allowed me to see my weak areas. A few of the questions I missed were just because I did not read the question thoroughly so now, I know to pay more attention to wording. The other questions I missed were mostly guesses so going back to find the answer helped me learn the concept better. For future tests, I do definitely plan on doing the review sheet earlier in the week instead of 2 days before in addition to looking over my chapter notes for about 20-30 minutes a day.

Blog #3

October 4th, 2020

My results for the NEO personality test were accurate for the most part. The general idea of my real personality was correct but I am very inconsistent with my personality depending on the situation. 

Starting with neuroticism, I scored high (28) meaning I am emotional, moody, sensitive, anxious, and impulsive. This could not be more true. Ever since I was a baby I was always very temperamental and moody. I am sensitive but it depends on the situation really. Usually words and jokes do not affect me- I never take anything personally so it’s hard to hurt my feelings. However, I am emotional and impulsive. I feel my emotions very strongly and express them outwardly. When I am sad/upset or angry especially, I tend not to think about my actions. I focus on my emotions and act on them. 

I scored highest on extraversion (32) which was surprising but I can see why I did. I am very inconsistent with my extraversion/introversion (making me an ambivert really). I am a very outgoing and loud person; I do enjoy people and going out; I love high energy places. My friends always tell me I bring so much energy to a room. But, not all the time. I also enjoy the time I have to myself and spending it with myself. I do not always have to be around people to be happy. I am most outgoing in settings where I am comfortable such as with my friends or at work. Usually when meeting new people, I can be very reserved until I feel comfortable showing my real personality.

My openness score was average (27). According to this number- I am practical but do consider new methods. I also seek balance in new and old. This is very accurate because I am not a traditional or very practical person. I’m very open-minded and  I do go with the flow. I enjoy new experiences and will try everything twice. However, I also stick to methods that work for me and make me feel comfortable. I don’t really like this trait about me because I do want to be more flexible.

As for agreeableness- I scored lowest (20) in this area. This means I am hardheaded, skeptical, and do not trust easily. I did think I would be more in the middle for agreeableness- I am a very kind and warm person to everyone I meet at first. However, I am very guarded with letting them in. I do not trust people until they show me I can trust them. I am not the most sympathetic person. I am not afraid to manipulate people before they manipulate me. I tend to get annoyed with people easily as well, and I do have a lot of pride making me extremely stubborn during conflict. If I am mad or do not like you, you will know. (I swear I am still a very generous and kind person). I am not very proud of this, I do wish I had a different mindset but that is just how my personality is set. 

Finally, I scored low on conscientiousness (26) making me easy going, not organized, and careless. This might be my most accurate result. When it comes to making plans- I am the most spontaneous. I prefer not to have a set schedule to events- I like going with what comes naturally. However this is not the best trait to have when it comes to being professional. I am late to appointments/work often, I procrastinate easily, and I am forgetful- and the worst part is I do not get stressed out about it. I just think “it is what it is” and I can be too carefree. I do get the job done, I do work hard, and I do strive to achieve my goals- I’m just not too organized or strict about the process. 

Personality Word Cloud

My word cloud was created through my results of the NEO Inventory, my close friends, and my own self-image. Looking at it, it is a mix of positive and negative personality traits. This reflects the real me as we all have positive/negative attributes that make us. While I do wish I did not have certain traits, it is who I am.

Blog #2

September 27th, 2020

As a child, I had high dreams of becoming a fashion designer and living a lavish lifestyle in Los Angeles as a celebrity. However, that idea was slightly shot down by my parents when they told me to “be realistic.” That may sound harsh but honestly they did me a favor- I cannot draw or design to save my life. From then on, I did decide to be realistic. 

Approval from my family was the biggest factor when deciding what career I wanted to pursue. In middle eastern families, it is expected that you go onto higher education. Going to university was not an option for me- I was raised to value education, success, and high professional statuses. The question at this point was- what did I want to study? Again, my options were limited. Generally, middle eastern kids  have a trinity of approved career options: a doctor, lawyer, or engineer. Math and physics is not my best suit so I crossed engineer right off that list; law just did not seem appealing to me. That left me with doctor. I stuck with it for a while but as I grew up, I began developing my own values that did not match with being a physician. 

Around middle school- medical school seemed extremely hard, long, and tiring. I knew I could not see myself happy. I did not want to spend my 20s in medical school, residency, fellowship, and finally begin my career in my 30s. My time and life enjoyment was valuable to me. I still did want to do medicine, by this point I actually enjoyed science, and I still had to go to college. That is when I discovered pharmacy school. It is shorter than medical school, still a doctorate degree, and as long as I did residency- I could still practice in hospitals, all before I turn 30. I am still helping people, but I have more flexibility and more work-life balance compared to a medical doctor. The salary and job outlook was also very good. My parents also approved. Choosing to pursue clinical pharmacy made everyone- especially me- happy. 

High school really deepened my love of medicine. I attended Bayside High School’s Health Sciences Academy in Virginia Beach and my experiences there motivated me even more to continue my career decisions. Between my amazing teachers, classes that interested me (anatomy, pathology, etc) and the overall environment of higher learning pushed me further to go onto higher education. I wanted to be successful, I wanted to be in medicine, I wanted to live a comfortable life. University was not only expected of me from others but of myself. If I wanted to become an ICU pharmacist that is saving lives during the day and driving my Mercedes Benz home to my kids at night- I needed to push myself.

I am glad my parents were such a huge factor in my career choices. They geared me into finding what I really like. I love medicine and pharmacy and I see myself successful in this field (I am certain I would have not made it in fashion so thank you mom and dad). I don’t regret any of my decisions and I still believe university is the only way I can achieve my goals. It is not easy but nothing good ever comes easy.

Memories

This image of me in my General Chemistry I lab in Fall 2019 may look very happy, but in fact this class caused me severe stress. As a pre-pharmacy student, I am required to take 1 full year of general chemistry + labs, as well as organic chemistry + labs. When I saw this photo, it reminded me of my first semester in my chemistry journey. I remember not knowing if I would pass this class, failed multiple tests, and I think I cried about once a week over this class. I wanted to quit but I didn’t. I did end up passing both general chem I and II with high grades, however. This photo reminded me of the struggles I went through that semester. Now I am in organic chemistry I and it is not any easier. Despite all the stress and studying, I continue to stay motivated. I always remember the end goal and visualize the life I want in the future. Pursuing higher education is not a walk in the park, but for me- the outcome is worth more than the struggle. 

Blog #1

September 20th, 2020

From reading the objectives in the syllabus for PSYC 420, I genuinely believe that this course will teach me beneficial skills that I will carry with me for a long time. Unlike other classes, the material and topics covered in this course pertain to everyday life and can help me grow as a person in society. Constantly surrounding us are people of all colors, backgrounds, and beliefs; I see no reason for voluntary ignorance. The least we could all do for each other is to take the time to understand each other. Developing my intercultural competence will benefit me socially and professionally in the future. Communication will be smoother and more efficient as I will adapt more easily and have more confidence with my colleagues, patients, and any new people I meet. I also love traveling and plan on visiting as many countries as I can once I’m older. Learning to respect the values and customs of these new places can enhance all my travel experiences and let me fully immerse myself. In addition to becoming more culturally aware, my goal is to gain a new appreciation for the many changes culture has brought to our lives. As time goes on, diversity continues to flourish; globalization is changing the world and breaking down barriers, allowing for people from all cultures and groups to mix. The influence this event has on human life is astonishing, and this course will allow me to dive deeper into really seeing the changes cultural diversity created. 

In order to meet all of my goals for this class (as well as getting a good grade), I plan on being dedicated and diligent with the material. Keeping up with my readings/notes will allow me to retain and memorize all the concepts I learn. Furthermore, I have already noted due dates and exam dates for the semester into my planner, so I have ample time to prepare. Time management is also a big key for being successful. Instead of completing entire assignments or studying the night before, I will break them down into smaller tasks throughout the week. For example, if an assignment is due on Sunday- I’ll work on a paragraph each day until the due date. This way it’ll seem less time-consuming and less overwhelming.Overall- all the skills, knowledge, and experiences I gain from this course, I hope to pass on and educate others too. 

A Functional Understanding of Culture

This image is a screenshot from my chapter 1 notes where the term “culture” was being defined. One of my favorite topics discussed was that how culture is key for meeting our universal needs. Socialization would not be possible without culture as it creates harmony and order. This flowchart (figure 1.3 in the textbook) illustrates this concept.