Blog 10

Compared to my initial expectations about this class to the outcome, I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed this course and have learned many new things. More specifically, I learned a lot about how certain things can affect how culture is viewed as well as how culture plays a big role in an individual’s respective society and differing societies. In regards to my achievement of the course objectives I can say that I do believe that I have grasped the information and overall goal of this course. I personally think that I have a better understanding of the diversity of different cultures and how culture impacts our lives as well as how we view and connect with others.

Honestly, if I were to take this class again what I would do differently is pay closer attention to how to use WordPress and how to submit my assignments correctly! I can say that this course has taught me a lot regarding using different platforms for coursework as well as presented a clear understanding of the importance of cultural similarities and differences. I can say that I actually enjoyed this course, but mostly the blogs that I have written because each time it gave me the opportunity to reflect on myself and see what stance I have on certain topics.

Blog 9

In regards to what I personally have learned from this course, I have learned how many things can effect culture in different areas of the world. I also learned how differently other cultures can view other cultures negatively or positively from an outside opinion. For other cultures, respecting another’s cultural views is important and relevant. A lot of differential individuals from other cultures do not take the time to actually understand another culture before making assumptions or even before traveling to the places with different cultures. Reflecting on the assignment 3 takeaway, where the student studying abroad shared her experiences it made me realize how much being surrounded by another culture on a daily basis can help you learn more about their ways of life as well as help you to understand them.

From my perspective standpoint I have learned how emotions can play a huge role on how other individuals view your own culture. For instance in blog 8 there was a clear difference between American and Japanese cultural display rules amongst individuals in their respective cultures. Overall, I believe that I have learned that respecting and understanding rather than blatantly disregarding or judging someone else’s culture can affect the social beliefs around that culture.  

Blog 8

I have noticed a difference between how people of Japanese culture are far more reserved in society opposed to how Americans are. I never noticed how much more reserved they are until I actually started becoming interested in their culture. I believe that their differences in culture were similar to my expectations. I always saw Japanese culture as being quiet and respectful and indicative of their heritage.

I believe my expectations for their culture were pretty high to begin with because I would always view them as being very respectable people which does carry over into how they express themselves in their society. After reading Emotion Perception Across Cultures, I found it intriguing that Japanese people emote more with their eyes unlike Americans who show more emotion through their mouth. Yes, I do think that the concept of universality and cultural display rules do help explain some of the differences between cultures.

Blog 7

I believe that fairy tales do reflect a shared a set of cultural norms and values. While growing up I mainly saw fairy tales depict princesses in one way which was helpless women needing to be saved by some prince or a man in general. This take on these stories is represented in cultural norms because women are mostly seen as frail and needing to be saved because they are not strong enough to do so for themselves. I think this portrayal has a lot of influence on younger people watching these movies and thinking that this is the way that they should see themselves and live as such.

One fairy tale princess that I do identify with as well as one that influenced me would be Princess Tiana in the movie The Princess and the Frog. I believe I relate to this character more because she was the first Black Disney princess that I have ever seen growing up. Also, she was a woman who ran a successful business and she was so sure of herself which inspired me to want to be like her. She also was strong independently but allowed her femininity to be expressed throughout the movie. This movie also included her finding a Prince that was not overbearing and belittling or seeing her as just being a woman who could not fend for herself. I believe that movies such as this (that are different in terms of driving human abilities of diverse characters) can really empower not only young children but everyone who can identify or relate to these characters.

Blog 6

Academically, to fill the needs for autonomy is something that is required from me and something that I expect from myself on a daily basis. In college, simply completing work and studying is what is expected from me without having someone to tell me when to do my work. Self-governance is extremely important during this time in my life because it really helps when meeting the requirements of my curriculum. I believe academically, I satisfy the needs for competence by having autonomy. Regarding autonomy and competence I believe the two work synonymously in my life. Being able to apply autonomy to my academic career has made me more competent, allowing me to efficiently complete my school work which is very important to myself and my career.

To discuss the topic of relatedness in my academic life at the moment is difficult. During the pandemic it has been hard to feel connected to classmates. At the start of the pandemic, I transitioned from being on campus to being completely online which made me feel very disconnected even if I could associate with other students online. I feel as though I am missing out on a huge part of the college experience by not being on campus. I think that at this time in my life I cannot fully satisfy my need for relatedness academically to an extent. Though, as previously stated I find ways to cope with my situation at the moment by connecting with other students online to feel some sort of companionship academically.

Blog 5

Which statements do you think are associated with the dimension of ‘independent construal of self”? For example, you will say numbers 2, 4, and 6 are associated with…

I think numbers 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are associated with my independent construal of self. These statements I chose were me regarding aspects of myself that I find to be proud of and have worked on over the years.

Which statements do you think are associated with the dimension of ‘interdependent construal of self”? For example, you will say numbers 3, 5, and 7 are associated with…

Numbers 3, 4, 5, and 6 are more closely associated with the dimension of interdependent construal of self. These characteristics are related more so to how others could describe me as.

Based on your answers to the aforementioned questions, do you think you are more independent or more interdependent?

I am now realizing that I am more independent than interdependent. I used to seek validation from others and wait for people to tell me what characteristics I possess rather than finding them out for myself. For example when I was younger, I would not believe I was smart, creative, pretty, etc. if I told myself that but once someone could confirm it then it seemed believable to me. Now if I see aspects about myself I acknowledge them whether they be good or bad because self-recognition is very important when finding who you are as a person.

Describe the English proverbs (short expressions of popular wisdom) which reflect either “independent” or “interdependent” construal of self.

            Independent self – “Express yourself”

            Interdependent self – “Birds of a feather flock together”

Which was easier for you to think of: the proverbs that reflect “independent self” or “interdependent self”? Can you think of any reasons for your tendency?

It was easier for me to think of the proverbs that reflect interdependent self because there are many relations regarding groups depending on one another.

Blog 4

Before taking the first exam, I compiled all of my notes into one document to create a study guide. I highlighted everything that I needed to study for the exam and made sure to focus on those aspects. Prior to taking the exam, I made sure that each subject was sectioned off to ensure that I didn’t mix up and information. Separating information from modules is important to me because I like to retain each subject without trying to cram everything all at once. The feedback given I think will help me on the next test because I know what I need to improve on when studying as well as when I am taking the test.

Blog 3

If I had to place these dimensions relating to my personality in order I would start with Openness, Conscientious, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. I think that openness is one of my stronger traits, I am a creative person and not afraid to try new things. I have had plenty of practice with scheduling and time-management with school, work, and other outside activities over the years so conscientiousness is a major factor in my personality. Extraversion for me would be scored as average, I am someone who enjoys the company of others especially family and friends but I also enjoy private time. Agreeableness for me looks like being caring towards others, even people I don’t know. Neuroticism for me is average, I am very calm in stressful situations but I can sometimes let anger get the better of me.

I believe my personality to be pretty consistent. I continue to live by openness because I like to try new experiences. I stay conscience due to the fact that it has stuck with me after years of practice. Agreeableness for me is consistent, I am a naturally generous person. Extraversion for me will always be the same I believe because I will always need alone time to recharge. Finally, neuroticism is consistent because I am generally calm but I do experience anger depending on the situation.

Blog 2

Life values that I find important to me and are simultaneously relevant to my career pursuits would be honesty, courage, and determination. I have implemented these values in my life for a long time now so I believe they will easily flow into my skills for my career. I decided to advance to higher education for my career which I need extensive learning from a fitting institution. After graduating high school, I knew that being in the medical field required more education no matter what level so I decided to continue learning to prepare for my career. My parent plays a very supportive role in my decision to continue higher education. They support me fully, from mentally, financially, and emotionally while I am going through this time in my life. I believe it is important to have someone to in your life who you knows supports you while in school because it provides a sense of security and ease.