Artifact 5
This first module had asked me to locate an object that represents
my culture. I had chosen a picture of a painting that is displayed
in my house known as The Last Supper Leonardo Da Vinci. It is
a painting that can be found in most Filipino households.
The majority of the Filipino is Catholic, and I believed it was a
strong representation of being Filipino. However, currently, my
belief in that has changed. Times are changing and more
subgroups of religions are beginning to form. Also, there has
always been a Muslim majority that has existed in the
Philippines as well. I chose the above image because I am with
a friend who understands what it is like to be confused about
our identity as a Filipino American. How does one really represent
themselves as Filipino when other cultures play a role in our lives?
This module was important to me because it made me think
really hard about what it meant to be Filipino. I guess in the past I
had thought being Catholic was all there was to it. It is still a huge
influence, but there is so much more to it.
Artifact 4
Module 5 explored the difference between the participant’s values
and their parent’s values. The enculturation activity asked me
questions about achievement, social relations and responsibility
values. It helped me realize that just because my values were
different did not mean they were wrong. My parents and I
learned different ways of surviving through the lifestyle
we were required to participate in. Perhaps Filipino values
were different because the way of living itself was just
different from the way you must live in America. My parents
had grown up with a certain mindset, and I had grown up with
my own. I chose the image above because although we have
our differences, we still try to work together as a family.
Artifact 3
Module 4 asked me to compare two countries using Hofstede’s five
value dimensions. I chose to compare the Philippines and the United
States. I enjoyed this module because it required me to see one
perception on why I had struggled so much with being Filipino-
American. I chose this image because my mom’s values and my values
have always clashed. Over time, we have learned to compromise and she
has learned to let me make my own decisions.
Artifact 2
Module 13 was one of my favorites because of its regard to
happiness and physical health!
In the document, I explained that it is happiness that
leads to physical health. It is this need to want to take
care of yourself that makes individuals work on their physical
health. My physical health journey has always been an
important one to me. By being physically healthy, my mind
can be clear and my bodily functions can be more effective.
I love being able to walk up the stairs without breathing too
hard. I also love when my mind is alert and clear after
working out. I chose the image above because it is an
example of me at my happiest. I took this picture during a
time I was keeping up with my exercise routine and healthy
diet. Being happy is number one for me, over choosing a
career or being paid really well. I believe every moment is meant
to be cherished. This module revealed to me why I do anything
I do. It is because these activities make me happy. Anything
else is a waste of time.
Artifact 1
Module 7 asked me to reflect on the happy episodes in my life,
I loved this so much because it required me to reflect on some
happy memories in the midst of a stressful semester. I also have
had some bad experiences with a few of the people that I have
had happy moments with; however, this helps me realize that it is
okay that we have conflicted. When I was on good terms with
these people, they truly made me happy in those moments. And,
every person that I have encountered has taught me something and
also made me happy at one point. As Ariana Grande said, “Thank
you, next.”
What I liked about this item to archive was that it asked if each
moment was socially engaged or disengaged, in other words, whether
it was for the good of the community or the good of the self. A lot of
my happiness stems from the good I do for myself, and that may be
thanks to the American culture I have been raised by. In any case,
this assignment has helped me understand these happy moments
better and understand myself better. Again, I do things because they
make me happy. I do things for myself, and that’s okay.