Culture is an integral aspect of every single part of our lives, whether it is our own, or others. Society cannot exist without a culture. The knowledge gained about culture and through culture is also knowledge gained about oneself and others. We live in a time of tremendous technology where knowledge is literally at our fingertips. In our part of the world, we are privileged to have access to said technology and should utilize it. We can access information like no other time could. The fact that we are able to take courses online, especially this course online, is incredible. So much knowledge that is easily accessible.

Being able to learn about cultures, and not just in the broad sense, but also in scientific and psychological depths is irreplaceable. I expect an entirely new viewpoint on the way I see humans and cultures to open up. I have already noticed that while reading Chapter 1 of the textbook. There are so many more factors and so much more information that goes into the study of cross cultural psychology than I had imagined. I hope to gain an even better understanding and passion for people and culture. I enjoy having my ways of thinking shifted and being able to see things from a different perspective. I know this course will provide me with that. I like to utilize comprehensive notes from the readings, application of the learned material, and relation of said material to my current life as a way to retain the information. For me personally, that is a practice I consistently execute for optimal success.

In terms of interactions with varying cultures, I am excited to learn improved and more comprehensive ways of being properly exposed to them and being as culturally sensitive as possible. It is vital to the development of the world and its cultures that we integrate ourselves. I hope to be an advocate, through education and interactive ways, for encouraging individuals and groups to get involved in the world. To urge people to travel, learn foreign languages, strive for social and political activism, especially in the realms of racial discrimination and prejudice, and to enjoy the vibrancy around them is my goal.

(2015, March 31). Earthlight Album Cover by Horizon Fire

References:

(2015, March 31). Earthlight [Earthlight Album Cover]. Retrieved September 12, 2017, from https://horizonfire.bandcamp.com/album/earthlight

Earthlight Album Cover by Horizon Fire

Going against current social morals and values that do not breed equality, quality of life, health, and more is something I highly value at the moment. Current social norms are being battered and bruised in a good way right now, and there is great concern over whether or not the current president may cause it to worsen or better. I believe that everything happens for a reason and that the current state of affairs is a blessing in disguise because so many horrible things are coming to light. For example, the KKK in Charlottesville, NFL players deciding to take a knee during the national anthem, and it is getting people talking. These issues are prominent and all over the media. This type of exposure is drastically different than in years passed and we are fortunate to be able to utilize that. I find activism, education, intellectual thought, etc. important in my life and in my future. I believe millennials are currently, and will continue to change this world for the better. I believe cross-cultural knowledge is extremely vital for our future and it goes hand in hand with my current life values. I value political correctness, activism, education, independence, empathy, compassion, communication, honesty, loyalty, and much more.

Exposure to culture is vitally important in my career pursuits because I want to live abroad as well as help people develop a passion for other cultures. My family, friends, and teachers have always supported me on my pursuit of higher education. My favorite teachers in high school, specifically my German teacher and my AP English/Drama teacher really encouraged me and helped prepare me for college. I have surrounded myself with people who are always encouraging and supportive of dreams and endeavors and we continually push each other to broaden our horizons and test our limits. I have attached a few photos of my amazing support system, my best friends and my incredible little sister.

I am also equally privileged to live in a country where voicing your opinion will not get you imprisoned and where attending a University is the norm. Higher education has always been on my horizon and something I always planned to accomplish. Thinking back on my life before I entered college, especially knowing what I know now, education is drastically more important to me. Being educated in a wide range of topics has completely opened up my mind to the world around me. I feel like my perception is better, my intellectual and philosophical thought is deeper and I believe my ability to understand and empathize cross-culturally is heightened as well. I know all of these together are going to set my future up for success and happiness.