Culture at the Core Blog is provided for students to share their experiences while at the University of Minnesota and while going through the program. All students participating in the program are required each week to blog their experiences. We encourage others like you to read and respond to their thoughts, feelings, experiences and more. We hope this blog inspires and motivates many to live the life they desire.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Perspective
How has your perspective shifted or changed since coming to the US?
I think it would be safe to say that my perspectives have indeed shifted in so many ways since coming to the States. When I first moved here, I was more or less culturally shocked. I was exposed to a completely different range of opinions and viewpoints, compared to what I was used to prior to moving here. I guess I wasn't sure of how to feel or go about this "foreign" lens. However, being part of the C@C program has definitely opened my eyes to new ways of thinking about things, and hence helped me calm my frustrations. For instance, during class today we happened to be doing an exercise relating to this specific topic. We shared stories that seemed to have caused us much inconvenience. Next, we looked back at them again taking into consideration the facts of the situation rather than OUR own interpretation of it. By doing so, we are able to make better, more informative judgements, and not necessarily change our opinions entirely. I myself tried out this exercise and found it to be a fun learning experience. I will definitely keep this in the back of my head the next time I face a similar situation :)
I’m born in a traditional family. My parents always teach me that the good model for a girl’s life is studying hard, coming into a good college, marrying a nice man, giving birth to a healthy baby and being a housewife. It sounds good, and I was following this model before I come to U.S. However, after coming to U.S, I found I can have more choices instead of this only one. I learn how big the word is, and I realized that there are many new and interesting stuffs waiting for me. There is no so-called “model” for a girl. My value is significantly larger than a housewife. A person has a great effect on me in this process. She is introduced to me by my aunt. When coming to Minnesota, she was meant to studying accounting. However, Carlson rejected her application and economic department gave her offer. All of us persuaded her to stay in Econ, but she still left and stick out accounting in University of San Francisco whose rank is behind that of the University of Minnesota. She told me that the happiest and valuable thing was to do something she likes. Nothing can stop her. I’m shocked by her perseverance. She is really a good example.
I think it would be safe to say that my perspectives have indeed shifted in so many ways since coming to the States. When I first moved here, I was more or less culturally shocked. I was exposed to a completely different range of opinions and viewpoints, compared to what I was used to prior to moving here. I guess I wasn't sure of how to feel or go about this "foreign" lens. However, being part of the C@C program has definitely opened my eyes to new ways of thinking about things, and hence helped me calm my frustrations. For instance, during class today we happened to be doing an exercise relating to this specific topic. We shared stories that seemed to have caused us much inconvenience. Next, we looked back at them again taking into consideration the facts of the situation rather than OUR own interpretation of it. By doing so, we are able to make better, more informative judgements, and not necessarily change our opinions entirely. I myself tried out this exercise and found it to be a fun learning experience. I will definitely keep this in the back of my head the next time I face a similar situation :)
ReplyDeleteI’m born in a traditional family. My parents always teach me that the good model for a girl’s life is studying hard, coming into a good college, marrying a nice man, giving birth to a healthy baby and being a housewife. It sounds good, and I was following this model before I come to U.S. However, after coming to U.S, I found I can have more choices instead of this only one. I learn how big the word is, and I realized that there are many new and interesting stuffs waiting for me. There is no so-called “model” for a girl. My value is significantly larger than a housewife. A person has a great effect on me in this process. She is introduced to me by my aunt. When coming to Minnesota, she was meant to studying accounting. However, Carlson rejected her application and economic department gave her offer. All of us persuaded her to stay in Econ, but she still left and stick out accounting in University of San Francisco whose rank is behind that of the University of Minnesota. She told me that the happiest and valuable thing was to do something she likes. Nothing can stop her. I’m shocked by her perseverance. She is really a good example.
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