Gloria and Mary

The Laurier International Cultural Conversations (LICC) is a huge part of school that was missing. The conversations that took place during the Friday classes when the group would come together again are unforgettable. Those conversations made us realize just how much we needed them to take place. With the help of the international students, we were able to see that there was so much dialogue that needed to happen between certain institutions. We were able to understand that although these conversations are hard to start, they eventually become easier.   

We started as strangers on Zoom who only met because of Covid, which became kind of a blessing. Instead of just being a group of students assigned to talk about a particular topic, we became comfortable enough sharing some personal stories. Even though it was mandatory to do so, we are thankful that it was, because these kinds of conversations don’t happen as much as they need to. It was heartwarming for both of us that it had become a safe space for us to talk about the current injustices taking place without the fear of being ridiculed or humiliated. Our group had a mix of many different cultures and backgrounds, making it very interesting to hear everyone’s own opinion. Even in the instances where one of us had a differing viewpoint, we could have a mature conversation while being respectful and open-minded. There is one thing we both agree on, and that is how we need to acknowledge the differences we have and be open to differences so that there is room for learning and growth. It wasn’t easy at first, but then it became like talking to any one of your friends.  

There was one instance when a group member shared a personal story that included a microaggression targeted towards her grandfather. She was very nervous as she told that story because she didn’t know how everyone would react. It’s difficult to talk about times when you or a friend or a family member has encountered discrimination, as microaggressions affect not only the targeted individual but the people close to them as well.

When our group member told this story, she remembered how angry and sad she was because of the fear that always stays with her. She is always worried that when her grandfather is on a walk, he might get targeted again for being a Sikh man because that’s the harsh reality we live in. Instead of leaving that discussion with an uneasy feeling, she left it with joy because of all the people who supported her. Not only did her group members offer apologies, but the entire class did so as well.  

So, you see the importance of these conversations. They have allowed students to connect on a level that is not just academia. We were able to put ourselves in each other’s shoes and understand hardships from a different perspective while still maintaining our individuality.   

Gloria Jawandha, HR 261, Law and Society, and Human Rights and Human Diversity, Brantford

Mary McDermott, HR 261, Human Rights and Human Diversity, Brantford