Madison

The Laurier International Cultural Conversations (LICC) discussions opened my eyes to the difference in cultures and beliefs belonging to each individual. Though, as individuals, we are all different, I recognize that there is an importance of unity in diversity. The concept of multiculturalism allowed me to reflect on my individual experiences and my peers' and international students' experiences of cross-culturalism. It nurtured me to grow in personal development and acceptance. The LICC reflections helped me consider that everyone has a unique perspective and way of life and that we must treat each other the way we want to be treated.

The main principle I took from the discussions is a chance to speak our truths when we all had the opportunity to converse and express our cultural differences. In the beginning, we all entered an unfamiliar space, and over the four months of learning and communicating with one another, we were unknown. We passed the threshold of the known through revelations and transformations, our personal hero's journey. I use the hero's journey to reflect on our conversations as it accurately represents our learning moments, where we all had a call to adventure, the start of our LICC discussions, and what we believed to be the "known." Then, the "unknown" included our personal growth, revelations, and changes that helped me appreciate the art in everyone. It goes back to the "known," where we embrace our new-found change and continue to spread peace and awareness of our differences.

I learned various skills to apply to future conversations that rely on intercultural communications by listening and taking turns in exchange for freely talking in a safe space. We all have different life philosophies that help us interpret everyone with the broadest perspectives. These LICC conversations were so beneficial—the discussions taught me to keep an open mind to all dissimilarities. I recommend that everyone participates in LICC discussions as it empowers our deep thoughts and living our best lives.

Madison Konieczny, HR 261, Human Rights and Human Diversity, Brantford Campus