Sarah

Throughout the HR261 Multiculturalism course this semester I have been given the
opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of what it means to be multicultural. Not
simply as a characteristic but as a practice, this course has demonstrated the significance of
diversity in Canada. By expanding on cultural similarities and differences, breaking
stereotypes, and coupled with the Laurier International Cultural Conversations (LICC)
component of the course, I was enlightened more on cultural awareness. The LICC allowed
us to engage in discussions with international students and provided us with the tools to
respectfully and effectively participate in cross-cultural conversations. This broke the barrier
between being an outsider and being immersed in a culture by giving us the opportunity to
share our own experiences while learning from one another. Being members of a Canadian
society we share a fundamental similarity but this opportunity allowed me to recognize the
similarities between our individual cultures and recognize the significance of understanding
our differences. From these conversations, I acknowledged how stereotypes and cultural bias
can be formed by miscommunication and a lack of understanding. This expresses the
importance of intercultural communication as an act of change. Especially as we reside in a
multicultural and diverse society there is a greater need for becoming more culturally aware.

What I took away from this semester is that these conversations and this course gave me the
chance to take a better look at my own culture, provided me with the opportunity to share that
with others, and learn from others as well to expand my own perspectives. The image shown
is a reflection of how cultural awareness does not impede on your existing culture but adds to
it, therefore creating cultural awareness, multiculturalism, and a greater understanding of
others. What I have learned from this course is that multiculturalism is not only a policy but
an active practice that begins at the individual level. By learning from one another we are
given the liberty to augment our own self-awareness and begin establishing a mutual
exchange of cultures and experiences that do not separate us but blend together harmoniously.

Sarah Sweis, HR 261, Human Rights & Diversity, Brantford