Shilpa

The Laurier International Cultural Conversations (LICC) sessions have given me insight into the various cultural identities one can have while also providing me with a one-of-a-kind cultural experience that emphasizes the importance of multicultural education. Listening to other people’s perspectives on certain cultural issues is an eye-opening experience because many of us are confined within our own cultural “bubble” and fail to become immersed in learning about the varying cultures in Canada.

I am extremely grateful that these cultural conversations assisted me in broadening my knowledge of deconstructing pre-existing cultural stereotypes as well as increasing my critical thinking skills about the context behind cultural norms and values. Creating these connections with my group members opened up different experiences of what it is like to live in a diverse country like Canada while also touching on the limitations that come with being multicultural. Throughout these meetings, I was able to break out of the stereotypical “bubbles” and advance my knowledge on multiculturalism by understanding how many people have preconceived ideas about different cultures that factor into their daily actions and behaviours. I learned how versatile culture is and how unfamiliar I was with certain cultural practices, which is why the discussions surrounding our experiences were an eye-opening opportunity that emphasizes the importance of education on multiculturalism and listening to other people’s perspectives on certain cultural issues.

Although our meetings were held online, we were still able to interact and immerse ourselves in the discussions with such ease. These discussions allowed me to see different cultures in a new light and identify similarities in cultural behaviours and values that I instill in my own life. I was able to make connections with my group members and actively listen to their stories by being fully present in what they were saying since it allows for a deeper understanding between individuals with varying cultures. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience, and I think that these cultural conversations should be a draw for any student deciding to take this course because it surely makes an impact on one individually and allows us to grow as a multicultural person.

Shilpa Hamlet, HR-261, Health Adminsitration, Brantford