On the surface level, this class was about "debunking stereotypes" that surround the continent of Africa. This course would meet on Tuesday evenings, where the class would receive an enriching lecture from a guest speaker. We would then debrief as a class after they departed; this created a safe "judgement free" environment. That night, we were expected to reflect on our experience through a writing prompt, in order to add nuance and identify key takeaways.
Week by week, things began to resonate, and once I penetrated the surface observations, a whole new world was exposed. Ultimately as a student, I have the power of choice. This semester I chose to not be so timid in asking for help, explanations, and answers. If I seek a response with respect, and am greeted with nothing in return, I leave the situation knowing I put my best foot forward. That being said, most people are empathetic and enthusiastic to help a curious student. Asking for help does not make me weak, but instead a curious person hoping to learn more about myself and the world.
This new mindset was fostered with this course through the message of open mindedness. Each week this course required me to reset and re-engage for a new lecture. Though the spotlight was on Africa, each lecturer had fresh readings, topics, and approaches to their area of expertise. This kept the course very exciting and enlightening. That being said, this course also revealed the importance of perspective; no two individuals view the world the same way. Occasionally someone would raise a point in class that I had never considered. Whether I completely agreed or wholeheartedly disagreed, the ability to share and discuss differences in opinion and perspective should not be underestimated. Nobody is going to agree with everybody, but you need to hear people out. This is necessary to break out of your own echochamber so growth can begin; change does not happen in a vacuum.
In the process of “debunking stereotypes” surrounding Africa, this class revealed some ugly truths about human nature. People can be so set on a belief that they refuse to entertain anybody else’s rationale. However, one person’s opinion, whether it be charismatic or crazy, does not define anybody else. This class truly encouraged critically thinking about the points presented, and letting students from their own conclusion after digesting the information. That being said, this class cemented that I need to be proactive about the information I am seeking and digesting. I cannot expect answers to fall in my lap, I have to do the legwork if I fully want to understand and form an opinion surrounding something. For me, writing has always been an outlet to express myself freely. I grew from the writing prompts, as I was forced to detail and follow my own logic surrounding a topic. Once it was all spelled out, it was easy to see what holes there were in my train of thought. Sometimes this required me to tackle the prompts from a new angle to find a more holistic argument.
This course encouraged adaptability and vulnerability, and taught me the necessity of being comfortable with the uncomfortable. Nothing is perfect. Living and learning from the imperfections is a daily practice. It is so hard to be vulnerable when we feel that we are consistently being judged. However, you are your own worst critic. Half of the things I say to myself I would never dream of saying to another soul. I had to get out of my own head in this class in order to ask questions to discover uncomfortable truths about us as humans. Arrogance is not the answer, but you cannot be so scared of uncharted waters that you never take a leap of faith. Participating in difficult conversations with the intention of becoming a more thoughtful learner and citizen is commendable. That being said, this course truly solidified my love for learning and encourages me to be a lifelong learner. I cannot be an expert in everything, but keeping an open heart and mind can go a long way in life. It is not possible to solve global issues in a day, but it is only by persevering through ugliness that authentic beauty can be achieved.
***Showcased here are my writing prompts I completed throughout the course
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