Document Type
Chapter 5: Bringing the World to UD
Publication Date
1-2018
Publication Source
Proceedings: Global Voices on the University of Dayton Campus
Publisher
University of Dayton
Inclusive pages
66-67
Abstract
For as long as I can remember, I have appreciated different cultures. My father and my maternal grandmother are from Trinidad; so I always wanted to learn and understand a world I was not able to see and experience on an everyday basis. I noticed my experience growing up was different than most of my American peers as a result of my family’s diverse customs and culture. This opened my eyes to the impact culture has on a person and who they are. This fascination grew into self-determination to understand not only my own family’s culture and history but those of others as well. Any opportunity to learn about a country’s traditions, religions, and historical background sparked my attention. This past summer I had the opportunity to study abroad in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala (Xela). While in Guatemala I lived with a host family, the Garcias. ... I had to mentally and emotionally adjust to being in a foreign country where I was consistently vulnerable. Once I made the conscious decision to accept my vulnerability and to welcome uncomfortable situations that I would encounter—due mostly to the language barrier—my life changed.
Disciplines
Arts and Humanities | Higher Education | International and Comparative Education
eCommons Citation
Bovell, Alexis, "Broadening My Educational Experience" (2018). Proceedings: 2018 Global Voices on the University of Dayton Campus. 23.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/global_voices/23
Included in
Arts and Humanities Commons, Higher Education Commons, International and Comparative Education Commons
Comments
Diversity and inclusion are core values at the University of Dayton, but bringing together people from different national, racial, and religious backgrounds sometimes can be difficult, even in a welcoming community.
At the symposium Global Voices on the University of Dayton Campus, held Jan. 23-25, 2018, the Alumni Chair in the Humanities invited students, faculty, and staff from all parts of the globe to share stories about their experiences at home and on campus in hopes of strengthening the University’s inclusive excellence.