The spring semester just started, so the first day of Global 102 was marked by introductions. We meet our professors, and we were informed of what to expect in the class. The class was then put into groups where we got to converse with our trip mates, and think up questions to ask our professors about any worries, concerns or just things we needed cleared up.
In our second class meeting, my class and the other section going to New York for the SUMMIT trip got to interact with one another. The professors of the two sections showed us images and instructions on how to make a Personal Identity Map, a map that presents aspects of who we are and how those aspects are connected. Then, we proceeded to make our own identity maps which was fun and insightful.
Our professors sorted us into small groups to discuss our identity maps in hopes that each student would gain some insight into who they are as a person and connect to their group members. Through this exercise, I learned that I rarely think about myself and who I am. I’m usually trying to be who I need to be. I’m usually a student, a daughter, or something else depending on the situation. So, when I had to sit down and think about myself and what makes me me, it took me a while. I thought this was a significant revelation because It made me realized that it’s high time that I start taking pride in who I am and my accomplishments. One of my group mates, Namkha Norbu, informed me that she was a human rights activist, which I thought was astounding. I haven’t met any human rights activists, so it was surprising to meet one who was a teenager like me. I didn’t know what it meant to be a human rights activist, but Namkha explained it to me. She was very inspiring, and she made me even more excited to go on this trip with such a diverse group of people who I believe will change the world one day with their tremendous passion.
– January 18, 2016
