Breeze of Change in the US - Essay Example

?Breeze of Change When I think of change, I think of my life. Change has been the most profound theme in my life. Ever since I was a child, I do not remember of a time I was fully settled. Whether I was at home, school or in my religious community, the urge to get moving or do something always made me to make plan after another. We all have memories in life. Some that never leaves our minds. Mine are based on my several travels around the globe. I have been to so many parts of the world. Additionally, I have worked with people from different culture, which have made me develop the urge to understand other cultures. I have face challenges, but they have changed be to be a better person. I see every day as an opportunity to make a positive change. The death of my maternal grandmother in 1980, while I was very young was a revelation. I realized how short life could be. Even at that tender age, I had many dreams of changing the world. I knew I had to start working towards achieving my dreams. I did not want to be caught up by death before realizing my full potential. I needed to travel the world and learn about other people. I always felt that the future was in the air. Everywhere I went, I would feel the future blowing in the wind of change. I had many things I wanted to change in my life and those of others. I hoped to see a world where people respected each other’s culture. I wanted a world where people appreciated and celebrated their diversity. Even up to today, I have always had the passion to learn other people culture, and I am glad I have partially done so. Because I believe this will enable me, understand and appreciate others. Early years were characterized by numerous trips to different countries. In every trip, I learnt something that changed my life. My trips outside United States helped me understand other people’s culture. I learned to accept other people’s point of views no matter how much they differed they were from my own. When I visited Baha’i Temple in Wilmette in Illinois, I realized the significance of religion. Since I value my own religion and I promised myself to appreciate other people’s culture and religion. This was reinforced when I attended a catholic sponsored high school, which made me realize that Catholics are very receptive of other religions. The experience changed my life and I wanted to be receptive to other people’s culture, and opinions. Attending college enabled me meet people from different places. I learned the dynamics of socialization. A chance to be in the army strengthened me physically and mentally. I realized that every experience was a lesson for me. Death has always scared me in some way. When my 14-year old cousin and my great uncle died on the same day, I realized how death could cut short our ambitions. It was traumatizing to see someone die at such an early age. I decided to live each day to the full and always do my best. When I completed Bachelor’s degree in Art and History, I was excited. Nevertheless, I knew I had to find a job. The job searching process turned out to be tougher that I thought. My parents were there for me, and they taught me the importance of being there for others. However, I ended up deciding on doing volunteer work. It was an opportunity to touch other people’s lives. During my volunteer at Navajo Reservation, I realized of the sufferings that American Indians go through. During my work, I learned that no amount of textbook learning could teach us about new and unknown cultures. Working with people from diverse culture taught me how to deal with others. I was glad I took the opportunity to help them. My international trip to Mexico, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, North, and South Carolina helped me realize how rampant racism and bigotry were. People still judged others in terms of their culture. When I moved to Albuquerque in New Mexico, I was prepared for what lay ahead. I had travelled to many parts of the world and I knew how to deal with different people. However, I had no idea on the tedious and exhausting process of finding my first apartment. However, I had to settle there and pursue Master’s degree in Education with an emphasis on Minority and Bilingual Education. I wanted to learn more languages to enable me communicate with others. When I was pursuing my master’s, I taught in a very specialized needs community. I knew I was on the way of achieving my goal of making a positive change in other people’s lives. However, I knew I wanted more. After graduating, I had to find a job. As I attended different interviews, I realized how persistent I was. Although my trips to different religions of the world have enabled me understand other people, there are other memories that have shaped my life. The death of my maternal grandmother in 1998 immediately after my Masters Graduation ceremony was one such event. Just like me, she loved travelling a lot and she even died while on her trip. When she died, what had been a united family almost turned into a theater of war. Some family members were overcome by greed. Everyone wanted something out of what my grandmother had struggled to attain. I learned that brothers could easily become enemies. I also learnt that greed is the root of most wars. I realized I never wanted to be part of a group fighting for what is not theirs. It was then that I thought of the numerous wars across our planet. Most of them are based on greed. I understood the importance of self-control. Before doing anything I always think of its effects on others. My marriage was another aspect that taught me a lot about life. I had to compromise some things for the union of our marriage. Getting married by someone from a different culture gave me a chance to learn more about others. However, I knew I would never stop traveling the world. My husband also loved travelling and I knew travelling would be more fun. We have travelled to different regions of the world together. This has enabled me learn much about other people’s culture. Being married for the last twelve years has taught me to be open minded, patient and the essence of communication. I have made enough mistakes, but I have learnt from them. They have changed me and made me a better person. When we went to Morocco to visit my husband’s family, realized how lack of understanding of other people’s culture could lead into problems. Since I am a rebellious and independent person, my first visit was hectic. I had to operate under codes and ethics that I could not understand. At some point, I felt like I would never go back to visit my in-laws. As I related more with my in-laws, I realized how difficult it could be dealing with people from other people’s culture. However, my knowledge about cultural diversity has enabled me to deal with them. While married, I continued with my studies. I wanted to understand other people’s culture and languages. I have managed to pursue certificate in Educational Administration Program. Additionally, I have completed post-masters courses in Multicultural Education and Educational Management and Leadership. I have also completed postmasters Courses in Special education and in Reading –English. I pursued these courses in my quest to understand other people’s culture. I appreciate the fact that I can speak various languages, which enables me deal with people from different regions of the world. Whenever I learn something new, I feel like the world is closing in. When I got pregnant for the first time, I was so excited. At last, I was going to be a mother. However, this did not last long since I miscarriage. I realized how attachment so someone or something can be depressing. It became more depressing when I miscarried again after two years. The death of my father in-law was another unpredictable thing that happened. However, it was a lesson on the need to be good to others, which is possible through changing their lives. As much as I was spending quite a lot of time travelling, I realized I needed to read more and went back to school to pursue a second bachelor’s degree in arts. I want to be an art teacher. I have always had great passion for art. When I look back at my life, I see many adjustments I have had to make. I keep going back to school since I know how important it is in enabling me attain my dreams and ambitions. I know that I still have a lot of learning to do. I want to understand the others and change some stereotypes on cultures. Read More