#3rd reflection

If I were to summarize this incredible cultural exchange in a few words right now, I would just say it was life-changing. I have not travelled much before and coming to USA and getting exposed to so many new cultures was a bit overwhelming for me at first. But now I think it is actually very mesmerizing. Culture is this thing that we can exchange among ourselves as human beings to knock aside our differences and build upon our similarities. Cultural Exchange is the ultimate exchange. And I am so glad that I am a part of this academic cultural exchange program. I love how in the classrooms we get to interact with the American students and share our values, norms and ideas with each other. Moreover studying from American professors is in itself a very a different experience and I admire how they try to make the sessions as interactive and engaging as possible. Also, family overnight with an American family and arranging a cultural for the all the host families have been the highlights of the this cultural exchange. The American Families loved the Pakistani food and the traditional Pakistani dresses.

Bushra Munir We come from a different culture, speaking a different language, leaving everyone we know behind, to live with strangers with new customs and ways of thinking for contemplating American culture. The possibility of correspondence drives Americans to be genuinely casual in their conduct and in their associations with others. I saw such casualness in dress, dialect, stance, and classroom exercises like eating in class, asking many questions and making remarks, and so forth. Solicitations might be exceptionally easygoing and regularly are not composed. Spending night with my host family was wonderful experience of my trip. I got a chance to learn about the American culture. Moving into another culture can be the most interesting exciting ride of one's life. It is intriguing, energizing, and somewhat frightening on occasion, yet has empowered me to investigate an altogether better approach for living, enable me to think in an unexpected way, impart on many levels and transform into a "worldwide national". An open door like this comes just ideal. This is a ride that I would prefer not to miss. So distant from my experience I have discovered that American culture has promising methodologies, for example, making learning situations that advance and value diversity, as well as intentionally exposing students to multiple and sometimes competing perspectives that challenge previously unexamined assumptions such difficulties, when embedded in proper instructional method, can advance high levels of intellectual and personal development. Americans for the most part see themselves as to be exceptionally straight to the point and direct in their dealings with others. When conversing with somebody about something they don't care for about a man's conduct, they may call it "productive" feedback. Most Americans don't think it is important to camouflage their sentiments; regardless of the possibility that their words are not open, outward appearances might be uncovering. Being straightforward is frequently observed to be more critical than protecting concordance in relational connections. Being emphatic in communicating assessments or making demands is viewed as adequate. Representing Baloch culture was very proud moment for me. When we hosted our host American families and had Pakistani dinner. Characterizing my culture and the hidden realities about Balochistan enhanced my morality and soul. It made me feel proud and believe that I have illustrated what I am responsible of. There is still a long way to go. I am passionate about my culture, my people and my nation. The horizons of success may be far away but not impossible to reach. Bushra Munir

Farheen The education system and the facilities here in USA has inspired me to an extreme level. The group activities, out door activities and and in door activities I believe have influenced me very positively. It’s my first in a foreign land and in a foreign academic environment, which is purely refreshing and fruitful to my knowledge and learning. Although the course material is not related to my field of study, I have become fully interested in the academic material of the program. Everything, from visiting synagogue to election campaign to the academic material has enhanced my knowledge and skills. I am very much inspired about the teaching methods of our respected teachers. The less vacuum between students and teachers is another fascinating factor for me in the education system of the USA, which has boosted my confidence. The classroom facilitation is also a major factor which has influenced me to a large extent. I believe that, these three weeks have a lifetime influence on my academics by enhancing my knowledge, boosting my confidence and polishing my skills.

The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you try to find it..why. That’s what We called exploration. Exploring things are not limited to the specific category it’s general, which I do a lot with my best friend Adnan most of the time we spent together and we explore and see how people react to different situations and how we do and then what’s the difference or what’s that we are missing. We meet different people and try to learn from them. Leadership is not about being great, it’s about enabling others to be great. When you meet different people in life and they somehow teach you a lot in different ways. Kindness is one of the most gifts you can bestow upon another. True kindness lies within the act of giving without the expectation of something in return. And I got such friends and best people around which always help me in learning new things. This week I explored more about the people behavior and how they are dealing with each other. In my mentors Brooke always inspire me by how she take care of everyone and how nice she is to each one of us. She is my new favorite mentor. In this week I went to Jewish community, how they politely treated us was amazing. Family over night was one of the best event of the week , I had the family overnight with Pakistani family and I had great time with my family. They shared their story of how they came here and started a new life in USA 20 years ago. And we shared our stories, we are having back there in Pakistan, how we become part of the SUSI family and the diversity in the group. And that’s how I met lot of great people in few days. 😊

Leadership Muhammad Adnan I believe leadership is all about influence, nothing else. All the leadership skills learning oppertunities that we have got so far have helped me to grow into more responsible and influential person. Activities such as volunteer work at Food Bank, mock election simulation and Treasure hunt at Groff Park have helped us to polish our skills such as effective communication, proper planing, self motivation and confidence. I believe that a feeling of being appreciated and loved leads to an overlasting change in human body, one of the postive aspect of American society is that they listen to your point of view which is not only a encouraging thing but you feel valued. My stay with the American family was also a similar experience where we have not only share different aspects of cultures but have listen to each other’s heart.

So that is the biggest difference that I countered yet. Regarding similarities we have same moral values like to respect other cultural values, friendly and helping behaviors, open for conversations, ready to learn and explore new things.