Seyyed Latif Sharifi

Reflection on Learning
ETHS 2040 Tuesday 530-820

When asked to reflect on a certain experience and how it has affected me in totality, it
seems to me that the information that I would attempt to transmit would be inconclusive. One
may ask: Why? It seems in my personal experience that, when I learn something and
understand it intellectually, it isnt fully realized until I am to experience it on a first hand basis.
For instance; lets take the predicament of being caught in situation where there may be some
racial tension, I would have a better understanding if what I learned in the classroom has
actually sunk in based on; my actions and reactions, how Ive reacted in the past and if there
was any progression in the personal work that is at hand regarding the experience. And, as of
now I have yet to be confronted with it. Obviously its something that is taking place all around
the world (racism), and one could say that I choose not to acknowledge it. Nevertheless, until I
have an experience to speak of, I feel I would be feeding you with a spoon full of fluff.
Now, have I had anything play out in my personal life that would suffice for a proper
response in regards to growth? The answer would be undoubtedly be yes. The assignment that
grabbed my attention and is going to stick with me beyond the foreseeable future, would be
our Reaction Paper. The reason being is simply because the darkness of my own journey had
some light shed onto it, and in doing so, I gained a sense of appreciation of my familys story. It
seems that many refugees are faced with parting with families, their homes and a sense of
comfort when they begin a journey to a foreign land. So, I was able to empathize with the
woman in the video, so much so, that I wanted to do a little research of my family history to
have a better understanding of myself and the people in my life (family). What better indication
of growth than a sense of appreciation for those I love? Even beyond that, Im not sure if

theres much else that would show a sign of progression than having a sense of appreciation for
my own journey as well as being able to empathize with others in regards to theirs. To put it
simply, it comes down to appreciation on many fronts.
Were my assumptions of the world challenged? A topic that seems to be one that I
struggle with is when we speak of people in regards to race and ethnicity. If it is our endeavor
as a species to transcend that which creates a sense of separatism, conflict and in some case
violence: Why then concretize such thinking by continuing to see people within the confines of
race? The very act alone only seems to perpetuate the problem, even with good intent. After
all, race is an idea, is it not? It seems to be conceptualized in the human psyche and the
repercussions are manifested within the physical realm. So, the challenging aspect for me is;
continuing to learn about race, when I feel it needs no more of my attention. Not because I
want to see with a blind eye, no, quite the contrary. I understand that the reality is that there
are in fact acts of violence played out motivated simply on the basis of someones skin color,
this is undeniable. But, I feel this is reflective of our constant affirmations of race pedaled by
the media, schools, racist sects and you and I. Race only exists in the mind, and I cant touch an
idea, I cant see an idea- but, what I do see is people, I can touch and feel their warmth. So, why
then place an idea at a higher esteem than what I can see and feel? I feel its much more logical
to approach people without the predisposition of race.
When it comes to the learning outcomes, I feel one that is constantly in a state of
evolution is my ability to communicate. So, Im using the term effectively liberally, because it
would be to the discretion of those who I choose to communicate with. But, I do feel that my
ability to speak and write in regards to the topics we have discussed have improved simply on

the basis that its my first attempt, and something is better than nothing. So, beginning to think
and having to put on paper my thoughts indicates to me that there is in fact, progression.
I feel another area that will be applicable to my experience, is being able to
demonstrate some sort of competency when it comes to what we have learned in the class in
regards to Asian Americans. Lets say I have an interview for a job with Union Pacific, it is
doubtful that I wouldnt bring up the facts that we have learned about the building of the
railroads and the blood and sweat poured along the way. If anything it will serve as a great ice
breaker for many places that I would so happen to show interest in, in regards to employment,
especially if it is an environment that thrives on diversity.
A learning outcome that sits dear to my heart is having the ability to demonstrate the
ability to think critically. I thoroughly enjoy thinking. So, when it comes to the course and my
ability to analyze what it is that shapes Asian Americans, I feel I would be able to do so on a
level in which I wouldnt have been able to do before taking the course. Reason being is; while
working on our final projects, I am having to gather information, analyze it and come up with
my conclusions on how to go about creating a theory of my own, or confirming that of which
has already been laid out. In doing so, I would think that anytime someone goes out and
attempts to create their own theory rather than accepting and repeating one that theyve
heard elsewhere would show some level of ability to think critically.
In conclusion, I enjoyed my time in the class, even when there are topics I do not
necessarily agree with. And, the reason for that is, I wouldnt know what I didnt agree with, if I
was ignorant to it.