Mod 3 Discussion: Moving Students Into a New Culture

In my own personal travels, I have encountered different and varied cultures that have impacted the way in which I view the world and how I view our country.  I have seen places that poverty was so prevalent that it was a cultural norm for a child to use the bathroom on the street or to be sold for sexual acts by ones own family member for money.  

I was on a trip to help build a church in Brazil when I encountered some women that were members of the church.  Even though they were of another culture and had varied cultural difference,  they treated me with great respect and admired my dedication to work building the church.  I noticed the clothes of a certain woman was tattered and worn but she was still gracious to me.  

Before I left, I gave her all of the clothes I had brought with me on the trip.  She was so grateful and appreciative that she hugged me.  That scenario still reminds me today of the kindness that can be expressed toward each other and how cultural barriers can be overcome through care and concern of others.

I have used this scenario in my classroom to express to my students how to treat others with respect and care and they will respond in kind to you.