Our class had a full day retreat, and it was refreshing to hear more of my classmates' stories. I was able to relate to nearly every story. On the day of our first class meet-and-greet, I looked around at everyone and thought that we were so different because of our various ethnicities, majors, religions, and personalities.
However, after hearing the reasons behind why my classmates chose their Extraordinary Person (EP) and the meaning behind their selected photo at the retreat, I realized that we are actually very similar. Many of us come from immigrant families with parents and grandparents who made selfless sacrifices. One of my grandmothers just passed away two months ago so it was extra emotional for me to hear my classmates’ stories about their amazing grandparents. Many of us can speak our native languages, and it was beautiful to hear about what languages we all speak. Lastly, many of us come from homes that is not San Diego and don’t get to see family often. I can relate to all of this so I’m glad that we have this safe space to share and learn even more about each other. Everyone in this class, including Professor Lewis and Bussell, are so warm and friendly. Unlike being in big lectures filled with strangers, it’s comforting to be in a smaller classroom where we can create deeper connections.
One activity that I found particularly eye-opening at the retreat was the “When I’m 80” written reflection. I’ve never thought too much about life when I’m 80 because I’m too scared to think about deteriorating vision, health, and everything bad that comes with aging. However, it was easy for me to reflect this time because I was thinking about my grandmother, who’s my EP. She is approaching 80 years old but still goes out for long walks, cooks full course meals, and enjoys tea with her close elderly friends on the daily. Maybe aging isn’t so bad after all!
However, after hearing the reasons behind why my classmates chose their Extraordinary Person (EP) and the meaning behind their selected photo at the retreat, I realized that we are actually very similar. Many of us come from immigrant families with parents and grandparents who made selfless sacrifices. One of my grandmothers just passed away two months ago so it was extra emotional for me to hear my classmates’ stories about their amazing grandparents. Many of us can speak our native languages, and it was beautiful to hear about what languages we all speak. Lastly, many of us come from homes that is not San Diego and don’t get to see family often. I can relate to all of this so I’m glad that we have this safe space to share and learn even more about each other. Everyone in this class, including Professor Lewis and Bussell, are so warm and friendly. Unlike being in big lectures filled with strangers, it’s comforting to be in a smaller classroom where we can create deeper connections.
One activity that I found particularly eye-opening at the retreat was the “When I’m 80” written reflection. I’ve never thought too much about life when I’m 80 because I’m too scared to think about deteriorating vision, health, and everything bad that comes with aging. However, it was easy for me to reflect this time because I was thinking about my grandmother, who’s my EP. She is approaching 80 years old but still goes out for long walks, cooks full course meals, and enjoys tea with her close elderly friends on the daily. Maybe aging isn’t so bad after all!