1. What have you learned intellectually about the topics we’ve covered so far? Please refer to at least four readings, videos, or activities that helped you learn this and explain why. What questions do you still have about these topics, and how might you use your Soliya experience to enrich your knowledge?

Something I was taught by this topic/course was diversity. We have touched on how different people are and how random can mindsets in one organization be. For instance, During our example Soliya session, I have realized that each different background have a different view on events or cases. Each individual had a unique response, unique motives, and unique perspectives on situations. Moreover, I have been taught the true and actual meanings of terminologies that we hear every single day and consider “Cliché”, however, they have deeper meanings and little did we know about; Sympathy, Empathy, and Compassion. These terminologies helped us understand how we deal with people and interact with in ways we only did subconsciously. I also learned the fine details of Bias. I was taught that everyone is bias on a regular basis without sensing it; not necessarily in big situations, but more often in fine and small every day events. I am looking forward to the Soliya Experiment because I like discovering new cultures and new mindsets that will help me understand myself and my position in life better. And last but not least, during the ALTCV assignment, I have discovered that what I did with my career life was totally worth it, making me very happy and proud about it.

2. What have you learned about yourself and the way you view the world so far? What questions do you still have about your own self and how you present yourself to the world? How do you expect your identity to affect your Soliya experience as you interact with people from other cultures? How might you use the Soliya experience to enrich your self-knowledge?

Throughout this course so far, I have learned so much about myself. This course made me able to understand myself better and know what I am capable of and what I am not, in addition to what flaws I have that I need to start working on to improve. This course shed light within me on questions I always tried neglecting and disregarding. For example, it made me question myself whenever I am biased in small and fine details. Moreover, the course also helped me understand how others feel and somehow know how to deal with people in certain situations. My identity now can affect the Soliya Experience by my urge to understand people and receive their perceptions as well as, showing people my perspectives and trying to deliver and receive messages to the world. This experience will for sure enrich my self-knowledge because it will kick me out of my comfort zone and allow me to be diverse and understand with diversity.

3. What have you learned in terms of interactions with other people? What questions do you have about how to become a better “global citizen”? How would you like your Soliya experience to help you learn to be a good “global digital citizen”? How might you use your Soliya experience to enhance your ability to interact with culturally different people?

In terms of interactions with other people, I have learned to accept other people’s views and opinions and more importantly accept the fact that I am not always right; and no one is. Interacting with people has also helped me in vulnerability and being subject to criticism and listen more than talking. And thats exactly what I will focus on throughout my Soliya experience, as I will focus on listening and learning more from people, and that will definitely help me become a better global citizen.