1. Cognitive/Intellectual Learning

Throughout this course, I developed a deeper understanding of many concepts including identity, bias, othering, and oppression. One video that stood out to me was the TED Talk titled “The Danger of a Single Story” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg). The main idea that stayed with me is that stereotypes are not necessarily false, but they are incomplete. This made me realize that bias is not always about being wrong but it can also come from only knowing some part of the story. Another important learning experience was the video on the types of oppression (ideological, internalized, interpersonal, and institutional) (youtube.com/watch?v=3WWyVRo4Uas&feature=youtu.be). What made this really nice was that we didn’t just learn the definitions, but we were asked to apply them by giving real-life examples. This made me really think about each type and understand how oppression works in many ways and not just through obvious actions. We also watched a video about stereotypical bias, where a man kept asking a woman “where are you actually from” just because of her Asian features (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWynJkN5HbQ). Even though she clearly wanted to be identified with the country she lived in, he kept pushing the idea that she must be “from somewhere else.” This showed me how bias can appear in everyday interactions, even when it might not seem aggressive at first. Additionally, the article “How African is North Africa?” connected strongly to me on a personal level because I am Egyptian with Moroccan and Egyptian roots (https://globalvoices.org/2018/05/28/how-african-is-northern-africa/). The article discusses how North Africans are sometimes not considered “fully African,” which reflects how identity can be shaped and limited by external views and perceptions. This made me realize how very limiting it is to define people by labels that don’t capture who they really are. A question I thought about was: How can I make sure I’m not influenced by a single perspective when that’s the main story I’m exposed to? I believe Soliya will help answer this by exposing me to multiple perspectives directly from people around the world.

2. Intrapersonal 

This course definitely made me reflect on how my own perceptions are shaped by experiences and assumptions. I realized that I have sometimes judged people based on incomplete information. For example, I have assumed that some people were not informed or capable based on how they presented themselves, but later I found that they were actually knowledgeable and capable. This showed me how easily we can fall into the trap of forming a “single story” about others. At the same time, I have also experienced being stereotyped. In tourist areas in Egypt, I was sometimes treated as a foreigner, even though I am Egyptian. This made me understand how identity is not only how we see ourselves, but also how others perceive us. Another is that some of my closest friends today are people I initially had negative first impressions about. As I got to know them better, my perception completely changed. This directly reflects what the TED Talk discussed how knowing only one version of a person can be misleading. A question I still have about myself is: How many of my assumptions are shaped by the environment I grew up in rather than my own critical thinking? I hope that Soliya will challenge me to reflect more deeply on this and expand my self-awareness.

3. Interpersonal

In terms of interacting with people from different backgrounds, I learned that communication requires more than just being respectful. it requires actively trying to understand different perspectives. The concept of “othering” helped me see how people are often reduced to differences rather than being understood as individuals. The stereotypical bias video especially showed how repeated questioning or assumptions can make someone feel excluded, even if the intention is not harmful. This made me more aware of how I speak to others and the importance of not making assumptions based on appearance or background. One question I still have is: How can I effectively respond when I am met with biased views without escalating the situation? Through Soliya, I hope to develop the ability to engage in meaningful discussions, listen actively, and respond thoughtfully. I am genuinely excited about the Soliya experience because it will allow me to interact with people outside my usual environment and improve my intercultural communication skills. I see it as an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and engage with diverse perspectives.

4. Reflection on Sensitive Topics

If topics such as Palestine or conflicts in the Middle East come up during Soliya discussions, I expect that conversations may become complex. If I were part of this discussion, I would aim to speak openly but maintain a neutral and respectful tone. I would focus on listening carefully to others’ perspectives and trying to understand where they are coming from, recognizing that people’s views are often shaped by their backgrounds and experiences. If I were able to guide the discussion, I would encourage a fact-based and respectful exchange of ideas, rather than turning it into a debate where one side tries to win. I believe the goal should be understanding, not conflict. To handle these discussions effectively, I would benefit from having clear guidelines and support in managing sensitive conversations. I see these discussions as an opportunity to learn rather than something to avoid.