Blog for Pre-Soliya Reflection
- Cognitive / Intellectual Learning
Activity: Identity Activity
I have learned several things from this activity, but the most important is understanding my personality more deeply and recognizing how identity shapes how I relate to others. I also learned that identity is not fixed, but rather influenced by experiences, culture, and interactions. Looking at other people’s personalities made me reflect on whether I naturally connect with people who are like me or if I can also connect with those who are different. This raised some important questions for me, such as: can we truly connect with people whose personalities are very different from ours, and if so, how can we do that successfully?
I realized that this connects to the idea of intercultural maturity, where growth comes from engaging with differences rather than avoiding them. In the Soliya sessions, I would like to explore how personality differences affect communication and how people adapt to each other in diverse environments.
Video: What Kind of Asian Are You?
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWynJkN5HbQ
This video helped me understand how assumptions about identity can lead to stereotyping and “othering.” It showed how people are often limited to one aspect of their identity, such as race or ethnicity, which ignores their individuality. This helped me understand that even simple questions can carry hidden assumptions, which reflect implicit bias. For example, assuming someone’s background based on their appearance can make them feel misunderstood or excluded. This made me more aware of how language can unintentionally reinforce stereotypes. It is interesting to observe that when I travel abroad with my parents to places where I don’t speak the local language, people sometimes raise their voices when speaking to us, as if that would make it easier to understand, even though it’s probably unintentional. A question that came to mind is: if I make such an assumption unintentionally, how can I respond in a respectful and appropriate way?
In the Soliya sessions, I will apply this by being more mindful of how I ask questions and ensuring that I do not make assumptions about others’ identities. I also want to connect this to the concept of microaggression we discussed in class. It made me realize that even if I intend to be friendly, the impact on the other person can be one of ‘othering’ if I make their ethnicity the only thing I see.
Game: BBC Syrian Refugee Game
Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-32057601
This game helped me better understand the lived experiences of people affected by conflict, especially in countries like Syria, Palestine, and Yemen. It showed how difficult and complex the decisions refugees have to make are, and how limited their choices can be. This connects to the concept of structural inequality and oppression, where people’s opportunities are shaped by larger political and social systems. I became aware that my understanding of these situations was previously limited and that I may have unintentionally viewed these experiences from a simplified perspective. This raised important questions such as: why do such inequalities persist, and what role does the international community play in addressing them?
In Soliya, this will be useful because I may interact with people who have direct or indirect experiences with these situations. While being respectful and careful, I would like to learn from their perspectives as we discuss such sensitive topics.
Video: The Danger of a Single Story
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg
This TED Talk helped me understand how a “single story” can shape our perception of entire groups of people. It showed that when we only hear one narrative, we risk developing stereotypes and incomplete understandings. This connects directly to the idea of cognitive bias, where our knowledge is influenced by limited or dominant narratives. I realized that the media can sometimes present simplified or one-sided views, which may not reflect the full reality. This made me question how knowledge is formed and whose voices are represented. Instead of assuming that a certain perspective is enough, I now understand the importance of being considerate of various viewpoints.
This will be important in Soliya discussions, as people from different backgrounds may have very different perspectives on the same issue. I would like to approach these discussions with openness and a willingness to understand complexity rather than relying on one narrative.
Additional readings, videos, and other activities on these topics can be found in: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jwNAc5NqN_m0ZDAyn1F7ow_y9s6YF3rG
- Intrapersonal Learning (Self-Awareness)
Even though I have Belgian citizenship and was born and raised in the UAE, living in Egypt since I was seven with Egyptian parents and friends has strongly shaped my perspective toward my local culture. I’ve started to see how this creates implicit bias in my daily life. I often find myself judging people based on stereotypes or what I’ve heard about them. I’ve noticed that my attachment to the local culture has taught me to make unconscious judgments before I even realize I’m doing it. Previously, I did not fully recognize how strong these biases can be, especially when thinking about people from different cultures or backgrounds. Now, I understand that every person has a unique story, and it is not accurate to judge them based on a single idea. I also became more aware of how oppression can affect people’s opportunities and experiences in ways that I may not fully understand. I still have important questions about myself. For example: do I truly listen to others with an open mind, or do I sometimes judge too quickly? Do I present my full identity, or do I adjust it depending on the situation? I also wonder how my background and education shape the way I communicate with others.
I expect that my identity will influence my Soliya experience because I bring my own perspectives and assumptions into discussions. At the same time, others will do the same, which may lead to both misunderstandings and learning opportunities. I can use the Soliya experience to improve my self-awareness by actively listening to different perspectives. This will help me recognize my own biases, reflect on my assumptions, and develop a more balanced understanding of the world.
- Interpersonal Learning (Interaction with Others)
I have learned that interacting with people who are different from me requires patience, awareness, and effort. People have different cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and communication styles, which influence how they express themselves. I also learned that stereotypes can lead to misunderstandings, so it is important not to make quick judgments. This connects to empathy, where the goal is to understand others’ perspectives rather than immediately evaluating or responding to them. I concluded that effective communication is not only about speaking clearly, but also about listening carefully and being aware of how messages are interpreted. I still have questions about how to become a better global citizen. For example: how can I respect other cultures while maintaining my own identity? How can I communicate effectively with people who strongly disagree with me? I also wonder how I can reduce bias and act fairly in digital environments.
I would like my Soliya experience to help me become a better global digital citizen by improving my communication skills. I want to learn how to express my ideas respectfully, even during disagreements, and how to listen without interrupting or judging. I also want to be more aware of how my words may affect others from different backgrounds. I expect that my identity as an Egyptian student of international background will influence my Soliya experience. I’ve realized that I usually look at global issues from my own personal perspective, and I’m interested to see how my understanding of equity compares to someone coming from a completely different background. I can use the Soliya experience to improve my interactions by practicing empathy and active listening. By engaging with different perspectives, I can challenge stereotypes and become more open-minded, which are important qualities in a diverse and global environment.
- Sensitive Topics (Palestine, Iran, Middle East)
If topics such as Palestine or conflicts in the Middle East come up in Soliya, the discussion may become emotional and complex. People may have strong opinions based on their identity, background, or personal experiences. This can lead to moments where individuals feel misunderstood, defensive, or uncomfortable. This situation reflects how perspective is shaped by experiences, and how the same issue can be viewed very differently by different people. It also connects to the idea of avoiding “single stories,” as these conflicts involve multiple perspectives and histories. If I were able to direct the discussion, I would focus on creating a respectful and balanced environment. I would encourage participants to listen carefully, avoid interrupting, and speak from their own experiences rather than making generalizations. I would also emphasize understanding rather than trying to prove a point. In terms of support, I would need guidance on how to manage strong emotions and maintain respectful dialogue.
A facilitator could help ensure that the discussion stays constructive. I would also remind myself to stay calm, open-minded, and aware of my own biases, especially given my reserved, calm, personal nature. Having clear communication guidelines, such as respecting others, listening actively, and being mindful of sensitive topics, would help create a safe and productive discussion environment.
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