We experience new culture with every journey placed before us. Culture, can be defined as the customs, arts, social institutions and achievements of a particular nation, people or other social groups (Dictionary, 2019 ). As individuals we are the product of our culture and this is shown through many elements of our lives such as our beliefs, morals, values, norms and social structures grown within. Being a part of a culture, enables us to enhance our quality of life, building a well rounded individual which increases the well- being of the individual and community. This also shape us into who we are as a person, the way we interact and communicate with others. My culture resides within me and I am a true representation of the Caribbean “Grenadian” culture.
Being a student of St. George’s University has given me several opportunities to communicate with individuals ,representing different cultural backgrounds. From being a part of the X- Cultural Global Challenge, to the attending of symposiums and conferences , as well as daily communication between my peers and other students on campus and internationally. This has further developed me into being a more global thinking individual to whom now possess a wealth of knowledge on how to better interact with others who shares different beliefs.
The X- Culture Global Challenge experience was a journey of a lifetime. During the progression of its projects I was given the opportunity to be placed into groups with individuals from China, America, Colombia, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, India and Canada. With this experience I learned the know-how of preparing and distributing of tasks set at executing a predominant goal, which was often finding solutions to real life business problems. Being exposed to these cultures and given the time to constantly communicate and interact through instant messaging has given me a wider view and clarity of different cultural perspectives. This in turn had added value to my understanding of culture learnt from lectures and readings completed through coursework. X- Culture has taught me the difference in communicating with the Chines compared to that of the American, how to give respect to the Saudi Arabian male figure by giving them the first preferences, compared to that of the Americans and Colombians, and how it is applicable to understand and listen to others perspective, their culture and their entire mannerism as to having work completed.
My cultural identity has an impact on how I behave, feel, interact and see not only myself but others and their culture. Going into my first X- Culture project was a bit tedious for I was unsure of what was expected of me and didn’t have a full understanding of the different cultures represented in my appointed groups . As time progressed due to my cultural background which enables me to ease my way in, by first studying others and their expectation of me , I was better able to comprehend and absorb their different cultural techniques and mechanisms as to be able to quickly think and assist in completing the project that I must say landed us as “ Best Team”. This had lead the way for the second and third experience with X- Culture in which I played a significant role in being an active team member and team leader which contributed greatly to some of the personality traits I now possess.
Additionally, I attended the X- Culture international Symposium held in Macerate Italy 2018. This was by far the most fulfilling experience one can imagine having. The symposium had given a wider exposure to many more cultures, over 200 cultures was represented.I was given the hands on experience that allowed me to work face to face with persons, which was even a greater opportunity due to now being able to read and understand individuals gestures and postures that gives a broader understanding of each and they behaviors in given situations. Additionally, I was able to try a few unique Italian dishes, view architectures and learn more of their history and heritage. In doing so, I’ve learned that the Italians is well known for delicacies ( pizza , pasta), and are very friendly, unless they are feeling threatened given their refugee situation. Although, the symposium was held in Italy I also had the opportunity to get a taste of the African, American, Asian culture through food and heritage due to the constant communication with friends bunked with in my assigned dorm.
As an individual knowing your cultural identity is important, but being able to learn, communicate and have general interaction and knowledge of others cultures without conflict is phenomenal. With my frequent participation in X- Culture during my tenure at the St. George’s University through courses undertaken in the Undergraduate Studies program I can proudly call myself a globalize / international individual to whom possess a wealth of knowledge of other cultures that now represents a new and improved cultural identity.One that cannot be named at this time 😊.
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