Reflective Self Assessment: Political Science Major. Engaging with people from different cultural backgrounds and points of view changed my perspective and made critical thinking a crucial asset in my life. By challenging my biases and prejudices, I learned deeper insights into what truly inspires me and who I am. This process of critical self-reflection revealed my potential to achieve far beyond what I previously thought possible. Questioning and reevaluating my views is not only liberating, but also empowering. Through this interaction, I realized how crucial it is to consider other people's backgrounds and experiences while making decisions. It offered me a new way of looking at change and made me think about the long-term consequences …show more content…
I developed a comprehensive understanding of political systems in the United States and abroad, and the roles of various organizations and institutions. As well as the complex outcomes of policymaking. Analyzing theoretical and practical political concerns has improved my capacity to think strategically and propose suggestions. Combining primary and secondary sources has helped me establish well-supported arguments integrating qualitative and quantitative methodologies, by utilizing theories as guidelines. I've learned to approach problems carefully, considering relevant elements and consequences before presenting answers. As a result, I feel more confident in communicating concepts effectively, both in writing and verbally, in academic, and public settings. Many of the courses that I've completed have addressed ethical questions and moral dilemmas about accountability, decisions regarding policies, and power dynamics. This stands among my biggest and most significant personal growths. This has helped me establish an effective ethical foundation and the ability to negotiate difficult moral environments in my future role as a human rights advocate. The continuously shifting nature of political science, which reflects changes in real-world politics such as digitalization, necessitates that we as future political scientists be informed and adapt our thinking regularly. …show more content…
In the next five years, I aim to continue my education, potentially pursuing a master's degree in Public Policy or International Relations, to further deepen my understanding and effectiveness in this field. My lifelong goal is to create a team and together implement an all-encompassing program that will protect people who are affected by these types of abuse. This program will not only focus on prevention but also, provide support and rehabilitation services to survivors, and broader educational research and resources regarding these topics. I plan to work with non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and international bodies to ensure a wide-reaching impact and work directly with policy
In such a multicultural world, being knowledgeable and understanding of not only your cultural background, but that of others is essential. Building my awareness on cultures different from my own, and how it shapes an individual’s identity, will foster my personal and professional development. Subsequently, I conducted a cultural interview with an individual whose cultural background differed from my own. Several similarities and differences between our cultures were apparent in the interview, specifically in the areas of race, ethnicity, language, values, and worldview.
Rereading America: Cultural Contexts for Critical Thinking and Writing written by; Gary Colombo, Robert Cullen, and Bonnie Lisle, Eighth Edition, published April, 2007 by Bedford/St. Martin’s, is a textbook about writing and critical thinking. In the first chapter of Rereading America: Cultural Contexts for Critical Thinking and Writing, “Thinking Critically, Challenging Cultural Myths”, the Authors begin by setting a relatable scene of what it’s like for a college student. How a new found independence can be overwhelming, especially with regards to critical thinking, showing that what we have learned, needs to be re-evaluated and that an open mind in essential. "What Is Critical Thinking" In this section of the chapter the editors explain what it means to be a critical thinker. They explain that critical thinking is not just studying dates and facts, but rather taking those facts and examining them. The editors then proceed by explaining how having an open mind, and taking others' perspectives into account when formulating our own opinions on what the author is trying to say to us is important. A critical thinker takes all aspects into account and reflects on personal experience as well. The editors also point out that different cultural experiences bring different opinions. They suggest that we need to become active learners, continuously questioning the meaning behind everything, testing not only the theories of others but also our own experiences and analyzing the text rather than going for the obvious. They show that thinking outside the box is the epitome of critical thinking. Basically, we need to step outside our comfort zones and what we have always been taught. The editors also suggest that we need to re-evaluate our per...
According to the Office for Victims of Crime, crimes committed against human trafficking victims can lead to the destruction of basic life assumptions; that one is safe from harm, one is a good and decent person, and the world is meaningful and just (Office for Victims of Crime, 1998). Working through the psychological trauma experienced by trafficking victims can require long-term, comprehensive mental health therapy (Briere & Scott, 2014). The health care response to trafficking victims in the United States differs greatly from efforts made by governments and health care entities. The health care response to trafficking victims in the United States differs greatly from efforts made by governments and health care entities in developing countries. In many developing countries, governments have allocated no financial support for programs to combat human trafficking, or for programs to provide medical care to victims. Lack of funding, trained medical staff and the stigmatization placed on many victims once back in their home countries can make access to appropriate health care virtually
I understand their needs as well as their population’s needs. I will also analyze my own view of their culture from a critical lens before engaging in practice with them. I will identify my own conflicting biases and best avoid them, via therapy, intensive analysis of my own thoughts, and intensive surveys. As a white person from a primarily white, small, backwater country town, this is extremely important. This will be the change I want to see.
As Frye (1986) quotes, “the vast majority of things we hear today are prejudices and clichés, simply verbal formulas that have no thought behind them but are put up as a pretence of thinking”. This is still incredibly true today. Prejudice is defined as “a negative feeling toward a group based on faulty generalization…something we think and feel” (Bergen, 154-155). With no concept of how to critically evaluate one’s prejudices, there will be no change in problematic thinking. Thus, in order to address society’s and one’s own prejudices, critical thinking must be incorporated, which can be fostered by a diverse
To accomplish a society of reasonable citizens, it is necessary to understand diversity and varying worldviews and accept varying explanations. Doing so requires the skill of relying on life’s experiences, class, and upbringing. When individua...
Dialogue redresses non-Indigenous presumptions and unexamined prejudices while listening deeply accelerates learning while providing personal enrichment (Patten & Ryan,
Addressing this complex issue requires a multi-faceted solution. The first step is to adopt a victim-centered approach that prioritizes victims’ rights, needs, and voices. This shift involves ensuring that victims receive clear information about legal processes, their rights, and available support services. By putting victims at the center of the process, they are more likely to feel heard and valued. A critical aspect of this solution is implementing trauma-informed training for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and court personnel.
Among my numerous ambitions, one in particular rises above the rest and eclipses the others: I want to make a positive impact on the world. This is the goal that ultimately led to my interest in political science, as I feel it would put me in the best position to make my community a better place .Upon researching the Political Science major at Northwestern, I found an exceptional program suited to the difference makers of the world.
Self-Assessment and Reflection In the last seven weeks, I had the opportunity to look back and analyze the events that have shaped my life. This was a unique experience where I was emotionally comfortable enough to look back on life. I was able to objectively revisit many events that were often buried and too painful to face. I was free from the turmoil of emotional fears of failure, anger, regret and loneliness, which often clouded my perception. .
Developing a personal culture of reflection and re-examining our values and biases takes strength, desire and constant adjustment. Engaging in reflective
Morkes, Andrew. "Political Scientist." Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance. Twelfth ed. Chicago, IL: Ferguson, 2003. 284-87. Print.
Educators can fight against stereotypes and a single story by becoming critical thinkers who introduce their students to multiple points of view in any given situation. Educators can also invite students to join them in in-depth discussions that urge them to think beyond the story they hear in their day to day lives. By doing this, community and society as a whole could have a positive change where there is a greater understanding of “others” and critical thinking is a natural routine that everyone can dive into. Together, we can end the danger of a single
Now that we have explored my past, present, and future experiences with diversity, it is time to see how they are present within and effect each other. Firstly, let’s look into how my future is present in my past. The most obvious portion of my future that is in my past is my willingness and efforts to love and include everyone and to spread this world view. It took a fellow classmate of mine to demonstrate to my third grade self that we are all human beings and we all deserve to be treated as such. In my future, I aspire to demonstrate this world view to my students and inspire them to treat each other accordingly. This aspiration directly reflects my world view struggles I went through in third grade, for I want to help my students come to
Prior to taking this course, I had a moderate fascination for politics and issues involving the government in our society today. Politics is described as “the struggle over power of influence within organizations or informal groups that can grant benefits or privileges” (Citation). While I was somewhat interested in reading the news and paying attention to presidential elections, I did not necessarily care for other “less significant” elections involving Congress members and proceeded on with daily life while being ignorant of what was going on around me. Because I had thought that the president of the United States controlled enormous power while rendering the legislative branch virtually powerless, I believed that voting for Representatives and Senators would bring forth little change to our lives.