Reflection on my trip, BFAM, Between France and Morocco

1.Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project.

My STEP Signature Project was an education abroad experience in France and Morocco. Throughout the month of May, I participated in a course regarding the history of colonization in France and its former colony morocco, through visits to notable sights, significant monuments and general experience in country and in classroom settings

2. What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project?

I knew that my STEP signature project was going to be quite the experience, but I never realized how large of an impact it could make and how much it really has changed my perspective on the world and myself. Having taken French language and culture for more than four years, I thought I knew what to expect and anticipated not too drastic of a difference from what I was thought, however actually going to France, spending a significant amount of time there, and really observing the details opened my eyes to how little I really knew about this culture and place. The same can really be said about my time in Morocco. Having somewhat of a background in Arabic culture and language, I felt as though I knew what to expect, but I was even further blown away. My perspective of the world has changed in that I truly understood how intricate different cultures are and even more so how connected they can be in this era of globalization. I now keep in mind how there is so much to learn and so many details to observe. While it is difficult to summarize everything I learned, I think some of the most important aspects is how dependent different cultures can be on each other while remaining their own unique entity as well. I am most glad that I had this opportunity to go and to meet so many people from different places as well as the peers I went with on this trip.

3. What events, interactions, relationships, or activities during your STEP Signature Project led to the change/transformation that you discussed in #2, and how did those affect you?

Change and transformation is not a process that occurs overnight. From the beginning of my trip to the very end and even after I came back to my normal routine at home, my transformation was ongoing. There are key moments however that directed me and led me to the understandings I gained. Although all events and observations were important, some are more impactful and perhaps easier to share.

My first encounter with French culture that transformed me was experience walking down a street in Paris. I felt relatively comfortable walking and was ready to interact with locals to test what I had learned in. My first experience was actually being surprised at how people apologized for bumping into each other, The word I had expected them to use was never heard, but rather the word pardoninstead. I quickly began to realize that there were more and more nuanced details that I simply was unaware of. I changed in how I perceived the French culture and was able to learn so much that I otherwise would have never been able to understand. I also realized that language and culture can be much deeper than one initially anticipates, and this applies to all respective cultures. Although this was the first occurrence, it was one of many that shaped me to the understanding I have now of the world and people around me.

My transformation continued with another major milestone from my time in Morocco. Although I was beginning to realize the intricacies of culture and language from experiences dating to the bringing of the trip and onwards, I got a more historical realization through the lectures and personal conversations with one of the group leaders, Aboubakr Jamai. Talking to him and listening to his experiences brought new insight to the what would otherwise be overlooked. From architecture, small subtle differences in cultural practices, I was able to change my perspective on North African and Moroccan culture as well as the historical significance of the colonial times. Not only did interactions with Aboubakr increase my understanding of the region and its culture, It also helped me truly appreciate the significance of history and context behind anything that I see regardless of the situation.

Although there were many more experiences that shaped my transformation, these two put into perspective how my change followed through over time. It takes time to fully realize change, however I believe that I have gotten a great deal of transformation out of my project and look forward to how it will continue to shape my future.

4. Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life?

Change is always occurring around the world. Change also occurs around myself regularly as well. Through my STEP signature project and time spent aboard, I was able to include myself in the change that occurs at a much larger scale. While I changed more in a sense of my own thoughts and perspectives, I believe it is valuable to shaping the rest of my future and allowing me to transform further through different experiences. Although I had always wanted to go to France, I do not think I would have had the same ambition to learn history and culture that I now have today If I had not experienced and transformed as I did after this trip. This ambition will continue to transform and shape my future professional and personal life to the point where I am constantly looking for a chance to learn more about a place and its culture as well as sharing it with my friends and family to encourage them to see what I was able to see. My life has essentially changed to be a better version of what it was before, and I am quite glad that it played out this way!

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