Conclusion

I can say that I learned a lot from this class: Crossing Borders: Migration and Culture. I honestly feel that some of the topics we have covered has opened my eyes and ears, making me think more deeply about the realities of life. I had not been aware of the many issues we discussed in class. I like how the course was presented. I appreciate the different learning styles and techniques: poems, films, internet, text, pictures, etc. Personally, when I can visually see what is going on, I can have a better understanding, rather than just purely reading from a textbook that looks like a dictionary.

One of my favourite class discussions was the one about Guantanamo Bay. I mean, you hear so little about it, therefore no one actually knows what goes on there. I enjoyed listening deeper about facts and people’s stories. I finished watching the film, The Road to Guantanamo, at home. (Just watching the trailer made me very curious). While watching the film I felt so many things: frustrated, sad, upset, surprised, shocked, amazed, etc. I was glad to see the three individuals leave that horrible place, where they could live to tell their stories of survival. The story, Toba Tek Singh, has also stuck out in my mind. As I read the short story, I had some troubles understanding deeper meanings, but picked out what I thought it meant to me. Like Guantanamo, it is indeed sad to see innocent people locked away, being punished for things they did not do. The “lunatics” are people like you and me. They express the five senses of being a human. Although the story is not real, it truly gives meaning to what is.

The two major assignments we completed for the class were also interesting. I have said this before and will say it again...I really do enjoy learning about different cultures. I love listening to the stories people tell. I am very open in listening to different perspectives, values, traditions, thoughts, and so on. I engaged in the interview process with both: Migration Interview and Photo Documentary. Listening and asking questions was an important part of the whole process. I learned about what is significant and meaningful to others and have much respect for each of the individuals who shared their lives with me.

I am happy that Humber introduced the course as something new. I hope that it will continue to be offered to students because it presented much insight and reality of society. Migration is constant and it has been for a very long time now. It is interesting to see and now know where people go and/or why they leave. It is important for us to be aware of what is going on in the world. All in all, I am happy to have had the opportunity to be a part of this class.