SPHS Global Self-Awareness Journaling & Culture Exchange

Articles and reflections from the students involved in the project through the years.

• Ellie's Nov 2024 Blog: From savoring local dishes in Iceland to exploring Portuguese towns, Ellie shares how her global travels and classroom connections with Hawaiian students have broadened her cultural awareness and fueled her wanderlust.

• Evan's Nov 2024 Blog: rom exploring Maine’s haddock-filled lunch menus to embracing Italy’s philosophy of slowing down and Ubuntu’s sense of community, Evan reflects on how learning about other cultures is shaping his perspective on life.

• KC's Nov 2024 Blog: KC reflects on how learning about Hawaiian philosophies like HO’OPONOPONO and MALAMA AINA, along with friendships from around the globe, has deepened their understanding of cultural connections and community.

• Rigel's Nov 2024 Blog: Rigel explores the nuances of accents, cultural exchange, and breaking stereotypes, sharing how connecting with students from Hawai’i reshaped perspectives and fostered mutual understanding.

• Audrey's Nov 2024 Blog: Discover how cultural exchanges with Hawaiian students deepen empathy, broaden perspectives, and reveal the beauty of connection beyond our own communities.

• Gavin's Nov 2024 Blog: Learning Hawaiian philosophies and connecting with students broadened my perspective, revealing the beauty of cultural differences and the importance of empathy. 

• Jacky's Nov 2024 Blog: Exploring Hawaiian philosophies through a cultural exchange broadened my worldview, deepening my understanding of belonging, relationships, and the importance of sharing cultures.

• Reuben's Nov 2024 Blog: Explore how connecting with Hawaiian students shattered assumptions, revealed shared experiences, and highlighted the power of cultural empathy in everyday life.

• Zoe's Nov 2024 Blog: Connecting with Hawaiian students revealed shared experiences and new perspectives. Learning cultural traditions taught me self-reflection, empathy, and the value of diverse worldviews.

• Amia's Nov 2024 Blog: Connecting with Hawaiian students deepened my cultural understanding, blending faith, family, and care. Embracing diversity expands our perspectives and fosters meaningful connections.

• Zuzu's Nov 2024 Blog: Zuzu reflects on how small encounters with other cultures and Hawaiian journaling exercises have expanded their worldview, revealing surprising similarities and differences between Maine and Hawaii.

• Emma's Nov 2024 Blog: Emma shares how learning about Hawaiian lifestyles, African philosophies like Ubuntu, and cultural glimpses from books and childhood friends has deepened her respect for diverse traditions and interconnected humanity.

• Gabriel's Nov 2024 Blog: Exploring Hawaii’s culture deepened my respect for diversity, revealing how shared values like aloha foster wellness, connection, and personal growth.

• Darius' Nov 2024 Blog: Learning about Hawaiian culture taught me to respect different perspectives, appreciate traditions tied to the land, and embrace empathy and open-mindedness.

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• More coming soon!

Articles and reflections from the teachers involved in the project through the years.

• Julie York's Reflection on the Project 11/13/24:  Bringing the world to South Portland classrooms: how diverse cultural insights shape my students’ self-awareness and broaden global perspectives.