Growth and Development

Reflection Assignment: Growth and Development

• •   Start your reflection by include the title of the assignment & class, why you choose this assignment and it's meaning for you.

I chose to reflect on the assignment titled, “An American Indian Man’s Life in South Korea” from my Social Psychology class because it captures the unique experiences of a minority individual navigating cultural adaptation and social perception in a homogeneous country like South Korea. This assignment caught my attention because it brings to life many social psychology concepts such as conformity, stereotypes, prejudice and the conflict between individuality and collectivism. The interview I did with my friend, Sudip, resonated with me, because it emphasizes the invisible emotional labor that foreigners need to overcome in a dominant culture. The American Indian Man’s experience of attending Hwe sik and participating in overnight hiking trips, while hiding his true emotions, is good example of normative social influence. In this concept, individuals conform to the greater culture to gain social approval. My friend’s behavior reflects a desire to be accepted, when that requires hiding his true self. I also thought about the concept of groupthink when writing and reflecting on this paper. My friend’s struggle to understand Korean group dynamics, such as sensing mood and refraining from direct questioning, reveals the psychological barriers of adjusting to a collectivist culture. Groupthink suppresses creativity even though it promotes group harmony. He contrasts with the American idea of meritocracy, where individual ability is prioritized over hierarchy.

• What are you most proud of about this assignment and why? is there anything you would change and why?

I’m proud of bringing abstract Social Psychology concepts into a real experience. Conducting live interviews helped me to illustrate these points well and candidly. This assignment humanizes these theories and helps the readers understand better. My friend’s honesty and my empathy made space to reflect. Issues like cultural adaptation, emotional labor and fitting in were brought into direct awareness. It made me become more aware of how psychological dynamics play in real-world situations. What I would change about this assignment is that I would dig deeper into the emotional perspective of my friend’s experiences. If I had the chance, I would research more on my friend’s mental well-being, identity and growth. The assignment mentioned how my friend felt “tolerated” rather than being accepted. I think exploring the tension between conformity and authenticity further would help my assignment’s content improve. I would also change some of the language structure to make sure the story flows well.

• Describe 3 ways you have grown the most since this assignment?

I’ve grown in many ways since doing this assignment. First, I became more aware of how complex it can be for a person to adjust to a culture that isn’t their own. I used to believe that simply learning the language was enough for foreigners to adjust. However, my friend’s story showed me that there is much more than what is beneath the surface. I became more sensitive to others’ cultural adjustments and not judge them too quickly. Writing about the American Indian man’s experience helped me to think about the hidden pressures in groupthink and hierarchy-based systems. I began to question certain cultural norms. I don’t intend to rebel against them, but want to understand whether they support inclusion, and mental well-being. They can create silent obstacles for others. I also became more mindful of how I communicate, especially in settings where I talk to people from different culture. The part where my friend misunderstood the unspoken Korean norm of noonchi, or common sense, helped me realize that what feels like the norm to be could be abnormal to somebody else. Since then, I became more aware of nonverbal cues and boundaries in conversations.

• What have you discovered about how you best learn and your personal learning strategies? How have you been prepared to be a lifelong learner?

  I found out that I learn best through stories and live interviews. When abstract theories are connected to real people and emotions, like the American Indian man’s journey in South Korea, I understand these concepts better. I realized that I need meaningful context to understand these ideas. I retain information better when I can emotionally connect with it. Reflection is an important part of my learning strategy. I grow most when I take the time to question and apply what I’ve learned to real life. Writing reflections, journaling and discussing ideas with others help me to gain knowledge better. This assignment prepared me for lifelong learning by showing me that growth doesn’t end when the lecture does. When we step outside the comfort zone by listening to others’ experiences, and struggle with unfamiliar perspectives, learning occurs. Humility and empathy are important tools.

• A psychology major prepares you for the work force by developing 'soft skills.'  Describe your growth in any of these areas and how they have (or will) impact your work (critical thinking, communication, emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, cultural awareness, teamwork, adaptability, etc.)

 Through assignments like the interview reflection on the American Indian man in South Korea, I’ve become more conscious about how culture shapes communication and social norms. I became more sensitive to diversity and the challenges of a foreigner. I hope this awareness will help me in my career path as I strive to work in counseling. Also, learning about human behavior helped me become more attuned to my own emotional responses and those of others. I’ve grown in self-awareness, which allows me to regulate my reactions in challenging contexts. I also became more empathetic, especially to people who have different perspectives than me. This quality helps me build trust and connection, in my future career field of counseling.