Today, Saturday June 1st, we embarked on the first leg of our journey. We traveled from Peoria, IL to Powell, TN, where we will stay overnight. Tomorrow morning, we will travel to the Museum of Appalachia to begin learning about the people of Southern Appalachia and their culture.
In the days to come, I am most excited to have multiple opportunities to be immersed in this culture. I have found that I learn best by being hands-on, so I am excited that we will have the opportunity to participate in different environments, including the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority, the Snowbird Residential Treatment Recovery Center, and the Mission Children's Hospital. I am most apprehensive that I will unintentionally say something that might offend a member of this culture, out of plain curiosity and not knowing which questions they might find to be crossing a line. However, I have made it a priority to be as culturally sensitive as possible.
Prior to leaving for this trip, we were required to research more about this culture, specifically the social, cultural, and environmental influences that play a major role in the lives of this population's children. In my research, I discovered that these children are affected by poverty, various health issues, and seclusion that contributes to lack of access to healthcare and other disparities.
When considering the Native American population as a whole, I have always felt they are a strong, close-knit group of individuals that in my eyes, seem to be extremely resilient. I do not feel that I have any cultural biases or prejudices that I will need to set aside to be able to be fully present and engaged in the experiences that lie ahead. I have always prided myself on remaining an open-minded and nonjudgmental individual that tries to be empathetic and understanding of everyone's situation.
MacKenzie,
ReplyDeleteIt is so exciting to have you as part of this experience! I enjoyed the learning that has already taken place in the van on my part learning about "culture" from a different generation and no one seemed offended when Mrs. Riney and I asked about meanings of "slang" that is commonly used with different meanings from our generation. In a similar way, when you express interest in learning about the Cherokee and Appalachia culture, they are so willing to share.